1map logoGo to main page

Austin, TX, USA to Playa del Carmen from $160: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Austin, United States of America
to
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$160 by busBest price
2919 kmDistance
6h 5m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Austin 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.

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  5m
Estimated price
$220-542
Recommended
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
48h  2m
Estimated price
$160-229
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 2919 km
Duration: 6h 5m

See more options

Company
Various
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
8h  19m
Estimated price
$223-587
Company
Various
Bus
Average Duration
48h 
Estimated price
$256-524
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
48h  3m
Estimated price
$256-534
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
34h  11m
Estimated price
$2200-2201
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Austin to Playa del Carmen

The journey from Austin's vibrant music scene and innovative cuisine to Playa del Carmen's stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere offers a remarkable shift in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinctive charm.

Centro
• Bustling with shops, cafes, and nightlife.
• Close to the ferry terminal for Cozumel.
Playacar
• Upscale gated community with luxury resorts.
• Beautiful beaches and golf courses nearby.
Aldea Zama
• Trendy area with boutique hotels and eateries.
• Easy access to both beach and town.

Best Times To Visit Playa del Carmen's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Playa del Carmen's top spots.

Cozumel Ferry Terminal
Arrive early morning or late afternoon to beat the tourist rush.
Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida)
Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed shopping and dining experience.
Tulum Ruins
Go in the late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning sunset views.

Playa del Carmen Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Playa del Carmen enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures and sunny skies throughout the year, making it an appealing destination regardless of the season. The best times to visit are typically between December and April, when you can enjoy pleasant weather that enhances outdoor activities and exploration.

Dining Recommendation in Playa del Carmen

Try the fresh ceviche at La Cueva del Chango, where the blend of local seafood and zesty citrus creates a vibrant flavor that sets it apart from Austin's BBQ and Tex-Mex staples. The open-air setting surrounded by lush greenery offers a relaxed ambiance that truly complements the lively coastal culture.

Austin - Playa del Carmen operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Austin Eastside Bus Plaza to San Antonio Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$5425-5426
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://flixbus.com/

Bus from Austin Eastside Bus Plaza to San Antonio Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$5427-5428
Contact phone
+52 800 765 6636
Website
http://omnibusmexicanos.com.mx

Bus from Austin to Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte

Average Duration
21h
Estimated price
5429-1600
Contact phone
+52 222 273 8300
Website
http://estrellaroja.com.mx

Bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to Puebla CAPU

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
1601-1602
Contact phone
+52 555 784 4652
Website
http://ado.com.mx

Bus from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte to Puebla Terminal CAPU

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
5427-1604

Bus from Puebla to Playa del Carmen

Average Duration
23h 15m
Estimated price
1608-220
Contact phone
800 881 8181
Website
https://www.turimex.com/en

Bus from Austin to Monterrey

Average Duration
11h 30m
Estimated price
1604-54275
Contact phone
+52 937 138 4100
Website
https://facebook.com

Bus from Monterrey to Villahermosa

Average Duration
22h 30m
Estimated price
2291-54270
Contact phone
+52 937 132 0108
Website
https://facebook.com

Bus from Villahermosa to Puerto Aventuras

Average Duration
11h 20m
Estimated price
2292-2293
Plane Show flights
Website
http://aa.com

Plane from Austin (AUS) to Cancun (CUN)

