How to Get From Cozumel to Tulum: Detailed Travel Guide
Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula is a bucket list item for most travelers. However, with many of Mexico's top destinations far apart, navigating between them can be confusing. If you are planning to explore the area without a tour guide, chances are you will need to find your way from Cozumel to Tulum on your own. Since there are no direct flights, the only option is via ferry followed by bus, taxi, or colectivo. To ensure your journey from the island of Cozumel to Tulum is smooth and straightforward, I have crafted a detailed travel guide.
Pro Tip: With a 4-5 hour journey ahead of you, be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and coffee.
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Cozumel to Tulum: Detailed Travel Guide
Step 1: Take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (PDC)
The initial step in traveling from Cozumel to Tulum is to board the ferry from Cozumel to the mainland, specifically Playa del Carmen. This 45-minute passenger ferry operates hourly, facilitated by three companies: Winjet (orange) Xcaret (blue), and Ultramar (yellow). The ferry services are subject to weather conditions.
Note: Transcaribe and Ultramar Carga also operate a car ferry between Calica and Cozumel for those who need to transport their motor vehicles. The price starts at 710 pesos, with Transcaribe being slightly cheaper.
A view from inside of the Winjet Ferry.
Many people recommend not scheduling the ferry ahead of time, especially during high season (primarily December, January, and February), because the ferry tends to operate on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of tickets. However, as a plan-ahead person, I choose to purchase my tickets online in advance and arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30-40 minutes prior to departure to secure my spot in line. If you do not mind waiting for a later ferry, you can choose to arrive later.
I prefer to schedule my ferry rides in the morning (before 10:00 AM) to avoid traveling during peak heat hours. This is the best way to avoid crowds and choppier waters on most days.
Upon arrival at the port, you must go through a "security checkpoint" where your bags will be scanned. Any sharp objects that could be used as weapons or illegal items will be removed from your baggage (duh). You will also pass through a scanner yourself.
Once through security, you will find small vendors selling food and beverages for your convenience. There are restrooms available as well. The ferry port is covered overhead, but both sides are open air. Keep reading to find some essential information for your ferry travels.
Ferry Port Location (Cozumel):
The ferry port location in Cozumel for Winjet, Xcaret, and Ultramar is situated across the street from Benito Juarez Park. The exact location can be found here.
Ferry Port Location in PDC:
The ferry port in Playa del Carmen (PDC) can be found here.
How to Get to the Ferry Port in Cozumel:
If you are staying in Centro or near the San Miguel area, the ferry port can easily be accessed on foot. If you plan to walk to the terminal, I recommend heading there early in the morning to avoid peak heat hours throughout your trip. I recently chose to take the 10:00 AM ferry with Winjet.
If you prefer a taxi, you can also opt to schedule one ahead of time by locating a driver the day prior and scheduling it, or you can ask your accommodation for assistance. You can schedule a taxi from the Cozumel airport to the ferry port here.
How Much is the ferry?
Check their websites for updated pricing. The 2024 price I paid for my Winjet Ferry was 260 pesos ($15 USD).
Should I Book Ahead?
As mentioned above, I always recommend securing tickets ahead of time, but be sure to get to the terminal earlier. I always take Winjet and head to the pier 30-40 minutes ahead of time. You may want to increase this time during the high season (December, January, and February).
How Long is The Ferry?
Usually around 40-45 minutes, weather dependent. My most recent ferry had the following schedule:
Ferry scheduled departure time: 10:00 AM
Boarded / Seated on the ferry: 10:03 AM
Actual departure: 10:05 AM
Docked in Playa del Carmen: 10:44 AM
Off the ferry: 10:46 AM with my baggage in hand minutes later
How Is the Ride?
This is, of course, weather-dependent. I strongly believe mornings are always better (at least every time I have gone). I have also always gone on a clear day when the water appears calm—resulting in a smooth ride. It is always slightly rocky (it is a boat), so I carry some form of motion sickness treatment just to be safe. I try to sit in the middle of the ferry for less disturbance from choppy waters.
