You can get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel by ferry + ADO Bus, private transfer, taxi, rental car or flight.
The cheapest option to travel from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is by ADO Bus + Ferry, which costs USD 38. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours and you’ll need to board the ferry in Playa del Carmen.
The most popular option is also the ADO Bus + Ferry, since it offers the most convenience.
The fastest way to travel to Cozumel from Cancun Airport is by Flight. Prices for these flights start at around USD 300, but vary depending on the season and booking time.
After journeying through Mexico on numerous occasions, I’ve picked up a fair bit of knowledge on navigating this vibrant region.
Now, I’m going to share all my practical tips and suggestions, and break down each transportation option to help you smoothly transition from Cancun Airport to Cozumel, ensuring your trip is nothing but enjoyable and hassle-free!
Transportation Options from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
The following table outlines all Mexico transportation options from Cancun Airport to Cozumel:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel | 3 to 4 hrs | $38 |
| Cancun Airport to Cozumel Private Transfer/Taxi + Ferry | 2.5 hrs | – |
| Cancun Airport to Cozumel Flight | 20 min | $323 to 775 |
| Cancun Airport to Cozumel Rental Car + Ferry | 2.5 hrs | – |
How far is Cozumel from Cancun Airport?
The distance from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is 62.6 miles or 100.8 kilometers. The journey takes 3-4 hours, including transfers.
Getting to Cozumel from Cancun Airport
1. Coach Bus + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
Journey Duration: 3-4 hours
We recommend booking this one-ticket deal that includes all the transportation methods to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel for an affordable price.
The ticket includes the bus ride from the airport to Playa Del Carmen, where you must catch the ferry to Cozumel, and the ferry trip. This is incredibly convenient if you’re traveling solo!
ADO operates a public bus service that runs directly between the Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen. The bus departs from each of the three terminals at the Cancun Airport.
The distance from the Playa Del Carmen bus station, where the bus will drop you off, is only three blocks from the ferry terminal.
After you arrive there, you need to catch the ferry to Cozumel. The crossing is a short 40-minute boat trip that covers a distance of 8 miles.
Cancun Airport to Cozumel ADO Bus + Ferry Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:55am | 10:55am | 3h | $38 |   |
| 08:40am | 11:40am | 3h | $38 | |
| 09:15am | 12:40pm | 3h 55m | $38 | |
| 10:15am | 01:40pm | 3h 55m | $38 | |
| 11:10am | 01:40pm | 2h 30m | $38 | |
| 12:00pm | 02:40pm | 2h 40 m | $38 | |
| 03:25pm | 06:40pm | 4h 5m | $38 | |
| 04:25pm | 07:40pm | 4h 5m | $38 | |
| 05:25pm | 08:40pm | 4h 5m | $38 | |
| 07:25pm | 10:40pm | 4h 5m | $38 | |
| 08:15pm | 10:40pm | 3h 53 | $38 | |
Universal Traveller recommends the following websites to plan & book your trip to Mexico
- Book your car rental through RentalCars
- Check & book all available transportation options on GuateGo
- Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to.
- Search hotels on booking.com and hostelword
- Don’t forget about travel insurance for your trip to Mexico!
2. Private Transfer/Taxi + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
The second option for traveling to Cozumel from Cancun Airport is taking a private transfer service to Playa Del Carmen and transferring to the ferry to Cozumel.
These private transfers are very professional and function similarly to a taxi with a car service or van. You can reserve the ride in advance, and a driver will be there to meet you when you arrive. Then, they will drive you directly to your destination from the Cancun Airport.
This is one of the fastest options, which also helps make your transfer from Cancun Airport to Cozumel a little smoother.
A private transfer or a reliable taxi company is recommended, especially if you’re traveling in a group! Once the cost is divided among the passengers, reserving a private transfer will cost about the same as taking a bus.
Then, once you arrive in Playa Del Carmen, you can ask the driver to drop you off at the ferry pier, where you can catch the next ferry to Cozumel.
Here, you will have to get your ferry ticket separately at the terminal, which costs only USD 23! The ferries frequently run, so you don’t have to worry about missing your trip.
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Ultramar Ferry Schedule:
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 08:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 10:00am | 10:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 11:00am | 11:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 12:00pm | 12:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 02:00pm | 02:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 05:00pm | 05:45 PM | 45m | $23 | |
| 08:00pm | 08:45 PM | 45m | $23 | |
| 10:00pm | 10:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
You can pre-book your private transfer and set it before you take off on your flight to Cancun Airport!
3. Cancun Airport to Cozumel Flights
Journey Duration: 20 minutes
Flights Cancun provides daily flights from Cancun Airport to Cozumel, utilizing a single-engine Cessna 208 light aircraft. The journey takes a mere 20 minutes, with fares beginning at $775 per passenger.
In addition, there’s an option to charter an entire aircraft that accommodates up to five passengers. Opting for a private flight can be more economical, starting at $323, especially when traveling with a group of five, compared to the shared flight option.
4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
And finally, you can get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel by renting a car!
Since Cozumel is an island, it’s impossible to drive your car there. So instead, if you choose to travel to Cozumel by car, you will need to travel to Playa del Carmen, park your vehicle there, and then board a ferry to Cozumel.
Once you arrive at Cancun Airport, you will find several car rental companies, where you can find fantastic and affordable deals on different vehicles. Then, you can pick up your vehicle and drive directly to Playa Del Carmen!
This way, you won’t have to rush or get tied to public transport schedules, although this is one of the fastest ways to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel!
However, we only recommend the car if you plan to visit other places besides Cozumel in the Yucatan Peninsula. If not, this option might not be so convenient.
You will need to pay for parking if you drive your car to Playa Del Carmen since you can’t get it on the ferry to Cozumel.
But if you plan to return to Playa Del Carmen faster and continue your journey, this might be the perfect option to explore on your own!
Best day tours in Cozumel, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cozumel, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to Cozumel from Cancun Airport?
The best way to travel from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is by bus to the Mexican city of Playa del Carmen. From there, you will have to travel by sea, via ferry to Cozumel, which is 8.5 miles away. You can get both tickets in one deal at an affordable price by booking online!
How long is the ferry ride to Cozumel?
The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, but Ultramar’s new luxury ferry can cover the distance in just 20 minutes depending on the weather, making traveling between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen more convenient.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is by booking the ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry ticket, which is a deal that covers your whole trip for only USD 38!
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel?
The fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is by car and ferry. You can either book a private transfer, get a taxi or rent a car to travel to Playa Del Carmen and then transfer to the Ultramar ferry.
What is the distance between Cancun Airport and the ferry terminal in Playa Del Carmen?
The distance between Cancun Airport and the ferry terminal in Playa Del Carmen, where you must catch the ferry to Cozumel, is 56.6 kilometers or 35 miles.
Can I catch a ferry directly to Cozumel from Cancun?
It is not possible to travel directly between Cancun and Cozumel by ferry. All Cancun ferry services run to Isla Mujeres only.
Can I take my car on the ferry to Cozumel?
Vehicles cannot be transported on the regular ferry between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Those who want to take their cars to Cozumel must drive further south to Puerto de Punta Venado – Calica.
Leave a comment