Updated August, 2025
As your plane begins its descent, keep your eyes on the window. If the travel gods are smiling down at you, you’ll spot Isla Mujeres floating in a sea of turquoise water. Boats dot the bay between the mainland and Isla, each one carrying folks to and from the island.
In just an hour or so, you’ll be aboard one of them.
But first, you’ve got to get from the airport to the ferry. Sounds simple, right? It is… mostly. But there are options, quirks, and a few things you’ll want to know before you’re navigating heat, crowds, and your own questionable decision to wear jeans on a tropical flight.
As your plane begins its descent, keep your eyes on the window. If the travel gods are smiling down at you, you’ll spot Isla Mujeres floating in a sea of turquoise water. Boats dot the bay between the mainland and Isla, each one carrying folks to and from the island.
In just an hour or so, you’ll be aboard one of them.
But first, you’ve got to get from the airport to the ferry. Sounds simple, right? It is… mostly.
But there are options, quirks, and a few things you’ll want to know before you’re navigating heat, crowds, and your own questionable decision to wear jeans on a tropical flight.
Airport Transfers
Pre-booking is comfy and stress-free. The bus is cheapest but takes awhile. Spur of the moment Airport Taxis and shuttles? Often pricey. Uber? There can be issues.
Puerto Juarez UltraMar Ferry Terminal
For those coming from the Cancun airport, here’s what to expect at the UltraMar Gran Puerto terminal. For everyone else… look below.
Private Water Taxis
Arriving late or leaving super early? You’ve got options. They cost more, but they’ll get you here when Ultramar calls it a night.
Cancun Hotel Zone Ferries
Staying in the Zone and want to visit for the day (or to stay!). You’ve got three options.
From the Mayan Riviera
Coming from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or the Mayan Riviera? It can be a bit of a journey, but we’ve mapped it out.
Taking a Car to Isla
You can bring a car… but you’ll probably regret it. Tight streets + limited parking = “What was I thinking?”
You’ve Arrived on Isla – Now What?
How to get to your stay. When to walk, take a taxis, or maybe the bus?
Getting to Isla Mujeres FAQs
Quick answers to help you get from plane to paradise.
Making your way from the Cancun Airport to the ferry destined for Isla Mujeres is a breeze. First, take your pick from these airport transfer options:
Pre-booked Private Company: The cream of the crop, safe, reliable, and a straight shot to the ferry, with the bonus of cold beverages waiting for you!
The ADO Bus: A budget-friendly choice, it takes you to downtown Cancun bus station, from there grab a taxi, bus or Uber to the Puerto Juarez Ultramar ferry dock. May take awhile, but adventure begins with a bus ride!
Airport Taxi Service: This one can be expensive if you didn’t reserve in advance, but its there for you in a pinch, kinda like a pricey umbrella on a sudden rainy day.
Airport Shared Van Service: You’ll wait until it’s full, then a scenic drop-off tour through the Cancun Hotel Zone. You’ll get there… eventually.
Rideshares (Uber): Best not to, there are still issues and you don’t want to be caught in the middle.
Airport Tip: Pre-booking your airport transportation. Politely and firmly sidestep any sales pitches as you exit the airport. Just say “my friends are picking me up, thanks” – that usually works.
Check our Cancun Airport Guide to know what awaits.
Want more details? Keep scrolling.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer Companies:
This is the VIP of transportation options – popular, easy, fast, and it can be economical or downright luxurious.
You book in advance, they meet you at the airport’s exit with a smile and a sign with your name. Once your groups and luggage are loaded, they whisk you directly to the ferry terminal in about 30 minutes… traffic gods permitting.
What makes them so great?
And the price? Depends on your group size. If you’re traveling with family or friends, it can actually be quite reasonable. Totally worth it for the ease alone.
ADO Airport Bus:
This is the budget hero. Look for the red “ADO” sign inside the terminal and buy your ticket there. Buses leave about every 30 minutes and will take you to the ADO terminal in downtown Cancun.
The ride takes about 25–30 minutes, more with traffic. Once you’re in town, you’ll need to grab a taxi (or Uber) to the Puerto Juarez Ultramar ferry dock (around 150 pesos depending on traffic and mood).
If you’re not in a rush, it’s a solid budget-wise choice and makes for a good “we took the local way” travel story.
There is some noise out there that ADO is adding Airport to Puerto Juarez Ferry service. If it comes to pass, buses will most likely stop at the downtown bus station then continue to Puerto Juarez. It’s worth asking when you purchase your bus ticket at the airport… you never know.🤞🏼
Important: Don’t buy your bus ticket online – they’re time-specific, and travel delays can mess with your schedule.
