Cozumel to Cancun

How to Get From Cozumel to Cancun

4Options
1h 20mFastest
$20From
MaartenElaSeleneWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela, Selene

Ferry + Bus/Colectivo · Shared Minivan + Ferry · Private Transfer (Combined Booking) · Ferry + Private Transport (Separate Bookings)

Cozumel is an island off Mexico's Caribbean coast, known for its coral reefs. Getting to Cancun means a ferry to the mainland, then a road leg north. The ferry plus a bus or colectivo is the cheapest way from Cozumel to Cancun. It costs $20 (340 MXN) and takes 1h 45m - 1h 55m. A shared minivan costs more, and a private transfer more again.

DISTANCE

Distance from Cozumel to Cancun

Cozumel and Cancun are about 83 km (52 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 100 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 20m and 2h 50m.

~83 km
Straight-line distance
~100 km
Route distance
COMPARE

4 ways to travel from Cozumel to Cancun

There are four ways to travel from Cozumel to Cancun. You can choose between the ferry, minivan, private transport, and ferry + private transport (separate bookings). The journey takes 1h 20m–2h 20m and the quickest way is by ferry + private transport (separate bookings). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $20 (340 MXN).

Ferry + Bus/ColectivoVia Playa del Carmen · 37 departuresDuration1h 45m+incl. transfersPricefrom$20340 MXN

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

35-45m$14 (238 MXN)
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 $14 (238 MXN), and the journey takes around 35-45m.
45mWinjetHigh SpeedWinjet, Maritime TerminalWinjet Office, Playa del Carmen08:0010:0012:0014:0016:0017:30+2$14238 MXNTickets
35mUltramarPremium PlusUltramar Pier, CozumelUltramar Pier, Playa del Carmen07:0008:0008:3009:0009:3010:00+9$16270 MXNTickets
35mUltramarFirst ClassUltramar Pier, CozumelUltramar Pier, Playa del Carmen07:0008:0008:3009:0009:3010:00+9$16280 MXNTickets
45mWinjetHigh SpeedCozumel Ferry TerminalPlaya del Carmen$16280 MXNTickets
45mXcaret FerryPremiumTerminal Ferrys CozumelTerminal Maritima Playa del Carmen07:3008:3009:3010:3011:3012:30+8$17290 MXNTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Via

Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

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

1h 10m$6.40 (110 MXN)

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

1h 10m - 1h 20m$6.20 (107 MXN)

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.

1h10mADOStandardPlaya Del Carmen ADO Bus StationCancun ADO Bus Station07:4008:1009:1009:3010:1010:40+9$6107 MXNTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

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 $12 (200 MXN) or you can take a bus (R-1, R-3 or R-38) from Avenida Tulum to the beach area. A bus ticket costs $0.70 (12 MXN) and is paid directly to the driver.

Option 2: Playa del Carmen to Cancun by Colectivo

45m - 1h 30m$2.60 (45 MXN)

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 $2.60 (45 MXN) 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.

 

Cancun
Shared Minivan + Ferry15 departuresDuration2h 20m+Pricefrom$39670 MXN

Cozumel to Cancun by Shared Minivan + Ferry

A combined minivan and ferry transfer from Cozumel to Cancun Airport costs around $39 (670 MXN). The journey takes about 2h 20m - 2h 50m, 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 schedule from Cozumel to Cancun

2h20mBD Experience MexicoShuttleCozumel - Any hotel in Hotel Zone 2Cancun Airport (CUN00:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$39670 MXNTickets
2h50mBD Experience MexicoShuttleCozumel - Any hotel in Hotel Zone 1Cancun Airport (CUN00:0001:0002:0003:0004:0005:00+9$50860 MXNTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
Cancun
Private Transfer (Combined Booking)1 departureDuration2h 20m+Pricefrom$2053,500 MXN

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 $205 (3,500 MXN) transfer, including ferry tickets. Split the cost, and it's about $71 (1,220 MXN) per person. The journey takes around 2h 20m - 2h 50m.

