How to Get From Cancun to Cozumel
Ferry · Minivan · Private · Private Transport + Ferry (Separate Bookings)
%2Cpin-s-b%2B8B4513(-86.94843164%2C20.51176402)%2F-86.9023843575%2C20.806672185%2C8%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 100 kilometre (62 miles) distance from Cancun to Cozumel. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Cozumel as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Cancun to Cozumel?
There are four ways to travel the 100 km distance from Cancun to Cozumel. You can choose between the ferry, minivan, private, and private transport + ferry (separate bookings).
The journey takes between 1h 20m–2h 20m and the quickest way is by private transport + ferry (separate bookings) (1h 20m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 115 MXN ($6.70).
1h 45m - 1h 55m
280 MXN ($16)
2h 20m - 3h
115 MXN ($6.70)
2h 20m - 2h 50m
3,520 MXN ($205)
1h 20m - 2h 15m
1,230 MXN ($71)
Cancun to Cozumel by Ferry + Bus or Colectivo
To get from Cancun to Cozumel, you first need to travel by land to Playa del Carmen. This takes a little over an hour. You can take a bus or a local microbus, also known as a colectivo.
Once in Playa del Carmen, head to the ferry pier and board a boat to Cozumel. The ferry ride takes around 45 minutes.
Step 1: Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Buses are more comfortable but slightly more expensive. Colectivos are cheaper but have limited legroom and no space for bulky luggage.
Option 1: Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Bus
The bus company operating between Cancún and Playa del Carmen is ADO, known for its comfortable first-class buses with air conditioning and reclining seats.
Departures to Playa del Carmen are frequent and the ride takes around 1h 5m - 1h 30m. Ticket prices start from 90 MXN ($5.20).
Ready to book your bus?
Booking Tip
All buses depart from ADO Bus Station, within walking distance from most hotels in downtown Cancun. If you're staying in the Hotel Zone, you can take a taxi to the bus station, with fares starting from 200 MXN ($12). Buses are also available — lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 should take you to the bus station for around 12 MXN ($0.70).
There are two bus stations in downtown Playa del Carmen — Turistica and Alterna. When booking, make sure to select Turistica as your arrival point. This terminal is just one block from the main ferry terminal, where you'll board the ferry to Cozumel. Alterna is located farther away.
Option 2: Cancun to Playa del Carmen by Colectivo
Colectivos are the cheapest way to travel from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. But since they are mostly used by local workers and not by tourists, they have limited space for luggage. This makes them a good option only if you're travelling light.
The average colectivo rate to Playa del Carmen is 45 MXN ($2.60), but prices can increase during peak season (December to April).
Two companies operate colectivos on this route: Playa Express and Colectivos Foraneos. Each has its own departure area, located across the street from each other in downtown Cancún. Both are near the ADO Bus Station.
Colectivos will drop you off at the Playa Express Bus Stop, about 1.5 km from the ferry terminal. That's farther away compared to the last stop for the bus. For more details, you can visit our guide for Cancun to Playa del Carmen.
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
Passenger ferries to Cozumel depart from Playa del Carmen’s ferry port, at the end of Fifth Avenue, the town’s main street. It’s within the city centre and just a few minutes walk from Turistica Bus Station. It's best to arrive at the pier 30 minutes before your desired departure time.
The ferry service is provided by three companies: Ultramar, Winjet and Xcaret Ferry. They all offer similar services with large, stable boats that help minimise seasickness.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel ferry prices start from 240 MXN ($14). Note that you'll need to pay a separate port tax at the pier counter, which costs around 21 MXN ($1.20).
Which ferry company to take?
All ferries have comfortable seats and toilets. You can choose to sit inside with air conditioning or outside to enjoy the sea breeze and views.
- Winjet offers the cheapest ferry prices while still providing good service. If you are looking for the most budget-friendly way to get to Cozumel, this is the best choice.
- Ultramar is a larger company that operates multiple routes within the Riviera Maya. Its ferries are comfortable and reliable, with slightly higher prices than Winjet.
- Xcaret Ferry is the most expensive option but offers a more premium experience. Its ferries are modern and clean, and tickets include free access to the observation tower, Torre Escénica del Embarcadero de Cancún.
Ready to book your ferry?
Booking Tip
Book your tickets online beforehand so you won’t have to queue at the ferry pier. If you prefer to buy your tickets at the port, be aware that there are many travel agencies around that overcharge tourists. To avoid paying extra, get your tickets directly from the ferry companies’ ticket offices.There are two ferry terminals in Cozumel. You will be dropped off at Cozumel’s Ferry Port in the town centre. The other dock, Punta Langosta Cruise Pier, is used only for cruise ships. Many accommodations are within walking distance of the main Cozumel Ferry Dock. To get around the island, the best options are renting a bike, golf cart or car. Taxis are also available, with fares starting from 150 MXN ($8.70) within the city centre. Check out our guide for Playa del Carmen to Cozumel for more details.
Cancun to Cozumel by Shared Minivan + Ferry
If you’re coming from Cancun Airport, you can book a shared minivan service that includes a ferry ticket to Cozumel.
The combined rides cost around 115 MXN ($6.70) and take about 2h 20m - 3h.
There are two companies running this route: Chiquila Holbox Extreme and BD Experience Mexico.
Chiquila Holbox Extreme is the cheaper option, dropping you off at the Ultramar Ferry Terminal in Cozumel.
BD Experience Mexico is pricier, but takes you directly to your hotel in Cozumel after the ferry ride, saving you the hassle of arranging transport from the port.
Minivan schedule from Cancun to Cozumel
Cancun to Cozumel by Private Transfer (Combined Booking)
Travelling in a group and heading straight to Cozumel after arriving at Cancun International Airport? The easiest way is to book a combined private transfer and public ferry in one go. This way, everything is arranged for you, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no extra transfers needed.
Prices for private transfer start at 3,520 MXN ($205) Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,230 MXN ($71) each.
BD Experience Mexico is operating the Cancun to Cozumel route. The journey takes 2h 20m - 2h 50m.
Ready to book your private transport?
Cancun to Cozumel by Private Transport + Ferry (Separate Bookings)
Step 1: Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
The fastest and most convenient way to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen is by private transfer, which takes between 1h 20m - 2h 15m.
On BookAway, you can get a 6-seater car from 990 MXN ($58). If you're travelling in a group and split the cost, a private transfer can be cheaper than taking the bus.
Ready to book your private transport?
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
Note that the private transfer is only from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. You will still take a shared ferry to Cozumel. The ferry journey takes 35-45m.
Ticket prices vary by ferry company but start from 240 MXN ($14).
Ready to book your ferry?
Booking Tip
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun 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 YOUR DESTINATION
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.
How We Research
Every route on Gecko Routes is independently researched and regularly verified.
500+
ROUTES RESEARCHED
Every route is personally travelled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.
Monthly
UPDATES
Routes are reviewed on a regular cycle to catch schedule changes, new operators, and price updates. Every guide shows when it was last verified.
Verified
BY TRAVELLERS
Tips and corrections from our community of travellers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.
About the Authors
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.
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.
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.
Reader Comments
No comments yet — be the first to share your experience!