Airport Taxi Services:
It can be a direct and easy ride to Puerto Juarez, but only if you book ahead through the Cancun Airport website. Otherwise, you’re likely to wait longer and pay more than you’d like.
If you’re travel-zonked and need to get moving, it works in a pinch. But not our first pick.
Airport Shared Van Services:
Budget conscious but not time efficient – sort of like carpooling. You’ll wait for the van to fill up with other travelers, then more often than not, enjoy a mini tour through the Cancun hotel zone as everyone gets dropped off, then onto Puerto Juarez. If you’re not in a rush and want to start your vacation with a slow roll, it gets the job done.
Tip: Pre-book on the airport’s website if you decide on this route. It’s cheaper.
Uber/Rideshares:
Officially, Uber drivers are legally allowed to operate in Cancun but calling for one at the airport is complicated and could turn into a nightmare due to issues with the taxi unions. You do not want to get caught in the middle.
Best to stick to private transfer companies or the the airport’s official transportation. You can always use Uber later in your trip – it’s just not advisable at the airport terminal.
Luggage Tip: Do a quick luggage headcount before you dash off. Tag ‘em with your name, mobile number, and/or email, just in case they decide to take a detour.
Read through our Cancun Airport Guide to know what awaits.
If you get the timing just right and you’ve pre-purchased your ferry ticket (more on that below), here’s how your arrival will unfold:
Your driver pulls up, you step out of your shuttle/taxi/luxury Suburban, and the friendly porters (maleteros) are already reaching for your luggage. Hand them over, smile, and tip them well — they work entirely for tips, and they’re the real MVPs of your ferry flow.
Next, walk straight ahead about 25 meters to the ticket scanning area, where a friendly (or extremely bored) Ultramar staffer will scan your QR code ticket and direct you to the proper boarding line (there are several depending if you’re a local or visitor). From there, it’s a short stroll down the pier and onto the ferry.
Upstairs: sunny, breezy, amazing views and often live music
Inside: air-conditioned bliss and screen showing touristy ads.
The choice is yours.
Just Missed the Ferry? Don’t Panic.
If you see the boat pulling away as you arrive, don’t stress. Another ferry will be docking in 20 minutes or so.
While you wait, you’ve got some options:
And one of the best MapChick App tips ever! Laura & Perry’s favorite margaritas are at the Bajo del Mar restaurant/bar overlooking the waiting area. If you’re short on time, grab one to-go (para llevar). Do as MapChick wisely suggests – one person hold a place in line while the other goes for the margs. Teamwork = refreshing boozy success.
Ticket Tip 1: IF you buy round-trip tickets, take a photo making sure the QR code is clear and you capture the entire “ticket” which looks like a receipt so don’t throw it away.
Ticket Tip 2: Ultramar steps up ferry frequencies during holidays, yet queues can stretch long. Purchase up your tickets through your airport transfer company or the Ultramar website to save time.
Fun Fact: Back in the day, wooden boats from Puerto Juarez were your ticket to Isla, with a 45-minute breezy cruise. Go further back, and a gent with a flag would signal from the shore till someone on Isla dispatched a boat for pick-up. Less convenience, more pirate vibes!
Now about Those Ferry Tickets…
There are three ways to get your hands on tickets.
Important: Ignore anyone outside on the street offering to sell you tickets — they’re not legit.
About Your Luggage…
Let the friendly porters (maleteros) take care of your luggage. These guys are pros and they’ll load your luggage onto the ferry, making sure the large, heavy bags are on the bottom and light weight on top, usually successfully.
They work entirely for tips, so hand off your bags and show them some love in pesos or dollars.
Ticket Tip 1: IF you buy round-trip tickets, take a photo making sure the QR code is clear and you capture the entire “ticket” which looks like a receipt so don’t throw it away.
Ticket Tip 2: Ultramar steps up ferry frequencies during holidays, yet queues can stretch long. Purchase up your tickets through your airport transfer company or the Ultramar website to save time.
Now… What happens when your arrive on Isla Mujeres? Jump here.
A Blast from Isla’s Past: Back in the day, wooden boats from Puerto Juarez were your ride to Isla, with a 45-minute breezy cruise. Go further back, and a guy with a flag would signal from the shore till someone on Isla dispatched a boat for pick-up. Less convenience, more pirate vibes!
Lucky you if your reservation is at one of Isla’s ultra luxury hotels, a private yacht will be waiting to whisk you away to paradise. You’ll get the details when you book your suite.
