You can get from Cozumel to Cancun by ferry and bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option is by ferry and ADO bus, which costs USD 28. The journey takes a bit over 2.5 hours, and you’ll need to board the bus in Playa del Carmen.
The most popular option is also the ferry and ADO bus, which offers two modes of transportation for one affordable price!
The fastest way is by ferry and private transfer, taxi, or rental car. The trip takes only 2 hours.
Quick Answer:
The cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun is by ferry and ADO bus (USD 28, approx. 2.5 hours). The most popular option is also the ferry and bus combo, offering convenience and affordability. The fastest way is by ferry plus private transfer, rental car, or taxi (around 2 hours).
From my travels in Mexico, I’ve learned a bunch about navigating the country with ease. So, I’m going to share my experience with you!
In this article, you’ll find various travel solutions and some practical advice to make your trip pleasant and stress-free.
How far is Cancun from Cozumel?
The distance fromCozumel to Cancun is 54.8 miles or 88 kilometers. However, to get from Isla Cozumel, you must cross the first 20 kilometers by ferry to Playa del Carmen, and take a 68-kilometer road trip to Cancun after.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry and ADO Bus | 2.5 hrs | $28 |
| Ferry and Shuttle | ~2 hrs | $37 |
| Ferry and Private Transfer | ~2 hrs | $100 to 171 |
| Ferry and Taxi | ~2 hrs | ~$76 |
| Ferry and Rental Car | ~2 hrs | – |
Getting to Cancun from Cozumel
1. Ferry and Bus
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
You must first take a ferry to Playa del Carmen before making a short road trip to Cancun.
Therefore, combining the Ultramar Ferry with the ADO Coach Bus is the cheapest and most practical way!
We advise getting this one-ticket bundle that covers both transportation modes from Cozumel to Cancun for just USD 28!
The ticket cost covers the ferry ride from the island and the ADO bus trip from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun! You don’t have to purchase both tickets separately, which is convenient!
From Cozumel, you will reach the port in Playa del Carmen after a 45-minute ride on the Ultramar ferry. Then, you’ll catch a bus in Playa del Carmen to get to Cancun.
ADO’s coach buses, which offer all the amenities for a convenient and comfortable ride, are used to plan and complete the road trip from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
Ultramar Ferry and ADO Bus Schedule
Below is the current ADO bus and Ultramar ferry shuttle schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00am | 09:40am | 2h 40m | $28 |  |
| 08:00am | 10:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 09:00am | 11:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 10:00am | 12:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 11:00am | 01:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 12:00pm | 02:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 01:00pm | 03:20pm | 2h 20m | $28 | |
| 04:00pm | 06:35pm | 2h 35m | $28 | |
| 05:00pm | 07:20pm | 2h 20m | $28 | |
| 06:00pm | 08:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 07:00pm | 09:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 09:00pm | 11:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
2. Ferry and Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
You can also take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and continue your trip to Cancun on a shared van shuttle!
However, when choosing this option, you must get your tickets for both transportation modes separately.
The Ultramar ferry tickets cost USD 23, and the trip takes about 45 minutes. There are frequent ferry departures, so you can board one anytime.
You can check out the schedule here and book your tickets online!
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ultramar Ferry Schedule
Below is the current Ultramar ferry schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.
After arriving in Playa del Carmen by ferry, you can get on a shared van shuttle and get to Cancun in about 1 hour!
This shuttle carries fewer passengers and arrives faster than the bus. Ticket prices are also very reasonable – the cheapest is just USD 14!
A shuttle service frequently runs from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, making it a convenient and accessible mode of transportation!
3. Ferry and Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Taking a ferry and private transfer is another option!
You will first have to take a 45-minute ferry boat ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. Then, you can book a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun for an additional 45 minutes!
This option will take you roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes.
When you reserve a private transfer, you pay for the entire vehicle. Therefore, the bigger your traveling group, the better!
You can reserve and pick from various private vehicles for different groups that are quite reasonably priced once you divide the cost.
It’s a good idea to arrange your private transfer in advance and try to time it to coordinate with the boat schedule so you can depart for Cancun as soon as you get to the port.
You will also need to buy the ferry tickets individually because they are not included in the price of the private vehicle. Therefore, get your tickets online in advance to avoid the long line at the port!
Prices for a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Cancun:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 74
- 8-10 passengers: USD 88
- 11-16 passengers: USD 145
4. Ferry and Self-Drive with a Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
And lastly, you can also get a rental car!
But since Cozumel is an island, you must rent a car in Playa del Carmen. So first, you must take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
Here, you can find many affordable car rental options and pick the one for you!
Playa del Carmen and Cancun are connected via Highway 307. Although it isn’t a major highway, the road is well-maintained and enjoyable, especially in a small car!
So, to get the best deals, research and book a rental car ahead of time! Of course, you can also purchase your boat tickets online to skip the pier line.
5. Ferry and Taxi
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
After taking the boat from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, you can take a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Cancun. However, we recommend negotiating over the cost in advance if you decide to take this option.
The trip should cost no more than USD 50, or maybe even less because the trip takes only about 45 minutes. Knowing this will help you avoid being taken advantage of.
Ask a local or a hotel for a recommendation if you need help deciding which taxi company to use.
To assure safety, comfort, and convenience, booking a private shuttle is the smartest decision you can make instead of taking a cab!
Best day tours in Cancun, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Cancun, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?
The cheapest way is by booking a combined Ultramar Ferry and ADO Coach Bus ticket, which costs only USD 28!
What is the fastest way to get from Cozumel to Cancun?
The fastest way is by ferry and car. The whole trip lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Can you take a ferry from Cozumel to Cancun?
There is no direct ferry service between Cancun and Cozumel.
How long is the ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The ferry trip takes 45 minutes.
How much is a ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
One Ultramar ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen costs USD 26.
What is the distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun?
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Cancun is 68 kilometers or 42.3 miles.
Sharing helpful info? Please feel free to cite this guide:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from Cozumel to Cancun
Leave a Reply