How to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel
🛳️ Cancun Airport to Cozumel: transfers, ferries and tips 2025
Cozumel is a breathtaking island destination. Since there is no direct connection from Cancun Airport, the most common route is taking a private ground transfer to Playa del Carmen, followed by a ferry ride to Cozumel.
🚐 Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen: transportation options
✅ Option 1: Social Car Cancún (recommended)
- Price: from MXN 1,600 (~USD $90) per van (1–9 passengers)
- Private, non-stop ride
- Flight monitoring and bilingual driver
- Drop-off at hotel or ferry dock
- Great option for families or groups
- ✅ Reliable and well-rated local provider
- 👉 Book here: transfers.socialcarcancun.com.mx
✅ Option 2: USA-Transfers
- Price: from ~USD $90–$100 per van
- Private, non-stop ride
- Bilingual driver
- Drop-off at hotel or ferry dock
- ✅ Trusted and experienced company
- 👉 Book here: usa-transfers.com
🚕 Option 3: Official Airport Taxi
- Typical fare: MXN 1,100–1,300 (~USD $60–70)
- Maximum 3 to 4 passengers
- Limited luggage space
- Flat rate (no meter); confirm fare before boarding
🚘 Option 4: Uber
- Available in Cancún, but cannot pick up inside the airport
- Estimated fare: MXN 1,000 (~USD $55)
- 3 to 4 passengers max
- Small luggage only
- Less predictable availability
🚌 Option 5: ADO Bus
- Price: MXN 260–280 per person (~USD $14–15)
- Travel time: approximately 90–100 minutes
- Safe, clean, air-conditioned buses
- Drop-off is near the Playa del Carmen ferry terminal
⛴️ Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: ferry options
After arriving in Playa del Carmen, take a ferry to Cozumel. The scenic ride takes about 40–45 minutes. These are the main ferry companies:
⛴️ Ultramar
- Price: MXN 320 (~USD $17) one-way
- Round-trip: MXN 640 (~USD $34)
- Additional fee: MXN 23 (~USD $1) sanitation tax
- Discounts:
- Quintana Roo residents: MXN 190
- Locals/Ultraplan: MXN 100
- INAPAM (seniors): MXN 100
- Departures: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM, every 60–90 minutes
- Travel time: ~45 minutes
- Features: Air conditioning, open-air deck, onboard snacks
- 🔗 ultramarferry.com
⛴️ Xcaret Xailing
- Price: MXN 286 (~USD $15) adults, MXN 214 (~USD $11) children
- Round-trip: MXN 572 (~USD $30) approx.
- Additional fee: MXN 23 (~USD $1) sanitation tax
- Discounts:
- Quintana Roo residents: MXN 190
- INAPAM (seniors): MXN 122
- Departures: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM, every 30 minutes
- Travel time: ~45 minutes
- Features: Premium seating, Wi-Fi, pet-friendly, travel insurance included
- 🔗 xcaret.com
⛴️ Winjet
- Price: MXN 260–285 (~USD $14–15) adults, MXN 180 (~USD $10) children
- Round-trip: MXN 520–570 (~USD $28–30)
- Additional fee: MXN 23 (~USD $1) sanitation tax
- Discounts:
- Quintana Roo residents: MXN 180
- Locals/Ultraplan: MXN 90
- Departures: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, every 60–90 minutes
- Travel time: ~40–45 minutes
- Features: Standard service, economy seating
- 🔗 winjet.mx
📊 Ferry Comparison Table
| Ferry Company | Adult Fare (One-Way) | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultramar | MXN 320 (~USD $17) | ~45 min | Most frequent service |
| Xcaret Xailing | MXN 286 (~USD $15) | ~45 min | Premium amenities |
| Winjet | MXN 260–285 (~USD $14–15) | ~45 min | Basic service, less frequent |
🎒 What to bring
- Cash in pesos for tickets and tips
- Lightweight luggage (under 25 kg)
- Sunscreen and refillable water bottle
- Printed or digital reservation
- Small change for taxis or porter tips
💡 Local travel tips
- First ferry usually departs at ~7:30 AM; last one around 9:00–10:00 PM
- No need to buy ferry tickets online, but recommended during peak season
- Private transfers are cost-effective for groups
- Always ask for local discounts (INAPAM, children, Quintana Roo residents)
🔗 Useful Links
🧭 Conclusion
Getting from Cancún to Cozumel isn’t complicated — you just need to plan your timing and know your options. Once you land at the airport, the smoothest route is getting to Playa del Carmen and catching a ferry to the island. There are choices for every type of traveler and budget.
That said, if you’d rather avoid the hassle of transfers, long waits or carrying luggage around, private transportation is often the most comfortable choice — especially for families or groups. Plan ahead, carry some pesos in cash, and get ready to enjoy your trip from the very first moment.
