Cozumel is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea and a popular day-trip destination from the Riviera Maya. It’s a paradisiac location known for its picture-perfect beaches, spectacular diving and snorkeling opportunities, and all-inclusive resorts.
Cozumel is as touristy as Cancun, and is visited by thousands of tourists every year, so it’s perfectly safe to visit, and so is the journey there.
The island is located off the coast of Playa del Carmen, merely 47 miles (74 km) away from Cancun on a straight line. However, there’s no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel, meaning that your journey will also involve a bus or shuttle to Playa.
While flying to the island is also possible, it’s not the most practical transportation, nor the most affordable by a long shot.
But it’s still a possibility, and I think it’s important you have all the options on how to get to Cozumel from Cancun so you can make the choice that makes the most sense to you.
If you choose this alternative, you’d either fly directly into Cozumel International Airport from your country of origin or take a Cancun – Cozumel flight (these are charter flights).
| METHOD | COST | |
|---|---|---|
| PRIVATE TRANSFER (+ FERRY) | $90 + $15 | BOOK IT HERE |
| SHARED TRANSFER & FERRY | $39 + $15 | BOOK IT HERE |
| TOUR | $170 | BOOK IT HERE |
| ADO BUS (+ FERRY) | $7 + $15 | BOOK IT HERE |
Let’s cover all the options so you know in detail what each entails!
Table of Contents
COZUMEL FERRY FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN: SCHEDULE & PRICE
If you plan on traveling from Cancun by ferry to Cozumel, there are two ferry companies you can choose from: Ultramar, which is the most popular, and Winjet.
| Length: | 35-45 minutes |
| Price: | 15 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
▶️ Ultramar’s first ferry departs at 9 AM, and approximately every 2 hours until 9 PM.
▶️ Winjet has ferries departing approximately every 2 hours from 9 AM until 9 PM, with extra ferries in between.
As you can see, the Cozumel ferry schedule is very similar for both companies, and so is their price.
There is NO Cancun – Cozumel ferry. What you might see advertised as the Cancun to Cozumel ferry actually departs from the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen, so we’re gonna cover the different ways you can get there from Cancun to catch the boat and enjoy the best day at the beach!
HOW TO GET FROM CANCUN AIRPORT TO COZUMEL
Getting from Cancun International Airport to Cozumel is fairly easy, and there are quite a few transportation options that can get you to the ferry terminal.
PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM CANCUN AIRPORT + FERRY TO COZUMEL
The most comfortable way of getting from Cancun to Cozumel is by private transfer. If you opt for a private transfer from Cancun to Cozumel and you book it in advance, a driver will be waiting for you at the airport and will handle your bags, so all you have to do is relax the whole way.
| Length: | 55 minutes |
| Price: | 90 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
The company I recommend – Cancun Airport Transportation – is the one I use every time I travel in Mexico, and I’ve always had amazing experiences with them. The drivers are very professional, and the vehicles are spotless and comfortable.
What’s more, they’re always incredibly punctual, and I’ve enjoyed complimentary beverages during my transfer. The drive takes around 55 minutes in normal traffic conditions.
▶️ If you’re up to 8 passengers, the most economical transfer type is the Private Service from Cancun Airport to Cozumel. You’ll be greeted in the arrival area, and enjoy the comfort of traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle that is exclusively at your disposal.
The price stays the same whether you’re a group of 3 or 8, so it’s a very convenient transportation option for groups. A one-way trip costs $90, whereas you can book a roundtrip for $175. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you want to upgrade your trip, you can get the Luxury Service that accommodates up to 6 people. You’ll travel in an air-conditioned luxurious vehicle, Suburban or equivalent model, and your driver will provide you with the best travel tips to make your stay memorable.
A one-way trip with the luxury service costs $140, and if you want to book a round-trip transfer it costs $270 ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Are you a larger group, or feel like splurging in a limo service to celebrate a special occasion? Check out the company’s other services, which also include wheelchair-friendly transportation.
| Group transportation (up to 16 passengers) | BOOK IT HERE |
| Transportation for disabled passengers (up to 2 wheelchairs) | BOOK IT HERE |
| Limo transportation (up to 14 passengers) | BOOK IT HERE |
The private transfer takes you from the Cancun Airport to the Cozumel ferry dock (or the other way around!) and it does not include the ferry tickets to the island. You can buy your ferry tickets here.
Once you arrive at Cozumel, you can either take a taxi to your hotel (prices will depend on the zone where the hotel is located) or you can take a private shuttle to your hotel.
▶️ The Cozumel Private Airport Transfer offers you direct transportation to your hotel, with personalized service and baggage handling included. All vehicles are modern and air-conditioned, and the best part is that the price is final: there are no hidden extras and all fees and taxes are covered. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Otherwise, you can buy a combo ticket that includes all transportation from Cancun Airport to Cozumel (or on the way back from Cozumel to Cancun Airport).
This transfer includes getting to the ferry terminal, ferry tickets, and the trip to your Cozumel hotel in Zone 2. It accommodates up to 9 people and offers roundtrip transportation back to Cancun. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ If you’re staying in a hotel in zone 1 of Cozumel, meaning Downtown or the northern area of Cozumel, this is the combo ticket for you to travel from Cancun to Cozumel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pros and Cons of Private Transfer
✅ It’s the most comfortable transportation method, as you’ll be picked up at the airport’s arrival area, and brought to the ferry terminal in a modern, fully insured vehicle reserved for you and your party.
✅ You’re driver is guaranteed to be bilingual, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t speak Spanish.
