Getting around · Cozumel · Mexico
Getting around Cozumel
Public transport, passes, airport connections and when a car makes sense.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Johnnie Flashlite, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
San Miguel de Cozumel is walkable, but beaches, dive shops and sights are spread along the coast. Taxis are the main way around; many visitors rent a scooter, jeep or car for a day to loop the southern half of the island. Not to stay in town or at a dive resort.
Key facts
- Main way around
- Ferry
- Airports
- CZM, CUN
- Need a car?
- Sometimes
Ways to get around
Ferry
Passenger ferries cross between Playa del Carmen and the pier opposite Plaza del Sol in about 45 minutes, with frequent departures through the day.
The channel can be rough; sit low and towards the middle of the boat if you are prone to seasickness.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and charge fixed fares by zone set by the drivers' union; agree the price before getting in.
Scooter
Scooters are widely rented for exploring the island, but accidents are common on sandy, busy roads; only ride if you are experienced and wear a helmet.
Car
A rental jeep or car is the easiest way to loop the island's southern half, including Punta Sur and the east coast, in a day.
Cycling
A seaside path runs along parts of the west coast, and bikes suit short rides between town and nearby hotels.
Walking
The malecón, Plaza del Sol and the town's restaurants are all within easy walking distance of each other.
From the airport
Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is about 3 km north of town, roughly 10 minutes by taxi or shared shuttle van. Many visitors fly into Cancún (CUN) instead, travel about an hour by road to Playa del Carmen and take the ferry.
Do you need a car?
Not to stay in town or at a dive resort. Rent a car or jeep for one day to explore the east coast and Punta Sur at your own pace.
Reaching the day trips
| Destination | Travel time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Playa del Carmen | About 45 minutes by ferry | Passenger ferry from the town pier |
| Xcaret park | About 1–1.5 hours by ferry and road | Ferry to Playa del Carmen, then taxi or park shuttle |
| Tulum | About 2 hours by ferry and road | Ferry to Playa del Carmen, then bus, tour or car |
| Chichén Itzá | About 3–3.5 hours each way by ferry and road | Ferry to Playa del Carmen, then tour coach |
Questions travellers ask
+Do you need a car in Cozumel?
Not to stay in town or at a dive resort. Rent a car or jeep for one day to explore the east coast and Punta Sur at your own pace.
+How do you get from the airport to Cozumel?
Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is about 3 km north of town, roughly 10 minutes by taxi or shared shuttle van. Many visitors fly into Cancún (CUN) instead, travel about an hour by road to Playa del Carmen and take the ferry.
+What is the best way to get around Cozumel?
Ferry: Passenger ferries cross between Playa del Carmen and the pier opposite Plaza del Sol in about 45 minutes, with frequent departures through the day.