A beautiful view from within central Playa del Carmen-mobile

How to get from
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Trip Overview

Distance18 km (11.3 miles)
Price range$16-$19
Ride Duration Range35m-45m
Earliest Departure12:00
Latest Departure23:00

A short ferry ride of approximately 45 minutes will take you from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. Ferries run all day and on the hour so you can plan accordingly. Ultramar’s new luxury ferry is also available which can get you there in 20 minutes, but it is a little more expensive. The weather in Playa del Carmen stays generally warm all year-round, but if you are looking for the best weather with the least amount of people, April and May is the ideal time to go. If you go during the summer months, pack a rain jacket and keep an eye on the tropics.

Travel Schedule Options from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen



























































































Taking a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

Fastest ferry: 35m

Cheapest ferry: $16

The fastest: 35m

The cheapest: $16

Pros

Inexpensive

Consistent duration

Free cancellations

Luggage allowed

Toilet on board

Cons

Overpriced food and drinks

Departure times can change

Food and drink not provided for free

Seasickness warning

No other transport options

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

TV

Food

Wifi

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

A beautiful view from within central Playa del Carmen

About the journey from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

It is a short 17 kilometer (4 mile) trip from Cozumel island to the beach town of Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula in mainland Mexico. Playa del Carmen is the gateway to many other popular locations in the surrounding area including the party paradise of Cancun and the stunning Riviera Maya.

White sandy beaches that stretch along the coast, waterfront restaurants, and snorkeling among colorful shoals of fish on the coral reefs are all essential things to do and see during your stay in Playa del Carmen. This beach lover's paradise also has a history of Mayan settlers before conquistadors arrived in the 16th century.

Traditional Mayan architecture can still be seen at several sites in Playa del Carmen, such as the Xaman Ha Ruins that can be found right along the water’s edge. To explore the wildlife of Playa del Carmen, the Jungle Place Monkey Sanctuary will educate you on the issues of endangered species in the area. Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or on a romantic getaway, there is something for everyone in this relaxing and beautiful coastal town. 

The journey from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen requires a trip across the water by high speed ferry. There are a few service providers on this route, which get you from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen in around 30 mins at an affordable price. Depending on which ferry operator you go with, the service may differ slightly in terms of amenities and price. The ferry journey is not only a good way to get to your destination, but also is a nice opportunity to see beautiful views of the Mexican Caribbean.

From one beach paradise to the other, it is plain sailing from the island of Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. Arriving in Playa del Carmen, you are in the perfect spot to enjoy some of the best of the world’s beaches and can truly relax before heading to your next destination.

 

What to see when traveling from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

The short journey from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen takes you across a small body of water in the Caribbean Sea where sharks, turtles, and dolphins can all make appearances. You have the option to sit outside during the ferry journey so you can enjoy the sight of serene blue water and take in the fresh ocean breeze. As you get closer to Playa del Carmen, pristine sandy beaches and palm trees come into view, tempting you to relax and enjoy the sun when you arrive. 

 

How to get from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

Taking a ferry

Ferry rides are the way to travel from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, as the two locations are separated by the ocean without access to a bridge. Whichever ferry you decide to take from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, you can choose from both indoor and outdoor seating depending on whether you want to rest or check out the stunning views.

The ferries from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen are only accessible for passengers on foot and not in vehicles. The ferries also offer great luggage allowances of up to 25kg and free cancellations and changes up to a certain time before the departure. Depending on the ferry you choose, there may be TV’s and food available to purchase on board, although food can be pricey.

All ferries are equipped with toilets and air conditioning for those hot sultry days. If you have any questions, the staff on board can usually speak English. Departures occur from morning to night so you can spend a good part of your last day in Cozumel before hopping over to Playa del Carmen to end the evening with a delicious meal. 

Companies Operating from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

Average time

35m

Average price

$18 - $19

(408)

Average time

45m

Average price

$16

(30)

Popular stations and stops in Cozumel and Playa del Carmen

Departure stations in Cozumel

Ultramar Pier, Cozumel

Winjet, Maritime Terminal

Arrival stations in Playa del Carmen

Ultramar Pier, Playa del Carmen

Winjet Office, Playa del Carmen

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