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.

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).

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.

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 ($15.60).

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.

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.