You can travel from Cancun to Cozumel by ferry + bus, private transfer, rental car, or plane. Check out our guide with all the important information.
With an abundance of pristine white sand beaches, unspoiled nature, and a rich Mayan history, Isla Cozumel is one of the most-recognized tropical destinations in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region!
With so much to do and see, there’s no doubt that Cozumel is a perfect island for your vacation. This slice of paradise is one of the top places in Mexico for scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach living. Its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life make it a spectacular dive site, with coral walls plunging to incredible depths!
And for those who prefer not to go underwater, your island vacation will provide excellent opportunities to experience tropical paradise! You can enjoy the island’s pristine, white-sand beaches and spend all day sipping cocktails in the sun!
Or, we have an even better solution! We recommend booking an Organized Cozumel Day Activity, like this luxurious catamaran tour that includes El Cielo, Palancar Reef, and a Beach Party with Food!
On this catamaran cruise to Cozumel’s El Cielo Beach and Palancar Reef, you may snorkel, swim, relax, have fun on the secluded beach, and have lunch with unlimited drinks.
Whatever your reason for going to Cozumel, we guarantee you’ll fall in love with it! So, book a tour today and enjoy Cozumel to the fullest!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cancun to Cozumel.
Distance from Cancun to Cozumel
The distance from Cancun to Cozumel is about 114 kilometers or 70.8 miles by car.
It takes around 2.5 hours to travel by car and ferry from Cancun to Cozumel.
Transportation Options from Cancun to Cozumel
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Cozumel,:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry from Cancun to Cozumel | 2 hours 40 minutes | USD 28 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry from Cancun to Cozumel | ~2 hours | USD 49-USD 115 (+Ferry) |
| Flight from Cancun to Cozumel | 20 minutes | USD 323-USD 775 |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun to Cozumel | ~2 hours | – |
Getting to Cozumel from Cancun
1. ADO Bus + Ferry from Cancun to Cozumel
Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes
To travel from Cancun to Cozumel, you must first make a short road trip to Playa del Carmen and then get on a ferry to the island.
The ADO coach bus combined with the Ultramar Ferry is the most economical way to get from Cancun to Cozumel!
We recommend purchasing this one-ticket package that costs only USD 28 and includes all modes of transportation from Cancun to Cozumel.
Both the ferry trip and the ADO bus transport from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen are included in the ticket price! This is incredibly convenient since you don’t have to get both tickets separately!
The road trip to Playa del Carmen is organized and done with ADO’s public buses, providing everything for a smooth and comfortable journey.
You will be dropped 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. The 8-mile passage takes a quick boat ride of around 45 minutes.
Buses and ferries frequently run, so you can travel by this method anytime.
Since this is a popular option, we recommend booking your ticket online to get a great deal!
2. Private Transfer + Ferry from Cancun to Cozumel
Travel time: ~2 hours
Taking a private transfer and ferry from Cancun to Cozumel is an additional option!
If you’d want to travel more quickly, a private vehicle will take you from Cancun to the port in Playa del Carmen in around 45 minutes. After that, it will take you an extra 45 minutes to travel to Cozumel by ferry!
In total, this option will take you roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, or a little over that, if you’re waiting for the next ferry.
Private transportation to Playa del Carmen is available from several Cancun travel companies. It’s a smart idea to plan the service in advance and make an effort to coordinate it with the ferry schedule, so you don’t have to wait long for a boat to depart.
Depending on how many individuals are in your group, a private transfer starts at about USD 50. So, this is an excellent choice if you’re traveling with your family.
Although renting a private vehicle is more expensive, this may be the most affordable option once splitting the cost among the group. Additionally, this choice is faster and more practical than the bus!
However, keep in mind that the cost of the private vehicle does not include the cost of the ferry tickets, so you will need to purchase them separately. One ferry ticket costs USD 10.
Therefore, we recommend getting your ferry tickets online in advance to avoid the lengthy line at the port!
