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How to get fromPlaya del Carmen to Costa Ricaby plane, bus, car, or shuttle

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There are 5 ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Costa Rica by plane, bus, car, or shuttle

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly

    best
    1. Fly from Cancún International Airport (CUN) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)plane plane CUN - SJO
    5h 24m
    $184–507

  2. Bus via San Salvador

    1. Take the bus from Playa del Carmen Alterna to Chetumalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Chetumal to Belize Citybus bus
    3. Take the bus from Belize City to San Salvadorbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Terminal Tica Bus San Salvador to Terminal Tica Bus San Josébus bus
    46h 17m
    $218–1,095

  3. Drive  1,909 km

    1. Drive from Playa del Carmen to San Josécar car 1,909 km
    32h 26m
    $256–370

  4. Shuttle, bus

    1. Take a shuttle bus from Playa del Carmen to Belize Cityshuttle bus
    2. Take a shuttle bus from Belize City to Punta Gordashuttle bus
    3. Take a shuttle bus from Punta Gorda to Estacion de Autobuses La Ceibashuttle bus
    4. Take a shuttle bus from Estacion de Autobuses La Ceiba to Granadashuttle bus
    5. Take the bus from Granada to Terminal Atlántico Nortebus bus Mga
    2d 6h

  5. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Playa del Carmen Alterna to Chetumalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Chetumal to Belize Citybus bus
    3. Take the bus from Belize City to San Salvadorbus bus
    4. Take the bus from San Salvador to San Josébus bus
    2d
    $219–1,071

Cancún International Airport (CUN) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) flights

Calendar7Weekly Planes
Duration2h 10mAverage Duration
Ticket$123Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Playa del Carmen to Costa Rica.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,320.7 km
  • Duration: 5h 24m

What companies run services between Playa del Carmen, Mexico and Costa Rica?

Volaris flies from Cancún International Airport (CUN) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) once daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Playa del Carmen Alterna to Terminal Tica Bus San José via Chetumal, Belize City, San Salvador, Monumento Hermano Lejano, San Salvador, San Salvador, and Terminal Tica Bus San Salvador in around 46h 17m.

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Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including How to get from Heathrow Airport into central London, How do I buy a London Underground ticket?, and Is ride-sharing platform BlaBlaCar right for you? - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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