TIME TO GO!

Lets talk about your flight and traveling to the Island

The information we provide are our experiences. Some things change so be prepared for slightly different experiences and do your own research especially on prices! Time of year makes a difference on travel costs.

AIRPORTS

COZUMEL (CZM) - EASIEST

There are two airports we use to get to Cozumel. There is an international airport on the Island of Cozumel (CZM) and is a very small and quiet airport with very little walking. Generally, your airplane will be the only airplane unloading and the time it takes getting through customs is very reasonable. This is the best way to travel to Cozumel. You will typically save about 3 hours of travel time over flying into Cancun (CUN). However, tickets to fly to this airport tends to be a little more expensive.

-Most flights arrive between 1pm - 3pm EST

-Time in Customs is fairly quick.

-Airport shuttles on standby to take you to our Villa

-Travel time from airport to our Villa is 10 min.

CANCUN (CUN) - CHEAPEST

The other airports we use to get to Cozumel is Cancun's (CUN). If you hear the term "bag drag" they are describing traveling through Cancun and traveling to Cozumel. Cancun is also international airport which is a smaller airport but much larger than Cozumel's (CZM) which means more people and more walking. Generally, your airplane will not be the only airplane unloading and the time it takes getting through customs takes longer. This is not the best way to travel to Cozumel but generally cheaper. You will typically add about 3 hours of travel time over flying into Cozumel (CZM). However, tickets to fly to this airport tends to be much cheaper and the larger airports like Chicago Ohare (ORD) are direct flights.

-Most direct flights arrive between 9am - 11am EST

-Time in Customs takes about twice as long as Cozumel.

-Must get a cab or take the bus from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

-Bus: travel time= 1.5hr and costs: $12 ea person

-Cab / shuttle: travel time= 45 min. and costs: $75-120 for group

-Must catch the ferry to the island which is 45min trip + wait time. Generally 1 - 1.5 hours. and costs $12 each.

Do the math.. if there are only 2 people traveling this may not save enough money to justify flying here rather than to Cozumel. If you have a family this may save lots!

Where to fly from..

Most airports large and small will fly to both Cozumel and Cancun. Many of the large airports (such as St. Louis, Chicago Ohare, and Chicago Midway) have direct flights to Cancun. Most flights to Cozumel will have lay overs. Depending on which company you fly with depends on the location of the layover.

-American is usually Dallas/Ft Worth or Houston.

-Delta/United is generally Atlanta

Book at least a 1.5hr layover so you have time to catch your next flight. Some flights only go to Cozumel once a day. Flights to Cancun fly several times a day. If you miss your flight to Cozumel you can usually talk to the agent about flying to Cancun instead. That would save you from sleeping in the airport and loosing a whole day on the island.

Chicago Ohare (ORD)

This is where we usually fly from. Generally, you will find flying from Ohare is much cheaper than flying from other airports and usually have more options for flights.

-It is very busy

-Parking is approx. $150 a week

-More flight options

-Lower cost flights

We suggest staying at a hotel close to Ohare and they will then let you park on their parking lot and most have shuttles to take you to the terminal. This makes it very easy!

Transportation From Cancun to Cozumel-

ADO Bus-

Cancun Airport

-Exit airport (terminal 3) and look to the right. You will see the ADO desk.

-No need to purchase tickets ahead of time. Tickets can be purchased at the desk at time of travel. Price varies (approx. $12us ea)

-Buses leave Approx. every 10-20 minutes.

-Travel time is approx. 1.5 hours from Cancun Airport to the Cozumel Ferry Port in Playa Del Carmen.

Playa Del Carmen

-Exit the Ferry Terminal. Walk straight for 1 block. Turn to the right on 5th Ave. You will see the ADO desk.

-No need to purchase tickets ahead of time. Tickets can be purchased at the desk at time of travel. Price varies (approx. $12us ea)

-Buses leave Approx. every 30 minutes.

-Travel time is approx. 1:45 hrs from Cozumel Ferry Port in Playa Del Carmen to Cancun Airport Terminal 3 (International).

Arrive in Playa Del Carmen for Ferry-

-ADO bus arrives at their bus terminal 3 blocks from the ferry.

Map shows the route.

-Two ferry companies available, Ultimar and Winjet. Both companies charge approximately the same amount. Each company alternates trips and each company runs one ferry every hour.

-We prefer Ultimar and "Premium Plus" is the basic (cheapest) fair. Approx. $15 ea.

DO NOT BUY FERRY TICKETS FROM ANYONE OTHER THAN THE AGENT AT THE FERRY DESK.

People on the street will wear shirts that have the ferry company logo but are scalpers charging higher prices than the desk.

-When entering the ferry terminal you will come to stairs. The line for the ferry starts upstairs. Walk up stairs and you will see the line. Follow the line through the metal detectors and down the ramp to the ferry.

-On the ferry you are allowed to sit in the lower cabin area or up stairs on the top deck which has a beautiful view.