How to get from Cancun to Cozumel

Why visit 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.

There are 4 ways to travel the 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Cancun to Cozumel. You can choose between the shared minivan + ferry, private transfer (Combined Booking), ferry + bus or colectivo and private transport + ferry (Separate Bookings). The journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes to 3 hours and the quickest way is by private transport + ferry (separate bookings). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan + ferry with tickets starting at 130 MXN ($6.70).

To get from Cancun to Cozumel, you first need to travel by land to Playa del Carmen. This takes a little over an hour. You can take a bus or a local microbus, also known as a colectivo.

Once in Playa del Carmen, head to the ferry pier and board a boat to Cozumel. The ferry ride takes around 45 minutes.

There are several ways to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, but in this case, we think the most cost-efficient options are the bus and the colectivo. Each has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on your preferences.

Buses are more comfortable but slightly more expensive. Colectivos are cheaper but have limited legroom and no space for bulky luggage.

The bus company operating between Cancún and Playa del Carmen is ADO, known for its comfortable first-class buses with air conditioning and reclining seats.

Departures to Playa del Carmen are frequent and the ride takes around 1h 5m - 1h 30m. Ticket prices start from 100 MXN ($5.20).

Colectivos are the cheapest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. But since they are mostly used by local workers and not by tourists, they have limited space for luggage. This makes them a good option only if you’re travelling light.

The average colectivo rate to Playa del Carmen is 45 MXN ($2.30), but prices can increase during peak season (December to April).

Two companies operate colectivos on this route: Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos. Each has its own departure area, located across the street from each other in downtown Cancún. Both are near the ADO Bus Station.

Colectivos will drop you off at the Playa Express Bus Stop, about 1.5 km from the ferry terminal. That’s farther away compared to the last stop for the bus. For more details, you can visit our guide for Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

Passenger ferries to Cozumel depart from Playa del Carmen’s ferry port, at the end of Fifth Avenue, the town’s main street. It’s within the city centre and just a few minutes walk from Turistica Bus Station. It’s best to arrive at the pier 30 minutes before your desired departure time.

The ferry service is provided by three companies: Ultramar, Winjet and Xcaret Ferry. They all offer similar services with large, stable boats that help minimise seasickness.

Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry prices start from 270 MXN ($13.80). Note that you’ll need to pay a separate port tax at the pier counter, which costs around 21 MXN ($1.10).

Which ferry company to take?

All ferries have comfortable seats and toilets. You can choose to sit inside with air conditioning or outside to enjoy the sea breeze and views.

• Winjet offers the cheapest ferry prices while still providing good service. If you are looking for the most budget-friendly way to get to Cozumel, this is the best choice.
• Ultramar is a larger company that operates multiple routes within the Riviera Maya. Its ferries are comfortable and reliable, with slightly higher prices than Winjet.
• Xcaret Ferry is the most expensive option but offers a more premium experience. Its ferries are modern and clean, and tickets include free access to the observation tower, Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún.

If you’re coming from Cancun Airport, you can book a shared minivan service that includes a ferry ticket to Cozumel.

The combined rides cost around 130 MXN ($6.70) and take about 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours.

There are two companies running this route: Chiquila Holbox Extreme and BD Experience Mexico.

Chiquila Holbox Extreme is the cheaper option, dropping you off at the Ultramar Ferry Terminal in Cozumel.

BD Experience Mexico is pricier, but takes you directly to your hotel in Cozumel after the ferry ride, saving you the hassle of arranging transport from the port.

Shared Minivan + Ferry options from Cancun to Cozumel

Travelling in a group and heading straight to Cozumel after arriving at Cancun International Airport? The easiest way is to book a combined private transfer and public ferry in one go. This way, everything is arranged for you, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no extra transfers needed.

Prices for private transfer start at 3,990 MXN ($205) for a 9-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 445 MXN ($23) each.

BD Experience Mexico is operating the Cancun to Cozumel route. The journey takes 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.

If tickets for a combined private transfer and ferry fromCancun to Cozumel are unavailable, you can book the two legs of the journey separately: a private transfer from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen and a public ferry to Cozumel.

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by private transfer, which takes between 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes.

On BookAway, you can get a 6-seater car from 1,130 MXN ($58). If you’re travelling in a group and split the cost, a private transfer can be cheaper than taking the bus.

Note that the private transfer is only from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You will still take a shared ferry to Cozumel. The ferry journey takes 35-45m.

Ticket prices vary by ferry company but start from 270 MXN ($13.80).