Playa del Carmen from the Cozumel cruise port

Town & walkingferry 35-45 min plus pier transfersAt least 5-6 hours door to door; allow a full dayTight on a typical call

Mainland resort town with a pedestrian shopping street reached by a short ferry; used mainly as a gateway to Tulum and Xcaret.

Getting there from the ship

From
Punta Langosta
Cozumel has 3 cruise piers; your line confirms which one the evening before. Pier guide.
Travel time
Ferry 35-45 min plus pier transfers
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Cozumel taxi fares.
Cost
Ferry about $14-20 one way (2024-2026).
Time to allow
At least 5-6 hours door to door; allow a full day

Will you be back for all aboard?

Only just. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Cozumel call you have about 5 h 40 min at Playa del Carmen once you keep an hour's margin, a little short of a full visit (allow at least 5-6 hours door to door). Go early, keep it short, or book a tour that meets at the pier.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    9:05 am · At Playa del Carmen
    Ferry 35-45 min plus pier transfers from Punta Langosta.
  3. 3
    2:45 pm · Leave Playa del Carmen by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    4:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for Cozumel; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

Only attempt with a long port call and a firm 2-hour buffer; independent travel does not hold the ship. See miss-the-ship risks.

Cozumel cruise port: Playa del Carmen FAQ

How far is Playa del Carmen from the Cozumel cruise port?

From Punta Langosta it is ferry 35-45 min plus pier transfers.

How much does it cost to visit Playa del Carmen?

Ferry about $14-20 one way (2024-2026).

How much time do you need at Playa del Carmen?

Allow at least 5-6 hours door to door; allow a full day. Only just. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm Cozumel call you have about 5 h 40 min at Playa del Carmen once you keep an hour's margin, a little short of a full visit (allow at least 5-6 hours door to door). Go early, keep it short, or book a tour that meets at the pier.

Can you visit Playa del Carmen on your own from a cruise ship?

Yes, it is easy to do on your own: it is ferry 35-45 min plus pier transfers from Punta Langosta. Only attempt with a long port call and a firm 2-hour buffer; independent travel does not hold the ship. See miss-the-ship risks.

Tours that go to Playa del Carmen

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near Playa del Carmen

All 10 places