You can travel from Cozumel to Tulum by ferry + bus, colectivo, private transfer, taxi, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Tulum has something for all kinds of travelers, and it’s the perfect addition to your Mexican vacation itinerary, especially after you’ve spent some time away from the mainland at Cozumel!
Tulum is one of the most popular spots in Mexico. This Caribbean town is brimming with natural beauty, rich culture, and international buzz.
Whether you want to enjoy the beach, party the night away, or chill out and spend some time in nature on a hike through the jungle, this paradise has something unique to offer everyone!
If you plan to travel from Cozumel to Tulum, Mexico, then you are at the right place. Here, we’ll show you how easy it is and help you plan your trip!
If you want to truly explore and experience Tulum, the best choice you can make is to book a day trip or guided tour!
We recommend this half-day excursion, which takes you on a fascinating journey into the enigmatic realm of the Mexican cenotes— a connected system of limestone sinkholes revered by the Mayans.
You will go 600 meters through a cave before reaching a section where the cave’s ceiling has collapsed, and daylight is visible.
You’ll swim with schools of vividly colored fish, squid, rays, lobsters, and perhaps even a few dolphins. Watch out for the beloved and well-known marine turtles of the area, and ask your tour guide any questions you have!
And the best part?
You’ll get picked up straight from your accommodation!
Book your Tulum tour today, and get the most amazing deals for your Mexican vacation!
Check out our guide for all the important information on travel from Cozumel to Tulum.
Distance from Cozumel to Tulum
The distance from Cozumel to Tulum is about 94.1 kilometers or 58.5 miles by car. It takes about 2 hours to reach Tulum, considering the time you’ll travel by ferry.
Transportation Options from Cozumel to Tulum
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cozumel to Tulum:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Coach Bus | 2-3 hours | USD 29- USD 34 |
| Ferry + Colectivo | ~3 hours | USD 28 |
| Ferry + Private Transfer | ~2 hours | USD |
| Ferry + Taxi | ~2 hours | – |
| Ferry + Rental Car | ~2 hours | USD |
Getting to Tulum from Cozumel
1. Ferry + Coach Bus from Cozumel to Tulum
Travel time: 2-3 hours
Since Cozumel is an island separated by water from the mainland, covering a distance of 19.6 kilometers, no matter how you decide to travel to Tulum, taking the ferry is the first step of your journey.
And since planning and aligning schedules of multiple means of transportation from Cozumel to Tulum can be challenging, we have a solution!
For a simple and affordable trip from Cozumel to Tulum, we recommend booking the Ultramar ferry + ADO Coach Bus combo ticket!
This is the best option, especially for those traveling on a budget! A single ticket providing both the boat and bus trip costs USD 28-USD 34, depending on what time you book!
To get to Playa Del Carmen, you must first board the Ultramar ferry from Cozumel, which will take you there in about 45 minutes.
Following that, you will transfer to the ADO coach bus once you’re on land, which will transport you straight to Tulum!
The ADO coach buses offer different amenities, such as TVs, comfortable reclining seats, and air conditioning to make your road trip comfortable and enjoyable.
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to get by bus from Cozumel to Tulum, which is worthwhile!
To find the lowest prices, check out the Bus+Ferry schedule and purchase your tickets online!
2. Colectivo from Cozumel to Tulum via Playa Del Carmen
Travel time: ~3 hours
If you choose to take public transportation, check the timetables on the Winjet or Ultramar ferries before your trip.
To avoid the lines at the port, book your tickets online and allow at least an hour between the departure time of the ferry and your other mode of transportation.
The cheapest method to go to Tulum after arriving by ferry in Playa Del Carmen is to get on a colectivo, a shared shuttle service that often travels between the two cities.
A colectivo is a quick, simple, and a reasonably priced way to get around the area; however, it can be a little perplexing initially, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
Currently, colectivos may be found in the center of Playa del Carmen, next to the Chedraui market and the main highway 307. There will be a line of colectivos, so be sure to board one with “Tulum” written on the side.
You won’t have to wait long to board a colectivo because they don’t have a fixed schedule and only leave when they are full. They usually run from the early morning until 11:00 PM, departing every 5 to 10 minutes.
It will take a bit longer to travel to Tulum once you’re on the colectivo because they often stop to pick up and drop off passengers on the way.
There aren’t any set stops, so if you want to get off before the last stop in Tulum, you’ll need to let the driver know when.
A single ticket on the colectivo costs MXN 50 or USD 2.50, and you must pay the driver when getting out of the colectivo.
