Cancun to Playa del Carmen: Road Trip Guide & Distance

How far is Cancun from Playa del Carmen?

The distance from Cancun to Playa del Carmen is 39.5 miles (63.5 km) as the crow flies. Playa del Carmen is located SSW of Cancun. By car, the driving distance is approximately 42.2 miles, taking about 59min. A direct flight would take roughly 35min. Both are located in Mexico.

This is a very short trip, perfect for a quick morning drive or an easy commute. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.