How to Get from Cozumel to Tulum in 2023
Are you trying to determine the best way to get from the island of Cozumel to Tulum? You’ve come to the right guide!
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve traveled to the island of Cozumel, to Tulum, and between the two destinations several times.
In this post, I’m sharing all the different ways to travel from Cozumel to Tulum to make your journey as easy as possible.
After reading this Cozumel to Tulum guide, you should be an expert and ready to go between two of my favorite places in the Riviera Maya.
Ready to find out how to get to Tulum from Cozumel? Let’s get started!
Getting from Cozumel to Tulum
First off, it’s important to know that there is no direct passenger ferry from Cozumel to Tulum.
So the best way to travel between these two towns is to take a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and then travel from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
Cozumel to Tulum Travel Time
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is about a 45-minute ferry ride, and Playa del Carmen to Tulum is about one hour.
However, you should account for time in Playa del Carmen to get on the bus/colectivo/taxi.
The total Cozumel to Tulum travel time should be between two and three hours, depending on traffic and your chosen transportation.
Cozumel to Tulum Distance
Cozumel and Tulum’s total land and sea distance is 60 miles (95 km). Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is about 20 miles (30 km). Playa del Carmen to Tulum is about 40 miles (65 km).
How to Get from Cozumel to Tulum
First, you take a passenger ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. After the passenger ferry, you can travel from Playa del Carmen to complete the Cozumel to Tulum trip.
Step 1: Take the Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen
Here’s what to know about taking the ferry from to Playa del Carmen from Cozumel:
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ferry Location
The Cozumel ferry terminal is right across from the Cozumel town square in the downtown area of San Miguel de Cozumel.
The terminal is located on the main road along the ocean at the extension of Av. Lic. Benito Juarez, across from Palmeras Restaurant.
Alternatively, the Playa del Carmen ferry terminal is located at the start of 5th Avenue, a block from Parque Los Fundadores and about a block from the Paseo del Carmen shopping mall.
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ferry Companies
Two passenger ferry companies depart from Cozumel and Playa del Carmen–Ultramar and Winjet.
Both passenger ferries offer indoor and outdoor seating (outdoor seating is not recommended for those with motion sickness).
The Ultramar ferries are newer and have slightly better facilities onboard (i.e., bathroom, Starbucks, and other basic amenities).
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ferry Schedule
Winjet and Ultramar leave from Cozumel and Playa del Carmen every hour, on the hour, with a consistent cruise schedule.
Currently, the two ferry companies alternate the hour they depart from the main port every other day.
For example, on even days of the month, the first Ultramar ferry departs at 7AM. On odd days of the month, the first Ultramar ferry departs from Cozumel at 8AM.
Before your trip, check the Ultramar and Winjet websites for the most up-to-date port times and time schedules.
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ferry Prices
Below is a breakdown of the Cozumel to Playa del Carmen ferry prices. If you’re looking to save money, Winjet is the cheaper option.
Alternatively, if you want to upgrade your ferry ride, Ultramar offers a first class ticket option which has a private indoor seating area at the front of the ferry. This area has larger, more comfortable seats and extra strong air conditioning.
Winjet:
- One Way: $220 pesos (~$12.90 USD)
- Round-Trip: $456 pesos (~26.65 USD)
Ultramar:
- One Way: $290 pesos (~$16.95 USD)
- Round-Trip: $540 pesos (~$31.50 USD)
- One Way (First Class): $340 pesos (~$19.85 USD)
- Round-Trip (First Class): $680 pesos (~$39.75 USD)
Travelista Tip: I would recommend purchasing one-way tickets since the ferry companies have alternating schedules. That way, for the return trip you can just hop on the next departing ferry and not be bound to a particular provider.
Step 2: Drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Once you get off the ferry from Cozumel in Playa del Carmen, the last step is to consider your transportation options to Tulum.
ADO Bus
The first option to get from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is to take the ADO bus, which is a large charter-style bus that operates as a form of public transportation between many towns in the Yucatan peninsula.
ADO buses in Playa del Carmen are large, comfortable, and air-conditioned and offer a very affordable way to travel from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
ADO Bus Location
There are two ADO terminals in Playa del Carmen–ADO Terminal Turistica Playa del Carmen and ADO Alternate Terminal Playa del Carmen.
ADO Terminal Turistica is only one block away from the ferry pier on 5th Avenue, so this is the one you’ll want to go to.
ADO Bus Prices
Playa del Carmen to Tulum bus tickets on the ADO range from $55 pesos (~$3.20 USD) to $114 pesos (~$7 USD), depending on the day and time of departure.
Before departure, you can purchase your tickets online through Busbud, on the ADO website, the ADO mobile app, or directly at the ADO terminal.
The lines at the ADO terminal are usually pretty long, so if you want to save time, you can book your tickets online in advance.
The ADO website is only in Spanish, so if you want to book in advance, I would recommend purchasing your tickets on Busbud.
Just be sure to give yourself enough time in case there are any delays on the ferry.
ADO Bus Schedule
Buses frequently leave for Tulum, and there are usually a couple that depart every hour.
You can check the ADO schedules on the ADO website or on Busbud.
Colectivo
Colectivos are the main form of public transport in Mexico and are essentially minivans that travel frequently between different towns
Colectivos are much smaller and less comfortable than the ADO, but the plus side is that they are cheaper and leave more frequently.
The colectivo bus terminal for Tulum is located at the main highway 307, right next to the Chedraui grocery store parking lot (📍Google Maps location).
