What to expect when visiting Cozumel
Cozumel is a paradise destination for scuba divers and sea lovers in the Mexican Caribbean. A part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef is within the limits of Cozumel, with over 30 diving spots for both beginners and experienced divers.
Short on time? We recommend spending at least a couple of nights to really make the most of your visit, but you can visit Cozumel also as a day trip from Play del Carmen.
4 ways to get from Cancun to Cozumel
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Cancun to Cozumel by shared Minivan + Ferry (2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes), private Transfer (2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes), ferry + Bus or Colectivo (1 hour 45 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes) and private Transport + Ferry (1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes and the quickest way is by private transport + ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 315 MXN ($16.40) for the ferry + bus or colectivo.Cancun to Cozumel by Ferry + Bus or Colectivo
To get from Cancun to Cozumel, you must first travel by land to Playa del Carmen for a little over 1 hour. You can take a bus or a local microbus, also known as colectivo.
Once you are in Playa del Carmen you just need to find the ferry pier and get into a boat that will take you to Cozumel. The ferry journey takes around 45 minutes.
Step 1: Cancun to Playa del Carmen
There are several ways to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, but in this case, we think the most cost-efficient is the bus and the colectivo. Both offer their own pros and cons, so it depends on your preference for which mode to take.
For a quick overview, the buses are more comfortable but a tiny bit more expensive. The colectivos are cheaper but have little legroom and no space for luggage.
Option 1: Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Bus
The bus company running between Cancun and Playa del Carmen is ADO, which offers a great quality service with first-class buses that include AC and reclining seats.
Departures to Playa del Carmen are frequent and the ride takes around 1h 5m - 2h 20m. Ticket prices start from 88 MXN ($4.60).
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Bus departure and arrival points
All buses depart from ADO Bus Station, just within walking distance from most hotels in downtown Cancun. If you are staying at the Hotel Zone, you can take a taxi to the bus station for around 200 MXN ($10.40) or a bus (R-1, R-3 or R-38) for 15 MXN ($0.80).
There are 2 bus stations in downtown Playa del Carmen – Turistica and Alterna. When booking, make sure to select Turistica as the arrival point. This bus terminal is just one block from the main ferry terminal where you will board the ferry to Cozumel. Alterna is located further away.
Option 2: Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Colectivo
The colectivos are the cheapest option to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. However, since they are mostly used by local workers and not by tourists, they don’t have a lot of space for luggage. Therefore, colectivos are a good option for day trips to Cozumel or if you are travelling light.
The average colectivo rate to Playa del Carmen is 45 MXN ($2.30) but it can increase during peak season (December to April).
If you don’t mind spending a bit more for tons more comfort, one of the operators, Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas, caters more to tourists and is more spacious. Their rate starts at 150 MXN ($7.80).
Other companies available are Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos and each one has its own stop. They are located right across the street from each other in downtown Cancun. Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas departs from Puente Peatonal, just a few meters away and still along Avenida Tulum.
But if you want to secure seats, private transfers are available on BookAway with rates starting at 1,480 MXN ($77).
Colectivos will drop you off a little further away from the ferry terminal than the buses. Their final stop is along Benito Juarez Street, about 500 meters from the port.
For more details, you can visit our guide for Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
Passenger ferries to Cozumel depart from Playa del Carmen’s ferry port, located at the end of Fifth Avenue, the town’s main street. It’s within the city centre and very close to Playa del Carmen Turistica, the ADO bus station.
The ferry service is provided by three companies: Ultramar, Winjet and Xcaret Ferry. They are very similar in terms of service and have big and stable boats that shouldn’t make you feel seasick.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferrry prices start from 270 MXN ($14.10).
Difference between Ultramar and Winjet
They are both equipped with comfortable seats, toilets and a cafeteria on board where you can buy soft drinks and snacks. You can choose to sit inside if you prefer to chill with the AC or outside and enjoy the wind and sea views.
