How to Get to Cozumel (in the Cheapest and Fastest Way)

Cozumel, Yucatan’s rising star has one of Latin America’s busiest airports and is one of the Americas’ major port towns. Its perfect blue Caribbean waters, chill, laid-back island feel, makes it one of the best hotspots if you’re looking for that authentic Mexican Caribbean getaway.
How to Get to Cozumel
Table of Contents

This slice of heaven in the Riviera Maya is famed for its dive-worthy reefs, diverse activities, relaxed atmosphere, and cheaper thrills. Cozumel may be overshadowed by its mainland bigger sisters like Playa del Carmen and Cancun, but it stays afloat claiming its spot as one of the Yucatan’s pride.

How Far is Cozumel From Mainland?

Cozumel Island is 16km or 10 miles from mainland Quintana Roo, this is the estimated distance from San Miguel de Cozumel, the central town of the island to Playa del Carmen.

Does Cozumel Have an Airport?

The Cozumel International Airport accommodates visitors straight from mainland Mexico and other countries. The airport sees many international and domestic flights and operates in the city of San Miguel de Cozumel.

The airport was renovated and expanded back in 2003, now with 6 international gates and 2 domestic. This has provided Cozumel an even better hold on the world-stage for tourist destinations.

How Many Airports Are There in Cozumel?

Cozumel only has one airport, the Cozumel International Airport with the IATA code of CZM. Since its expansion and the rise of Cozumel into the international spotlight, the airport has seen growing numbers of visitors over the years. In 2019, the airport has seen over 546, 423 passengers.

What Airport is Closest to Cozumel?

The nearest airport to Cozumel is the Cancun Airport. Visitors who plan to go to Cozumel after Cancun, either take a ferry to the island from Playa del Carmen or a smaller single-aisle plane directly from Cancun to Cozumel.

What Airlines Go to Cozumel?

There are many Mexican and International Airlines that fly to Cozumel like Aeromexico, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier, Interjet, Southwest, Volaris, MAYair, VivaAerobus, and many more.

It is best to check out ticket booking platforms online and find out if your local airlines have flights that go to Mexico, with connecting flights to Cozumel. Chances are if you’re from the US or Canada, many flights take you to the Yucatan directly.

What Airlines Fly Direct to Cozumel?

Other than Mexican airlines, most of the airlines that fly directly to Cozumel are from the US and Canada like, Air Canada, Delta Air, Continental, WestJet, United Airlines, and Sun Country.

Try checking out travel platforms online and see if there’s a flight from your city that directly fly to Cozumel. However, if you’re not from Canada or the US, you might have to take connecting flights to Mexico to get to Cozumel.

Does Southwest Fly Into Cozumel?

Southwest Airlines fly directly to Cozumel International Airport. Flying with Southwest Airlines make Cozumel easy to reach, with available flights from different key cities in the US, and Mexico.

Does Jet Blue Fly to Cozumel?

Jet Blue, unfortunately, doesn’t have many flights going directly to Cozumel. Even from key cities in the US.

How Do You Travel From Cancun to Cozumel?

There are various ways to get to Cozumel from Cancun, and whichever way you want to do it depends on the type of travel and experience you want to get out of.

The most popular way to get to Cozumel is by ferry from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen. There are also flights from Cancun that take you to Cozumel International Airport as Cozumel is one of the busiest airports this side of Mexico, even in Latin America.

Taking a ferry directly to Cozumel from Cancun is probably the cheapest way to go.

But, if you want to get the most out of the Riviera Maya experience, getting to Cozumel via a tri-city trip is a perfect choice.

You can stay and explore Cancun, and then take a bus to Playa del Carmen, experience the famous charm of this coastal town, then take a ferry from the Playa’s pier to Cozumel and start from there.

How Far is Cancun to Cozumel?

The distance between Cancun and the central town of San Miguel de Cozumel is about 76 kilometers or 47 miles. You can choose from several options on getting to Cozumel, depending on your budget, what level of comfort you prefer, and generally the kind of trip you want to have.

Can You Fly Into Cancun to Get to Cozumel?

You can fly from Cancun to Cozumel coming from major airports, but some airlines offer direct flights to Cozumel, without having to fly in any of the major airports in Mexico.

There are international airlines, mainly from the US and Canada that fly to Cozumel, from certain cities outside Mexico.

How Do I Get From Cancun Airport to Cozumel?

You can get to Cozumel in various ways. Whether you take another flight directly to Cozumel, or you go by land and by water.

You can fly from Cancun through many airlines that serve flights between Cancun and Cozumel. Various Mexican airlines will get you from Cancun to Cozumel.

Apart from that, you can take a ferry from the pier in Playa del Carmen via bus or private transfer from Cancun, and sail off to San Miguel de Cozumel pier.

Buses from ADO in Cancun will take you to Playa del Carmen and you can either take a taxi to the pier or you could just walk.

Can You Drive From Cancun to Cozumel?

