By car
Highway 307 is the only highway that passes by Playa. As you approach Playa from Cancún, the highway divides; to turn left to Playa, keep to the inside lanes heading south. The first east-west artery to Playa is Avenida Constituyentes, which works well for destinations in northern Playa; the second is Avenida Juárez, which leads to the town's main square. If you stay in the outside lanes, you will need to continue past Playa until you get to the turnaround, then double back, staying to your right.
The Federal government is currently June 2010 in the process of building an elevated portion of 307 through Playa. This way, if you are headed south, you no longer have to deal with local traffic and traffic lights. The construction is of course causing some delays but it should be a great time saver once it is done.Update: Dec 2010 The elevated portion of 307 is progressing very well. All the concrete structure has been erected, on/off ramps in place - finishing details and paving are left to be done. Slated to be completed by November 2010, this project just might be considered to be ahead of schedule by Mexican standards. It will certainly help alleviate the conjestion through this main thoroughfare.
This is the same concept they deployed in Puerto Morelos, which works out great
The central bus station, right next to the taxi street, sells rides to the entirety of the Yucatan peninsula. Bus travel is relatively inexpensive, you can either travel second class, or first class, which is sometimes also called 'Express' although it is not notably any faster at all. First class buses cost around 40% more and will have toilets and TVs on them, but both classes have air conditioning. A second class ticket to Chetumal on the Belizean border costs $116 US$11 and takes around 4 1/2 hours .
There are a lot of so called "Travel Agencies" on the 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Please be careful because most of them are Time Share offices. One reliable Travel Agency in Playa is Solatino Tours & Travel. The owners of the Agency have made a fine quality selection of Day Excursions covering the whole area.
By plane
The closest airport to Playa is the Cancún International Airport.
Buses
can be taken directly from the Cancún International Airport for around US$10. To get to the ADO bus (http://www.ado.com.mx/ado...), veer right after exiting the main terminal and walk about 200 yards. Purchase a ticket buying it in Pesos will save you a few dollars right before exiting the terminal. Rental cars and one-way transfer services are also available. Tickets for children are half-price.Private Transfers
are a convenient way to get from Cancún's International Airport to your Hotel, condo, or beachfront home in Playa Del Carmen or Playacar. Private Transfers are readily available booked in advance ONLY from destination providers like Travel 2 Riviera Maya (http://www.travel2riviera...) or Travel 2 Playa Del Carmen (http://www.travel2playade...) and rates are not per person they are per vehicle and the rate of course depends on the size of the group or family but generally start at US$65.Amstar DMC Private and Deluxe Airport Transfers (http://amstardmc.com/mexi...)
Cancun Limo, (http://www.cancunlimo.net/)
Cancun Valet, (http://www.cancunvalet.com/)
Entertainment Plus, (http://www.entertainment-...)
USA Transfers, (http://www.usa-transfers.com/) or
Best Transfers (http://www.besttransfers.com/) and others.