You can travel from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen with the daily, frequent Ultramar ferry boats! Check out our guide with all the important information.
Playa del Carmen is the place to visit if you’re seeking a tranquil beach paradise!
This Riviera Maya treasure was once a fishing community, but it is now a vibrant and exciting tourist attraction. Urban sophistication, fantastic beach life, and vibrant colonial architecture all combine in Playa del Carmen!
Sophisticated hotels and hip cafes combine with neighborhood taquerias and bustling bars—all designed in a traditional Mexican manner! Not to mention the intriguing Mayan archaeology, which you really must see!
The natural beauty, locals, and culture of Playa del Carmen will definitely pique your curiosity!
So, head over to explore Playa del Carmen on your own or join one of the many guided tours!
We recommend booking this full-day tour that will take you through the Riviera Maya. In one action-packed day, you will have the chance to visit the magnificent ruins of Tulum and Cóba, travel through Quintana Roo’s pristine landscapes, and explore Playa del Carmen’s bustling streets!
Get lost in the history of the Mayans, visit some of the most popular Mexican hot spots, relax in the glistening cenotes, and finish off the day with a delectable Mexican buffet!
Experience Mexico on another level and book this Quintana Roo: Tulum, Cobá, Cenote, Playa del Carmen & Buffet tour today!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
Distance from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
The distance from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is about 19 kilometers or 11.8 miles by ferry boat.
It takes around 45 minutes to travel by ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
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 |
| Cargo Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (Calica) | 45 minutes | +USD 34 |
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel
1. Ultramar Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 45 minutes
Playa Del Carmen is situated across the water from the island of Cozumel. Therefore, the only way to get from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is on passenger ferries!
Playa del Carmen has emerged as the key link between Cozumel and the Yucatan Peninsula’s mainland, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
The ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen takes 45 minutes, and tens of thousands of people take these passenger ferries daily.
Daily departures from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen are frequently available, meaning you can catch one anytime! Winjet and Ultramar are the two ferry companies that run this route.
The ferry boats provide comfortable seats both inside and outside, restrooms, and a cafeteria, and they are all safe.
And if you’re wondering which ferry to take, we recommend Ultramar! Ultramar is a larger company that operates routes all around the Riviera Maya.
One ticket on these ferries costs USD 26, and you can get yours at the ferry port in Cozumel or book online.
Skip waiting in line at the port and book your ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen online today!
2. Cargo Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (Calica)
Travel time: 45 minutes
If you’ve got a car rental in Cozumel and want to take it to the mainland in Playa del Carmen to explore, then you’ll need to take the cargo ferry!
The companies Ultramar and Transcaribe run daily cargo ferries from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
There are 1-3 trips per day on each ferry. However, because the timetable changes daily, it is recommended to visit their websites to find out the departure times on the day you want to travel.
The Ultramar car ferry costs a little less than the Transcaribe. Prices for a family car ticket that includes the vehicle and the driver start at USD 34. At the port, each additional passenger must pay USD 3.
Transcaribe cargo tickets start at USD 38, just for the vehicle. Each of the other passengers and the driver will pay USD 4.
Punta Calatita is the port where cargo ferries arrive and depart in Cozumel. It is approximately 3 kilometers from the city center to this ferry port.
However, you can’t get directly to the center of Playa del Carmen when taking the cargo ferry. Calica Cruise Pier in Playa del Carmen is a separate ferry station where car ferries arrive from Cozumel. This is the primary cruise port for Cancun City and is situated 10 kilometers south of the center of Playa del Carmen.
Although taking your car from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is possible, it’s not very recommended for tourists transferring car rentals. If you want to take a car and explore, getting one is more convenient once you reach Playa del Carmen!
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best option to get from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The best option to get from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is on the Ultramar ferries! One ticket costs USD 26, and the crossing with Ultramar Ferries takes only 45 minutes!
How long is the ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The ferry crossing from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen takes about 45 minutes.
How do you cross Playa del Carmen from Cozumel?
The only way to get from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is by ferry. Winjet and Ultramar are the two ferry companies that run ferries between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
How much is the cargo ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
Normally, a cargo ferry ticket for a car with one passenger costs about USD 34. However, depending on the type of vehicle, the price can only go up from that.
Can I take a car on the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
Yes, there are two companies, Ultramar and Transcribe, who operate cargo ferries between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
Is there a bridge from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
Because no land connection or bridge connects Cozumel to the mainland of Mexico, the only way to travel from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is by ferry boat.
Can you fly to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel?
Although Cozumel does have a small airport, flying from Cozumel to get to Playa de Carmen is not convenient.
Is the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel safe?
Yes, the ferry connections between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are extremely safe.
More Routes from Cozumel
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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