Cancun to Cozumel Guide
Are you planning a trip to Cozumel, the stunning Caribbean island that’s famous for its scuba diving opportunities? If you’re currently in Cancun and trying to figure out the best way to get there, we’ve got you covered.
Flying directly into Cozumel International Airport is a great option if you’re looking for convenience, but if you’re already in Cancun, there are several other transportation options available to you. Let’s take a look at what they are and which one is best for you.
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The easiest and most relaxing way to travel from Cancun to Cozumel is by either flying or arranging a private transfer from the airport or your hotel directly to Playa Del Carmen’s ferry terminal. This will save you time and effort, and you can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Make sure you have a look at the Best Hotels in Cozumel Island and the Top All Inclusive Resorts in Isla Cozumel.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you could consider taking an ADO bus or a colectivo ride. Another option is to rent a car if you’d like to explore other areas along the way!
It’s approximately 113km by the most efficient transport route, or slightly fewer if you go by the crow flies. The journey from Cancun to Cozumel typically takes anywhere between two and three hours, depending on factors such as whether you’re coming from the airport or the city center, and whether you prefer air travel.
Unfortunately, no ferries travel directly from Cancun to Cozumel. To get there, you must first make your way to either Playa del Carmen or to Tulum and then take the ferry that will take you to Cozumel island.
Looking for the best way to travel from Cancun to Cozumel? Well, we’ve got you covered! There are two popular ways to get there – private transportation plus ferry, or car rental plus ferry. Let’s break it down for you:
If you’re looking for a stress-free and comfortable way to travel, booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation Service is the way to go. Yes, it may be more expensive than taking the bus, but trust us, it’s worth every penny. With door-to-door service, sparkling clean and safe vehicles tailored to your needs, bilingual drivers at your disposal, and insurance coverage included, you’ll have complete peace of mind on your journey.
If you’re someone who loves to explore at your own pace, renting a car might be the perfect option for you.
While renting a car at Cancun International Airport may be slightly pricier due to taxes, you’ll save on transportation costs in the long run (Cancun Airport Map). An attendant from your chosen rental company will even pick you up directly from the airport and shuttle you to their offices to make the process easier.
If you’re planning on driving your own car, you can take it all the way to Cozumel. Just be aware that it can be a bit of a hassle. You’ll need to depart from Colica’s Punta Venado terminal, and be sure to arrive at least 2 hours early for documentation processing.
If you choose to leave your car in Playa del Carmen while you head over to Cozumel, don’t worry, there are a number of secure parking lots near the ferry terminal. The daily cost is roughly 10 USD or 180 Mexican Pesos when you come back for it. They may require your vehicle key while they move it around, but it’s generally safe.
The ADO bus is the most economical way to get from Cancun to Cozumel. Buses depart from both Cancun Airport and downtown with fares ranging between 110 MXN (morning) and 230 MXN (afternoon). The Playa del Carmen terminal of the ADO bus is conveniently located near a ferry station that will take you straight to Cozumel. You won’t need any additional transportation such as taxis. Uber has been on and off in Quintana Roo and we would not recommend trying to use it.
The ferry to Cozumel departs from Playa del Carmen, so you’ll need to get there first. Don’t worry, it’s easy to find the ferry terminal. It’s located in downtown Playa del Carmen, just 1.5 blocks away from Plaza Playacar. Three companies offer regular ferry services between 6am and 9pm each hour, so your trip will be seamless.
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For those on a tight budget, you can choose to take a colectivo minivan from Downtown Cancun. These vans leave from Avenida Tulum and will drop you off two blocks away at Calle 2 with Av 10 in Playa del Carmen.
After the ride, all that’s left is a brief 700-meter walk to reach the Ferry Terminal for Cozumel. At just 60 Mexican pesos (3 US dollars), it’s an incredibly economical option!
Many local airlines offer flights from Cancun to Cozumel, but if you’re keen on flying with international carriers, major
To reach Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll first need to travel to Playa del Carmen. Fortunately, local colectivos buses run between the two cities every minute 24/7. Alternatively, you can take the ADO big bus.
If you’re staying in the heart of town near the ferry station, you can easily explore the exquisite historical center on foot. But if you want to visit some of Cozumel’s finest beaches and archeological sites, you’ll need something more than just two feet. Renting a car or scooter is a great option, and there are also bikes available for rent if you’re feeling adventurous and sporty.
However, if you don’t need a car, taxis are available everywhere on the island.
Yes, it is safe to travel from Cancun to Cozumel. Every year, thousands of travelers visit Cozumel’s golden shores, making it just as bustling and secure as Cancun. The journey is safe, and the island itself promises a never-ending array of captivating experiences.
Yes, flying into Cozumel International Airport is the optimal choice if you’re raring to discover the beauty of Cozumel, Mexico from Cancun. It is quick, hassle-free, and the airport offers a wide selection of flights domestically and internationally that can make your journey even more delightful!
Generally, the Cozumel ferry is secure and reliable. However, in 2018, there were two incidents involving explosives that caused concern. Nevertheless, violent crime remains low in this vicinity.
To make your journey effortless, fly directly to Cozumel International Airport
The ferry ride from Cancun to Cozumel takes only 20 minutes.
Adults will be charged 250 MXC and kids 200 MXN for a ferry trip from Cozumel to Cancun.
No, you don’t need to book tickets for the Cozumel Ferry in advance. You can get them at the pier upon boarding
If you want to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, the fare for a taxi will cost approximately 700 MXN. Additionally, there is an additional fee of 250 MXN for the ferry ride.
Generally, Cozumel is safer than Cancun. Whether you’re visiting Cozumel or Cancun, safety should still be a priority. Certain precautions must be taken to ensure that your vacation goes off without any hitches. Unfortunate events can occur at any time and place, so it’s best always to remain vigilant and cautious of one’s surroundings.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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