The Cancún airport (CUN) to Playa del Carmen run is about 45 to 60 minutes south. Here is every way to do it, from easiest to cheapest.
Private transfer (easiest)
Booked ahead, a driver meets you at arrivals with a sign and takes you straight to your door. Skips the taxi-hustle gauntlet outside. Best if you have luggage, kids, or just landed and do not want to think.
ADO bus (cheapest reliable option)
Clean, air-conditioned coaches run from both terminals straight to the Playa bus station downtown. Fixed price, no haggling. You just need to get from the station to your hotel at the end.
Colectivo
The budget move, but you usually have to get to the highway first, so most travelers skip it on arrival.
Rental car
Great freedom, but you will pay for parking, gas and mandatory Mexican insurance, and you rarely need a full car once you are in town.
Once you are here
However you arrive, you still need to get around Playa itself. A delivered electric cruiser means your ride is waiting when you land, no rental counter, no parking.
Skip the taxis. Cruise Playa your way.
A fun 3-seat electric cruiser, delivered free to your hotel or Airbnb.