The cabin does have air conditioning, so being hot on the boat is not an issue. The seats are quite comfy as well.
Note: I have heard and read of people having horrendous ferry trips due to rocking, waves, etc., so be sure to check the weather ahead of time. Luckily, it has never been extremely rocky for me.
What About My Baggage? Is it secure?
Yes, having taken many ferries in my life, including all of the lovely experiences in Indonesia (if you know, you know), Winjet’s baggage process made me relieved.
When boarding the boat, the employees will collect baggage by tagging each and giving you a matching tag for your bag. Do not lose this tag and remember to take a clear photo of it as well. The bags are then handed up to the boat crew and put inside a secure compartment in the front/side of the boat, accessed via a small, secure door only. Passengers cannot access this compartment during the ride.
How Many Bags Can I Take?
While I do not know the exact baggage allowance for Winjet, I can share my recent experience. On our most recent ferry trip, my boyfriend and I had three large suitcases to check and two smaller bags (backpacks) to take on board. We kept all personal and valuable items with us in our backpacks. Although I have never had an issue with theft, I prefer to travel cautiously. Given the stories I heard about traveling in Mexico, whether fact or fiction, I do not take any chances. I take the information seriously and keep it in mind.
Once in PDC, bags are placed in a secure area near the Winjet ferry boat. A worker stands inside the roped-off area while another worker takes the bags being handed down by his coworker. To retrieve your bag, you must hand over your ticket. The worker will ensure that the ticket you handed him matches the one on your baggage. Once verified, you are free to go.
Step 2: Travel from Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Transport OPTIONS:
The total travel time from Playa del Carmen to Tulum is 1 to 1.5 hours. You can take a private taxi, a shared van / colectivo, or the ADO bus to get in between the two.
Option #1: PRIVATE TAXI
When I originally planned my journey from Playa del Carmen to Tulum, I considered taking a private taxi since it felt like the easiest and safest option, especially with two suitcases. I had contacted many companies but was consistently quoted prices ranging from 1200 to 2000 pesos (70-120 USD). This amount felt too high for me, even if split with my boyfriend, so we opted for the bus instead.
Option #2: COLECTIVO
A Colectivo is a shared van with other people heading to the same destination you are. This mode of transport is favored by backpackers and travelers with less luggage.
The Colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Tulum can be found under Highway 307, (below Juarez Avenue) near Chedraui. Find the Google Maps location here.
The Colectivo ride costs around 40 pesos and stops near the Tulum Ruins and the Tulum ADO Bus Station. They do not always stop at Tulum Ruins, so if this is your destination, be sure to inform the driver ahead of time and be on the lookout during your drive. You will either need to walk or hire an additional taxi to get to your accommodation.
Note: Colectivos can be small, crammed, and timely. Sometimes they will wait for a full van before departing. They do not always have working air conditioning. If you have a lot of bags or a large bag, they may turn you down for more passengers instead (more money for the driver).
Option #3: ADO Bus
I recommend utilizing the largest Mexican bus company, ADO, since it is the cheapest and easiest option. Prices vary depending on the day and time. I suggest booking ahead to secure your ticket for the desired day and time. ADO frequently offers discounts on random days and times, so if you're looking for a deal and don't mind when you travel, be sure to list the buses from cheapest to most expensive. My bus ticket was 120 Pesos (around $7 USD) and was scheduled for 11:40 AM.
The ADO Bus Experience
IMPORTANT NOTE: THERE ARE 2 ADO BUS LOCATIONS IN PDC!
There are 2 ADO bus stations in Playa del Carmen (PDC). One location is ADO Terminal Turística, which is closer to the Playa del Carmen ferry pier (a 2-5 minute walk if that). The second location is ADO Playa del Carmen Alterna, which is a little bit further out of central PDC, near Walmart. When you are booking, be sure to check which terminal is listed under the “More Information” tab. Some will say “ADO Aeropuerto,” meaning they will go to the Tulum Airport. See below for instructions on how to check where the bus is going.
