Cancun is the main bus hub for the Yucatan peninsula. ADO runs from the downtown bus terminal to every major destination in the region. If you are bypassing the hotel zone and heading to Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid, Merida or anywhere else on the peninsula, the bus terminal is your first stop.
In This Article
From the Airport
ADO runs airport buses to the downtown bus terminal and to Playa del Carmen. The bus is much cheaper than a taxi (though slower). If you are heading straight to Playa del Carmen or Tulum, you can catch a bus from the airport without going through Cancun city at all.
Key Routes
Cancun to Playa del Carmen: about 1 hour, departures every 15-30 minutes. Both ADO first-class and Playa Express second-class run this route.
Cancun to Tulum: about 2.5 hours, several departures daily on ADO. You can also take the Playa del Carmen bus and transfer there.
Cancun to Valladolid: about 2.5 hours, ADO. Good base for Chichen Itza (45 minutes from Valladolid).
Cancun to Merida: about 4 hours, ADO runs several daily including an overnight.
Cancun to Chichen Itza: about 3 hours direct, or go via Valladolid.
The Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal is downtown on Avenida Tulum. ADO, Mayab, Oriente and other lines operate from here. There are ATMs, food shops and a left-luggage office. The hotel zone is a 30-minute bus ride away on the R-1 or R-2 city buses, or about 200 pesos by taxi.