Paying in pesos is recommended, and you should have coins on hand because most drivers won’t have much spare change.
3. Private Transfer from Cozumel to Tulum
Travel time: ~2 hours
For the most comfortable transportation from Cozumel to Tulum, consider scheduling a private transfer via Playa del Carmen!
After taking the ferry to Playa Del Carmen, you can schedule a private van or car to pick you up and take you wherever you want to go in Tulum!
When you reserve a private transfer, you’ll get a private driver and flexibility over your route and pickup timings.
Even though it costs more, it will be more convenient to have a safe and comfortable journey than worrying about driving in Mexico.
Therefore, booking a private transfer to take you from the Playa Del Carmen port to Tulum is a convenient option, especially when traveling in a group!
Explore the costs of different group sizes and book the one that fits your needs. Once the group divides the expense, the price is reasonable and worth it!
Prices for a private transfer from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum
- 1-7 passengers: USD 114
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
4. Driving with Rental Car from Cozumel to Tulum
Travel time: ~2 hours
Alternatively, if you’d like to travel independently, you can rent a vehicle in Playa del Carmen and drive to Tulum by yourself!
Following your ferry ride from Cozumel, you’ll find several rental companies in Playa Del Carmen that provide a wide range of vehicles for incredibly affordable prices!
This would allow you to travel alone and discover some of the most unique day adventures close to Tulum.
For families or bigger groups, renting a car is the best alternative because it allows you to see some of the fantastic cenotes, historic Mayan ruins, beautiful nearby beaches, and undiscovered sights like Kaan Luum Lagoon.
Driving to Tulum from Playa Del Carmen is easy, and the drive takes about 1 hour! Add that to the 45 minutes on the ferry, and your total trip from Cozumel to Tulum should last less than 2 hours.
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
5. Ferry + Taxi from Cozumel to Tulum
Travel time: ~2 hours
If you’ve just arrived in Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel by ferry, a quick option you can take to get to Tulum is a taxi!
Private taxis are widely accessible in Playa del Carmen and are simple to catch if you want to go to Tulum. A cab ride from Playa del Carmen to Tulum should cost around MXN 600, or roughly USD 30.
It’s always a good idea to double-check and set the taxi fare before getting in the car when traveling from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. Also, since credit cards are not accepted, you should have enough cash in pesos on hand.
The cab ride to Tulum takes around an hour, so if you don’t have any other plans, this is a quick and practical route!
Best day tours in Tulum, Mexico
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct boat from Cozumel to Tulum?
Tulum is located 94 kilometers or 58 miles from Cozumel, but there is no direct connection between them. Your only option is to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen, then take another mode of transportation straight to Tulum.
Where does the ferry from Cozumel arrive?
The ferry departing from Cozumel arrives at the port in Playa Del Carmen.
How long is the ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen?
The ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen takes a maximum of 45 minutes.
How much is taxi from Cozumel to Tulum?
You can expect a taxi from the Playa Del Carmen port to Tulum to cost around MXN 600. This is approximately USD 30. But if you go with this option, consider the ferry ticket cost as well, which you will pay separately.
Is there Uber in Playa del Carmen and Tulum?
You won’t be able to get an Uber from Playa del Carmen to Tulum because Uber is unavailable in Playa del Carmen.
Uber has made numerous attempts to launch the service, but the taxi syndicate and local transportation officials have objected, preventing Uber and other ride-sharing services from working in Playa del Carmen.
Is there a shuttle from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
Yes, there are colectivos in Playa Del Carmen that can take you to Tulum. You won’t have to wait long to board a colectivo because they don’t have a predetermined schedule and only leave when they are full.
They usually leave every five to ten minutes, and a ticket costs about USD 2.5 or MXN 50.
Is it safe to visit Tulum?
Although travel to Tulum is generally secure, there have been more high-profile safety problems and disturbances in recent years. Going to Tulum during the daytime and sticking to the big tourist attractions is safer if you’re going alone.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Tulum?
The cheapest and most recommended way to get from Cozumel to Tulum is by taking a combined ADO bus + ferry ticket! You get the ferry crossing and bus trip all for one price of USD 28-USD 34, and you can book online!
What is the fastest way to get from Cozumel to Tulum?
The fastest way to get from Cozumel to Tulum is to cross to Playa Del Carmen by ferry and then get to Tulum by car! You can either take a taxi, book a private transfer or rent a car and get to Tulum in 1 hour!
How long is the drive from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum?
The drive from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum takes about 1 hour.
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