✅ Your flight is late? Do not fret! Your driver will be tracking your flight and will be there to welcome you whenever you land.
❌ The only downside, in my opinion, is the price. It’s the most expensive alternative, so it will not be the first option for solo or budget travelers.
Read what the reviews say:
“Armando arrived on time and was very nice. I liked that the transportation was private and the van was very clean.”
Monique Cox-Waithe – Check out other reviews
SHARED TRANSFER FROM CANCUN AIRPORT + FERRY TO COZUMEL
If you’re traveling solo or don’t want to get a private transfer, you can still get the combo transportation from Cancun to Cozumel by sharing your trip with fellow travelers.
| Length: | 2.20 hours |
| Price: | 39 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
The shared transfer includes transportation from the Cancun Airport to the ferry station, Cozumel ferry tickets, and transfer to your hotel.
▶️ If your hotel is in zone 2 (southern Cozumel). ➥ GET THIS TRANSFER
▶️ Is your hotel in zone 1 (Downtown & northern Cozumel)? ➥ THIS IS YOUR TRANSFER
Pros and Cons of the Shared Shuttle
✅ It’s much more affordable than the private transfer, but it still picks you up at the airport and drives you straight to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen.
✅ It’s a combo ticket, so upon reaching the terminal you’ll get to board the ferry to Cozumel. No need to buy individual tickets for each transfer.
❌ You’ll be sharing the transfer with other people, which can be uncomfortable if you’re already a large group.
❌ If you’re 3 people, the price will be the same as booking the private transfer AND buying the ferry tickets, so it makes no sense to stick to the shared shuttle. Book here a private car instead.
CANCUN TO COZUMEL TRANSPORTATION
Are you already in Cancun? Regardless if you’re staying in Downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone, there are several ways you can get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen and from there to the island.
JOIN A DAY TOUR TO COZUMEL FROM CANCUN
If you’re only planning a day trip, the best way to get to Cozumel is to join a tour, so you can forget about the hassle of organizing transportation.
| Length: | 8-14 hours |
| Price: | 170 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
▶️ This Cozumel El Cielo All Inclusive Tour from Cancun lasts a full day, and takes you snorkeling in the main hotspots around the island. Discover the underwater world of El Cielo, Palancar and Columbia reefs, and refuel with lunch and drinks onboard. Finally, spend some time in San Miguel de Cozumel. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Cancun: Cozumel Island Catamaran, El Cielo, Snorkel Open Bar takes you snorkeling in El Cielo and Palancar reefs with provided equipment. You’ll then head to a private beach club for lunch and use of the amenities, and have access to an open bar onboard. For this tour, you will have to get to Playa del Carmen on your own first. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pros and Cons of the Tours
✅ Everything will be organized for you, from roundtrip transfers from Cancun to all the activities in Cozumel, and on occasion even lunch.
❌ You’ll have to follow a fixed schedule, with no freedom to do as you please or spend as much time as you’d like in each attraction.
❌ It’s the most expensive option to visit Cozumel.
TAXI TO COZUMEL FERRY TERMINAL FROM CANCUN + FERRY
A taxi ride from Downtown Cancun to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen costs around USD 70 at the time of writing. To board the ferry directly when you arrive, you can buy your tickets beforehand here. ➥ BUY YOUR FERRY TICKETS HERE
Once in Cozumel, you can take a taxi from the terminal to your hotel (prices vary depending on your hotel’s zone) or you can take a private shuttle that offers roundtrip transportation, so you also ensure your ride back to the terminal when your vacation is over. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Pros and Cons of the Taxi
✅ It offers private transportation to your destination, and will pick you up from your hotel at the time you decide.
❌ It’s a very expensive option, and you might need to haggle with the driver to get a fair price. This can be stressful, and it’s especially difficult if you don’t speak the language.
❌ It costs almost the same as the private transfer, which offers more comfortable vehicles that are fully insured and accommodate up to 8 passengers. Book here a private transfer instead.
ADO BUS TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN + FERRY TO COZUMEL
| Length: | 1.20 hours |
| Price: | 7 USD |
| Where to book it: | BOOK IT HERE |
If you’re traveling on a budget, you can get to the island for even less by taking the ADO bus from Cancun to the Cozumel ferry terminal.
▶️ You’ll take the ADO bus at the bus station in Downtown Cancun (Calle Pino, SM23, MZ56) and arrive at the 5th Avenue station in Playa del Carmen, which is only 3 blocks away from the ferry terminal.
The bus ride only takes around 1 hour, and tickets currently cost $7 one way. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
You’ll then hop aboard the ferry to get to Cozumel Island; you can buy your ferry tickets here. Once in Cozumel, you can get to your hotel by taking either a taxi or a private shuttle.
The latter offers round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring you’re comfortably taken from the ferry terminal directly to your hotel, and the other way around when your stay is over. All fees and taxes are covered. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
COLECTIVO TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN + FERRY (Not Recommended)
The cheapest transportation option in the Riviera Maya is the colectivo (shared vans). Colectivos depart approximately every 10 minutes, and you can hop on a colectivo right in front of the ADO bus station.
| Length: | 1.5 hours |
| Price: | approx. 2 USD |
| Where to book it: | FROM THE COLECTIVO DRIVER |
The arrival point in Playa del Carmen is Calle 2, which is only a few blocks away from the ferry terminal. You’ll find your ferry tickets here.
When you arrive in Cozumel, take a taxi to your hotel or choose the Private Shuttle, which offers roundtrip transportation from the terminal to your hotel in air-conditioned, fully insured vehicles. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
