Bus from Isla Mujeres to Cancún
Ultramar ferry + local transfer · ~30m crossing · $10–20 USD · Multiple daily
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Isla Mujeres to Cancún reverses the short island hop, beginning with the Ultramar ferry from the town dock. The catamaran crosses to Puerto Juárez on Cancún's north side in around 20 to 30 minutes, running frequently through the day. From the mainland terminal, a quick local bus or taxi carries you into downtown Cancún, with the full trip usually taking an hour or less.
The crossing's frequency makes returning easy, though it's smart to check the last ferry if you're spending the day on the island. Once back in Cancún, the central ADO terminal on Avenida Tulum connects onward across the Yucatán and to the airport, so a visit to Isla Mujeres slots neatly into a wider Caribbean-coast itinerary rather than being a dead end.
Route details: Isla Mujeres to Cancún
Travel time
1 h
Distance
20 km
Typical fare
$10 – $20 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily
First departure
Approx. 6:00 AM
Last departure
Approx. 9:00 PM
Operators on this route
Ultramar ferry
Pickup at Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres ferry dock in the town centre
Drop-off at Cancún
Puerto Juárez terminal; local bus/taxi onward to Cancún Centro
About the journey
Returning from Isla Mujeres to Cancún starts with the Ultramar ferry from the island's town dock back to the mainland. The catamaran crossing to Puerto Juárez takes around 20 to 30 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day, depositing you on Cancún's north side. From the Puerto Juárez terminal a short local bus or taxi completes the trip into downtown Cancún or onward to the Hotel Zone, with the whole journey typically taking an hour or less depending on connections. The ferries run from early morning until evening, so day-trippers have plenty of flexibility, though it's wise to note the last sailing to avoid being stranded on the island overnight. For travellers continuing onward, Cancún's central ADO terminal on Avenida Tulum connects to the wider Yucatán and the airport, making Isla Mujeres an easy stop to slot into a larger itinerary along the Caribbean coast.
Travel tips for Isla Mujeres → Cancún
- Note the last ferry Ultramar sailings end in the evening, so confirm the final crossing to Puerto Juárez to avoid being stuck on the island overnight.
- Plan your mainland transfer From Puerto Juárez you'll need a short local bus or taxi onward, so factor that into your timing, especially for flights.
- Leave a buffer for flights If heading to Cancún airport, build in extra time for the ferry, the transfer and any traffic before your departure.
- Keep small pesos for the taxi The onward ride from Puerto Juárez is cash-friendly, so have small notes ready after the crossing.
- Connect onward at the ADO terminal Cancún Centro's ADO station links to Tulum, Valladolid and beyond, so plan your next leg if continuing your trip.
- Travel light off the island Carrying a manageable bag makes the ferry boarding and the mainland transfer far quicker and easier.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Isla Mujeres back to Cancún?
Take the Ultramar ferry from the Isla Mujeres town dock to Puerto Juárez, about 20 to 30 minutes, then a short local bus or taxi into Cancún. The whole trip usually takes an hour or less.
How much does the Isla Mujeres to Cancún trip cost?
The ferry and onward transfer together typically run roughly $10 to $20 USD. The Ultramar crossing is the main cost, with the mainland taxi or bus adding a little more.
What time is the last ferry from Isla Mujeres?
Ultramar sailings generally run until around 9:00 PM, though times vary seasonally. Confirm the last crossing before your day on the island so you don't get stranded overnight.
Can I get to Cancún airport from Isla Mujeres?
Yes. Take the ferry to Puerto Juárez, then a taxi or onward connection to the airport. Allow a generous buffer for the crossing, the transfer and any traffic before your flight.
Where does the ferry arrive in Cancún?
Ultramar ferries dock at the Puerto Juárez terminal on Cancún's north side. From there a short local bus or taxi takes you into downtown Cancún and the central ADO terminal.
Going the other direction?