Flights to Playa del Carmen (CUN)

Cheap Flights to Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen sits pretty in the center of the Mayan Riviera. This stretch of glorious beaches and inviting resorts in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo can be found just 35 miles from Cancun. Although it’s not averse to a spot of partying, flights to Playa del Carmen deliver you to a more relaxing spot to sunbathe, swim, sail, snorkel, scuba and sky-dive.

When to Book Flights to Playa del Carmen

When it’s winter back home in the US you can bank on the sun shining and the mercury riding high in Playa del Carmen. Peak season here railroads straight through winter as if such a season did not exist – and in the south of Mexico it barely does! From mid-December through to April you can expect the temperature to be around 85^oF, and rain will be incredibly thin on the ground. As many from the US escape the cold back home invariably flight prices are pushed up.

Unless you are planning on partying, rather than relaxing, it’s best to avoid Spring Break as there can be a spillover from the nearby resort of Cancun at this time.

Apart from that short interruption to usual service, spring and Fall seasons in the US offer you a good chance of enjoying fair weather, cheap flights and avoiding the most crowded time of year.

Visitors in November have the added bonus of Mexico’s carnivals and festivities that surround the Day of the Dead to experience.

How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Playa del Carmen

Check the ‘My dates are flexible’ tick box when making your search with Orbitz and you can browse for the cheapest flight to Playa del Carmen across a range of outbound and return flights.

The ‘Nearby airports’ option, under your chosen departure and arrival airport, can suggest alternative but convenient departure and arrival points where cheaper flights may be on offer. Your main airport will be Cancun International, just a short drive up the coast, but Cozumel, Chetumal or Merida are all viable choices too.

You can filter and sort your results on the left-hand side of the results page to easily compare possible flights by price or duration, quickly explore the direct or connecting flights, selectively filter by airline and airport or even limit your results to the cheaper non-refundable flights only services.

US Departures to Playa del Carmen

• Flights from New York to Playa del Carmen – 4 hours 05 minutes
• Flights from Los Angeles to Playa del Carmen – 4 hours 40 minutes
• Flights from Miami to Playa del Carmen – 1 hour 50 minutes
• Flights from Washington DC to Playa del Carmen – 3 hours 35 minutes
• Flights from Chicago to Playa del Carmen – 3 hours 35 minutes

Main Airports in Playa del Carmen

The airport in Playa del Carmen is mainly reserved for pleasure skydiving trips, so Cancun International is your most likely point of arrival.

Mexico’s second busiest airport receives the majority of its international visitors. It offers flights to more than 30 countries around the world and is very used to meeting and exceeding the expectations of travelers. In recent years, its service levels and capacity have been increased with the opening of a fourth terminal.

The airport is connected to regular, reliable local bus networks, as well as being well served by taxis and private shuttle services.

Cozumel airport is just a taxi ride away from the ferry services that cross the waters to Playa del Carmen, while Chetumal and Merida are mainly served by internal flights and are a four-hour bus journey from Playa del Carmen.

Which Airlines Fly to Playa del Carmen?

Carriers offering direct services from the US to Playa del Carmen include:

• Aeromexico
• Delta
• American Airlines
• InterJet
• JetBlue

How to Get Around in Playa del Carmen

With an excellent road network hire car, taxi or bus are all viable options. The cab industry is well-regulated and all official taxis in Playa will be white with a turquoise stripe.

If you want to explore more of the city beyond 5th Ave local colectivo buses are perfect – heading up to 30th Ave for a spot of retail therapy is a popular bus trip.

For trips further afield, the ADO is the primary luxury bus line in this part of Mexico. You can easily and affordably travel throughout the Yucatan, to Chichen Itza or to Merida, using this service.

There are three ferry services between Playa del Carmen and the nearby island of Cozumel. These run between the hours of 6am and 11pm each day. The trip takes just half an hour.

What Are the Must-Sees in Playa del Carmen?

Drifting from cafe to bar along 5^th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is just as quintessential when holidaying here as drifting off to sleep on the beach is. The Blue Parrot, is a legendary institution and Alux is dramatically situated within a cave.

A trip out to the ancient ruined Mayan city of Tulum, will bring you to a romantic ruin that clings to the rocky cliffs over the crashing surf below.

The nature parks of Xcaret and Xel-Ha allow you to swim with dolphin, scuba dive, explore mysterious caverns and see jaguar, manatee, sea turtle and many other endangered species.

Tips for Traveling in Playa del Carmen

There are a few designated bus stops in the city but you can hail a bus or colectivo simply by waving your arm.

*Savings based on all package bookings with Flight + Hotel made on Orbitz.com from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.