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How to Get to Cozumel from Tulum
Are you interested in visiting Cozumel, but you're staying in Tulum and trying to find the best way to get there? You've come to the right place
We are locals who live in Cozumel, and for various reasons, we're always going back and forth to Tulum. So we'll share with you the best option (if you don't have a car) for how to get to Cozumel from Tulum—the fastest way and at an affordable price
There is no ferry from Tulum to Cozumel
The most important thing you need to know is that there is no ferry that goes from Tulum to Cozumel. The way to get to Cozumel is by boat from Playa del Carmen
In downtown Playa del Carmen, you'll find the ferry terminal. There are three companies that offer the service, taking turns to operate every 30 minutes. This means it's a frequent service, and you'll always find a ferry departing from Playa del Carmen within a relatively short amount of time
Step 1 – Go to the Tulum bus terminal
This option is for people who don't have their own car or a rented car
You just need to get to the Tulum bus terminal. If you're staying at a hotel in downtown Tulum, open Google Maps and check how far the terminal is from your hotel. From there, decide if you can walk or if you need to take some transportation (usually a taxi) to the Tulum bus terminal. As a recommendation, whenever you take a taxi, always ask for the price before getting in and agree on the payment method in advance
Here is the location of the bus terminal on Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/2KNThcsgwCuZgSgs8
Upon arriving at the bus terminal, you should buy a ticket to Playa del Carmen. It's important to mention that you want the bus to drop you off at the tourist terminal on 5th Avenue (here is the link with the location https://maps.app.goo.gl/VoTbEvcNtqjyquw99)
Buses to Playa del Carmen from Tulum depart every 15–30 minutes, so the waiting time is relatively short
The travel time from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
To get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, the approximate travel time is 45–60 minutes. It largely depends on the traffic at the entrance of Playa del Carmen, but it's a short trip.
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
When you arrive in Playa del Carmen and get off at the bus terminal on 5th Avenue, you only need to walk 5 minutes to the ferry terminal, which is next to the Founders Park where there is a large and beautiful sculpture called Portal Maya. Here is the location on Google Maps https://maps.app.goo.gl/1fZz6LUMWsVTDrTz5
The ferry terminal is right next door; you'll see the dock on the left side
Step 3 – Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
When you arrive at the Playa del Carmen ferry terminal, there are three companies that offer the service from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. They depart in turns every 30 minutes. Here you can see 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
The three ticket booths are very close to each other, and all have illuminated signs indicating the next ferry service each company offers
My suggestion is to take the next available ferry and buy a one-way ticket, meaning just the trip over. This way, you can purchase your return ticket from whichever company departs next, instead of waiting for the turn of the company you originally bought a round-trip ticket from. All three companies offer very similar services, and here is a list of ferry prices from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
The ferry travel time from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
The three companies take approximately 45 minutes to travel from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. They use large ferries specifically designed to make the trip relatively comfortable, with indoor air-conditioned seating as well as outdoor seating
Tip: If you often suffer from motion sickness, it's advisable to take a Dramamine pill (always check with your doctor first). Taking this pill beforehand makes it very unlikely that you'll get seasick, as sometimes the sea can be a bit rough, especially halfway through the trip where the water is deeper, making the ride a bit bumpier
Tip: I would recommend buying one-way tickets only, since the ferry companies operate on alternating schedules. This way, on your return trip, you can simply take the next ferry that departs and won't be tied to a particular provider
Step 4 – Arrival in Cozumel
The ferry will drop you off at the downtown dock or fiscal dock. Here is the location https://maps.app.goo.gl/47peuuwr4aB7wKiB9, All the ferries arrive at the same dock, and from there you can get around the island, whether you have a booked tour or want to explore the island by rented car, go to a beach club, etc
My advice when you arrive in Cozumel is to have a plan of activities to do—that is, look for activities the night before and arrive with a concrete plan so you don't waste your valuable time (especially on vacation) figuring out what to do on the island. Some preparation is important to know which activities you'd like to do. You can look for recommendations or watch videos to get a better idea
Private transportation from Tulum to the ferry terminal to Cozumel and vice versa
Want to visit the island of Cozumel and you're in Tulum to take a tour in Cozumel? We'll get you there comfortably, safely, and hassle-free!
Are you looking for private transportation that picks you up from the door of your hotel in Tulum and takes you to the ferry dock in Playa del Carmen? We'll assist you in getting to the Cozumel ferry terminal
Whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, with family, or in a group, we have the ideal solution for you. Our service is 100% private: no stops, no delays, and personalized attention
Traveling with kids, lots of luggage, or simply want to avoid the stress of public transportation? This service is for you!
Send a message and we'll gladly give you a no-obligation quote
"Paul Zamora"