How to get from the Cozumel Airport to Playa Del Carmen
If you are flying into Cozumel and going to the mainland you might want to know how to get from the Cozumel Airport to Playa Del Carmen. Some people actually refer this as a Playa Del Carmen airport to fly into. However, there are drawbacks to it. One important thing to take into account is flight arrival and departure times of Cozumel. If you arrive after 9pm or depart before 9am it is tight on making the connections (see the Cozumel ferry schedules).
It is also important to take into account that you will be crossing the ocean and there is occasional rough weather. Very rarely do the ferries not run because of the weather. It can be a rougher ride occasionally and it is a tough start or finish to your vacation if you have to take a ferry at a certain time or certain day. Because of that some just prefer to land in Cancun and transfer to Playa Del Carmen that way to make sure of an easier connection.
Step 1 Taking a Taxi from the Airport to the Ferry Pier
Cozumel Airport (CZM) is a small international airport. Many people like the ease of arrival and departures here. Since this is a small airport there is not a lot of people arriving at one time. Some people have family picking them up and others have hotel shuttles. For those of you looking to get to the Cozumel Ferry you have an option of a van shuttle which is shared. This can be paid for at the airport. The one drawback is waiting for other people to fill the van. Your second option is walking a short way to catch a taxi. Both options are a few dollars. Since there are no meters in the taxis it is good to ask the price before getting in.
The Cozumel Airport is just on the edge of San Miguel town, and it is only a 9-minute drive to the ferry dock. Keep this in mind when paying for the taxi.
Step 2 Getting a ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen
Your van or taxi will drop you off from the airport at the ferry dock. Here you walk down the pier where you will have two booths to choose from. Usually, each booth has the time of the next ferry departure. If you are within 5 minutes of the next departure purchase your tickets, there or wait for the next one. There are ferries about every 30 minutes most of the day so waiting is not long.
Luggage on the Cozumel ferry
If you have flown into Cozumel Airport for your vacation, you will no doubt have luggage. So how does the ferry handle this? They are prepared for you. When you arrive boat side, they will tag your luggage and put it in storage. This is a safe system. Just account extra time getting on and off the ferry if you check bags. If you have a small carry-on size bag, it is fine if you take it to your seat with you.
How much is the ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen?
There are two ferry companies now, so the pricing has been with tighter competition. For the most part the prices for the Cozumel ferry cost about 220 pesos one way or 400 pesos round trip. Basically, both are all about the same price and convenience of what boat is leaving next is going to be the deciding factor. You do have to buy a round-trip ticket, in fact we recommend just a one way because that way you are not locked into a schedule when you return, if you are going back to Cozumel. For more details about Cozumel ferry prices and taking the ferry see our article here.
You can pay with credit card, and they will accept USD but at whatever rate they choose to exchange it at.
Step 3 Getting to your hotel or destination in Playa Del Carmen
Once you arrive in Playa Del Carmen you will be on Calle 3 Sur which is the south end of town. The Cozumel Ferry Pier is about two blocks from the nearest taxi stand. The closest taxi stand is at 5th Avenue and Juarez Avenue. If you are traveling with bags and need assistance getting to the taxis, there are tricycle taxi bikes that will peddle you and your bags to the taxi stand. Depending on how many bags you have, this only cost around 50-100 pesos.
Taxis in Playa Del Carmen can take you the rest of the way unless your hotel or destination is very close by. See the article for prices of the taxis and remember it will be a little more from a taxi stand.
If you are going back to Cozumel and need more detail on how to take the ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel you can see our article here. If you need ANY information on your time in Playa Del Carmen or the Riviera Maya we have a long list of guide for you here.
Did this guide help you plan your trip from the Cozumel Airport to Playa Del Carmen? If you have any questions or comments, let us know below, we would love to hear from you.
About The Author
If taking a cab to Ferry what is a ok price to pay? Is it safe?
Hello Jody
Are you talking about taking a cab from Cozumel Airport to the ferry? It is very safe. Taxis have no meters but somewhere between 50/100 pesos is good. Just ask before getting in. Most drivers will speak enough English to arrange a price.
Hi, we will be flying round trip to cozumel in a few weeks. do you recommend renting a car after taking ferry to playa del carmen? And if so, can we hire a car at the ferry terminal? We want to stay in tulum, go to Xcaret, rent private villas and also go to Cancun if necessary. It will be myself my wife and 2 boys ages 8 and 6. Any tips on driving and self catering would be greatly appreciated.
Hello Omar
We will say that mostly the cheesy car rental companies prey on people coming over and are not the best operators there. It is better to go into town to places like American Car rental. But it is hard to recommend any of the companies except one. Most car rental companies have people that say there are issues. This one is very good to check out: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/car-rental-playa-del-carmen/ Driving in the Riviera Maya is pretty easy. Here is our guide in road rules: https://everythingplayadelcarmen.com/road-rules-driving-in-the-mexican-riviera/
We are Flying into Cozumel in a week and after we get off the ferry is there a place where we can get a private car service or do you think its best we go the 2 blocks for a cab. We are staying at Ocean Riviera Paradise which I know is outside of Playa Del Carmen.
Hello
The main taxi stop is on Juarez and 5th Avenue. There will probably be a few taxi touts at the ferry that offer you a ride, it will no doubt be higher but They can probably organize a tricycle bike taxi for your luggage. For up to 4 people it should be around 300 pesos and if there is a bike taxi, maybe 50 pesos for that. There are no hard set prices so be sure to ask prices and all the details. Most of the drivers there will speak some English. We hope this helps you plan a little.
It’s very easy to get from Cozumel to Playa but I would recommend flying into Cancun because the transportation is much easier.
how far from the airport terminal is to find a taxi?
There are taxis at the exit door of the airport. The taxi drivers know more or less when flights will be arriving, so it is pretty easy to get one.
any idea what the best way to get from the playa ferry arrival to puerto aventuras marina? if taxi, any idea on the cost? google shows it’s 24 km. thanks.
You only have two options. One get a taxi at the port in Playa or set up a private transfer.
How much should I pay for a taxi to the Grand Sirens Resort from the taxi on 5th and Juarez Ave in Pesos?
There are pricelist at the stops for the hotels. The last list we saw was 380 pesos for 1-3 people. one way.
Hello, I would like to purchase 2 boat tickets FROM COZUMEL TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN, on ther 23rd of november, at 13h00. Just that, I do not want retirn tickets, nothing, just the 2 tickets one way. Can you please help me? Thank you
Hello
You can go to one of the ferry companies’ websites and buy the tickets there. We do not sell tickets from our website.