Do you need a car in Playa del Carmen? For a week of beach and town, I think the honest answer is no, and I love how walkable Playa is. When my feet or my bags need a break, my go-to is an InDrive, then a taxi. A rental car I’d save for the big driving days. Here’s how it all works.
Learn the grid and you won’t get lost
Playa is laid out in avenidas and calles, and once that clicks it’s hard to get lost. The avenidas are numbered 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th and so on. Keep a map on your phone anyway, just in case.
5th Avenue, La Quinta in Spanish, is a pedestrian street that runs parallel and close to the beach, and it’s my compass. If you get turned around, I’d head back to La Quinta and start over.
Walking from the condo
Sol Vista del Mar is at Aldea Thai, on Calle 28 Norte between Calle Cozumel and the beach. From the building it’s about 300 metres to 5th Avenue, roughly a 3-minute walk. I love having La Quinta that close.
La Quinta begins at Paseo del Carmen, and Parque Fundadores is a little further along from there. The Cozumel ferries leave from the maritime terminal at the end of Avenida Juárez. It’s a pleasant walk down, but with luggage I’d take a taxi for that stretch.
When the sun is high, carry water and stick to the shady side of the calles. And set an alarm for at least one sunrise, because a walk along the sand before the heat builds is my favorite way to start a day here.
InDrive first, then taxis
For me, walking wins most days. When I don’t feel like walking, my go-to is the InDrive app, before I even think about flagging a taxi. It works a lot like Uber, which is handy, because Uber doesn’t do rides in Playa.
Pay the driver in pesos, in cash. Sometimes the app offers a card option, but I’d just have pesos. And don’t be surprised when a regular taxi pulls up. Often a taxi will pick you up through InDrive.
Taxis are the other way to go. They’re managed in a very orderly way here, and there’s usually a line of taxis waiting on just about every corner, ready to take you anywhere. The catch is the price. For me, taxis here feel pricey, and haggling at the curb is no fun. I’d agree the fare with the driver before you get in, and keep small bills handy.
Heading somewhere with a long name and no street number? Have it written down or saved on your phone to show the driver. The condo address is a good one to save.
After dark I’d stick to La Quinta and the busier calles, and if you’ve wandered further afield, I’d rather you take a short ride back than walk a long, quiet stretch alone. That’s the same advice I’d give for any beach town.
Renting a car for the big trips
When I do want a car, I like America Car Rental. They have an office in the retail section of the Aldea Thai building, the same building as the condo. I think they’re very convenient and a good price. They’re my go-to when I have a full day of places to drive to beyond 5th Avenue, or when I want to spend the day in Tulum or Cancún.
For a beach and town week, though, I’d skip the car and spend the money on a good dinner.
The ferry to Cozumel
I think Cozumel makes a great day trip without a car. Ultramar’s Playa del Carmen departures leave from the Terminal Marítima NAVEGA on Avenida Benito Juárez, and Ultramar says the bus station is 100 metres from the pier, close enough to walk.
When I checked on 24 September 2026, Ultramar listed its Premium Plus adult one-way fare to Cozumel at 320 pesos, or 640 pesos round trip. On top of the ticket, Ultramar lists an environmental sanitation charge of 24.37 pesos, which it says the municipal authority requires, so keep a few pesos for that. Ultramar also asks passengers to reach the terminal 30 minutes before departure.
Ultramar says its tickets are valid for six months from purchase on any available day and time of the route, so a round trip doesn’t lock you into a return time. I like to pick a return that gets me back to Playa in time for dinner. If the sea is calm, I love sitting outside on the way over. Bring a light layer for the boat. I’d check Ultramar’s own site the week you travel, in case prices have moved.
Getting to and from the airport
If you’re flying in, sort out your ride before you land. My pick is Top Klass Travel. I’ve trusted their service for many years, and they’re reliable and professional. I like having the transfer booked before I arrive, and after a long flight I’d rather not negotiate a taxi fare at the curb.
When guests ask when they’ll reach the condo, I tell them to add about 2 hours to their landing time for immigration, baggage claim and the drive. For the full arrival rundown, read Getting to Playa del Carmen: What to Expect from the Airport.
The ADO bus
The other way is the ADO bus, which runs from the Playa del Carmen Turística terminal to Cancún Airport Terminal 2. I think it’s easy if you speak Spanish, and a little intimidating the first time if you don’t. Once you’re on board it’s very comfortable. There’s always a movie playing, and there’s wifi.
You can buy tickets online or in person. When I checked on 24 September 2026 for the next day’s travel, ADO listed buses from 03:00 to 21:55, all at 258 pesos one way for an adult, and most of them scheduled at 1 h 15 min. For me the only downside is time, especially if you have to wait for the next departure. In the evening the gaps stretch out. After the 18:50 bus, the next two were 20:25 and 21:55.
So don’t cut it close. I’d hate for a missed bus to turn an easy ride into a hassle. If your flight is early, I’d book the bus the day before rather than on the morning itself.
The Tren Maya
The Tren Maya’s Cancún to Playa del Carmen commercial route was relaunched in August 2026. I’d check the official timetable before you plan a day around it.
How I’d plan a stay
I’d plan one outing a day and leave the rest for the beach and La Quinta. For me, mornings are the easiest time to walk, so I’d do the ferry or a long walk early and keep the afternoon slow. Pack comfortable sandals and a small bag for the ferry, and you’re set.
The short version
- In town: walk. 5th Avenue is about 300 metres from the condo.
- Short rides: my go-to is InDrive, then a taxi.
- Cozumel: Ultramar ferry from the terminal on Avenida Benito Juárez, 320 pesos one way when checked on 24 September 2026.
- Airport: a Top Klass Travel transfer, or the ADO bus from the Turística terminal, 258 pesos when checked on 24 September 2026.
For the condo itself, see the Sol Vista del Mar page.