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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 (345 MXN) and takes 1h 45m - 1h 55m. A shared minivan costs more, and a private transfer more again.
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.
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 (345 MXN).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Cozumel→Playa del Carmen45m
- Cozumel→Playa del Carmen1h 10m
- Playa del Carmen (any hotel')→Cancun (any hotel)1h 30m
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Cozumel to Cancun by Ferry + Bus/Colectivo
Step 1: Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
- 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.
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
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
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.
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 $11 (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
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.
Cozumel to Cancun by Shared Minivan + Ferry
A combined minivan and ferry transfer from Cozumel to Cancun Airport costs around $39 (680 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
Shared Minivan + Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 (3,570 MXN) transfer, including ferry tickets. Split the cost, and it's about $71 (1,250 MXN) per person. The journey takes around 2h 20m - 2h 50m.
Private Transfer (Combined Booking) tickets are available on Bookaway.
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
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 (240 MXN).
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 2: Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport
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 (1,010 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.
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 $15 (265 MXN) and $9.20 (160 MXN), respectively.
Check out our page on Playa del Carmen to Cancun for more details.
Cancun to Cozumel
Our favourite places to stay in Cancun
Here are our favourite places to stay in Cancun for every budget.
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 per night
Mid-RangeViento 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 per night
BudgetYellow 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 per night
BudgetEstancia 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 per night
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 (345 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 345 MXN.
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.
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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.
