You can travel from Tulum to Isla Mujeres by ferry + bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Isla Mujeres is a small tropical island just across the Bahia de Mujeres, known for its beautiful white sand beaches, calm crystal clear turquoise waters, and friendly locals!
Isla Mujeres, one of Mexico’s most stunning locations, is now a popular vacation spot for people who wish to unwind and take in the Caribbean Sea.
Nautical lovers will adore the crystal clear waters and vast coral reefs, making this a fantastic place to learn to dive. And culture buffs will be delighted by the Mexican cuisine and music on Isla Mujeres.
The island is a world away from the hustle and bustle of mainland Mexico, making it an ideal retreat for travelers looking for relaxation amid natural beauty!
This tranquil Mexican jewel is just across from Cancun, so you can easily make day trips to explore this special island paradise!
And to remember your journey to paradise – we recommend booking this Guided Tour of Isla Mujeres: Catamaran with Snorkel, Open Bar, and Transfer!
Take this guided tour to Isla Mujeres, where you can go snorkeling and enjoy its gorgeous beaches, and have the transfer to the gorgeous island included in the price!
After leaving the harbor to go to Ila Mujeres, you will stop near a thriving coral reef to go snorkeling. Your boat’s guides will give you all the gear you need and show you the best reef locations!
Set sail for Isla Mujeres once more to enjoy the fine white sand of Playa Norte beach, which is flanked by palm trees. After taking it easy in the sun, you will visit Isla Mujeres’ historic downtown, a favorite among residents.
It will definitely be a day to remember! So, book now and get ready to enjoy your Isla Mujeres adventure!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Tulum to Isla Mujeres.
Distance from Tulum to Isla Mujeres
The distance from Tulum to Isla Mujeres is about 148 kilometers or 92 miles.
It takes about 3 hours to travel by car and ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres via Cancun.
Transportation Options from Tulum to Isla Mujeres
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tulum to Isla Mujeres:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ultramar Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres | 4-5 hours | USD 34 |
| Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres | ~4 hours | USD |
| Private Transfer + Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres | ~3 hours | USD |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres | ~3 hours |
Getting to Isla Mujeres from Tulum
1. ADO Bus + Ultramar Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres
Travel time: 4-5 hours
Since Isla Mujeres is an island just miles away from Cancun, traveling from Tulum to the island requires traveling on land and by ferry.
This might seem like a big hassle when you think about organizing and aligning schedules. But we’ve got you covered! We recommend booking this combined ADO Bus+ Ultramar Ferry ticket for one price!
Don’t waste time and energy trying to plan, coordinate timetables, and reserve each mode of transportation individually. You can book one ticket, which includes the bus trip from Tulum to the port and the ferry ride to Isla Mujeres!
A coach bus is the most excellent option if you’re looking to travel on a budget. And ADO, the Mexican public transportation company, offers this solution for a leisurely road trip.
You don’t need to worry about your travel because the bus schedule is coordinated with the boat departure times. Once you reach the port, you just need to hop on the Ultramar ferry and you’ll reach Isla Mujeres in no time!
Choose the best option from the many fares that depart at various times throughout the day! This is a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel from Tulum to Isla Mujeres.
The entire journey costs only USD 34 and takes 4-5 hours, including transfers.
So, look at the schedules today and make a reservation to ensure you get a seat!
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres
Travel time: ~4 hours
Alternatively, you can take a shared van shuttle from Tulum to Puerto Juarez port, where you can board the ferry to get to Isla Mujeres.
Given that the distance between Tulum and Isla Mujeres is only 92 miles, you can make your trip enjoyable and convenient by selecting a shared shuttle for the first part of your trip.
Although a shuttle ticket is slightly more expensive than a regular bus ticket, the extra money is justified by the comfort you’ll experience.
However, this option does not include the ferry ride in the initial price of the shared shuttle ticket. But ferry tickets are very affordable, costing USD 9-USD 14, and you can book your spot here!
It will take you around 2 hours to travel by shared shuttle from Tulum to Puerto Juarez. Then, all you have to do is board one of the Ultramar ferries to Isla Mujeres and reach the island in about 25 minutes!
3. Private Transfer + Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres
Travel time: ~3 hours
If you’re going on a trip from Tulum to Isla Mujeres with a group, we suggest planning a journey with a private transfer for a great deal!
You may unwind, take it easy, and enjoy a safe and comfortable ride to Isla Mujeres with a professional private driver in your own vehicle!
