How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel (and back)
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 3 ways to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
There are 3 ways to travel the 30 kilometre (19 miles) distance from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. You can choose between the Passenger ferry, Passenger ferry (the way back) and car ferry. The journey takes 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes and the quickest way is by passenger ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by passenger ferry with tickets starting at 245 MXN ($13.70).
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel by Passenger Ferry
There are multiple passenger ferry trips from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel daily. Winjet, Ultramar and Xcaret Ferry are the three ferry companies operating this route.
All ferries are big and stable, which is great if you’re prone to seasickness. They also have indoor and outdoor seating, plus onboard toilets.
The trip takes around 35 to 45 minutes and ticket prices start from 245 MXN ($13.70).
Which ferry company to take?
- Winjet is the cheapest option while still offering good service.
- Ultramar is a well-known company in the Riviera Maya. If you are looking for the fastest way to get to Cozumel, then go for Ultramar ferries.
- Xcaret Ferry is best if you’re also heading to Cancun because your ticket includes free entry to Torre Escénica de Cancún, an observation tower with stunning coastal views.
Departure station
Playa del Carmen has two ferry ports: one for passenger ferries and another for car ferries.
Passenger ferries to Cozumel leave from Playa del Carmen Ferry Dock, near the small local airport. This ferry terminal is within the city centre, so you can likely walk there from your hotel.
Ferry schedules from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
We recommend booking your tickets online beforehand through BookAway for a better chance of getting a seat on your desired date and time.
You can also buy ferry tickets at the port but watch out for travel agencies that may overcharge. To avoid extra fees, buy your tickets directly from the ferry companies’ counters.
Arrival station
Cozumel has several ferry terminals within a few kilometres away from each other, but passenger ferries dock at Cozumel Ferry Port in the town centre. Many hotels are within walking distance of this ferry terminal.
For going around, the best option is to rent a bike, golf cart or car. Taxis are also available, but they are not metered. Fares depend on the distance and your negotiation skills, usually starting from 150 MXN ($8.40).
From the port, you can reach several beaches in about 15 minutes. The closest ones are great for snorkelling, but if you’re looking for soft, sandy shores, head a bit further south.
Looking for a secluded white sand beach? Check out Playa Bonita on the other side of the island. It’s about one hour from the port, but that’s probably also the reason why you won’t see that many tourists there.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel by Passenger Ferry (the way back)
The ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen follows the same route as the trip to Cozumel.
Travel time is around 35 to 45 minutes, with the same fares starting at 280 MXN ($15.70).
Departure and arrival station
The ferries departs from Cozumel Ferry Port and arrive at Playa del Carmen Ferry Port. These are the same ferry ports for the vice versa route.
The ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen is in the city centre, just a short walk from many hotels. If you’re continuing to another destination, like Cancun Airport, ADO Bus Terminal Turistica is about 220 metres from the ferry port.
Ferry schedules from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
If you booked round-trip tickets online, simply head to Cozumel Ferry Port at your chosen date and time. If you did not book a return ticket, you can get a one-way ticket through BookAway or buy one directly at the ferry terminal.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel by Car Ferry
If you’re travelling with your own or rented vehicle, you’ll need to take a car ferry. Transcaribe and Ultramar operate car ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Both companies sail 1-3 trips daily, but schedules vary. It’s best to check their websites for your travel date.
Since the car ferry ports are outside the centre of both towns, we don’t recommend this option for foot passengers.
Fares for family vehicles start from 880 MXN ($49), and the ferry ride takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
Ultramar or Transcaribe?
Ultramar car ferry ticket prices start from 890 MXN ($49.50) for a family vehicle, which includes the car and the driver. Each additional passenger will have to pay 110 MXN ($6.10) at the port.
Transcaribe tickets start from 880 MXN ($49) for the vehicle only, with the driver and passengers paying an additional 100 MXN ($5.60) each.
Note that if you reserve in advance on the Transcaribe website, rates will seem more expensive at 1,320 MXN ($74), but that’s because it already includes tickets for five passengers. This means each passenger’s ticket costs only 88 MXN ($4.90) through the online reservation.
Car ferry schedules from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
Car ferries depart from a different ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen, which is Punta Venado (Calica) Terminal. It’s about 10 km south of downtown Playa del Carmen. This is also the main cruise port to Cancun City, so you can expect to see some cruise ships here.
Car ferry schedules from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (the way back)
In Cozumel, car ferries arrive at and depart from the Ultramar Ferry Port beside Punta Calatita. This pier is around 3 km away from the city centre.
Parking in Playa del Carmen
If you have a rental car but do not wish to bring it to Cozumel, you can also leave it behind in Playa del Carmen. Paid street parking is possible in various areas with the new parking meters installed in town.
We recommend heading to the parking centre along 10th Avenue for the best rates. You can also find here covered parking spaces for more security. Among these is an underground parking garage near Paseo del Carmen Shopping Plaza.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
What to do in Cozumel?
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.
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.
