How to Get to Cozumel From Cancun (and Back Again)
If you’re wondering how to get to Cozumel from Cancun, you’re not alone.
Many people flying into the area land at Cancun International Airport, then figure out the best way to get to the island.
Others stay in Cancun and plan a day trip to see what makes Cozumel so special.
I’ve been living in Mexico for over three years and have spent plenty of time in both Cancun and Cozumel.
I’ve made this trip more times than I can count, and I know the fastest, cheapest, and least stressful ways to do it.
Whether you want to save money, save time, or squeeze in a quick visit, here’s exactly how to make the trip from Cancun to Cozumel without the guesswork.
Cozumel vs. Cancun Flights
If you can fly straight into Cozumel, do it. You’ll land in San Miguel (the island’s main town), grab a shuttle, and be at your hotel in minutes.
But Cozumel’s airport has fewer flights, so tickets can be more expensive or routes more limited.
Flying into Cancun often costs less and gives you more flight times. The trade-off is you’ll need to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, then take a ferry to Cozumel. That adds at least two hours to your trip.
Ways to Get From Cancun to Cozumel
Unless you book a charter flight, every route from Cancun to Cozumel starts with a trip to Playa del Carmen. From there, you’ll take the ferry across to the island.
Here are your options.
1. Charter a Flight
The fastest way to get to Cozumel from Cancun is to charter a plane. The flight takes about 30 minutes and can cost as little as $199 one-way per person.
It’s more expensive than other methods but saves hours of travel time.
2. Rent a Car
Good for day trips or if you want to explore along the way. Drive from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, park, and walk to the ferry. Or take the car ferry if you really need your vehicle on the island (more on that later).
I rent through Discover Cars because their insurance is much cheaper than what you’ll be offered at the rental counter in Mexico.
By law, you have to buy insurance, and with other companies, that cost can quadruple the base rate.
3. Arrange Private Transportation
There are many private drivers who will take you to Playa del Carmen. You can always grab a taxi at the airport, but your best option is to arrange for your private transfer in advance. My go-to shuttle is Cancun Airport Transportations.
Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to agree on the price in advance. In fact, when taking a taxi in Mexico, always agree on the price before getting in the car.
4. Take the Bus
The ADO bus in Mexico is very affordable and convenient. We’re not talking about a “chicken bus” either. ADO buses are very nice and comfortable.
They’re air-conditioned (sometimes a bit too much, so take a sweater!) and have restrooms. (Trust me when I tell you that using a restroom on a moving bus is quite an adventure!)
You can buy a ticket in advance from Busbud or just get one at the airport when you get to Cancun. The ticket price ranges from $5 to $15.
Once you get to Playa del Carmen, hop off the bus and it’s a short walk across the street to the ferry terminal.
5. Take the Train
The new Tren Maya gives you another way to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen before catching the ferry to Cozumel.
The ride takes about 50 minutes and offers a smooth, comfortable trip along the coast.
From Cancun Airport, there’s a shuttle to the train station so you can connect directly without figuring out city transport. Once you arrive in Playa del Carmen, hop in a taxi for the short ride to the ferry terminal.
Ticket prices range from 93 pesos to 175 pesos, depending on the class you choose. The trains are modern and air-conditioned, with plenty of space for luggage.
According to the official website, “small breed pets” are allowed. While they don’t give an exact size limit, it’s safe to assume they mean a dog or cat that can fit in a carrier under your seat.
The train can be a good alternative if you want more legroom than the bus and a steady schedule. You will still need to factor in the taxi to the ferry terminal, but overall, it’s an easy and scenic option.
Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
There are three ferry companies that run between downtown Cozumel and downtown Playa del Carmen: Ultramar, Winjet, and Xailing. One or the other leaves every half hour.
You can either sit on the top deck in the warm Caribbean air or downstairs in the air conditioning. The ferries all have snack bars and restrooms.
You can buy ferry tickets in advance, but it’s not necessary. Your ticket will be good for any boat leaving after you buy it.
The problem with advance purchase is that the two ferries are run separately. A Winjet ticket won’t work on Ultramar.
So if you buy a ticket for Winjet and miss the ferry, you’ll have to wait two hours for the next Winjet departure.
By purchasing when you arrive you’ll be able to get on the next available ferry.
Can I Take My Car to Cozumel on the Ferry?
As I mentioned, there is a car ferry to and from Cozumel. It’s run by Transcaribe. The ferry leaves from the port of Sac Tun (Punta Venado Calica) in Playa del Carmen.
After driving your car onto the ferry, you move into the passenger area, which is air-conditioned and very comfortable. There’s a cafeteria and televisions on board.
The car ferry is first come-first served and only runs two to three times a day. It can take several hours to get on board.
Unless you’re bringing a car to Cozumel for a very long-term stay, it may not be worth it.
You can now make reservations for the car ferry. See Transcaribe’s website for the latest information.
Parking in Playa del Carmen
There are several parking lots and garages in Playa del Carmen. Look for a sign with a big E (for estacionamiento). Parking costs around 200 pesos for 24 hours.
Many of the smaller lots will require you to leave a key as they sometimes need to move cars around. If you don’t want to leave a key, park in one of the self-serve parking garages.
No matter where you park, don’t leave anything in your car.
Everything Playa Del Carmen has a great map of all the parking lots.
Getting Back to Cancun from Cozumel
Making the return trip to Cancun is almost as easy. However, there aren’t as many taxis and shuttles waiting in Playa del Carmen. It’s best to make arrangements for private transportation in advance.
Taking the ADO bus to Cancun from Playa del Carmen is simple. Just cross over from the ferry terminal and buy your ticket to the Cancun airport.
