ADO bus ticket in advance?

[Lorenzoid]

My wife and I are planning to use the ADO bus between Cancun and Playa del Carmen before spending a few days on Coz, and then again between PDC and Tulum for a few days there, before returning to Cancun. Anyone have thoughts on whether I should purchase the bus tickets in advance on the ADO web site versus buying one ticket at a time in person? Do bus tickets sell out? I'd hate to have to wait for the next one or hire a private shuttle unexpectedly. Might buying at least the Cancun-PDC ticket in advance on-line save us a few minutes at the airport ADO terminal?

I've used ADO before, but it has been many years. On previous Coz trips we took a private shuttle between Cancun and PDC, but this trip the couple we traveled with before and split the cost with are not joining us, so we figured we'd economize and use the bus. My recollection is that the ADO buses were really quite nice.

 

[gopbroek]

When I used it the variable was 'what actual time will I exit the terminal'? If the plane is late or customs line is long you will get out late or if the plane is early or there is no line in customs you will get out early. Because of this I wouldn't commit to a specific bus time. I would walk out the terminal hang a right and purchase a ticket at the podium next to the bus which will be for the next bus leaving.
I doubt it would be sold out but if it did and time was tight for the last ferry the cost of a cab is about $30 over the cost a couple bus tickets. Personnely I would try for the bus as ADO runs a pretty good operation.

 

[ccannon707]

If you mean from the Cancun airport I totally agree with gopbroek. Once you land and go thru the immigration and customs hurdle, exit and either find the booth inside the airport towards the right, or just go out to the parking lot and you will see the guy at his stand selling tickets. If you're not sure...ask any worker. No hassle... and I've never seen a bus so full people were left behind.

If you're going to get the bus from downtown Cancun, PdC buses run all the time. Again, not to worry about not getting a seat. Same for going to Tulum. I'd check the schedule so you know how to time your ferry ride from Coz to PdC, but it shouldn't be a problem. You can always buy ADO tickets the day before at the little ADO office in Cozumel on 2North between 5 & 10. I've done that before to make sure I get a seat going TO the Cancun airport from PdC.
Have a great trip!

 

[ggunn]

Will they let you drink beer on the bus to Playa?

 

[MMM]

Only once have I ever found a bus from PDC to Cancun airport sold out. Have taken ADO to other mainland destinations and usually just show up shortly before departure to book. On a few occasions, booked day before I wanted to go to ensure seats but was never an issue, regardless.

---------- Post added March 4th, 2015 at 06:57 PM ----------

Will they let you drink beer on the bus to Playa?

Unless you were a roaring drunk a-hole, I doubt there would be a problem.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Only once have I ever found a bus from PDC to Cancun airport sold out. Have taken ADO to other mainland destinations and usually just show up shortly before departure to book. On a few occasions, booked day before I wanted to go to ensure seats but was never an issue, regardless.

Hmm. This sounds like a vote for booking ahead of time when there is a flight or ferry to catch. We're leaving plenty of time, but still ... I don't want to have to wait for the NEXT bus.

I've taken ADO before, but never when I absolutely had to be somewhere by a specific time/day.

 

[MMM]

The next one will be along in about a half hour. Just leave yourself some wiggle room and you should be OK, especially if you are not travelling during spring break, Christmas etc. your hotel will still be there if you are coming to Coz. Just worry about your departure flight. And there are currently 3 ferries running, so lots of options in that regard.

Hmm. This sounds like a vote for booking ahead of time when there is a flight or ferry to catch. We're leaving plenty of time, but still ... I don't want to have to wait for the NEXT bus.

I've taken ADO before, but never when I absolutely had to be somewhere by a specific time/day.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Yeah, I think for the departure day I'll buy a ticket the day before. That's really the only leg of the journey where timing matters much.

 

[mediumone]

find the booth inside the airport towards the right

On the left.

 

[cvchief]

Unless you were a roaring drunk a-hole, I doubt there would be a problem.

Figures. No bus for me!!