You can travel from Tulum to Cozumel by ferry + bus, colectivo, private transfer, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Cozumel is an island paradise just off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Its magnificent turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and abundance of coral reefs make it a scuba diver and snorkeler’s dream. But that’s just the beginning of what Cozumel has to offer!
The island is also rich in history and culture and is home to a vibrant local community with a mix of indigenous, Mexican, and Caribbean influences. This gives the island a unique cultural flavor that can be experienced through its food, music, art, and traditions. There’s no shortage of things to do on Cozumel!
In addition to diving and snorkeling, you can go fishing, take a boat tour, visit the local markets and shops, or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches. And you can experience all of that at once by booking a guided day tour!
On this catamaran cruise to Cozumel’s El Cielo Beach and Palancar Reef, you can dive, swim, unwind and have fun on a secluded beach, and finish the day off by enjoying a delicious lunch with unlimited drinks!
Book this Cozumel tour today and discover everything this Caribbean island has to offer!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Tulum to Cozumel.
Distance from Tulum to Cozumel
The distance from Tulum to Cozumel is about 98.5 kilometers or 61.2 miles by car and ferry.
It takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes to travel by car and ferry from Tulum to Cozumel.
Transportation Options from Tulum to Cozumel
The following table outlines all transportation options from Tulum to Cozumel:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel | ~4 hours | USD 22-USD 24 |
| Colectivo + Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel | ~4 hours | ~USD 20 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel | ~2 hours | – |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel | ~2 hours | – |
Getting to Cozumel from Tulum
1. ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel
Travel time: ~4 hours
Because Cozumel is an island separated from the mainland by a distance of 19.6 kilometers, no matter how you decide to get there, you must always take the ferry from Playa del Carmen.
Therefore, when coming from Tulum, it can be challenging to arrange and coordinate the schedules of all the different modes of transportation to get to Cozumel, but we have a solution!
We recommend getting a combo ticket for the ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry for an easy and cost-effective trip from Tulum to Cozumel!
This is the perfect choice for people traveling on a tight budget! Depending on your departure time, a single ticket that includes the bus ride and ferry crossing costs between USD 22 and 24.
To get to Playa Del Carmen, you must first board the ADO Coach Bus, which will take you to your destination in about 3 hours. You will then change to the Ultramar ferry, which will transport you to Cozumel in 45 minutes.
To make your road trip enjoyable and comfortable, the ADO coach buses provide a variety of amenities, including TVs, cozy reclining seats, and air conditioning.
Check out the ADO Coach Bus + Ferry schedule and book your tickets online to get the best deals!
2. Colectivo + Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel
Travel time: ~4 hours
The least expensive way to travel from Tulum to Cozumel is to take a colectivo, a frequent shared shuttle service that runs between the two cities, and then take the ferry from Playa del Carmen.
A colectivo is an inexpensive method to travel around the area. But it can be a little confusing initially, especially if you don’t know Spanish. In contrast to a typical shuttle van, there are no set departure times, and you can’t make a reservation for a group.
It’s simple to find colectivos in Tulum; just be sure to get on one that says “Playa del Carmen” or ask a local for help.
The colectivos leave once all available seats are filled. Don’t worry, though; due to the high demand for the route from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, colectivos often fill up quickly.
Once you’re in the colectivo, the trip to Playa del Carmen will take a little longer because they frequently stop to drop off and pick up passengers along the way.
A single colectivo ticket costs MXN 50 (USD 2.50), and you must pay the driver when you exit the vehicle.
The majority of drivers won’t have a lot of spare change. Therefore it’s advised to pay in pesos and have coins with you.
Then once you’re in Playa del Carmen, you have to get on a ferry, and you’ll be in Cozumel in about 45 minutes!
If you decide to use public transportation, make sure to look up the ferry schedules and book your tickets online!
3. Private Transfer + Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel
Travel time: ~2 hours
Book a private transfer via Playa del Carmen if you want the most comfortable means of transportation from Tulum to Cozumel!
You can book a private van or standard car to pick you up and transfer you from your specific spot in Tulum and take you to Playa Del Carmen to catch the next ferry!
When you book a private transfer, you get a private driver as well as freedom and flexibility with your route and pickup times.
Arranging a private transfer to get you from Tulum to the port in Playa Del Carmen is a practical choice, particularly if you’re going with a group!
Once you get from Tulum to the port in Playa del Carmen, board the ferry, which costs USD 26 and will take you to Cozumel in about 45 minutes!
Also, compare the prices for various group sizes and reserve the one that best suits your requirements. The pricing is reasonable and worthwhile if the group divides the cost!
Prices for a private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
- 1-7 passengers: USD 114
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
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4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Tulum to Cozumel
Travel time: ~2 hours
As a last alternative, if you prefer to travel on your own, you can rent a car in Tulum and drive to Playa del Carmen, where you’ll board the ferry to Cozumel!
In Tulum, many rental agencies offer a variety of vehicles at surprisingly low rates!
Renting a car is the most excellent option for families or larger parties because it allows you to see fantastic things along the way and travel without being constrained by public transportation timetables.
It’s simple to get from Tulum to Playa Del Carmen, and the trip only takes a little over an hour. The trip from Tulum to Cozumel should take less than two hours, including the 45 minutes on the ferry!
We recommend you make a reservation for a car rental in advance!
Also, don’t forget to check the ferry schedules and book your tickets online!
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 Tulum to Cozumel?
The cheapest option to get from Tulum to Cozumel is the ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry combination, which costs only USD 22-USD 24!
What is the fastest way to get from Tulum to Cozumel?
The fastest way to get from Tulum to Cozumel is by car and ferry. You can get a car rental in Tulum or book a private transfer, and get to Cozumel in less than 2 hours, including the ferry trip!
How much is the ferry ticket from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
A ferry ticket from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel costs USD 26.
How long is the drive from Tulum to Playa Del Carmen?
The drive from Tulum to Playa Del Carmen takes around 1 hour.
Is there a shuttle from Tulum to Playa Del Carmen?
Yes, there are colectivos that can transport you from Tulum to Playa del Carmen. Since colectivos don’t operate on a set timetable and only depart when they are full, you won’t have to wait long to catch one.
A ticket costs approximately USD 2.5 or MXN 50, and they typically depart every five to ten minutes.
How long is the ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel?
The ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel takes a maximum of 45 minutes.
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