You can actually drive from Cancun to Cozumel. You can rent a car from Cancun and drive all the way down to Calica port, 10km south of Playa del Carmen, which takes a little longer and is more of a hassle than a private transfer.

This is usually not recommended by travelers who have been to Cozumel. Taking a private transfer, shuttle service or a bus is more convenient and cheaper.

This will take you to the pier in Playa del Carmen that only ferries passengers. Upon arriving at the port of San Miguel, you can take a taxi from there to your hotel. It is better to rent a car, a jeep, or a motorcycle when you’re already on the island.

How Far Away is Cozumel From Playa Del Carmen?

Cozumel is 19 km or about 12 miles from Playa del Carmen. Getting from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is probably the best, and most popular option if you want to hit two birds with one stone.

From Cancun, you can take a shuttle, a private transfer, or a bus to Playa del Carmen, and explore the city from there. And then after some time, and some exploring, get to the pier and take a ferry to Cozumel, you can purchase tickets at the kiosks near the ferry pier.

Is There a Ferry From Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel?

Taking a ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen is cheaper, and less hassle. Two Ferry companies serve visitors in getting between these two Yucatan jewels.

Winjet and Ultramar have kiosks near the pier. From there you can buy one-way or round trip tickets, and you can take whatever boat is available on standby. It is advisable to get a one-way ticket first, and then get another one when you’re ready to go back to the mainland. That way you wouldn’t cram your way in getting to the pier on time for your scheduled trip.

How Long is the Boat Ride From Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel?

It only takes 30 minutes for ferries to cross. But that still depends on the sea conditions, rougher seas will take crossing a little longer.

Make sure you get to the boats on time, or at least 10 minutes before so that you have time to walk out and get on.

How Much is the Ferry Ride From Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel?

Average ferry prices cost about 220 Mexican Pesos one way or 400 for a round trip. If you have children with you, kids 2 to 12 years old have different prices – 140 pesos one way, or 260 round trip, and those below 2 years old are free.

How Often Does the Ferry Go to Cozumel?

The good thing about having two ferry companies servicing visitors makes for a more flexible trip. Winjet ferries go to Cozumel about 15 times a day, while Ultramar goes about 17 times a day.

Is the Ferry to Cozumel Safe?

The ferries comply with guidelines and protocols that ensure sea safety for passengers of all ages. The fact that these two ferry companies are the main operators, make them safe, trusted, and convenient services.

Can You See Cozumel From Playa Del Carmen?

You can actually see San Miguel, the central town of Cozumel from Playacar beach in Playa del Carmen. As the Playa del Carmen is no more than 19 km away from Cozumel, the adjacent towns are visible to each other much to visitors of the Playa and Cozumel’s delights.

How Far is Cozumel to Tulum?

Tulum is 63 km or 40 miles from Cozumel. Tulum and Cozumel, being two of Yucatan’s best, has convenient means of getting to and from each other, just like with Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

The most popular option and service that will get you in between these places are still the ADO buses. Although, you have to get to Playa del Carmen pier all the way from Tulum, and take a ferry to San Miguel de Cozumel.

How Do I Get From Tulum to Cozumel?

There are various means of getting in between these two destinations, like taxis, buses, and rental cars. Cozumel is a drive and ferry ride away from Tulum, with Tulum being on the mainland, further south of Playa del Carmen.

From Tulum, you can take a taxi or bus, the latter is cheaper and more convenient, given the facilities of ADO buses in the region. Then drive to Playa del Carmen pier, and take the next ferry to Cozumel.

However, if you’re renting a car, the only way to get to Cozumel is through a car ferry 10 km south of Playa del Carmen in the Calica port, and usually, it isn’t advisable. It’s best to rent a car once you’re on the island as car ferries are more hassle.

How Far is Tulum From Cozumel Airport?

The distance of Tulum from Cozumel airport is around 82 km. Tulum sits further down south of Playa del Carmen. However, getting to Cozumel from Tulum is easier and faster as it’s nearer Cozumel than Cancun.

How Do I Get From Tulum Airport to Cozumel?

Unfortunately, Tulum doesn’t have an airport, but an airbase and it doesn’t accommodate commercial flights to the city. The main airport that receives visitors to Tulum and Cozumel is still Cancun Airport.

Anyone looking to visit Tulum will have the same options and means to get to Cozumel and Tulum. But, if you’re coming from Tulum, you can take taxis, buses, and a rental car, although that isn’t really advised by past travelers.

How Far is Cozumel From Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres is 85 km away from Cozumel, both of which are charming islands just off the coast of Quintana Roo, along the Riviera Maya. Isla Mujeres however, is a lot smaller than Cozumel and seats nearer to the mainland.

Is There a Ferry From Isla Mujeres to Cozumel?

There aren’t ferry services that take you from Isla Mujeres to Cozumel. The most popular choice is to take a ferry from Isla Mujeres to Cancun.

From Cancun, take a bus to Playa del Carmen, which has the closest port to Cozumel, and take a ferry that leads you directly to San Miguel de Cozumel.

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest