You can get from Cozumel to Cancun by ferry + bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option to travel from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is by ferry + ADO bus, which costs USD 28. The journey takes a bit over 2.5 hours and you’ll need to board the bus in Playa del Carmen.
The most popular option is also the ferry + ADO bus since it offers two modes of transportation for one affordable price!
The fastest way to travel to Cancun from Cozumel is by ferry + private transfer, taxi, or rental car. This way, the trip takes only 2 hours.
From my travels in Mexico, I’ve learned a bunch about navigating the country with ease. So, I’m going to share my experience with you!
In this article, you’ll find various travel solutions and some practical advice to make your trip from Cozumel to Cancun pleasant and stress-free.
How far is Cancun from Cozumel?
The distance from Cozumel to Cancun is 54.8 miles or 88 kilometers. However, to get from Isla Cozumel, you must cross the first 20 kilometers by ferry to Playa del Carmen, and take a 68-kilometer road trip to Cancun after.
Transportation Options from Cozumel to Cancun
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cozumel to Cancun:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + ADO Bus from Cozumel to Cancun | 2.5 hrs | $28 |
| Ferry + Shuttle from Cozumel to Cancun | ~2 hrs | $37 |
| Cozumel to Cancun Ferry + Private Transfer | ~2 hrs | $100 to 171 |
| Ferry + Taxi from Cozumel to Cancun | ~2 hrs | ~$76 |
| Ferry + Rental Car | ~2 hrs | – |
Getting to Cancun from Cozumel
1. Ferry + Coach Bus from Cozumel to Cancun
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
To travel from Cozumel to Cancun, you must first take a ferry to Playa del Carmen before making a short road trip to Cancun.
Therefore, the cheapest and most practical way to get from Cozumel to Cancun is by combining the Ultramar Ferry with the ADO Coach Bus!
We advise getting this one-ticket bundle that covers both transportation modes from Cozumel to Cancun for just USD 28!
The ticket cost covers the ferry ride from the island and the ADO bus trip from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun! You don’t have to purchase both tickets separately, which is convenient!
From Cozumel, you will reach the port in Playa del Carmen after a 45-minute ride on the Ultramar ferry. Then, you’ll catch a bus in Playa del Carmen to get to Cancun.
ADO’s coach buses, which offer all the amenities for a convenient and comfortable ride, are used to plan and complete the road trip from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
Because this is a popular choice, I recommend purchasing your ticket online for the best deal!
Cozumel to Cancun Ultramar Ferry + ADO Bus Schedule
The table below displays the Ultramar ferry + ADO bus timetable for trips from Cozumel to Cancun, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00am | 09:40am | 2h 40m | $28 |   |
| 08:00am | 10:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 09:00am | 11:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 10:00am | 12:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 11:00am | 01:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 12:00pm | 02:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 01:00pm | 03:20pm | 2h 20m | $28 | |
| 04:00pm | 06:35pm | 2h 35m | $28 | |
| 05:00pm | 07:20pm | 2h 20m | $28 | |
| 06:00pm | 08:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 07:00pm | 09:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 09:00pm | 11:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
2. Ferry + Shared Shuttle from Cozumel to Cancun
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
You can also take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and continue your trip to Cancun on a shared van shuttle!
However, when choosing this option, you must get your tickets for both transportation modes separately.
The Ultramar ferry tickets cost USD 23, and the trip takes about 45 minutes. There are frequent ferry departures, so you can board one anytime.
You can check out the schedule here and book your tickets online!
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ultramar Ferry Schedule
The table below displays the Ultramar ferry timetable for trips from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
After arriving in Playa del Carmen by ferry, you can get on a shared van shuttle and get to Cancun in about 1 hour!
This shuttle carries fewer passengers and arrives faster than the bus. Ticket prices are also very reasonable – the cheapest is just USD 14!
A shuttle service frequently runs from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, making it a convenient and accessible mode of transportation!
3. Ferry + Private Transfer from Cozumel to Cancun
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Taking a ferry and private transfer is another option from Cozumel to Cancun!
You will first have to take a ferry boat from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and travel for 45 minutes. Then, for an additional 45 minutes, you can get from Playa del Carmen to Cancun by booking a private transfer!
This option will take you roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
When you reserve a private transfer, you pay for the entire vehicle. Therefore, the bigger your traveling group, the better!
You can reserve and pick from various private vehicles for different groups that are quite reasonably priced once you divide the cost.
It’s a good idea to arrange your private transfer in advance and try to time it to coordinate with the boat schedule so you can depart for Cancun as soon as you get to the port.
You will also need to buy the ferry tickets individually because they are not included in the price of the private vehicle. Therefore, get your tickets online in advance to avoid the long line at the port!
Prices for a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 74
- 8-10 passengers: USD 88
- 11-16 passengers: USD 145
Do you need help arranging your transportation?
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4. Ferry + Rental Car from Cozumel to Cancun
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
And lastly, you can also get a rental car to travel from Cozumel to Cancun!
But since Cozumel is an island, you must rent a car in Playa del Carmen. So first, you must take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
Here, you can find many affordable car rental options and pick the one for you!
Playa del Carmen and Cancun are connected via Highway 307. Although it isn’t a major highway, the road is well-maintained and enjoyable, especially in a small car!
So, to get the best deals, research and book a rental car ahead of time! Of course, you can also purchase your boat tickets online to skip the pier line.
5. Ferry + Taxi from Cozumel to Cancun
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
After taking the boat from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, you can take a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun. However, we recommend negotiating over the cost in advance if you decide to take this option.
The trip should cost no more than USD 50, or maybe even less because the trip takes only about 45 minutes. Knowing this will help you avoid being taken advantage of.
Ask a local or a hotel for a recommendation if you need help deciding which taxi company to use.
To assure safety, comfort, and convenience, booking a private shuttle is the smartest decision you can make instead of taking a cab!
Best day tours in Cancun, Mexico
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.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Cancun, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?
The cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun is by booking a combined Ultramar Ferry + ADO Coach Bus ticket, which costs only USD 28!
What is the fastest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?
The fastest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun is by ferry and car. This way, the whole trip lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Can you take a ferry from Cozumel to Cancun?
There is no direct ferry service between Cancun and Cozumel.
How long is the ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The ferry trip from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen lasts 45 minutes.
How much is a ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
One Ultramar ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen costs USD 26.
What is the distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is 68 kilometers or 42.3 miles.
More Routes from Cozumel, Mexico
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.