The Yucatan’s Playa del Carmen is a bohemian, artsy town that attracts thousands of ex-pats and holidaymakers. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen.
Is there anyone who does not love the beach? The beach and sea are synonymous with holidays, rest, and relaxation. With this in mind, many people choose to spend their holidays in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Playa del Carmen is where people enjoy the water and covet outdoor activities. With the Caribbean Sea at its front door and Tulum’s ancient ruins and Xel-Ha’s located within minutes, Playa del Carmen is a world-class destination for adventure travel.
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Playa also offers something for shoppers with eclectic tastes—the 5th Avenue shopping district provides plenty of unique shops for picking up handmade art, clothing, and other items not found elsewhere in Quintana Roo.
Playa del Carmen is a city that has it all.
From pristine beaches to great food, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better place to spend your vacation. If you are planning your first trip to the Mexican Riviera Maya, then you definitely should plan on visiting this charming beach town.
Consider touring Xcaret Park and get Full-Day Admission with a Night Show & Lunch.
You can discover Mexican cultural traditions at underground rivers, swim and snorkel along coral reefs, or just relax on the beach.
So what are you waiting for?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and our Mexico transportation guide.
How far is Cozumel from Playa Del Carmen?
A distance of 11.8 miles or 19 kilometers separates Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. It usually takes less than an hour to get there.
Transportation Options from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ultramar Ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen | 45 minutes | USD 26 |
| Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Flight | 15 minutes | |
| Cargo Ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen | 1 hour | USD 300 to 400 |
Getting to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
1. Ultramar Ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen
Journey Duration: 45 minutes
The island Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen are separated by water. And yes, that is right, you do have to take a ferry to reach Playa Del Carmen. Taking the ferry from Cozumel to Playa is a breeze since ferries run almost every hour.
Playa del Carmen has become the primary connecting point between Cozumel and the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Cozumel is 45 minutes away from the island, and tens of thousands of tourists and locals take the ride every day.
At a very affordable price, Ultramar ferries offer comfortable transportation. Daily services assure safe transportation to your destination. Booking your transport from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen has never been easier!
In downtown Cozumel, across from Palmeras Restaurant, is the ferry terminal located on the extension of Av Lic Benito Juarez.
Since it’s such a short distance, this is the best option to take to reach your vacation spot!
- 07:00 AM to 07:45 AM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 09:00 AM to 09:45 AM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 01:00 PM to 01:45 PM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 04:00 PM to 04:45 PM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 06:00 PM to 06:45 PM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 07:00 PM to 07:45 PM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
- 09:00 PM to 09:45 PM: Ferry to Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel
Total price: USD 26
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Flight
Journey Duration: 15 minutes
Getting from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen by air is the fastest method of transportation.
Traveling between the two is a breeze, but don’t forget to factor in the time it takes to travel to and from the airports at the departure and destination, as well as the time to check-in, go through immigration, and wait for luggage.
Although this will surely be an unforgettable trip, it is probably too extravagant for such a short distance.
3. Cargo Ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen
Journey Duration: 1 hour
You will enjoy a hassle-free trip with your own car, no matter where you are traveling. If this is the case, and you are planning to take that car with you to Playa Del Carmen, it is necessary to take the vehicle ferry.
There is one daily car ferry trip from Cozumel to Calica, which is just south of Playa del Carmen. The trip takes around one hour.
Having a car on the island of Cozumel is convenient and offers lots of opportunities. The only issue is that taking your car off the island is expensive.
The cost of car ferries is usually USD 300-USD 400 for one-way tickets, so consider if it’s worth taking it with you, or is it just better to rent a car once arriving at Playa Del Carmen.
After all, you might be better off finding a rental once you arrive at your vacation spot!
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, 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 Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a car ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
Vehicle ferries are operated between Cozumel and Calica, just south of Playa del Carmen on the mainland, by Transcaribe and Ultramar Carga.
What is the best month to go to Cozumel?
March to June are the most pleasant months to visit Cozumel. Highs are around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and mid-70s at night. Plus, there are tons of activities to enjoy then. Temperatures in the winter range between the upper 60s and the lower 80s, so it is best to pack layers.
Is Cozumel more expensive than Playa del Carmen?
Even though both areas have great things to do, you will find that Cozumel is much more expensive than the other. Taking extra cash with you to Cozumel is a good idea if you plan to eat out a lot.