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$2202-2205

Plane from Austin to Cancun via Dallas/Ft.Worth

Average Duration
5h 4m
Estimated price
$2202-2205
Website
http://united.com

Plane from Austin (AUS) to Cancun (CUN) via Houston

Average Duration
4h 40m
Estimated price
$2207-2208

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

Traveling between Austin 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 a scenic road trip adventure from Austin to Playa del Carmen spanning a distance of 1758 miles. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and the diverse landscapes along the way. 💸 Plan your budget accordingly as the cost of driving from Austin to Playa del Carmen ranges from $310 to $470, taking into account factors such as gas, tolls, and potential accommodation expenses. 🏖️ Arrive in the vibrant beach town of Playa del Carmen after approximately 34 hours and 11 minutes of driving, ready to soak up the sun, explore the colorful streets, and indulge in the laid-back atmosphere of this tropical destination.
Average price
$310 - $470
🛫 Departing from Austin travelers can take a direct flight to Cancun Airport, which lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Airlines such as Southwest, American Airlines, and United offer this route. 🏝️ Once at Cancun Airport, visitors can easily reach the beautiful coastal town of Playa del Carmen with a flight duration of around 6 hours and 5 minutes. The journey ensures a smooth transition from the airport to the picturesque destination. 💸 Flight prices between Playa del Carmen and Austin can range from $220 to $542, offering travelers different options to suit their budgets. With a convenient connection via Cancun, the trip promises a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
Departure Point
Austin Airport
Arrival Point
Cancun Airport
🚌 The bus journey from Austin to Playa del Carmen involves transfers and takes approximately 2 days to reach the destination. The route includes stops at Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte and Puebla. 🌴 Travelers departing from Austin station with Omnibus Mexicanos can expect to arrive at Playa del Carmen station with ADO bus services. The prices for this bus ride typically range from $160 to $229, offering a budget-friendly transportation option.
Departure Point
Austin station
Arrival Point
Playa del Carmen station

Frequently asked questions

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

Or choose the category:
The distance between Austin and Playa del Carmen is approximately 946 miles. By flying from Austin and then taking a bus, the typical travel time to reach Playa del Carmen is around 6 hours and 6 minutes. On the other hand, if you are driving, it would take approximately 34 hours and 11 minutes to travel from Playa del Carmen to Austin by car. Public bus transportation is also available, but the exact travel time by bus is not provided.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Austin to Playa del Carmen is by bus, with prices ranging from $160 to $240. However, this option is also the most time-consuming, taking approximately 2 days and 1 hour. If time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly from Austin to Playa del Carmen and then take a bus, with a travel time of 6 hours and 6 minutes and prices ranging from $160 to $430. Ultimately, the choice of transportation will depend on your budget and preferred travel time.
The prices of a bus between Playa del Carmen and Austin vary depending on the specific bus company and the type of ticket purchased. Generally, prices range from $239 to $481. It is recommended to check with different bus companies for the most up-to-date pricing information and to book in advance to secure the best fares. Additionally, prices may also vary depending on the time of year and any ongoing promotions or discounts being offered.
To travel from Austin to Playa del Carmen without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The driving distance is approximately 1758 miles and it takes around 34 hours and 11 minutes. The prices for car rentals vary from $310 to $470, depending on the type of vehicle and rental company. It is recommended to plan for rest stops and overnight stays during the long journey.
To travel from Austin to Playa del Carmen without a car, the best option is to take a bus. You will have to take a bus from Austin to Mexico City, which takes approximately 18-20 hours. From Mexico City, you can catch another bus to Playa del Carmen, which takes around 12-14 hours. The total travel time is about 2 days, and the cost is typically between $230 and $490.
Unfortunately, there is no direct link between Austin and Playa del Carmen. The only available option is to take a bus with transfers. The journey takes approximately 2 days, including transfers at México Central Norte and Puebla. The bus services are operated by Omnibus Mexicanos and ADO.
The flight between Austin and Playa del Carmen typically takes around 2 hours and 29 minutes. This is based on the quickest direct flight from Austin Airport to Cancun Airport. However, please note that Playa del Carmen is approximately 37 miles away from Cancun, so additional travel time will be required to reach your final destination. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the time of booking and airline, but it typically ranges from $200 to $400 per person.
There are numerous options for accommodations near Playa del Carmen. With over 1442 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in the area start at $105 per night, ensuring that there is an option for every traveler. From luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hostels, Playa del Carmen offers a wide variety of places to stay for an unforgettable vacation experience.

Trips to Playa del Carmen