Cozumel Airport Transfers Made Easy: From Arrival to Hotel
Getting to your hotel from the Cozumel airport is tricky since taxis aren’t allowed to pick people up there. You have to take a shared or private shuttle.
But don’t worry. It’s easy enough, and you have options.
I lived in Cozumel for nearly two years and have flown in and out many times.
Let’s take a look at the best ways to get out of the airport so your vacation can get started quickly.
Cozumel Airport Transfers
Like I said, taxis aren’t allowed to pick up from the airport. Also, there are no rideshare options like Uber or Lyft available in Cozumel. So, what to do?
These are your options to get from the airport to your hotel, resort, or vacation rental:
1. Pre-Book a Private Shuttle
- Capacity: Up to 12 passengers
- Cost: Starting at $66 USD for 1-3 passengers
- Round-Trip: Available
- Best For: Groups or families who value speed and convenience. The cost per person could be as low as $13.75 USD if you max out the capacity.
This is the easiest option. You simply prearrange for your shuttle, and it will be waiting for you.
Once you arrive and get through customs and immigration, you head out of the airport, turn to the left, and find your driver holding a sign with your name on it.
In this option, you’ll ignore all the vendors inside the airport trying to get your attention. There will be a lot of them, and it can get overwhelming.
There are several shuttle companies you can choose from.
My favorite is the private shuttle by CozuShuttle because they have a solid reputation for being reliable. The last thing you want to do when you get to Cozumel is stand around waiting for your ride!
2. Pre-Book a Shared Shuttle
- Capacity: 1-10 passengers
- Luggage: 1-10 large suitcases, 1-10 hand luggage
- Cost: $35 USD per person
This is similar to number 1 except that you’ll be sharing the shuttle with other people. You’ll save some money, but it could take a little longer.
In this instance, you’ll usually be looking for the name of the shuttle company on the sign, not your own name.
This is a good option if you have a big group, since you’ll likely end up with the shuttle all to yourselves anyway.
It’s also a good option if you’re not in a big hurry and want to save some money.
3. Get a Shuttle After Arriving
After you get through immigration, on your way out of the airport, you’ll see three booths on the right. This is where you can pay for a private or shared shuttle.
There are three different shuttle companies: eTransfers, CozuShuttle, and FlexShuttle. It looks like this:
They are all very similar and have the same prices. Just get in the shortest line.
A shared shuttle will cost you approximately. $8 USD per person. A private shuttle will be around $26. (Note that these prices are subject to change.)
After paying, you’ll get a ticket. Exit the airport and go to the right. You’ll see three lines, one for each shuttle company. Hop in your line, wait your turn, and you’ll be ushered onto your shuttle.
Of course, the private shuttle will get you there faster. If you choose the shared shuttle, you may have to wait for other passengers.
4. Walk Away From the Airport and Catch a Taxi
The rules on this change frequently. Taxis can only pick up passengers outside a certain distance from the airport.
People often will walk across the street to Diego’s Tacos, grab lunch, then hop in a cab. It’s a great option because Diego’s is delicious.
The shuttle operators got mad about this and for a while, the taxi boundary was pushed back by several blocks. So people would have to walk a ways before they could get a taxi.
The latest, however, is that the taxi drivers can again pick up from Diego’s. If it changes again, I’ll come back and update this, but in case I miss it, double-check to see what the current rules are.
Cozumel Facebook groups are a great source of information on this type of thing.
Honestly, unless you want a walk and a taco, you’re not going to save much going this route. The shuttles really aren’t very expensive, especially if you go for a shared one.
Getting Back to the Airport
Getting to the airport is easy. Just hop in a taxi. If you have a lot of people, you can arrange for a shuttle in advance. This is also a good idea if you’re staying out of the way where taxis don’t normally line up.
You can pre-book a round-trip shuttle and save a little money. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about on your vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cozumel Airport Transfers
Can I get a taxi at the airport in Cozumel?
No, taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport. You have to take a shuttle or walk a few blocks to catch a cab.
Does Cozumel have Uber?
No, there is no Uber or Lyft in Cozumel. While it’s available in parts of Mexico, Cozumel’s taxi union is strong and has kept it out.
How much is a shuttle from the Cozumel airport?
The total price depends on the distance, number of passengers, and whether you book a private or shared shuttle. You can check rates here.
Can my friend pick me up at the Cozumel airport?
Absolutely! There’s a parking lot adjacent to the airport.
Can I take my pet on an airport shuttle?
My experience so far is that my dog has been allowed on every shuttle I’ve taken from the airport. They’ve been fine with letting her ride on my lap. If you have a large dog, be sure to check in advance.
Do I need to tip the shuttle driver?
Tipping is always optional, but it is customary to tip the shuttle driver a couple of dollars.
Wrap-Up: Cozumel Airport Transfers
Getting from the airport to your hotel is really pretty easy. It seems a bit overwhelming, but don’t make it more difficult than it is.
For the most convenience, I recommend pre-booking the private shuttle. It’s reliable and has great prices, especially for large groups.
As a bonus, if you’re in a private shuttle, you can ask your driver to make a quick stop at a grocery store for some provisions. Just be sure to tip a little extra.
If you’re on a budget, go with a shared shuttle. It shouldn’t take a whole lot longer, and you might get to see some of the island on your way.
Easy peasy, right? Next thing you kno,w you’ll be sipping margaritas by the pool.
Related Posts:
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- Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?
- Best Cozumel Ruins Tours (And Near Cozumel)
- Paradise Beach Cozumel Review and Tips (By a Local 2023)
- Atlantis Submarine Cozumel Review & Tips
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- What Not to Do in Cozumel: 15 Things to Avoid
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