You can get from Tulum to Cozumel by ferry + ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option is a shared shuttle + ferry, which costs USD 20. Depending on your departure, the journey takes between 2 and 4 hours.
The most popular option is the ADO bus + ferry that goes straight from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, where you must board the ferry.
The fastest way is by ferry + private transfer or rental car, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Having crisscrossed Mexico on numerous adventures, I’ve become well-acquainted with its diverse modes of transport.
In this article, I’ll reveal the best ways to navigate this stunning nation, ensuring smooth and memorable travels.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ferry | 2-4 hrs | $22 |
| Shuttle + Ferry | 2-4 hrs | ~$20 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry | 1.5 hrs | – |
| Taxi + Ferry | 1.5 hrs | – |
| Rental Car + Ferry | 1.5 hrs | – |
How far is Tulum to Cozumel?
The distance from Tulum to Playa del Carmen is 40 miles or 64 kilometers.
Playa Del Carmen is 30-35 minutes away from Cozumel. The sea stretches 11.8 miles (19km) between the two lands. Playa Del Carmen offers multiple ferry rides throughout the day to Cozumel.
Click here for the Cozumel Ferry Schedule.
Getting to Cozumel from Tulum
1. ADO Bus + Ferry
Journey Duration: 2 to 4 hours
We recommend booking an ADO bus and ferry combo ticket from Tulum to Cozumel.
From Tulum, you will first travel by bus to Playa del Carmen. The buses have air-conditioning, a bathroom, reclining seats, and a TV.
In Playa del Carmen, you will board the ferry to Isla Cozumel.
Tip: Book your combined ticket online in advance on GuateGo.
The table below displays the ADO bus + Ultramar ferry timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:10am | 11:45am | 3h 35m | $24 |  |
| 09:45am | 01:45pm | 4h | $24 | |
| 11:30am | 03:45pm | 4h 15m | $24 | |
| 01:00pm | 05:00pm | 4h | $24 | |
| 04:30pm | 08:45pm | 4h 15m | $22 | |
| 05:35pm | 09:45pm | 4h 10m | $22 | |
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry
Journey Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Another great way is by minivan shuttle. Sindicato Lázaro Cárdenas offers a shuttle every hour for USD 4.52.
The earliest departure from Tulum Calle Jupiter Nte. 22 is 08:00 AM, and the latest departure is 08:00 PM.
The earliest arrival at station Avenida Benito Juarez in Playa del Carmen is at 08:45 AM, and the latest arrival is at 08:45 PM.
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
A private transfer is the most convenient and hassle-free option to travel!
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Tulum and drop you off at the ferry station in Playa del Carmen.
You are also not dependent on bus or shuttle schedules as you decide when you want to get picked up.
Prices for a private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen:
- 1 to 7 passengers: USD 125
- 8 to 10 passengers: USD 129
- 11 to 16 passengers: USD 229
The table below displays the Ultramar Ferry timetable for trips from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, 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 | 05:45 PM | 45m | $23 | |
| 08:00pm | 08:45 PM | 45m | $23 | |
| 10:00pm | 10:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
With a rental car, you can easily explore Isla Cozumel, visit the Mayan ruins close to Tulum, or make some of the most popular day trips from Tulum.
You must drive from Tulum first to Playa del Carmen, where you can park your car. From there, you can take the ferry to Cozumel.
We use booking.com to book a rental car in advance as they compare all major rental car companies and usually offer the best prices.
5. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
You can also travel by Taxi or Uber to the ferry station in Playa del Carmen.
We, however, recommend booking transport in advance as it is usually cheaper than a taxi.
Best day tours in Cozumel
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
Is there a direct bus?
Yes, a direct ADO bus departs from Tulum and arrives at Playa del Carmen.
Can I drive?
Yes, the driving distance is 39.8 miles or 64 kilometers. It takes approximately 50 minutes to drive the distance by car.
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