Note that ADO stops at other places in Cancun too. Be sure your ticket goes to the ADO bus terminal at the airport.
Of course, if you want to go to downtown Cancun instead of the airport, you can choose an ADO bus stop more centrally located.
Allow plenty of time to get back to Cancun for a flight. Delays often happen due to traffic conditions and road construction.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Cozumel from Cancun?
You should expect to take at least two hours to get to Cozumel from Cancun (but plan for three).
The drive to Playa del Carmen takes about an hour. The ferry ride will be another hour.
Of course, if you arrive after the ferry just left, it will be another half hour before you can get the next one. Luckily there’s plenty to do near the ferry terminal while you wait.
Traveling With a Dog
If you’re like me and you travel with your dog, there are some things you need to be aware of.
First, there are no pet relief areas in the Cancun airport. Your dog will have to wait until you get through customs and outside. I carry disposable pee pads with me.
After landing, I take my pup into the restroom so she can go on the pad. Then I zip it into a ziploc bag to keep any odors inside before disposing of it. I also carry Clorox wipes in case any mess gets on the floor.
The next thing to know is that dogs are not allowed on ADO buses. Well, technically they are allowed in the baggage compartment under the bus. I won’t do this to my dog since the heat and fumes are not pet friendly.
If you are bringing your dog, the best thing to do is either take Tren Maya or arrange a driver in advance.
You can take your dog on the ferry. Dogs have to ride upstairs, not in the air-conditioning downstairs. It can get hot up there, so take extra water for both of you.
Travel Safety Tips for Getting to Cozumel from Cancun
- Book private transfers with reputable companies.
- Keep valuables out of sight.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
- Always get local advice if you’re unsure about something.
- I always recommend travel insurance, especially if you’re traveling during hurricane season.
Day Trip From Cancun to Cozumel
Many people vacation in Cancun but want to venture down to Cozumel for a day trip.
While you can find excellent scuba diving in Cancun, you may want to see for yourself why Cozumel is known for its diving and snorkeling.
Or maybe you want to check out Cozumel to see if it might be your next vacation destination. No matter your reason for wanting to get to Cozumel from Cancun, it’s easy enough to do.
In fact, you can find organized tours from Cancun to Cozumel which make everything easy for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Get to Cozumel From Cancun
What’s the cheapest way to get to Cozumel from Cancun?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun to Cozumel is to take the ADO bus to Playa del Carmen then the ferry to Cozumel.
Is Cozumel safe?
Yes, Cozumel is very safe. There is very little violent crime, although you may see some petty theft. Use common sense and you should be fine.
What’s the best time to visit Cozumel?
Cozumel is amazing year-round. The best time to visit depends on what you want. If you’re looking for the best weather, visit in December – February. If you want the lowest prices and smallest crowds, July – September will be best for you.
How long does it take to get from Cancun to Cozumel by ferry?
The ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How much is a ferry ticket to Cozumel?
Tickets start at around $15 each way.
How far is it from Cancun to Playa del Carmen?
It’s about 35 miles from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen. The drive takes about an hour.
Is there anything to see between Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
Yes, there are several attractions and points of interest along the route through Riviera Maya, such as Xcaret Park, Puerto Morelos, and various cenotes (natural sinkholes).
Why would someone fly into Cancun instead of Cozumel?
It may be cheaper to fly into Cancun since it’s a larger airport with more direct flights. Also, depending on where you’re coming from, it might ultimately be faster to go to Cancun and travel to Cozumel.
How often do buses run between Cancun and Playa del Carmen?
Buses operate frequently throughout the day, with departures as often as every 15-30 minutes, especially during peak hours. It’s a reliable and affordable option for travel between the two cities.
Can I take a ferry or boat from Cancun to Cozumel?
No, there are no ferries or boats that go from Cancun to Cozumel.
Can I take my car to Cozumel on the ferry?
Yes, there is a car ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen.
Wrap-Up: How to Get to Cozumel From Cancun
Figuring out how to get to Cozumel from Cancun is easier once you know your choices.
Whether you take the budget-friendly bus and ferry combo, splurge on a quick charter flight, or arrange private transportation for comfort, the trip is part of the experience.
Plan a little extra time so you can enjoy the views, grab a snack in Playa del Carmen, and avoid stressing about schedules.
Once you’re on the ferry with the Caribbean breeze in your face, you’ll know the journey was worth it.
Related Posts
- Guide to Getting Through Cancun Customs Quickly and Easily
- Best Tours For Scuba Diving in Cancun
- Is Cozumel Safe?
- Best Time to Visit Cozumel: Month-by-Month Guide
- Day Trip to Cozumel From Playa del Carmen
- Cancun or Cozumel: Which is Better for Your Vacation?
- Best Beach Bars in Cozumel
- Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cozumel for Families
- Best Places to Snorkel in Cozumel
- Best Snorkel Tours in Cozumel
- Best Tequila Tours in Cozumel
- Cozumel Pronunciation – How to Sound Like a Local
- Legal Drinking Age in Cozumel: All the Facts
- How to Get From Tulum to Cozumel
Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips
Do I need travel insurance?
YES. No matter when you visit Mexico, don’t forget to buy travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you need it once it will pay for itself many times over. I highly recommend Safety Wing. They have a proven track record for customer satisfaction and a variety of coverage levels.
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
YES. Renting a car in Mexico is not only safe, but it’s a great way to explore. Discover Cars is hands down the best rental car company. They check international and local companies to get you the best rates.
Will my phone work in Mexico?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.
You can also get an eSIM. Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries/regions, including Mexico.
What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?
For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper with more options.
What do I pack for Mexico?
My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.
What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Probably Not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa check the Mexican Consulate’s website.
For assistance with all your worldwide visa questions, check out iVisa.
