How to get from Cozumel to Cancun
Why visit Cancun?
Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.
You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!
What are the 4 ways to travel from Cozumel to Cancun?
There are 4 ways to travel the 100 kilometre (62 miles) distance from Cozumel to Cancun. You can choose between the shared minivan + ferry, private transfer (Combined Booking), ferry + bus/colectivo and ferry + private transport (Separate Bookings). The journey takes 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry + private transport (separate bookings). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry + bus/colectivo with tickets starting at 350 MXN ($19.80).
Where to stay in Cancun?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cancun at the bottom of this page.
Cozumel to Cancun by Ferry + Bus/Colectivo
The journey from Cozumel to Cancun has two steps. First, you’ll take a 45-minute ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. The second step is by land and you have two options to reach downtown Cancun: a bus or a microbus, also known as a colectivo.
Step 1: Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
To get to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel, you can choose from three ferry companies: Winjet, Ultramar or Xcaret.
- Winjet is the cheapest option while still offering good service.
- Ultramar costs a bit more but is known for its reliability and comfort.
- Xcaret Ferry offers a more premium experience with newer boats. Your ticket also includes free entry to the Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancun, where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline.
Rates for ferry tickets start from 245 MXN ($13.80), and the journey takes around 35-45m.
The ferry departs from the Cozumel Ferry Dock on the northwest side of the island, the same place where you arrived. Keep in mind that Cozumel has two ferry terminals, so don’t mix it up with Punta Langosta Cruise Pier, which is about 1 km south and is used exclusively for cruise ships.
You will arrive at Playa del Carmen Ferry Port.
For more details, visit our page on Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Bus or Colectivo
The ferry pier is located within the city centre, just one block away from Playa del Carmen Turistica Bus Station. If you are taking a colectivo, the stop is just two blocks away from the ferry pier.
The ride to Cancun takes a little more than an hour.
Option 1: Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Bus
The bus from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is operated by ADO. It offers great quality service, and all buses include AC, a toilet and reclining seats.
There are two bus stations in downtown Playa del Carmen — Turistica and Alterna. Turistica is the main bus station and is located just 220 m northwest of the ferry terminal. But buses also make a stop in Alterna to pick up passengers.
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance through BookAway to make sure you get a seat on your preferred date and time. When booking, check that your departure point is Playa del Carmen Turistica because there’s a second bus terminal in Playa del Carmen that’s farther away from the pier.
All buses arrive at ADO Bus Station, just within walking distance from most hotels in downtown Cancun.
Heading to the Hotel Zone? You can take a taxi for around 200 MXN ($11.30) or you can take a bus (R-1, R-3 or R-38) from Avenida Tulum to the beach area. A bus ticket costs 12 MXN ($0.70) and is paid directly to the driver.
Option 2: Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Colectivo
Colectivos are the cheapest way to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cancún, but they’re not the most comfortable. Mainly used by local workers, they have no space for bulky luggage and are not designed for tourists.
Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos operate this route, with at least one colectivo running 24/7.
Fares from Playa del Carmen to Cancun start from 45 MXN ($2.50) but can go higher during peak season (December to April). You can buy your tickets directly from the driver.
In Playa del Carmen, colectivos depart from the main colectivo bus stop in the tourist area.
In Cancun, they park along Avenida Tulum, but you can ask the driver to drop you off earlier if your stop is along the way.
Cozumel to Cancun by Shared Minivan + Ferry
A combined minivan and ferry transfer from Cozumel to Cancun Airport costs around 690 MXN ($39). The journey takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, including the 30-minute ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
BD Experience Mexico is operating on this route.
What we like about this option is the free hotel pickup. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to the ferry terminal.
Shared Minivan + Ferry options from Cozumel to Cancun
Cozumel to Cancun by Private Transfer (Combined Booking)
If you’re leaving the Yucatan Peninsula after a visit to Cozumel, the nearest major airport is Cancun Airport.
To get there, you’ll need to take a Cozumel ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. From Playa del Carmen, you can take a bus, shared minivan, or private transfer to Cancún Airport.
We recommend taking a private transfer from Cozumel to Cancun to make it in time for your flight.
Prices start from 3,600 MXN ($205) for a 9-seater transfer, including ferry tickets. Split the cost, and it’s about 400 MXN ($22.50) per person. The journey takes around 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
Private Transfer (Combined Booking) options from Cozumel to Cancun
Cozumel to Cancun by Ferry + Private Transport (Separate Bookings)
You can also get from Cozumel to Cancun Airport by private transport via separate bookings. This option will allow you to be more flexible with your schedule — even spend a few hours in Playa del Carmen, if you wish.
First, take the public Cozumel ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. From there, you can take a private transfer to Cancun Airport.
Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
The first step is the same as the other options — you’ll need to take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. The journey takes around 35-45m.
Three ferry companies operate this route: Winjet, Xcaret Ferry, and Ultramar. Ticket prices start from 245 MXN ($13.80).
Ferries depart from Cozumel Ferry Dock and arrive at Playa del Carmen Ferry Pier.
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport
If you’re short on time, a private transfer is the fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Cancún Airport. Unlike other options, it goes directly to the airport without unnecessary stops.
While it seems more expensive compared to other options, it’s actually a great deal if you’re travelling in a group. Rates for a private shuttle start from 1,020 MXN ($58) for a 9-seater car.
You can book a spacious car through BookAway and you can have it waiting for you at the ferry pier when you arrive in Playa del Carmen.
Other Cancun Airport transportation options from Playa del Carmen are a bus and a shared minivan. Rates start from 265 MXN ($15.10) and 160 MXN ($9.10), respectively.
Check out our page on Playa del Carmen to Cancun for more details.
Cancun to Cozumel
Want to travel the opposite way? See here the route guide from Cancun to Cozumel.
Best places to stay in Cancun
Sina Suites - Treating Yourself
Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.
Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.
- Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Viento Suites - Mid Range
Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.
The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Yellow Capsule Hotel - Budget Friendly
Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.
The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.
- Cool capsule sleeping experience
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Estancia Tulbayab 36 - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.
The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- You’ll feel at home
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cozumel to Cancun. 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 Cozumel to Cancun
What is the distance from Cozumel to Cancun?
The distance from Cozumel to Cancun is 100 kilometre (62 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?
The fastest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun is by ferry + private transport (separate bookings) and takes 1 hour 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?
The cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun is by ferry + bus/colectivo with ticket costs starting from 350 MXN ($19.80).
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.