From the Cozumel ferry terminal, it’s about a 15-minute walk, or you can hire a taxi to get there if you’re not up for walking.
A colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum should cost around $50 pesos (~$2.90 USD) each way.
Buses leave every few minutes from the colectivo bus stop and you’ll pay the driver upon exiting.
Taxi
You can also easily grab a private taxi from Playa del Carmen port to Tulum.
Several city taxis are located near the ferry exit in Playa del Carmen, or you can walk up a block or two away from 5th Avenue for a regular street taxi.
A private taxi is the fastest way to get from the Playa del Carmen ferry pier to Tulum and should cost around $700 pesos (~$40 USD).
Private Transfer
If you’re short on time and want to plan everything, you can also book private transportation from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
They will organize everything for you, so there are a few details to worry about.
↳ Book a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum here
Rental Car
If you’re looking for a little more freedom and flexibility with your road trip, you can rent a car. Driving from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is a fast and easy trip.
A rental car is a great option if you want to travel on your own time, make as many stops as you’d like, and avoid sometimes overly crowded public buses.
It’s easiest to rent a car in Playa del Carmen but if you decide to rent a car in Cozumel, there is a Cozumel car ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
There are many rental companies in the Yucatan Peninsula, but I recommend booking your rental car with Discover Cars for the best deals.
↳ Search for rental cars on Discover Cars here
Cozumel to Tulum Tour
A Cozumel to Tulum guided tour is the easiest way to take a day trip, as all transportation, costs, and bookings are handled for you and a small group.
You can skip all the hassle of arranging, reserving, and planning and let the experts care for you.
A Cozumel to Tulum tour is the best option and best price for those who are short on time or want to give the planning to someone else.
You might also want to consider a private Tulum tour for you and your family!
This Cozumel Express Tour to the Tulum Mayan Ruins includes round trip transportation from the Cozumel ferry to Tulum, a guided tour through the Tulum archeological site, a bottle of water, and light snacks.
↳ Book a guided Cozumel to Tulum tour here
How to Get from Cozumel to the Tulum Ruins
The stunning Tulum Mayan Ruins are located just north of Tulum, right on a hillside cliff overlooking a large stretch of beach and the vibrant Mexican Caribbean sea.
The ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Tulum includes a stop at the Tulum ancient ruins before reaching the Tulum ADO bus station.
If you are taking a colectivo to Tulum, you can simply ask the driver to drop you off at the Tulum Ruins, which is just before you get to downtown Tulum.
Just make sure you bring biodegradable sunscreen, a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing, as these impressive ruins can get hot!
Getting Back to Cozumel from Tulum
Once you’ve arrived in Tulum, the return trip from Tulum to Cozumel should be a breeze!
You take the same route, in reverse, depending on your chosen transportation method.
You either return to the ADO/colectivo station you were dropped off at or return with your rental car or private transfer.
To get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, you return to the ferry terminal at the start of 5th Avenue and hop on your return ferry back to Cozumel.
Cozumel to Tulum: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about getting to Tulum from Cozumel:
Tulum is approximately 2 hours away from Cozumel depending on your chosen transportation method.
The ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen takes about 45 minutes and then it’s about a 1 hour drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
There is no direct Cozumel to Tulum ferry. However, the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen takes about 45 minutes, and the ride from Playa del Carmen to Tulum takes about 1 hour.
There is no direct ferry from Cozumel to Tulum. However, the ferry cost from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is between $220 pesos (~$12.90 USD) to $340 pesos (~$19.85 USD), depending on the company and class for a one-way ticket.
Additionally, the transportation cost from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is between $50 pesos (~$2.90 USD) and $700 pesos (~$40 USD), depending on your transportation preference.
Because there is no direct ferry from Cozumel to Tulum, driving from Cancun to Tulum is easier.
Tulum is over 2 hours away from the Cozumel cruise port. You’ll need to take a taxi to the ferry terminal, then take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, followed by ground transportation from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
Yes, it’s definitely possible to do a Cozumel to Tulum day trip. While visiting, you can visit the ruins in Tulum Mexico, swim in freshwater cenotes, or relax at a beach club in Tulum.
Cozumel and Tulum are world-renowned locations in the Riviera Maya. Tulum is well-known for cenotes, long stretches of beaches, high-end resorts, and a bohemian vibe.
Cozumel is known for unforgettable reefs, out-of-this-world scuba diving, crystal clear waters, and cruise ships.
You can take an airport taxi or the Cozumel shuttle bus to the Cozumel ferry from the Cozumel Airport.
Then take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen from the terminal. From Playa del Carmen, you can take the ADO bus, colectivo, taxi, private transfer, or rental car to Tulum.
No. Uber is not available in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, or anywhere in Quintana Roo.
While Uber was recently approved to operate in the region, strong opposition from taxi drivers has made it dangerous to use Uber.
Cancun International Airport is more accessible to Tulum, as you can take a direct taxi or bus from the Cancun airport to Tulum.
A Playa del Carmen to Tulum taxi should cost around $700 pesos (~$40 USD).
Conclusion: Cozumel to Tulum Transportation Guide
While there is no direct ferry from Cozumel Island to Tulum, it is a relatively simple trip.
The cheapest way to get there is to take the Winjet ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and a colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
The fastest way to get there is to take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and a private taxi or a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum.
And the most hassle-free way to get there is to book a tour from Cozumel to Tulum ruins, which includes all bookings, tickets, and an English-speaking professional guide.
Whichever route you take, you are sure to have a wonderful time. I hope you have everything to enjoy an effortless trip from Cozumel to Tulum!
🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
