Bus from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

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

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Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is purely a ferry crossing, as no bridge or road connects the island to the mainland. Ultramar and Winjet both run catamarans from the Playa del Carmen pier off the Quinta Avenida, making the roughly 20-kilometre Caribbean crossing in about 45 minutes. With frequent, often hourly sailings, you just turn up at the pier and take the next departure.

The boats dock in San Miguel, Cozumel's main town, dropping you amid its restaurants, dive shops and waterfront. The island is a world-class diving and snorkelling destination, famed for the crystal-clear water and dramatic reef walls of the Mesoamerican Reef, while quieter beaches and inland cenotes give non-divers plenty to enjoy too. It's an easy day trip from Playa or a worthwhile base in its own right.

Route details: Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

Travel time

45 min

Distance

20 km

Typical fare

$15 – $25 USD per person

Frequency

Multiple daily

First departure

Approx. 6:00 AM

Last departure

Approx. 10:00 PM

Operators on this route

Ultramar ferry · Winjet ferry

Pickup at Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen ferry pier off the Quinta Avenida

Drop-off at Cozumel

Cozumel ferry terminal in San Miguel town centre

About the journey

The trip from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is a ferry-only crossing, with no road link to the island. Two companies, Ultramar and Winjet, run passenger catamarans from the Playa del Carmen pier just off the lively Quinta Avenida, covering the roughly 20-kilometre stretch of Caribbean in about 45 minutes. Sailings are frequent throughout the day, often departing hourly or better, so you simply buy a ticket at the pier and board the next one; the two operators alternate departures and offer similar service. The crossing can get choppy when the wind is up, but the modern boats are comfortable and quick. The ferry docks in San Miguel, Cozumel's main town, putting you right in the heart of the island's restaurants, dive shops and waterfront. Cozumel is world-renowned for diving and snorkelling along the Mesoamerican Reef, with crystal-clear water and dramatic walls drawing divers from across the globe, plus quieter beaches and cenotes for those who prefer to stay dry.

Travel tips for Playa del Carmen → Cozumel

Compare Ultramar and Winjet The two lines alternate departures from the same pier with similar service, so check which leaves next and the fare before buying.
Just turn up at the pier Sailings are frequent, often hourly or better, so you rarely need to book ahead; buy your ticket at the Quinta Avenida pier and board.
Note the last sailing back If day-tripping, confirm the final evening ferry from Cozumel so you don't miss the return to Playa del Carmen.
Book diving in advance Cozumel's reef dives are world-famous and operators fill up, so reserve dive trips ahead rather than on arrival.
Bring motion-sickness remedies The 45-minute crossing can get choppy when it's windy, so come prepared if you're prone to seasickness.
Carry cash for the island Dive shops, taxis and beach clubs in Cozumel are cash-friendly, so bring pesos alongside any card.

Frequently asked questions

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

The Ultramar or Winjet crossing takes about 45 minutes for the roughly 20-kilometre stretch of Caribbean. There is no road link, so the ferry is the only way across.

How much does the Cozumel ferry cost?

One-way fares run roughly $15 to $25 USD, with round-trip tickets available. Ultramar and Winjet charge similar prices from the same Playa del Carmen pier.

How often do ferries to Cozumel run?

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

Is there a bus or bridge to Cozumel?

No. Cozumel is an island with no road or bridge connection, so the passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen is the standard way for visitors to cross.

What is Cozumel known for?

Cozumel is world-renowned for scuba diving and snorkelling along the Mesoamerican Reef, with clear water and dramatic reef walls, plus quieter beaches and cenotes for those who prefer to stay above water.

Going the other direction?

Bus from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

See the return route →

Explore the cities on this route

Origin

Playa del Carmen

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

Destination

Cozumel

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

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