You can travel from Cancun Airport to Cozumel by ferry + bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Cozumel is a small island off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich cultural history!
Tourists and divers flock to Cozumel for its world-class diving sites, including the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.
Visit Cozumel’s paradisiacal beach, El Cielo, and its turquoise-colored waves by booking a guided day tour! Snorkel at one of the most well-known dive sites in the world to get up close to the marine life and enormous corals of Palancar Reef!
In addition to its beautiful beaches and underwater adventures, Cozumel is also home to ancient Maya ruins and temples. Visitors can explore the island’s rich cultural history and learn more about the Maya civilization that called Cozumel home for centuries!
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, go snorkeling or diving, or explore the island’s cultural heritage, Cozumel has something for everyone. So if you’re seeking a tropical getaway that offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture, Cozumel is the perfect destination!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cancun Airport to Cozumel.
Distance from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
The distance from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is about 100.8 kilometers or 62.6 miles by car and ferry boat.
It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to travel by car and ferry boat from Cancun Airport to Cozumel.
Transportation Options from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun Airport to Cozumel:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel | 3-4 hours | USD 38 |
| Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel | 2 hours 45 minutes | USD 101 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel | 2 hours 45 minutes | USD 114-USD 171 |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel | 2 hours 45 minutes | – |
Getting to Cozumel from Cancun Airport
1. ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
Travel time: 3-4 hours
With the ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry combined ticket, you can easily travel from Cancun Airport to Cozumel at a very reasonable price!
Booking this one-ticket deal will make the trip from Cancun Airport to Cozumel cost-effective and ease the process of booking all your transportation.
These tickets include bus transportation from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen port, where you must take the ferry to Cozumel, and the ferry trip to Cozumel! And the price for one ticket is only USD 38!
The first part of your trip is operated by ADO, which provides public bus services connecting Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. The bus leaves from each of the three terminals at the Cancun Airport.
The bus will drop you off at Playa del Carmen bus station, only three blocks from the ferry terminal.
Once there, all you have to do is board the ferry for Cozumel. A 40-minute ferry boat ride covers the 8-mile journey from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel! And in total, the whole trip can last between 3 and 4 hours, depending on which bus and ferry you book.
Although you can purchase these tickets at the airport, purchasing them online will save you money and time!
So check out the schedules and book the best ticket deal from Cancun Airport to Cozumel here!
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Another option to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is by getting on one of the frequent airport shuttles to Playa del Carmen and then transferring to the Ultramar ferries to Cozumel.
Cancun Airport offers many transportation options to almost anywhere in Mexico, and Playa del Carmen is also one of those places!
There are various frequently available shared shuttles going from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen daily, so no matter when you land, you can catch one and head straight to Cozumel!
One ticket on these shared van shuttles costs USD 75, but remember that the ferry trip to Cozumel is not included in this price. You would have to get that separately for an additional USD 26.
To get more info on the first part of your trip and check out the shuttle schedules, you should read our detailed guide on how to get from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen!
And after you’ve completed the 2-hour road trip to the port in Playa del Carmen, all you have to do to get to Cozumel is to hop on a ferry!
Ultramar ferries provide fast and affordable service. So, you’ll find yourself in Cozumel in 40 minutes! To find out about your ferry trip and ferry schedules from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel- check out our detailed guide!
You can get your ferry tickets at the port, but we recommend booking them online and avoiding waiting in line!
3. Private Transfer + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Booking a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen and then changing to the Ultramar Ferry is another fantastic alternative for getting to Cozumel.
These private transports are very professionally conducted and operate similarly to a taxi. For example, when you book a private transfer from the airport, a driver will be waiting for you upon arrival and will take you to your final destination.
This is one of the quickest options, making it easier for you to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel.
Since private transfers are more expensive, this option best suits people traveling in groups or families. Booking a private transfer will cost almost equal to taking a bus after the cost is split among the passengers.
When you get to Playa Del Carmen, ask the driver to leave you off at the ferry dock so you can board the next ferry to Cozumel.
Here, you can purchase a separate ferry ticket at the terminal, which costs only USD 26! The ferries operate regularly, so you won’t have to worry about being late for your trip.
However, we recommend booking everything in advance and traveling hassle-free from Cancun Airport to Cozumel!
Prices for a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 74
- 8-10 passengers: USD 88
- 11-16 passengers: USD 145
4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes
And lastly, you can rent a car to travel from Cancun Airport to Cozumel!
Because Cozumel is an island, you can’t drive all the way there. The alternative is to drive to Playa del Carmen, park your car there, and then take a boat to Cozumel.
When you arrive at Cancun Airport, you will discover many car rental agencies where you may find some great and inexpensive prices on various vehicles. Then you can get your car and travel straight to Playa Del Carmen!
This is one of the quickest methods to travel from Cancun Airport to Cozumel, and you won’t have to hurry or be constrained by public transportation schedules.
However, we only advise renting a car if you intend to travel beyond Cozumel to other locations on the Yucatan Peninsula- this way, a car rental will be worth it!
Since you cannot take your vehicle on the ferry to Cozumel, you will have to pay for parking once you arrive at Playa Del Carmen.
However, if you want to return to Playa Del Carmen quickly and continue your vacation, this may be the best option if you intend to explore the area!
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
Best day tours in Cozumel, Mexico
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Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Cozumel, Mexico!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel?
The cheapest option from Cancun Airport to Cozumel is the ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry ticket deal, which costs 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 rent a car or arrange a private transfer for the first part of your trip and then get on the ferry. The whole trip lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes in total!
Which means of transport are commonly used to travel from Cancun Airport to Cozumel?
The ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry deal is the top choice for travelers from Cancun Airport to Cozumel!
How much is the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
Ferry tickets from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel cost only USD 26!
How long is the ferry trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
It takes about 40 minutes for the ferry boats to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
What is the distance from Cancun Airport and the Playa Del Carmen ferry terminal?
56.6 kilometers, or 35 miles, separate the Cancun Airport from the Playa Del Carmen ferry station, where you must board the ferry to Cozumel.
Can I take a ferry from Cancun to Cozumel?
A direct ferry service from Cancun to Cozumel is not available. All Cancun boat services go only to Isla Mujeres.
Can I take my car to Cozumel?
Vehicles from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel cannot be taken on the regular ferry boats. Those who want to take their car to Cozumel must travel south to Puerto de Punta Venado – Calica, where the cargo ferries are located.
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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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