Traveling to Cozumel from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum is super easy and straightforward. The Cozumel ferry connects mainland Mexico and Cozumel in under 30 minutes.
We’ve put together everything you need to know about taking the Cozumel ferry, including ferry times, purchasing tickets, and getting to the Cozumel ferry from Cancun & Tulum.
Where Is The Cozumel Ferry Pier?
There are two Cozumel ferry piers. The main passenger ferry pier from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is located right on the beach in Playa del Carmen, right off 5th Ave (the main tourist walking street in Playa del Carmen).
If you take a private transfer or shuttle, it will most likely drop you by the Cozumel ferry ticket booth. The ADO bus stop is a 3-minute walk away.
- Address: Terminal Marítima NAVEGA Av. Benito Juárez, Playa del Carmen
There is a car ferry to Cozumel, located 15 minutes South of Playa del Carmen near Xcaret, operated by Transcaribe. If you are renting a car at the Cancun airport and want to bring it to Cozumel, so you don’t have to rent a car in Cozumel. This is an option.
The only reason to take the Transcaribe ferry to Cozumel is if you bring a rental car. Transcaribe doesn’t have passenger-only fares. Their prices are for a vehicle and passengers.
We think it’s just easier renting a car in Cozumel than bringing one over there. The extra time is not worth the money. We always rent with this company but book online in advance for the best rats.
Have ultimate freedom and save tons of money on tours with your own rental car! Don’t worry – It’s safe (we’ve rented 20+ times), the roads are good, and it’s easier than you think! We always rent from Discover Cars, it’s easy & they have the best prices.
How To Get From Cancun to Cozumel Ferry
Private Transfer – If you’ve just landed at the Cancun International Airport (CUN), booking a private transfer is best to take you directly to the Cozumel Ferry in Playa del Carmen. This can be booked in advance here for only $60 or a $110 round trip for three people.
This is the fastest and easiest way, the driver will be waiting for you, and you’ll go straight to the pier. Prices at the airport for private transfers are much higher. For the lowest price, book in advance online. If you’re traveling as a larger group, the price is even cheaper.
Shared Shuttle: Shared airport shuttles from Cancun are only a good deal if you are a solo traveler. Prices are $40+ for one person. If you are traveling as a couple, it’s usually only a few dollars more or sometimes cheaper to take the private transfer. Then you go STRAIGHT to the pier and don’t wait for additional passengers or stop to drop people off along the way.
We have always found shuttles to be uncomfortable with too many people in one van.
ADO Bus: Another option is to take the ADO bus right from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen Centro. The bus stop is a few minutes walk from the pier.
NOTE if you arrive before 8:30 am or after the last bus, you will have to wait or hire a private transfer. Bus to Playa del Carmen costs 190 pesos/ $10 USD.
Rent A Car – Renting a car in Mexico is much easier and cheaper than you’d think. You can rent a car at the Cancun airport or Cozumel for under $30 daily. We typically pay $30 a day. Click here to check car rental rates. Make sure to read our renting a car in Mexico guide beforehand.
Related Article: After Living in Playa del Carmen, Our Complete Playa del Carmen Guide
*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels, check prices on Booking.com. They are the best option and have a great cancellation policy.*
Cozumel Ferry Companies
Two passenger Cozumel ferry companies operate from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and the Calica port car ferry to Cozumel.
- Winjet
- Ultramar
- Transcaribe (car ferry)
When deciding which ferry to take, it doesn’t really make a difference. We have always gone with the ferry that was leaving next and took the last ferry of the day from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
Both the ferry boats are similar in size and operate out of the same pier in Playa del Carmen.
Related Article: Top Things to do in Cozumel
How Much Does The Ferry Cost To Cozumel
Ferry prices vary based on the company. During high season, tickets do sell out, so you may have to wait sometimes for the next available ferry.
Winjet Cozumel Ferry Cost
Winjet has different ticket prices at the ticket booth at the pier and online. It is nice to prebook in USD since the Mexican pesos are always changing.
- Online $17 USD Adult One-Way
- Online $11 USD Child One-Way
Ultramar Ferry Cost
- Premium Plus Service Adult Ticket: $290 MXN One-Way |$580 MXN Round Trip
- Premium Plus Service Child Ticket: $230 MXN One-Way | $460 MXN Round Trip
- First Class Ticket: $340 MXN One-Way | $680 Round Trip
- Special rates for Quintana Roo residents with ID
Transcaribe Ferry Cost
- $1,100 MXN for a family car and all passengers
- $290 MXN Motorcycle and passengers
The rate varies based on the vehicle type, but for most tourists, it is $1,100 MXN ($30 USD) for a family vehicle and all passengers. Motorcycles are $290 MXN ($15 USD). Click here to see all rates and purchase tickets online in advance.
Cozumel Ferry Schedule
Winjet Cozumel Ferry Schedule
- From Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- 8am 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- From Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
- 8am 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm 6pm, and 8pm
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
Ultramar Cozumel Ferry Schedule
- From Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
- 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm
- From Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
- 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm
How Long Is The Ferry Ride From Playa del Carmen To Cozumel?
