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!

There are 4 ways to travel the 100 kilometers (62 miles) 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 375 MXN ($19.40).

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.

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 270 MXN ($13.80), and the journey takes around 35-45m.

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.

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.

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 ($2.30) 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.

A combined minivan and ferry transfer from Cozumel to Cancun Airport costs around 760 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

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 3,970 MXN ($205) for a 9-seater transfer, including ferry tickets. Split the cost, and it’s about 440 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

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.

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 270 MXN ($13.80).

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 1,120 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 ($13.70) and 160 MXN ($8.20), respectively.

Check out our page on Playa del Carmen to Cancun for more details.

Want to travel the opposite way? See here the route guide from Cancun to Cozumel.