Now, if the stars (or flights) didn’t quite align and you need to cross too early or you arrive too late for the ferry, no worries, some dive shops offer 24 hour service. These are small boats so if the weather looks stormy, a hotel in Cancun is best.
The price tag? Around $250 USD one way and you must reserve well in advance.
Reserve with Sea Hawk Divers or Mexico Divers or Sport Fishing Center.
Three ferry terminals along the Cancun’s Hotel Zone make getting to Isla Mujeres easy. Snag your tickets either at their terminals or online, then hop aboard.
These ferries bounce back and forth beginning at 9:00 am with the last cross back to Cancun at 6:30 (UltraMar) or 8:00 pm (Xcaret). In just about 30 minutes, you’ll be stepping onto Isla’s shores.
El Embarcadero: Operated by Xcaret Xailing. You get a nice discount when you buy your tickets online. View Timed & Rates.
Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol: Served by the Ultramar Ferry – View Times & Rates.
Need help choosing the right terminal and how to get there? Jump to the FAQs section for all the nitty-gritty details.
Here’s a fun little extra:
Your Xcaret Xailing ferry ticket also includes free entry to Cancun’s Scenic Tower. Just show your ferry ticket (or stub) within 15 days of purchase, and up you go, panoramic views and all.
If your journey starts from Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Tulum or anywhere along the Riviera Maya, it’s totally doable but it takes some planning. Between ferry schedules, transfers, and the inevitable traffic delays, the journey can take longer than you think.
If you can swing it, spend a night on Isla. The sunsets, street music, and late-night churros are totally worth it.
And for those of you who are traveling with all your luggage and planning to stay for a few days or more, pick the route that is most appealing. The “best way” is a matter of opinion.
Terminal Tip: Use the Puerto Juárez UltraMar Ferry Terminal (Gran Puerto). NOT the Hotel Zone ferries which have far less crossings.
The Tren Maya Cancun Station is near the Cancun Airport, so you’ll still need to take a taxi or rideshare to the ferry terminal (30–40 minutes + ferry time).
The Mayan Train (Tren Maya) approximate travel time to the Cancun Station:
Check their website for departure times and cost.
Important: As international tourists you must show your passport at the entrance to the station.
It’s a really fun option if it fits your schedule (and you like train rides), but for now – bus, car or private transfer is faster and easier.
We strongly do not recommend taking a car, you’ll lose hours of precious Isla time waiting in line at the car ferry terminal. Plus narrow streets and limited parking equal frustration.
Instead drive to the Puerto Juárez Gran Puerto terminal, park in the Ultramar garage, and take the ferry to Isla from there.
If you absolutely need a car, use the Ultra Carga service at Punta Sam, a 10 minute drive north of Puerto Juárez. Read their Terms & Conditions for the Isla Mujeres route, there’s a process 🙂
The fare includes the driver, extra for additional passengers. With 3-4 crossings daily, lines can stretch long, so be sure to reserve your spot and get there at least 45 minutes before departure.
The turquoise water, the sea breeze, the sudden chaos of everyone trying to grab their bags and get off the boat. Welcome to Isla Mujeres!
Here’s the deal: your luggage was likely stored at the back of the ferry – which is also where the stairs, the backdoor to the indoor seating, and everyone’s general sense of direction all collide. It gets real crowded real fast.
Don’t panic if the Isla porters start unloading your bags before you do, they’re just getting things organized on the dock. It may look wild, but trust us: they’ve done this a thousand times before breakfast.
Important Tip: Nominate one person to deal with the bags while the rest of you stroll off the boat in comfort.
Really Important Tip: Keep your wallet and phone safe! Meaning inside your purse or backpack – zipper closed and held in front of you. If you can grab it easily – so can pickpockets.
Need pesos immediately? There’s a currency exchange booth right inside the terminal if you need cash for tips, taxis, or your first street taco.
Once you’ve disembarked and luggage collected, you’ve got a few ways to get to your accommodation.
Walk It (Highly Recommended for Town/North Beach Stays)
If you’re staying downtown or Playa Norte and your luggage is light, skip the taxi and walk. Seriously. Stretch your legs and let your Isla experience start with a little stroll.
Too hot? Too rainy? Too many people with too many roller bags? Let a luggage porter roll your bags. The tricycle porters (called maleteros) are absolute pros. They’ll haul your bags to your hotel while you walk, or take them to the taxi stand if you need a ride.
They all speak basic English and are vetted by the port authority. But here’s the big thing: they don’t earn a salary – they work entirely for tips.
