You can get from Cozumel to Tulum by ferry + ADO Bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, taxi, or Uber.
The cheapest option to travel from Cozumel to Tulum is the Ferry + ADO Bus, which only costs USD 28. The journey takes between 2 and 4 hours and you’ll need to board the bus in Playa del Carmen.
The most popular option is also the Ferry + ADO Bus since it allows booking one ticket for both modes.
The fastest way to travel to Tulum from Cozumel is by ferry + private transfer or taxi/Uber. Traveling by car from the port in Playa del Carmen to Tulum takes the shortest, making the whole trip last about 2 hours.
Traveling through Mexico has taught me a lot about how to get around easily and see the best parts of the country.
In this guide, I will share different travel ways, giving you helpful tips to ensure your trip from Cozumel to Tulum is fun and hassle-free!
Transportation Options from Cozumel to Tulum
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cozumel to Tulum:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ferry from Cozumel to Tulum | 2 to 4 hrs | $28 to 34 |
| Cozumel to Tulum Ferry + Shuttle | 2 to 3 hrs | $31 |
| Cozumel to Tulum Ferry + Private Transfer | 2 hrs | $125 to 229 |
| Ferry + Rental Car | 2 hrs | – |
| Ferry + Taxi or Uber | 2 hrs | ~$200 |
How far is Tulum from Cozumel?
The distance from Cozumel to Tulum is 40 miles or 64 kilometers. Depending on your transport method, Tulum can be reached in two to four hours.
30 to 35 minutes separate Playa Del Carmen from Cozumel. Between the two lands, the sea stretches for 11.8 miles or 19 kilometers.
Getting to Tulum from Cozumel
1. Our recommendation: ADO Coach Bus from Cozumel to Tulum + Ferry
Journey Duration: 2 – 4 hours
We highly recommend a combined ferry + ADO bus ticket from Cozumel to Tulum.
The trip from Cozumel to Tulum is quite economical when choosing this type of transport since it is an organized trip that includes the price of the ferry ticket in the offer.
In Mexico, buses are the most popular mode of transportation. They often come equipped with air conditioning and a restroom.
Transportation is provided by ADO, a bus service that offers a variety of destinations.
The first leg of your trip is provided by Ultramar Ferry and includes a 45-minute ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
Once in Playa del Carmen, it is possible to take the bus from two different terminals: 5th Avenue and Benito Juarez.
The price for these types of tickets is between USD 28 and USD 34, and the duration also varies depending on your departure time.
ADO Bus + Cozumel Ferry to Tulum Schedule:
The table below displays the Ultramar Ferry + ADO bus timetable for trips from Cozumel to Tulum, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
By booking your tickets with us, you can take advantage of the best transportation options to Tulum!
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Cozumel to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2-3 hours
Another option to get from Cozumel to Tulum is by combining a ferry ride with a shared shuttle trip.
However, when you opt for this alternative, remember that you have to get both tickets separately. This way, the price adds up to about USD 31!
When you arrive at the Cozumel ferry terminal, you’ll need to purchase tickets for the passenger ferry to Playa del Carmen, which departs every hour between 07:00 AM and 09:00 PM.
Air conditioning is available in the cabin; vendors usually offer beverages (even beer!) and light snacks.
If you have oversized luggage, it will be checked, and you can claim it upon arrival. Guests can bring backpacks or purses into the main cabin if they fit comfortably on their laps or underneath their seats.
We recommend purchasing your ferry ticket online to ensure availability for your preferred travel time and to avoid long queues at the ticket counter.
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ultramar Ferry Schedule
The table below displays the Ultramar ferry timetable for trips from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
Once you have reached the ferry port in Playa del Carmen Port, you can take a shared shuttle to Tulum. These shuttles are very inexpensive and cost only USD 8!
The trip is also short, lasting about 50 minutes.
You can check out the departure times and book your tickets here!
3. Private Transfer from Cozumel to Tulum + Ferry
Journey Duration: 2 hours
Another option is to arrange private transportation from the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
In this case, you must purchase the ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen separately. They cost only USD 23!
We recommend booking the private transfer beforehand to have your driver waiting for you at the pier in Playa del Carmen. This option works well for you if you are traveling in a small group or want to stop.
Prices for a private transfer from Plata del Carmen to Tulum:
- 1-7 passengers: USD 125
- 8-10 passengers: USD 129
- 11-16 passengers: USD 229
4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cozumel to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2 hours
You must remember that cars rented in Cozumel are not allowed on the car ferry if you want to drive to Tulum and explore it from there.
You must rent a car in Playa del Carmen to use in Tulum.
Renting a car in Playa makes getting to Tulum convenient and easy. Furthermore, it allows you to explore nearby archeological sites, cenotes, and more during your vacation!
5. Taxi + Ferry from Cozumel to Tulum
Journey Duration: 2 hours
If you decide to take a taxi to Tulum, taxi drivers will wait outside the ferry terminal.
For a better price, we recommend walking to the taxi stands along the Paseo del Carmen Shopping Center parking lot or near the corner of Benito Juarez and Fifth Avenue once you reach Playa del Carmen.
The price for a taxi from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is around 4000 pesos.
Best day tours in Tulum
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when planning a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best day tours in Tulum!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Tulum?
The cheapest way to get from Cozumel to Tulum is by opting for the Ultramar Ferry + ADO Bus combined ticket. The cheapest ticket for this trip costs only USD 28!
What is the fastest way to get from Cozumel to Tulum?
The fastest way to get from Cozumel to Tulum is by ferry and car. The ferry takes about 45 minutes, and traveling the distance from Playa del Carmen to Tulum by car takes only about 50 minutes!
How long is the ferry from Cozumel to Tulum?
From the time you load to the time you deboard, the ride takes about 45 minutes, though the moving time is closer to 30 minutes.
Can you fly from Cozumel to get to Tulum?
Cozumel has an airport, but you must take a ferry to Playa del Carmen and then drive 45 minutes south to get to Tulum since there is no airport. The closest airport to Tulum is Cancun International Airport, which is 81 miles or 131 kilometers away, so if you consider flying, this is where you will have to arrive first.
How much is a taxi from Cozumel to Tulum?
Taxi rides from Cozumel to Tulum cost an average of 96 USD, and the journey takes an hour.
How much is the ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen costs USD 23!
More Routes from Cozumel, Mexico
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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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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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