Ultramar’s new luxury ferry to Cozumel takes only 20 minutes in perfect weather conditions. The regular Ultramar and Winjet ferry takes about 45 minutes.
The car ferry takes around 75 minutes, but you need to get to the pier 90 minutes beforehand to load vehicles and then another 30+ minutes to unload vehicles. All this extra time makes the car ferry not really worth it, and it is easier to rent a car in Cozumel.
What are the ferry boats to Cozumel like?
The journey is quick, and most likely, you’ll want to be outside enjoying the weather and turquoise waters, so either boat is fine. But between the two companies, Ultramar is the more luxurious and fastest ferry to Cozumel.
Ultramar Ferry – This is a high-speed catamaran ferry that is 157 feet in length with three decks and carries up to 800 passengers. There is air-conditioned leather seating and open-air decks for those wanting to soak up the sun and views. Additional amenities for all ticket holders:
- Children’s play area
- TV Screens
- Snack bar
- Electrical outlets
- Live music
- First Class Ultramar ticket amenities:
- reclining leather seats
- exclusive lounge
- preferred boarding
Winjet Ferry – Water jet vessels that have a capacity of 400 passengers. There are outdoor open-air decks and an air-conditioned seating area. Additional amenities:
- Snack bar
- TV Screens
Parking Near The Cozumel Ferry Pier In Playa del Carmen
The closest parking lot to the ferry pier is called Estacionamiento. If you put that in Google, it will bring you there. Click here to launch on Google maps. Daily rates are 150 pesos.
Note you may need to leave your rental car keys depending on where in the lot you’re parked. Sometimes, they have to move cars around to get in and out.
- Address: Calle 1 Sur 173, Centro, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
How much luggage can you bring?
If you going on a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, you’ll just have your hand luggage. Each passenger is allowed 25 kg of check luggage if you’re staying in Cozumel. Make sure to take all valuables with you as hand luggage.
FAQ Cozumel Ferry
Are there bathrooms on the ferry?
Yes, all ferry companies have several restrooms.
Can you take a rental car to Cozumel?
Yes, you’ll have to take the Transcaribe ferry to Cozumel out of Calica.
Do you need a car in Cozumel?
If you want to make the most of your time on the island and do all the things to do in Cozumel, you’ll need a rental car.
How much is a rental car in Cozumel?
We have always rented a car for under $30 a day in Cozumel on Discovercars.com. They have the cheapest prices and free cancelation. Click here to check our rates.
Related Article: 3 Things To Know Before Renting A Car In Cozumel
Is there a ferry from Tulum to Cozumel?
No, the only passenger ferry to Cozumel is out of Playa del Carmen. Tulum to Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes.
Is there a ferry from Cancun to Cozumel?
No, the only passenger ferry to Cozumel is out of Playa del Carmen. Cancun to Playa del Carmen is about 45 minutes. Click here for our how to get to Playa del Carmen from Cancun guide.
Do you need a passport to visit Cozumel?
You do not need to have your passport with you to travel to Cozumel. However, if you are renting a car and driving in Cozumel, you’ll need your passport at the rental agency and in case you get stopped by a police officer.
Will you get seasick on the ferry?
Typically the seas are relatively smooth, and very few people get seasick. If you are prone to seasickness, it is best to be outside, getting fresh air at the back of the boat. I also always take a less drowsy Dramamine before a boat ride if it looks rough out.
Related Article: Things to do in Cancun
Places in Mexico to Visit Before or After Cozumel
If you’ve got more time to explore Mexico, there are some amazing places nearby you should check out. If you can’t do it on this trip, consider them on your next trip. Make sure to check out some of our other Mexico articles to fuel your wanderlust.
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Have you taken the ferry to Cozumel and have anything to add? Please leave a comment below. We’ll make sure to update the article.
Nicholas Flynn
Saturday 18th of January 2020
Hi, do you need to book the car ferry in advance or can you just turn up. I tried booking on line but I won't have my hire car until early April so do not know the number plate or exact model! This is ifo they ask for when trying to book in advance.Thanks
Adam
Thursday 11th of February 2021
You don't need to book months in advance. I would book it once you get your rental car in Mexico and know the info.
Taylor
Monday 6th of January 2020
Thank you so much for all of this helpful info! We’re planning on visiting March 2020..renting a car in Cancun, spending time in Tulum, then finishing up in Cozumel. We will be renting a car...is it possible/would it make sense to leave the car in playa del Carmen during our stay on Cozumel and then rent a different car on the island? The car ferry seems like an expensive pain...but maybe renting two cars, while one sits in a parking lot would be even sillier(?).
Adam
Thursday 11th of February 2021
Both options are an ok way to do it. If you have a larger group the car ferry might be cheaper. The time difference isn't all that different. The car ferry takes more time because you have to arrive earlier and it's slower, but then you don't have to spend the time in the rental office in Cozumel.