Whether you’re looking to escape the cold winter weather or just enjoy a beautiful beach vacation, Cozumel, Mexico, is a great destination. So you know that you want to have amazing adventures and spend time relaxing on this Caribbean island, but you have some logistics to figure out. Start with how to get to Cozumel. You can fly in, take a cruise or ride a ferry from mainland Mexico.
If you want to be in complete control of when you arrive and depart and spend all or most of your time on the island, flying might be your preferred option. If you want to explore several locales in the Caribbean, a cruise that provides transportation, meals and room, might be the stress-free vacation that you are looking for. Or perhaps you want to travel around Mexico, you can take a day trip to Cozumel (or stay a few nights) by utilizing the ferry service. Keep reading to see our tips for getting to Cozumel and start planning your vacation!
Take a Flight to Cozumel for the Most Convenience
If you want to customize your vacation and be in control of when and where you go as well as for how long, the best way to get to Cozumel is to travel by plane. The Cozumel airport (Cozumel International Airport) is about 3 kilometers (2 miles) north of San Miguel de Cozumel on the island of Cozumel.
Direct flights to Cozumel, Mexico, are offered by many airlines in the United States, including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines and United.
International flights are available on Aeromexico and Air Canada.
Airport transfers to your hotel can be arranged with private taxi vans or shared passenger vans known as colectivos.
Shared vans are typically the cheapest option, but you will have to wait to depart until the vehicle is full. You can book a shared passenger van ahead of your arrival, from the driver or at the airport’s exit. If traveling as a family or large group consider booking private airport transfer. You won’t have to wait for passengers outside of your party, and you pay for the vehicle not per person. For your return trip to the airport, your cheapest option is to take a city taxi from your hotel. If you’re traveling during peak tourist season (mid-December through mid-April), you’ll want to check for discounts on hotels and flights. Contact your local AAA Travel Agent for help with finding current deals on flights, tours and private airport transportation.
Cruises are the Most Scenic way to get to Cozumel
Many visitors get to Cozumel by cruise ship — on Carnival, Celebrity, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess or Royal Caribbean. The cruise ships dock in either Cozumel or Playa del Carmen, a 45-minute ferry ride from Cozumel. Whether you are booking a cruise on a budget or looking a family-friendly cruise vacation.
Cruises that dock in Cozumel will arrive on the western side of the island and anchor at one of three piers. Punta Langosta cruise pier (in downtown San Miguel) is where Disney Cruise Line, Holland America and Norwegian ships will generally dock. The International Pier is a few miles south and is where Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships typically dock. The third pier is just south at Puerta Maya; this Cozumel cruise terminal serves Carnival and Princess cruise lines.
If you’re interested in taking a cruise to Cozumel, get AAA member benefits on select cruises by booking online with AAA or by booking your cruise with a AAA Travel Agent who can help identify exclusive member savings and benefits as well as helping you plan every aspect of your vacation.
How to Get to Cozumel from the Mainland (and Back)
Since Cozumel is on an island on the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll need to take the Cozumel ferry to get to it from anywhere on the mainland (like Tulum, Cancun, Akumal, Puerto Morelos or Riviera Maya).
Two passenger ferry companies — Ultramar and Winjet — make the 45-minute trip that links the island of Cozumel with Playa del Carmen on the mainland.
Both Ultramar and Winjet offer a fleet of air-conditioned passenger ferries that depart every 1.5 to 2 hours throughout the day, from about 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Return trips from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen are on approximately the same schedule, but generally depart a little earlier in the day (and end earlier in the day, as well). Be sure to check the Cozumel ferry schedules before planning any excursions on the mainland.
Whether you go with Ultramar or Winjet, the one-way ferry cost is roughly the same: around $16 for adults and $13 for children; prices may vary depending on the exchange rate.
The passenger ferry pier in Cozumel is across from San Miguel de Cozumel's main plaza.
If you’re planning a day trip to Playa del Carmen, it’s recommended to buy a one-way fare and leave your return time open in case you decide to stay longer or come back early. If you’re prone to seasickness, take proper precautions for the ferry ride on windy days.
For travelers who need to transport a rental car over to the island, a few companies (including Ultramar) offer a car ferry that links Playa del Carmen with Cozumel. In Playa del Carmen, car ferries depart from Punta Venado, also known as the Terminal Maritima Calica.
Plan Your Trip to Cozumel with AAA
Once you decide on how to get to Cozumel, there are more things to think about like how to get around Cozumel. Should you rent a car, take taxis or walk? You also need to know what to do in Cozumel. You can book on your own or plan with a AAA Travel Agent, a free service for members. Travel agents can help you decide when to go and what to do, as well as helping with the logistics like booking airfare, cruises and hotels. They are there to answer your questions before and during your vacation.