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.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Cancun to Cozumel?
There are 4 ways to travel the 100 kilometre (62 miles) distance 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 120 MXN ($6.70).
Cancun to Cozumel by Ferry + Bus or Colectivo
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.
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 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.
Option 1: Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Bus
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 92 MXN ($5.20).
All buses depart from ADO Bus Station, within walking distance from most hotels in downtown Cancun. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you can take a taxi to the bus station, with fares starting from 200 MXN ($11.30). Buses are also available — lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 should take you to the bus station for around 12 MXN ($0.70).
There are two bus stations in downtown Playa del Carmen — Turistica and Alterna. When booking, make sure to select Turistica as your arrival point. This terminal is just one block from the main ferry terminal, where you’ll board the ferry to Cozumel. Alterna is located farther away.
Option 2: Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Colectivo
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 ($2.50), 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.
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
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 245 MXN ($13.80). Note that you’ll need to pay a separate port tax at the pier counter, which costs around 21 MXN ($1.20).
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.
PRO TIP: Book your tickets online beforehand so you won’t have to queue at the ferry pier. If you prefer to buy your tickets at the port, be aware that there are many travel agencies around that overcharge tourists. To avoid paying extra, get your tickets directly from the ferry companies’ ticket offices.
There are two ferry terminals in Cozumel. You will be dropped off at Cozumel’s Ferry Port in the town centre. The other dock, Punta Langosta Cruise Pier, is used only for cruise ships.
Many accommodations are within walking distance of the main Cozumel Ferry Dock. To get around the island, the best options are renting a bike, golf cart or car. Taxis are also available, with fares starting from 150 MXN ($8.50) 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 coming from Cancun Airport, you can book a shared minivan service that includes a ferry ticket to Cozumel.
The combined rides cost around 120 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
Cancun to Cozumel by Private Transfer (Combined Booking)
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 3,600 MXN ($205) for a 9-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 400 MXN ($22.50) each.
BD Experience Mexico is operating the Cancun to Cozumel route. The journey takes 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
Private Transfer options from Cancun to Cozumel
Cancun to Cozumel by Private Transport + Ferry (Separate Bookings)
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.
Step 1: Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
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 1,020 MXN ($58). If you’re travelling in a group and split the cost, a private transfer can be cheaper than taking the bus.
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
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 245 MXN ($13.80).
Ferries depart from Playa del Carmen Ferry Pier and arrive at Cozumel Ferry Dock.
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!
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.
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.
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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.
