Bus from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

Ultramar/Winjet ferry · ~45m crossing · $15–25 USD · Multiple daily

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Cozumel to Playa del Carmen reverses the island crossing, the only route back to the mainland for foot passengers. Ultramar and Winjet run catamarans from the San Miguel terminal in central Cozumel, making the roughly 20-kilometre Caribbean crossing in about 45 minutes. With frequent, alternating departures, you simply buy a ticket and take the next sailing.

The boats dock at the Playa del Carmen pier just off the Quinta Avenida, dropping you in the heart of the town's pedestrian strip of shops, restaurants and bars. From there, Playa's central ADO terminal connects onward along the Riviera Maya to Tulum, Cancún and across the Yucatán, so returning from Cozumel slots neatly into a longer coastal trip or an onward bus journey.

Route details: Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

Travel time

45 min

Distance

20 km

Typical fare

$15 – $25 USD per person

Frequency

Multiple daily

First departure

Approx. 5:00 AM

Last departure

Approx. 11:00 PM

Operators on this route

Ultramar ferry · Winjet ferry

Pickup at Cozumel

Cozumel ferry terminal in San Miguel town centre

Drop-off at Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen ferry pier off the Quinta Avenida

About the journey

Leaving the island, the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is a ferry-only crossing, the sole way back to the mainland for foot passengers. Ultramar and Winjet both run catamarans from the San Miguel terminal in the heart of Cozumel's main town, covering the roughly 20-kilometre Caribbean stretch in about 45 minutes. Sailings are frequent throughout the day, with the two lines alternating departures, so you rarely wait long; just buy a ticket at the terminal and board the next boat. The crossing can be bumpy on windy days but the modern catamarans are quick and comfortable. You arrive at the Playa del Carmen pier right off the famous Quinta Avenida, stepping straight into the town's pedestrian heart of shops, restaurants and bars. From Playa del Carmen, the central ADO terminal connects onward up and down the Riviera Maya to Tulum, Cancún and beyond, so the island links easily into a wider coastal itinerary or an onward bus journey across the Yucatán.

Travel tips for Cozumel → Playa del Carmen

Take whichever line leaves next Ultramar and Winjet alternate from the same San Miguel terminal with similar service, so just compare the next departure and fare.
No need to pre-book Frequent sailings mean you can usually buy at the terminal and board within the hour, even without a reservation.
Mind the last evening boat If you've spent the day on Cozumel, confirm the final sailing so you make it back to Playa del Carmen as planned.
Connect onward at Playa's ADO The pier is a short walk from the central ADO terminal, handy for onward buses to Tulum, Cancún or the wider Yucatán.
Pack remedies if prone to seasickness The 45-minute crossing can get choppy when the wind picks up, so prepare accordingly.
Keep some pesos handy For taxis, snacks or the onward bus in Playa del Carmen, small notes make the transition off the island smoother.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?

The Ultramar or Winjet crossing takes about 45 minutes for the roughly 20-kilometre stretch back to the mainland. The ferry is the only way across for foot passengers.

How much is the Cozumel to Playa del Carmen ferry?

One-way fares run roughly $15 to $25 USD, with round-trip options available. Ultramar and Winjet charge similar prices from the same San Miguel terminal.

How often do ferries leave Cozumel?

Ultramar and Winjet between them run frequent sailings, often hourly or better, from early morning until late evening. Just buy a ticket at the terminal and take the next departure.

Where does the ferry arrive in Playa del Carmen?

Ferries dock at the Playa del Carmen pier right off the Quinta Avenida, in the pedestrian heart of town. The central ADO terminal for onward buses is a short walk away.

Can I catch an onward bus from Playa del Carmen?

Yes. Playa del Carmen's central ADO terminal, near the ferry pier, connects up and down the Riviera Maya to Tulum, Cancún and across the Yucatán, making onward travel straightforward.

Going the other direction?

Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

See the return route →

Explore the cities on this route

Origin

Cozumel

Bus tickets, accommodation, and what to do in Cozumel →

Destination

Playa del Carmen

Bus tickets, accommodation, and what to do in Playa del Carmen →

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