There are many ways to get around Playa del Carmen, its surrounding communities, and outlying cities that are easy and cost-effective. Much like any other city or large town in the country, the public bus transport system is available at Playa del Carmen. Needless to say, several buses that are in operation aren't as good as they are, and many drivers imagine that their vehicles are some sort of Formula-1 racing vehicle, but it's the best way to travel around the city.

The public buses of Playa del Carmen are in a good and safe shape for all public buses on the Peninsula. Buses are big, modern, fully air-conditioned, offer TVs (the movies they show are in Spanish), and have very relaxing and comfortable seats — much better than the United States or Canada buses! The Playa del Carmen transit bus system operates like every city's public transport system.

At the intersection of 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez near the ferry terminal towards Cozumel, you can find the main bus station. Or, you can find the main stop on the street and search for a sign of bus stop. A black or blue sign with a bus image is what you would be looking for. Wait and stand by and the bus will stop — you can then get on it and pay for your ride.

Remember: If you know which bus you need to take and see it arriving, signal the driver by waving your hand and the bus driver will pull the bus aside for you. COST: $5-$10 pesos per ride. You will want to pay in peso coins because while the American dollar is accepted, don’t expect to receive any change. You can ask for change, but often you cannot get it even then. A bus permit or ticket will be issued to you. Earlier you had to pick up your bus permit or ticket thereon, but they don't do this anymore.

It is important to know where you want to go or at least know the way you are heading towards. Have a look out of the bus window and wait for the location you have to reach. If you happen to hear anyone talking in your language on the bus, ask them whether they recognize your station or drop-off place and that how far it is, or on which roadside it is. Move fast when you reach your destination. If it functions, ring the bell. Yell "STOP!" in English or Bajan, meaning “I want to get off”, or "ALTO!" which means stop in Spanish, and step towards the gate and way out if it doesn't work.

NOTE: Do not depend on the driver being asked to break off near your destination. Still, if you ask and the bus driver says all right, chances are he's going to forget. You are not going to realize until you are closing up in the middle of nowhere at the conclusion of the bus trip, conjecturing what to be done as the bus driver escapes out of the seat for a lunch break or shots of tequila. 

Money can be exchanged at all shops and restaurants — you can lay hold of US dollars as no checks from passengers. The chances are that the trade would probably be in their approval, however. The best options are banks, trade places (Casa de Cambio), or in the lodge/hotel (look over the rate as many don’t offer you a decent rate). It is best to swap your money first. US bills or coins that are torn, written on, glued back, or taped up, are taken by NO ONE. If you have any other questions, please give us a call at American Transfers today.