Prices for a private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
- Up to 4 passengers (Standard Car): USD 49
- Up to 6 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 52
- Up to 5 passengers (SUV Car): USD 73
- Up to 10 passengers (Shuttle Minivan): USD 54
- Up to 10 passengers (Comfort Minivan): USD 51
- Up to 5 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 100
- Up to 5 passengers (SUV Car): USD 115
- Up to 16 passengers (Standard Minivan): USD 115
Do you need help arranging your private transfer from Cancun to Cozumel?
Fill out the form below, and one of our Mexico experts will contact you! We can also organize your transport in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia!
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3. Flight from Cancun to Cozumel
Travel time: 20 minutes
Most of you might be unaware of this, but the island of Cozumel is actually served by a small airport called Cozumel International Airport.
You can therefore take a flight from Cancun to Cozumel if you’d like to travel quickly and directly to the island!
There are a few cities in the United States and Mexico where you can get direct private flights to Cozumel, including Cancun. Although this mode of transportation is significantly more expensive than other alternatives, the luxury, comfort, and speed of the trip more than make up for it!
Flights Cancun operates these private planes to Cozumel, and you can find private flights that transport smaller groups of passengers starting from about USD 300.
These private planes from Cancun to Cozumel hold up to 16 people and take 20 minutes to arrive!
From our experience, Skyscanner usually shows the best deals. Alternatively, you can book a flight from Cancun to Cozumel on Bookaway.
Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner
4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun to Cozumel
Travel time: ~2 hours
And lastly, you can also get a rental car to travel from Cancun to Cozumel!
But since Cozumel is an island, you can’t actually drive there. So first, you must drive to Playa del Carmen, then park your vehicle there, and take a ferry to Cozumel.
However, we only advise renting a car if you intend to travel beyond Cozumel to other areas of the Yucatan Peninsula; otherwise, it’s best to choose the private shuttle!
You won’t be able to take the rental car to Cozumel, and you don’t really need to, so if you drive to Playa del Carmen, you’ll have to pay to park. Typically, parking costs USD 15 per day.
But if, for some reason you wish to take a car with you to Cozumel, you must travel a little further south to Puerto de Punta Venado – Calica, a trip that takes around 15 minutes. This is the only place where cargo ferries depart to Cozumel.
Highway 307 connects Cancun with Playa del Carmen. It’s not a major highway, but rather a well-kept route that is enjoyable to travel on, even in a small car!
So, to find the greatest deals, browse and book a rental car in advance! You can also get your boat tickets online to avoid waiting at the dock.
Best day tours in Cozumel, Mexico
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With Get Your Guide, you can discover authentic travel adventures and take advantage of personalized suggestions and itineraries with more than 60,000 guided tours, famous landmarks, and much more!
Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Cozumel, Mexico!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Cancun to Cozumel?
The cheapest option to get from Cancun to Cozumel is by getting the combined ADO Bus + Ultramar Ferry ticket for one price of USD 28!
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Cozumel?
The fastest way to get from Cancun to Cozumel is by plane, which takes only 20 minutes! However, if you want to travel on land, the fastest way is by car and ferry. The drive from Cancun to the port in Playa del Carmen takes only about 45 minutes by car, and if you add that to the ferry crossing time, you should be in Cozumel in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Can I take a boat or ferry directly from Cancun to Cozumel?
A direct ferry service from Cancun to Cozumel does not exist. Cancun’s only ferry service goes to Isla Mujeres. To reach Isla Cozumel, you must first get to Playa del Carmen.
Are cars allowed on the ferry to Cozumel?
Be warned that the normal ferry that travels from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel doesn’t transport vehicles. To take your vehicle on a ferry, you must travel a little further south to Puerto de Punta Venado – Calica, which takes around 15 minutes.
How long is the ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
The ferry crossing from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel takes about 45 minutes.
How much does the Cozumel ferry cost?
The cheapest ferry tickets from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel can be purchased for USD 10!
How long is the flight to Cozumel?
The flight takes roughly 20 minutes, but that does not account for travel time to and from the airport, the time it takes to check bags and get through security, so it might not be significantly faster than alternative modes of transportation.
What airport do you fly into to go to Cozumel?
Flying to Cozumel will bring you to the Cozumel International Airport, which is just a five-minute drive from San Miguel.
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