Private transportation will take you from Tulum to the port of Puerto Juarez much more quickly than a bus, and the journey will only take you around two hours! In addition, this option allows you flexibility, comfort, tons of luggage space, and a much faster trip!
Your driver will take you and drop you off at the port so you can board the ferry to Isla Mujeres.
The only thing you need to remember is that you must purchase separate tickets for the ferry and the road trip and manage your own travel itinerary when you choose this option.
Ferries frequently run, departing every 30 minutes between 5:00 AM and 11:30 PM. A ferry ticket to Isla Mujeres costs between USD 9 and USD 14, and the trip takes about 25 minutes.
You can also reserve your ferry tickets to Isla Mujeres in advance and skip all the lines at the port!
Prices for a private transfer from Tulum to Isla Mujeres (Port)
- Up to 10 passengers (Comfort Minivan): USD 70
- Up to 10 passengers (Comfort Minivan): USD 85
- Up to 4 passengers (Standard Car): USD 76
- Up to 10 passengers (Shuttle Minivan): USD 95
- Up to 4 Passengers (Standard Car): USD 101
- Up to 5 passengers (SUV Car): USD 109
- Up to 5 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 138
- Up to 8 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 155
- Up to 7 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 236
4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Tulum to Isla Mujeres
Travel time: ~3 hours
Lastly, you can reach Isla Mujeres from Tulum in about 3 hours by renting a car and taking the ferry!
Those who would rather drive themselves to the Puerto Juarez port rather than hire a driver can rent a car in Tulum. Renting a car to get to Isla Mujeres allows you to be more independent and organize your own travel itinerary.
In Tulum, you will find many car rental companies that offer excellent deals, and then continue to Cancun’s Puerto Juarez to catch the next ferry to Isla Mujeres!
However, make sure you check the ferry schedules in advance and arrive at the port on time. But also, this shouldn’t be a problem because Ultramar ferries run daily and frequently from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
While you can take your car with you, we recommend leaving it at the port and exploring the island by golf cart.
Even if you include the ferry ticket prices, this is one of the more affordable ways to get from Tulum to Isla Mujeres!
We recommend you make a reservation for your car in advance!
Best day tours in Isla Mujeres, Mexico
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Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Isla Mujeres, Mexico!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Tulum to Isla Mujeres?
The cheapest option from Tulum to Isla Mujeres is the ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry combo ticket, which costs only USD 34!
What is the fastest way to get from Tulum to Isla Mujeres?
The fastest way to get from Tulum to Isla Mujeres is by car and ferry. You can get a car rental or hire a private transfer to get from Tulum to Puerto Juarez and continue the rest of the journey to Isla Mujeres by ferry!
How long is the ferry ride to Isla Mujeres?
The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres takes about 25 minutes.
Does a public bus run between Tulum and Isla Mujeres?
Unfortunately, there is no direct connection between Tulum and Isla Mujeres. To travel to Isla Mujeres, you must first take a bus from Tulum to Cancun, go to Cancun Terminal, hop on a bus or walk to the ferry terminal, and then take the boat to Isla Mujeres.
Is there an airport in Isla Mujeres?
Isla Mujeres doesn’t have an airport. Cancun International Airport, which is 22 miles or 36.1 kilometers from Isla Mujeres, is the closest one.
How much is the ferry to Isla Mujeres?
There are different ferry tickets, but they range from USD 9 to USD 14.
More Routes from Tulum
Author: AnaMarija Mishachkovska
AnaMarija is a devoted SEO travel writer with deep expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand. Experience: AnaMarija's academic journey commenced with pursuing a bachelor's degree at AUE FON University in Macedonia. Subsequently, she immersed herself in the realm of travel writing, specializing in creating comprehensive transportation guides for diverse regions in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Since 2021, AnaMarija has been employed as a travel writer with expertise in transportation at Universal Traveller. Furthermore, in 2022, she expanded her horizons by becoming a travel writer for Guatemala Transport Service and Mexico Transport Service. Since 2023, AnaMarija has been actively sharing her extensive knowledge in Thailand transportation as a contributor to Bangkok Insiders. Expertise: AnaMarija holds profound expertise in transportation across various countries, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Thailand. Her comprehensive knowledge enables her to navigate the most efficient routes effortlessly, while her writing style ensures that this valuable information is easily understandable and readily accessible online. Education: AnaMarija's educational background includes studies in Design and Multimedia at AUE FON University in Macedonia. To augment her academic foundation, she pursued online courses in Search Engine Optimization…
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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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