If you’re searching for the best way to get to Cozumel, this guide is going to help you. Cozumel is a beautiful island only a ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen.
There are two main ways to get to Cozumel:
- By ferry
- By plane
If you’re not already in Playa del Carmen, you could opt for the plane. Alternatively, all the options will first bring you to Playa del Carmen so that you can take the ferry to reach Cozumel.
In this guide, we’ll discuss all your options from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum. We’ll also give you information about the ferry companies as well as tips to get around Cozumel island.
Without further ado, let’s get started! How do you get to Cozumel?
How To Get To Cozumel From Playa Del Carmen
If you’re already in Playa del Carmen, it’s going to be fast. There are two ferry companies that depart from the same port. You can find the location of the ferry terminal here.
The two ferry companies are:
- Ultramar
- Winjet
The ferry ride to Cozumel takes around 40 minutes or so which is quite short. A round-trip ticket for an adult (foreigner) is about 470 pesos or USD 22. Note that prices can change according to the season, or ferry company.
Both companies are good but you should know that they share the schedule. For example, if a company is closed one day, the other company is open. Note that this could only be temporary due to the fact we are in 2021 and the tourism industry is not at its peak.
That said, you can book your ticket in advance, or simply buy them the day of your departure.
Note that it’s recommended to arrive one hour before departure so that you can get your tickets. There are usually long queues especially for the first departure of the day.
Here’s an overview of departure times from Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.
Note that on our way back to Playa del Carmen, the ferry departed 15 minutes prior to the official departure time. It’s recommended to be there at least 30 minutes before departure if you already have a ticket.
How To Get To Cozumel From Cancun
Unfortunately, there’s no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel.
Now if you’re wondering how to get to Cozumel from Cancun, you’ll first need to get to Playa del Carmen. To do so, you have a few options available:
- Take the Ado bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (Note that Ado’s website is not user-friendly, you can book your bus ticket online via Busbud.)
- Organize a private transfer from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
- Take a taxi to Playa del Carmen (which I don’t necessarily recommend)
Alternatively, you can fly to Cozumel.
Once you get to Playa del Carmen, you can take the ferry to Cozumel. The Ado bus station Turistica is nearby the ferry terminal.
If you pick this option, make sure to get back above to read information about ferries to get to Cozumel island.
How To Get To Cozumel From Tulum
Now, if you’re planning to get to Cozumel from Tulum, you’ll also need to get to Playa del Carmen first.
- Take the Ado bus from Tulum to Playa del Carmen (Note that Ado’s website is not user-friendly, you can book your bus ticket online via Busbud.)
- Organize a private transfer from Tulum to Playa del Carmen
- Take a taxi to Playa del Carmen (which I don’t necessarily recommend)
Alternatively, you can fly to Cozumel island.
When you arrive in Playa del Carmen, you can take the ferry to Cozumel. The Ado bus station Turistica is close to the ferry terminal.
If you’re arriving from Tulum, make sure to get back above to read information about ferries to get to Cozumel island.
How To Get Around Cozumel
Cozumel island is not huge, but you’ll still need a way to get around the island. It’s quite common to rent a scooter, or a jeep to explore the island.
That said, you’ll find plenty of rental shops nearby the ferry terminal. You can either browse your options in person or book them in advance.
Note that if you’re visiting Cozumel during the high season, you may want to book in advance. During our visit, we had to book a jeep advance because many companies were already booked out.
Staying in Cozumel?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the top hotels in Cozumel, Mexico.
Best hostel: Hostel Auikyani
Best hotel: Hacienda Boutique Mi Case Tu Casa
Best resort: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort and Spa
Final Thoughts On Getting To Cozumel
Getting to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, Tulum or Cancun is relatively easy. Once in Playa del Carmen, simply take the ferry to reach Cozumel island.
Start planning your Cozumel itinerary with our tips for planning the perfect day trip to Cozumel.
Many travelers and expats love Cozumel because it’s safe. You can learn more about safety in Cozumel here.
Heading to Cozumel soon? Start planning your stay and read our guide on the best snorkeling spots as well as the best time to visit Cozumel.