Ultramar is a bigger company that serves other routes within the Riviera Maya, but it’s also more expensive. If you are looking for the cheapest way to get to Cozumel, we recommend you take the Winjet ferries, which provide a great service at a lower price.
Ferries leave the Playa del Carmen Ferry Dock roughly every hour from 07:00 to 21:00. You’ll need to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
It’s best to book your tickets online beforehand so you won’t have to queue at the ferry pier.
If you wish, you can buy your tickets directly at the port but be aware that there are many travel agencies around that will overcharge you. Therefore, avoid third parties and buy your tickets directly at the companies’ ticket shops.
There are two ferry terminals in Cozumel. You will be dropped off at Cozumel’s Ferry Port, located in the town centre. The other ferry dock is Punta Langosta Cruise Pier, which will be your arrival port only if you were taking a cruise ship.
Lots of accommodations are located within walking distance of the main Cozumel Ferry Dock. To move around, the best option is to rent a bike, golf cart or car. Taxis are also available with rates from 50 MXN ($2.60) within the city centre.
Check out our guide for Playa del Carmen to Cozumel for more details.
Cancun to Cozumel by Shared Minivan + Ferry
If you’re arriving at Cancun Airport, you can book a shared minivan service that includes a ferry ticket to Cozumel.
The combined rides cost around 750 MXN ($39) and take about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
What we like about this option is that some companies offer free drop-off at your hotel in Cozumel. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way from the ferry terminal.
Shared Minivan + Ferry options from Cancun to Cozumel
Cancun to Cozumel by Private Transport + Ferry
If tickets for a combined private transfer and ferry from Cancun to Cozumel are unavailable, you can make two separate bookings: a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen, and a ferry to Cozumel
Step 1: Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
The fastest and most convenient way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is a 45m - 1h 30m private transfer. In BookAway, you can get a 6-seater car from 1,110 MXN ($58). If you split the cost with a group, a private transfer can be cheaper than taking the bus or a shared minivan.
Other Cancun Airport transportation options to Playa del Carmen are a bus and a shared minivan. Fares start from 265 MXN ($13.70) and 305 MXN ($15.80), respectively. Check out our page on Playa del Carmen to Cancun for more details.
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
The second step is the same as the first option, you’ll need to take a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. The entire trip takes 35m - 45m. Ferry ticket prices depend on the ferry company you take but start from 270 MXN ($14.10).
Ferries depart from Playa del Carmen Ferry Pier and arrive at Cozumel Ferry Dock.
Cancun to Cozumel by Private Transfer
Heading straight to Cozumel after arriving at Cancun International Airport? The easiest way is to get a combined private transfer and ferry to Cozumel Island.
Rates start from 3,940 MXN ($205) for a 9-seater private transfer, with the ferry ticket included. Divide the cost and that’s about 435 MXN ($23) per person. Travel time is around 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
BD Experience Mexico is operating on this route.
Private Transfer options from Cancun to Cozumel
Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun to Cozumel
What to expect when visiting Cozumel?
Cozumel has enough activities to keep you busy for a week. In addition to scuba diving, you can chill at one of the many sandy beaches. The crystal clear waters are great for snorkelling and many other water sports. The island is probably the best spot in the Caribean part of Mexico to learn surfing as well as other water sports like windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing or diving.
If diving isn’t your thing, you don’t have to miss out. You can still explore the underwater wonders with a submarine expedition — a very popular and unique experience offered in Cozumel.
Another highlight to visit is the San Gervasio Mayan ruins. They are considered one of the most significant in the Mayan religion.
Short on time? We recommend spending at least a couple of nights to really make the most of your visit, but you can visit Cozumel also as a day trip from Play del Carmen.
What is the best time of year to visit Cozumel?
The average temperature during this time of year is around 27-30 degrees Celsius (80-85 degrees Fahrenheit). The humidity is also low, making it a great time to explore the Caribean coast of Mexico.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun to Cozumel. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