After searching your route on the ADO website, click “ver detalle” (see details)
and a bottom section should show (see photo as an example). Click “ver mapa,” and your screen should look like the next photo…
P.S. If you have suitcases, make sure the small suitcase icon is shown (I have circled this in pink)–not all buses have suitcase space.
This is the second screen that will pop up after clicking “ver mapa.”
Salida: This is your origin or where you are getting the bus from.
Llegada: This is your destination.
The duration of your bus can be found above the purple box.
Stops along your route can be found under the purple box.
Pro Tip: Be sure to download your ticket to your phone if the cell service is spotty.
My bus to Tulum departed from ADO Playa del Carmen Alterna, the further out terminal. I chose to walk the 10 minutes to the terminal, and since it was still early in the day, the heat was not so bad even with my backpack and two suitcases. You can always opt for a taxi from the ferry port to the ADO terminal instead of walking.
Once you arrive at the terminal, since you already have your ticket, you can head through the front doors, past the ticket terminal, and through the back doors to where you will wait for the bus. The buses will have their stops indicated across a sign above the windshield. If you are confused or it is getting closer to your bus time, feel free to ask the workers outside for assistance.
Pro Tip: Small vendors inside the bus terminal sell water and snacks if needed. The restroom inside the terminal has a fee, while the restroom outside, near where the buses are, is free!
Did the Bus Arrive on Time?
Yes, my bus arrived 10 minutes before departure time. We departed only 6 minutes after the scheduled departure time of 11:40 AM.
Where Does Baggage Go?
Larger bags, suitcases, and any bag with wheels must go under the bus. My suitcases were locked via a built-in combination lock (thank you TUMI) or secured with a mini padlock between the zippers. I packed all my valuables, money, and other important items in a backpack that I kept with me on the bus. The bag stayed near my feet for the entire ride. The bus was air-conditioned, seats were pretty cozy, shades were available to shut out light, a movie was playing on TV screens around the bus (Batman was playing for us in Spanish), and a bathroom was available in the back of the bus.
Pro Tip: Passengers do not always sit in assigned seats, so get on the bus early! Sit further from the bathroom if possible… :)
How Long is the Bus?
My bus ride took 1 hour and 8 minutes. Tulum was the first stop from PDC. The bus was scheduled to stop in Bacalar and Chetumal after Tulum.
Is the Bus Safe?
This specific route from Playa del Carmen to Tulum felt safe to me. I never had a moment of uncertainty or nervousness. There were a few solo young female travelers on my bus, which I think speaks volumes. However, I suggest being extra cautious: avoid riding the bus at night or arriving at your destination after dark. If you're a heavy sleeper, it's best not to nap on the bus. Follow basic safety rules, such as not flashing money or engaging in arguments with strangers. Again, I can only speak from my experience with the Playa del Carmen to Tulum route, so be sure to do thorough research on other bus routes and always stay alert.
Step 3: Arrive in Tulum & Transfer to ACCOMMODATION
Once you arrive in Tulum, you are dropped off at the Tulum ADO Bus Station. It is known that taxis are quite expensive in Tulum. If your accommodation does not offer free transportation, head outside the bus terminal to find plenty of taxis waiting for passengers. The most important key here is knowing where you are going and how far it is so you can estimate how much it should cost.
We were heading to Erena Mindful Apartments in La Veleta, which was around 8-10 minutes from the terminal. We agreed to pay 200 pesos for my boyfriend and me, 100 pesos per person. You MUST agree to a price before getting into the taxi to avoid any miscommunication or scams. If you are heading farther out, it may be best to find someone else from your bus to split a taxi with.
CONGRATS YOU HAVE MADE IT from Cozumel to Tulum!
What an easy and seamless travel day. It only took us a little over 4 hours from Cozumel to Tulum and cost around 480 pesos (just under 29 USD) per person for the ferry, bus, and taxi. This can, of course, also be reversed to go from Tulum to Cozumel!
Note: Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay up to date on which routes are open now!
