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How to Get to Cozumel from Cancun
If you are in Cancun and feel like visiting Cozumel for a day of adventure, let me explain to you the most affordable way to get to Cozumel. It's not complicated at all, but you do need to first get to Playa del Carmen and from there take the ferry to Cozumel. Let me tell you, you've come to the right place
As locals who live in Cozumel, we regularly travel to Cancun, which is why we have the expertise to get from Cancun to Cozumel in a comfortable and affordable way
There is no ferry from Cancun to Cozumel
There is an island in front of Cancun called Isla Mujeres, and yes, there are ferries to that island from various places because it's very close. However, that island is not Cozumel, and to get to Cozumel, there is no ferry from Cancun to Cozumel
Ferries to Cozumel depart from downtown Playa del Carmen, so you need to get to Playa del Carmen first. It’s very easy, since both are the most important cities in the state, and many companies are constantly going back and forth between Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
Step 1 – Go to the Cancun bus terminal
This option is for people who don’t have their own car or a rental
The bus terminal is located in downtown Cancun. If you're in Cancun's hotel zone, you just need to take the bus marked R1 and let the driver know that you're getting off at the ADO bus terminal.
A good idea is to use Google Maps on your phone — it will show you as you get closer to the Cancun bus terminal so you know where to get off. Here is the location on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D2mAc8VuNgpwG52U8
If you are in downtown Cancun, it's very likely that you are close to the Cancun bus terminal. Use technology to your advantage—you can check the distance on Google Maps, and if it's far, the best option is to take a taxi. In Cancun, there is only one ADO bus terminal, so there can be no misunderstanding.
Upon arriving at the bus terminal, you must buy a ticket to go to Playa del Carmen. In Playa del Carmen, there are two terminals.
- Alternate Terminal
- Tourist Terminal (5th Avenue)
It is important that you get off at the Tourist Terminal on 5th Avenue, which is just a few steps from the ferry terminal to Cozumel.
Here is the link to the ADO Tourist Terminal on 5th Avenue: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VoTbEvcNtqjyquw99
Buses from Cancun to Playa del Carmen depart every 15-30 minutes, so the waiting time is relatively short.
The travel time from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
From Cancun to Playa del Carmen, the approximate time is 60-90 minutes, depending a lot on the traffic at the entrance of Playa del Carmen.
Step 2 – Go to the ferry terminal from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
Here is the route you should follow from the Tourist Bus Terminal to the ferry terminal to Cozumel: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mvAi6Ps1AwDMXZex7
After arriving in Playa del Carmen and getting off the bus at the Fifth Avenue terminal, you will find the next terminal just a 5-minute walk away. It is right next to the Parque de los Fundadores, where the large and beautiful Portal Maya sculpture stands out. I’m sharing the location on Google Maps so you won’t have any trouble finding it: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1fZz6LUMWsVTDrTz5
The ferry terminal is located immediately next door; the pier will be visible on your left
Step 3 – Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
At the Playa del Carmen ferry terminal, three companies offer trips to Cozumel departing every 30 minutes. We provide you with a link to check the ferry schedules from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
- Xailing - https://maps.app.goo.gl/ovG2r5FZHmyrc8aD7
- Ultramar - https://maps.app.goo.gl/tZrzz69Ecy6Waxdw5
- Winjet - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rqD2wa4fdsmc9nmFA
You will find the three ticket sales booths very close to each other, and all clearly display their next ferry departure times. For greater flexibility, I recommend buying a one-way ticket with the first company that departs. This way, for your return trip, you can take the ferry that best fits your schedule, without being tied to the company of your round-trip ticket. The service from the three companies is quite similar; here is a price list for the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
The travel time from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel by ferry
The ferry trip between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel takes about 45 minutes with any of the three companies. These ferries are specially designed for this route, offering a very comfortable journey with indoor air-conditioned seating and outdoor areas to enjoy the fresh air.
Tip: For those who get seasick easily, it is recommended to take medication like Dramamine before boarding (always under medical supervision). This can significantly reduce the chance of getting seasick, as sea conditions can vary, with rougher waves in deeper waters halfway through the trip, which may cause some movement.
Tip: My recommendation is to buy one-way tickets only. That way, for the return trip, you can take the first ferry that departs, as the companies have different schedules. You won’t be tied to just one.
Step 4 – Arrival in Cozumel
The ferry disembarkation point will be the central pier or fiscal pier, whose location is attached https://maps.app.goo.gl/47peuuwr4aB7wKiB9. All ferry boats arrive at this same pier, from where you can get around the island to join organized tours, rent vehicles, visit beach clubs, among other options. Upon arriving in Cozumel, I strongly suggest having a pre-planned itinerary of activities (research and decide the night before) to make the most of your valuable vacation time and avoid improvising activities on the island. Advance planning is crucial to identify activities of interest. It is recommended to consult reviews or watch videos to get a better perspective.
Private transportation from Cancun to the ferry terminal to Cozumel and vice versa
Do you want to visit the island of Cozumel and you’re in Cancun to take an excursion in Cozumel? We will take you there comfortably, safely, and hassle-free!
Are you looking for private transportation that takes you from the door of your hotel in Cancun to the ferry pier in Playa del Carmen? We assist you to get to the ferry terminal to Cozumel.
Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, with family, or in a group, we have the perfect solution for you. Our service is 100% private: no stops, no delays, and personalized attention.
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Send a message and we'll gladly provide you with a no-obligation quote.
"Paul Zamora"