How to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel, Mexico (4 Easy Ways)

You can get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel by ferry + ADO Bus, private transfer, taxi, rental car, or flight.

The cheapest option is to travel 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 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 gained a fair bit of knowledge about 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, ensuring your trip is enjoyable and hassle-free!

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all Mexico transportation options:

How far is Cozumel from Cancun Airport?

The distance fromCancun 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

Journey Duration: 3-4 hours

The first and best way is by ADO coach bus and Ultramar Ferry!

We recommend booking this one-ticket deal, which includes all the transportation methods at 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 airport’s three terminals.

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 covering 8 miles.

ADO Bus + Ferry Schedule:

The table below displays the ADO bus + ferry timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
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

2. Private Transfer/Taxi + Ferry

Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes

The second option for traveling is to take a private transfer service to Playa Del Carmen and then take 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, and it 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 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:

The table below displays the Ultramar Ferry timetable for trips from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
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

3. Flights

Journey Duration: 20 minutes

Flights Cancun offers daily flights utilizing a single-engine Cessna 208 light aircraft. The journey takes a mere 20 minutes, and fares begin 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, starting at $323, can be more economical, especially when traveling with a group of five, compared to the shared flight option.

4. Rental Car + Ferry

Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes

Since Cozumel is an island, driving your car there is impossible. So instead, if you travel to Cozumel by car, you must 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 recommend the car only if you plan to visit other places in the Yucatan Peninsula besides Cozumel. If not, this option might not be convenient.

If you drive your car to Playa Del Carmen, you will need to pay for parking since you can’t take 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

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Frequently Asked Questions