San Francisco, CA, USA to Playa del Carmen from $244: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$244 by busBest price

3914 kmDistance

8h 49m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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San Francisco - Playa del Carmen operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco and Playa del Carmen, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

united.com

Plane from San Francisco to Cancun

Average Duration

5h 12m

Estimated price

$2448-8704

Plane from San Francisco to Cancun via Houston

Average Duration

7h 35m

Estimated price

$2448-8704

Website

alaskaair.com

Plane from San Francisco to Cancun

Average Duration

5h 25m

Estimated price

$250-8222

Website

aa.com

Plane from San Francisco to Cancun via Dallas/Ft.Worth

Average Duration

7h 19m

Estimated price

$8706-8707

Plane from San Francisco to Cancun via Phoenix

Average Duration

7h 26m

Estimated price

$8706-8707

Website

southwest.com

Plane from San Francisco to Cancun via Phoenix

Average Duration

8h 25m

Estimated price

$2445-8704

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to Tijuana

Average Duration

14h 35m

Estimated price

$8210-8214

Bus from Tijuana to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte

Average Duration

23h 35m

Estimated price

$2509-2445

Contact phone

+52 555 784 4652

Website

ado.com.mx

Bus from Puebla to Playa del Carmen

Average Duration

23h 15m

Estimated price

$82250-8708

Bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to Terminal de Autobuses ADO Cancún

Average Duration

27h 38m

Estimated price

$25070-2445

Contact phone

800 507 5500

Website

autobuseselite.com.mx

Bus from Tijuana to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte

Average Duration

23h 35m

Estimated price

$2509-2445

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Richmond to Sacramento

Average Duration

1h 38m

Estimated price

$8227-82265

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration

10h 45m

Estimated price

$2508-2509

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Milpitas

Average Duration

1h 6m

Estimated price

$8224-8225

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$8226-8225

Other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

caltrain.com

Other from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration

1h 41m

Estimated price

$8211-8229

San Francisco to Playa del Carmen: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between San Francisco and Playa del Carmen offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen spanning a driving distance of 3281 miles. This journey offers a mix of scenic landscapes and diverse cultural experiences along the way. 💰 The cost to drive from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen ranges from $550 to $900, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking an adventurous and wallet-friendly travel experience. With proper planning, you can make the most of your road trip without breaking the bank. ⏳ Prepare for a thrilling 2-day, 8-hour drive from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen, filled with exciting pit stops, delicious food discoveries, and unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your bags, fuel up your car, and hit the open road for an unforgettable journey from the West Coast to the sunny beaches of Mexico.

Average price

$550 - $900

🛫 The quickest flight from San Francisco Airport to Cancun Airport is a direct 5-hour and 10-minute journey served by airlines like Alaska Airlines, Inc., Southwest Airlines, and Aeroméxico. 🏝️ From Cancun Airport, it takes approximately 8 hours and 49 minutes to reach Playa del Carmen by plane, offering travelers a seamless transition from the airport to their beachfront destination. 💸 The prices for flights between Playa del Carmen and San Francisco generally range from $308 to $870, providing travelers with a variety of options to suit their budget and travel preferences.

Departure Point

San Francisco Airport

Arrival Point

Cancun Airport

🛣️ The bus route from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen involves stops at Tijuana City, and Cancún, offering diverse experiences and landscapes throughout the approximately 2 days and 21 hours of travel time. While there is no direct service, the journey allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of both countries. 💰 Prices for the San Francisco to Playa del Carmen bus ticket range from $328 to $610, making it a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a unique and memorable way to explore the scenic route. Pack your essentials and embark on this extended bus journey for an unforgettable travel experience.

Departure Point

San Francisco Bus Station

Arrival Point

Playa del Carmen Alterna station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen.

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The distance between San Francisco and Playa del Carmen is approximately 3913.9 km. By air and bus, it takes about 8 hours and 58 minutes to travel from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen. If driving, the road distance is about 5280.9 km, but the actual travel time will depend on traffic and other factors.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen is by flying and taking a bus. This option costs between $210-$650 and takes approximately 8 hours and 58 minutes.

The prices for a bus ticket between Playa del Carmen and San Francisco range from $341 to $605.

To travel from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The road distance is approximately 5280.3 km, and it takes roughly 2 days and 8 hours to complete the journey. Keep in mind, the prices to drive from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen range from $550 to $900, depending on various factors such as fuel costs and accommodation expenses along the way.

The best way to travel from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen without a car is by taking a night bus and a regular bus. This journey typically takes around 2 days and 19 hours. The cost usually ranges from $340 to $650, depending on the specific bus companies and the time of travel.

There is no direct link between San Francisco and Playa del Carmen. However, it is possible to travel from San Francisco to Playa del Carmen by taking a combination of flights and buses. The journey typically takes around 8 hours 58 minutes, with a flight from San Francisco followed by a bus ride. Alternatively, it is also possible to drive the road distance of 5280.9 km. However, there is no direct bus service available, and transfers are required, making the journey by bus take approximately 2 days 19 hours.

The flight between San Francisco and Playa del Carmen typically takes around 5 hours and 17 minutes. This is for a direct flight from San Francisco Airport to Cancun Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but generally, you can expect prices to range from around $300 to $600.

There are numerous accommodations available near Playa del Carmen. With over 1442 hotels to choose from, there is something for everyone's preference and budget. Prices for hotels in Playa del Carmen start at $105 per night, offering a range of options from budget-friendly to luxurious resorts.