Cozumel
BD Experience Mexico
Standard Ferry 9 PAX
$205 (3,500 MXN)
$23 (390 MXN) per person
BD Experience Mexico
Standard Ferry 9 PAX
$255 (4,350 MXN)
$28 (485 MXN) per person
Available atBookaway
Cancun
Ferry + Private Transport (Separate Bookings)Via Playa del Carmen · 27 departuresDuration1h 20m+Pricefrom$711,220 MXN

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

35-45m$14 (238 MXN)

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 $14 (238 MXN).

45mWinjetHigh SpeedWinjet, Maritime TerminalWinjet Office, Playa del Carmen08:0010:0012:0014:0016:0017:30+2$14238 MXNTickets
35mUltramarPremium PlusUltramar Pier, CozumelUltramar Pier, Playa del Carmen07:0008:0008:3009:0009:3010:00+9$16270 MXNTickets
35mUltramarFirst ClassUltramar Pier, CozumelUltramar Pier, Playa del Carmen07:0008:0008:3009:0009:3010:00+9$16280 MXNTickets
45mWinjetHigh SpeedCozumelPlaya del Carmen$16280 MXNTickets
45mXcaret FerryPremiumTerminal Ferrys CozumelTerminal Maritima Playa del Carmen07:3008:3009:3010:3011:3012:30+8$17290 MXNTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Via

Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

Ferries depart from Cozumel Ferry Dock and arrive at Playa del Carmen Ferry Pier.

Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport

45m - 1h 30m$58 (990 MXN)

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 $58 (990 MXN) 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.

45mMexico Travel SolutionsStandardPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$58990 MXNTickets
1h30mCancun ShuttleStandardPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$581,000 MXNTickets
50mShuttle CentralShuttlePlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$621,060 MXNTickets
1h30mCancun ShuttleStandardPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$631,080 MXNTickets
50mShuttle CentralSUVPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$811,380 MXNTickets
Show all 12 companies
1hBD Experience MexicoStandardPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$811,380 MXNTickets
1hFlex ShuttleStandardPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$901,540 MXNTickets
51mFlights CancunStandardPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$931,600 MXNTickets
1hWayakComfortPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$981,680 MXNTickets
1hBD Experience MexicoSUVPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$1152,000 MXNTickets
45mMexico Travel SolutionsSUVPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$1302,200 MXNTickets
45mMexico Travel SolutionsStandardPlaya del Carmen - Any hotelCancun Airport (CUN23:00$1302,200 MXNTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Private transport tickets are available on Bookaway.

private

Other Cancun Airport transportation options from Playa del Carmen are a bus and a shared minivan. Rates start from $16 (265 MXN) and $9.30 (160 MXN), 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.
Cancun

Reach out to our Community

No questions yet — be the first to ask about Cozumel to Cancun.

STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Cancun

Here are our favourite places to stay in Cancun for every budget.

Treat Yourself

Sina Suites

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 (1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability
Viento Suites
Mid-Range

Viento Suites

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 (690-1,380 MXN) per night

Check availability
Yellow Capsule Hotel
Budget

Yellow Capsule Hotel

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 (260-690 MXN) per night

Check availability
Estancia Tulbayab 36
Budget

Estancia Tulbayab 36

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 (260-690 MXN) per night

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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!

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Cozumel to Cancun, roughly 83 kilometres (52 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $20 (340 MXN). The quickest trip takes 1h 20m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Cozumel to Cancun?

The distance from Cozumel to Cancun is 83 kilometres (52 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?

Journey times from Cozumel to Cancun overlap: ferry + bus/colectivo 1h 45m - 1h 55m, shared minivan + ferry 2h 20m - 2h 50m, private transfer (combined booking) 2h 20m - 2h 50m, ferry + private transport (separate bookings) 1h 20m - 2h 15m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

What is the cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?

The cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 340 MXN.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

Ela
ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

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.

Selene
SeleneReviewer

Travel Writer

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.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.

Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

Stay Connected

Join our Community

We're a small team of passionate travellers sharing what we've learned on the road. Get our best tips, route updates, and travel stories delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime.