You can get from Cancun to Cozumel by ferry + ADO Bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, rental car, or flight.
The cheapest and most popular option is the ADO Bus + Ferry, which costs USD 28. The journey takes about 2.5 hours, and you’ll need to switch to the ferry in Playa del Carmen.
The fastest way is by Flight. Prices for these flights start at around USD 300 but vary depending on the season and booking time.
I’ve journeyed through every corner of Mexico numerous times, so you can count on a guide to help you navigate this magnificent land seamlessly!
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ferry | ~2.5 hrs | $28 |
| Shuttle + Ferry | ~2.5 hrs | $39 to 50 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry | 2 hrs | $97 to 168 |
| Taxi + Ferry | 2 hrs | – |
| Flight | 20 min | $323 to 775 |
| Rental Car + Ferry | 2 hrs | – |
Distance from Cancun to Cozumel
The distance from Cancun to Cozumel is about 115 kilometers or 71.5 miles.
Traveling from Cancun to Cozumel takes about 2 hours by car and ferry.
Getting to Cozumel from Cancun
1. ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Traversing the distance between the sun-kissed shores of Cancun and the scenic island of Cozumel is an adventure.
While there are multiple ways to make this voyage, one of the most popular, budget-friendly, and scenic options is to travel via the ADO Coach Bus to Playa del Carmen and then catch an Ultramar Ferry to Cozumel!
This transport choice provides hassle-free ticket reservation: You only have to book one ticket for $28 for both rides!
The first leg of your journey involves boarding an ADO Coach Bus from Cancun. ADO is one of the leading bus operators in Mexico, renowned for its dependable and comfortable service.
ADO runs regular direct services to Playa del Carmen from the Cancun bus station, typically taking around 2 hours.
Once you arrive in Playa del Carmen, your next destination will be the Ultramar Ferry Dock. The dock is located just a short walk from the ADO bus terminal.
Ultramar operates several daily ferry crossings to Cozumel, and your departure time will be aligned with your bus arrival, so you don’t have to worry about missing your trip!
The ferry journey across the Caribbean Sea to Cozumel typically takes around 45 minutes.
So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective and immersive way, we recommend booking your Bus + Ferry tickets online in advance!
ADO Coach Bus + Ultramar Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the ADO bus + ferry timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00am | 08:40am | 2h 40m | $28 |  |
| 07:00am | 09:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 08:00am | 10:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 09:00am | 11:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 10:00am | 12:40am | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 11:00am | 01:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 12:00pm | 02:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 01:00 PM | 03:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 02:00pm | 04:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 03:00pm | 05:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 04:00pm | 06:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 05:00pm | 07:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 06:00pm | 08:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 07:00pm | 09:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
| 08:00pm | 10:40pm | 2h 40m | $28 | |
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry
Journey Duration: ~2 hours 20 minutes
If you’ve just arrived at the Cancun Airport, you can get to Cozumel by taking the BDExperience Shared Van Shuttle and Ultramar Ferry!
BDExperience Mexico offers 24 daily connections.
You will get picked up at the airport in Cancun. The meeting point is the BDExperience counter in the Arrivals Hall.
Additionally, tickets for the ferry ride are included in your shared shuttle ticket! Once you arrive by ferry in Cozumel, your driver will drop you off at your hotel.
To ensure a seat is available at your preferred time, I recommend you book your Shared Van Shuttle + Ferry ticket online in advance. The total price with BDExperience is USD 39-USD 50 per person!
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: ~2 hours
This journey presents an ideal blend of luxury, convenience, and scenic beauty that is sure to elevate your travel experience.
The journey commences with a private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Numerous private transfer companies offer this service.
Private transfers provide a notable edge over standard public transportation by offering door-to-door service from your hotel or any location in Cancun directly to the Playa del Carmen ferry dock.
The journey usually takes about an hour, but depending on your pickup location and traffic conditions, this can fluctuate.
One of the advantages of a private transfer is that it allows you to dictate the pace of your journey. This means you can leave at a time that suits your schedule best, without adhering to predetermined bus times.
This flexibility is particularly beneficial if you’re traveling with a group, have a lot of luggage, or value the convenience of planning your departure time.
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-7 passengers: $74
- 8-10 passengers: $88
- 11-16 passengers: $145
Upon reaching Playa del Carmen, the next part of your voyage involves boarding the Ultramar Ferry for a 45-minute journey across the Caribbean Sea to Cozumel.
Ultramar Ferries offers a reliable service with several crossings each day, ensuring there’s likely a departure time that aligns with your arrival in Playa del Carmen.
However, this option requires you to book your road trip and ferry tickets separately.
Ultramar Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Ultramar ferry schedule, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 08:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 10:00am | 10:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 11:00am | 11:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 12:00pm | 12:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 02:00pm | 02:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 05:00pm | 05:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 08:00pm | 08:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 10:00pm | 10:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
3. Rental Car + Ferry to Cozumel
Journey Duration: 2 hours
A rental car may be a good option if you want to travel independently and explore Cozumel’s many attractions.
The distance from Cancun to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen is about 69 kilometers or 43 miles, and depending on the traffic, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Then, as you know, the next part of your trip includes taking a ferry to Cozumel. To learn more about this part of your journey, check out our guide on How to get to Cozumel!
In Playa del Carmen, you can board the ferry to Isla Cozumel.
Tip: If you want to explore Isla Cozumel with your rental car, you’ll be happy to read that you can take your car to the island. The vehicle pier is around five miles south of downtown Playa del Carmen, and the regular price for a car + passengers is $30.
4. Uber or Taxi + Ferry to Isla Cozumel
Journey Duration: 2 hours
Uber is available in Mexico, and this trip costs around 850 Mexican Pesos (about $43) outside peak times. Note, however, that the price can increase drastically due to traffic.
5. Flight
Journey Duration: 20 minutes
Flights Cancun offers daily flights in a single-engine Cessna 208 light aircraft. The flight is 20 minutes, and prices start from $775 per person.
Alternatively, you can charter a plane for up to five passengers. A private flight costs $323, which is cheaper than a shared flight, given that you travel with five people.
Best day tours in Cozumel, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the boat ride
The ferry ride takes about 35 minutes.
How much is a ferry ticket to Cozumel?
A ferry ticket from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel costs USD 23.
How far is Cozumel from Cancun?
The distance from Cancun to Cozumel is approximately 73 miles (117 kilometers) by road and ferry.
Can I fly directly?
Yes, there are direct flights available. This is the fastest, but often the most expensive, option. The flight typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Can I bring my car to Cozumel?
Yes, but it involves taking a car ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, which can be more expensive and less frequent than the passenger ferries. It’s also worth noting that Cozumel is a small island where parking can be challenging and many areas are easily accessible by foot or taxi.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for the ADO bus and Ultramar ferry?
While you can often buy tickets on the spot, it is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel season or holidays, to ensure availability. You can purchase ADO bus tickets and Ultramar ferry tickets online here!
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