How to get from Tulum to Isla Mujeres, Mexico

AnaMarija Mishachkovska 14 Dec 2021 Last updated: 4 Apr 2025 3 min read No comments


You can get from Tulum to Isla Mujeres by ferry + ADO bus, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.

The cheapest option is by ADO bus + ferry, which costs USD 31. The journey takes a bit over 4 hours, and you must book both tickets separately.

The most popular option is the ADO bus + ferry since it provides convenience and affordability.

The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car + ferry, which takes about 3 hours.

In this guide, I’m excited to share tips and insights that will help make your Mexican travels efficient and unforgettable!

Transportation Options

MethodTimePrice
ADO Bus + Ferry4 hrs$31
Private Transport + Ferry3 hrs
Rental Car + Ferry3 hrs
Taxi + Ferry3 hrs

1. ADO Bus + Ferry

Journey Duration: 3 – 4 hours

If you’re traveling economically,ย a coach bus is your best bet. ADO provides this solution and also operates public transportation daily.

The trip to Cancun, where the ferry to Isla Mujeres is located, takes about 2.5 hours.

Tickets for the ADO bus cost only USD 17.

Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Tulum to Cancun, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DepartureArrivalDurationPrice
11:20am01:45pm2h 25m$17
01:00pm03:30pm2h 30m$17
02:20pm04:45pm2h 25m$17
04:30pm07:10pm2h 40m$17
05:35pm08:10pm2h 35m$17
05:35pm10:00pm2h 25m$17
10:22pm12:45am2h 23m$17

However, the ferry ticket is not included in their prices, so you must book a separate ticket for the ferry ride.

There are several daily fares, taking off at different times of the day, so choose whatโ€™s best for you!

Ultramar Ferry Schedule

The following table shows the Ultramar Ferry Schedule from Puerto Juarez Pier in Cancun to Ultramar Pier in Isla Mujeres.

Departure TimeArrival TimeDurationPrice per Person
10:45am11:15am30 min$14
01:15pm01:45pm30 min$14
02:30pm03:00pm30 min$14
3:00pm3:30pm30 min$14
05:00pm05:30pm30 min$14
6:30pm7:00pm30 min$14

2. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: 3 hours

With a reliable private transfer, you can relax, sit back, and enjoy a comfortable and safe trip to Isla Mujeres. Organize a trip for a bargain price with a group of friends.

When traveling to the port, it is best to choose a ride that is flexible in terms of time, safe, and enjoyable.

Prices for a private transfer:

  • 1 to 7 passengers: USD 114
  • 8 to 10 passengers: USD 129
  • 11 to 16 passengers: USD 229

There is a boat departure every half hour from 05:00 AM to 11:30 PM. The roundtrip ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres costs USD 17 and takes about 25 minutes.

If you plan to take a private driver, check the ferry schedules.

Book your ferry tickets in advance and have a relaxing trip to Isla Mujeres.

4. Rental Car + Ferry

Journey Duration: 3 hours

If you travel to Isla Mujeres via rental car, you will enjoy the flexibility of independent travel. Stop for lunch and visit places of interest without worrying about luggage limitations.

Board on a ferry at Cancun port. Ultramar ferries run daily from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. You can take the car with you, but we recommend leaving it at the port and exploring the island with a golf cart.

There are some great options for Tulum car rentals that you can book online. Check them out now!

5. Taxi + Ferry

Journey Duration: 3 hours

Another option is to take a taxi to the port of Cancun. You need to bargain the price before your departure.

Always remember, you should know how much your trip will cost and find out if you are getting ripped off.

Get to the port of Cancun and book your ticket for the ferry.

Best day tours in Isla Mujeres

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. Itโ€™s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Isla Mujeres have an airport?

There is no airport in Isla Mujeres. The closest airport is the Cancun International Airport, which is 36.1 kilometers or 22 miles from Isla Mujeres.

Does Mexico have Uber?

Uber is a transportation option in Mexico, but unfortunately, not in this region.ย 
The fact is that Uber, although often cheaper and certainly more convenient, is not available in Tulum.

Is there a public bus from Tulum to Isla Mujeres?

Unfortunately, no. Isla Mujeres and Tulum are not connected directly. To get to Isla Mujeres, you must first take the bus from Tulum to Cancun, then walk to Cancun Terminal, board a bus to Playa Tortugas, walk to Playa Tortugas, and then take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.

Where can I park my car to take the Isla Mujeres Ferry?

If you are riding any of the Cancun ferries to Isla Mujeres and leaving your vehicle behind in Cancun, you can use the parking garage at the Ultramar Gran Puerto Terminal. There is also free parking at the Punta Sam ferry dock.

Rate this post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

โœˆ๏ธ Find your next luxurious adventure on Universal Traveller โ€“ Your go-to destination for the worldโ€™s most exclusive luxury hotels and unforgettable travel experiences.