Grab a Taxi
Staying in the South End, mid-island, Sac Bajo, or just feel too travel-fried to think?
The taxi stand is just outside the terminal to the left, and drivers know all the hotels and most vacation rentals (but just in case your pronunciation of Mayan names is… adventurous, have your stay pinned on your phone’s map app).
Fares are fixed by zone and posted on a board (snap a photo for reference) but it never hurts to confirm the price before hopping in.
Take the Bus
But only if you’re traveling super light (no large bags) and staying outside of town, you can catch the bus to the right of the ferry terminal. Tell the driver the name of your hotel before you get on to make sure you’re on the correct bus. Cost (subject to change) is $20 pesos per person, per trip. You can also purchase a hop on/hop off 1-day pass for $180 pesos per person.
Fly over to our Cancun Airport Guide and see 🙂
Yes, especially if you look a little lost or tired (which, after a flight, who doesn’t?). Some scammers pose as reps from transfer companies or ADO employees. Your real pre-booked transfer will have your name on a sign. If in doubt, call the company.
Never buy bus tickets from random people, always use the official ADO kiosk.
The prices below are for pre-booked, one-way for two people traveling from Cancun International Airport to the Puerto Juarez UltraMar ferry terminal:
Tip: Pre-booking not only saves money, it skips the airport chaos.
That would be the ADO bus + local bus combo, total cost by bus under 120 pesos per person.
If you have a lot of luggage (more than a carry-on and a backpack), getting a taxi or Uber is best. The cost is roughly 150 pesos.
Tip: Confirm with the driver that the bus is going to Puerto Juárez before you get on.
Important: Carry small change in pesos for the bus – they won’t break big bills.
Ferry prices and schedules change, so double-check before you go!
Ultramar Ferries, Puerto Juarez and Hotel Zone:
Babies under 12 months ride free (but must have a boarding pass).
Kids up to 1.20 meters (just under 4 feet) get a discount.
Xcaret Ferry from the hotel zone:
Kids under 5 ride free.
Ages 5–11 get a discount.
Whichever one’s closest to your hotel. Ask your front desk, or check locations on Google Maps.
El Embarcadero Xcaret Terminal includes a pass to the Scenic Tower, your ferry ticket stub is your pass and good for 15 days.
Taxi: Easy to find, ~300 MXN and up depending on your hotel’s location.
Public Bus (Cheapest): Catch the R1 or R2 going northbound on Blvd. Kukulcán.
Fare: $12 MXN per person (pay in pesos). Tell the driver your ferry stop, there will be a short walk from Blvd. Kukulcán to terminal.
Uber/Rideshares: Works sometimes. May not pick up directly at hotel entrances so you might be asked to meet them on the street.
Shuttle Service: Check if your hotel offers one, it’s great for groups.
Catch the R1 or R10 public bus that has “Puerto Juarez” displayed on the front sign. They run every 10 – 20 minutes. Not all R1 busses go to Puerto Juarez so check carefully. The cost is 12 pesos per person.
If you find yourself on the wrong bus, get off on Av. Tulum and wait for a R1 bus with “Puerto Juarez” displayed on the front sign.
Two other buses, Autocar Cancún (SEA) and Turicun also run from Av Tulum to Puerto Juarez. Basically, get on whichever bus comes first. The cost is 10 pesos per person.
Important: Carry small change in pesos for the bus – they won’t break big bills.
You don’t need to but it’s wise to do so, especially during high and holiday seasons. Open tickets let you board any available time and is good several months.
You can pay for ferry tickets online with your card or at the terminal using card or cash.
Avoid paying for taxis using your card, especially if you hail one on the street – it’s risky.
Buses are pesos-only, have change in pesos – they won’t break big bills
Avoid using USD unless you love bad exchange rates.
Uber works like it does at home – via app and card.
Nope – tourists don’t need ID to buy a ticket.
Ticket tip: Take a photo of your paper ticket if you bought a round trip (make sure the QR code is legible!) just in case you lose it or went swimming with it in your pocket.
Bought online? Save the ticket PDF or QR on your phone so you’re not digging through inboxes at the dock.
Crossing takes 20–30 minutes, depending on weather.
Arrive at least 20 minutes early if you already have a ticket, 30 minutes or more if you’re buying at the terminal.
Allow at least 1 hour total for the trip, just to be safe.
Xcaret (El Embarcadero): 10 crossings/day, hourly from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Ultramar Hotel Zone (Playa Tortugas & Caracol): 8 crossings/day, starting 9:00 am, final return ~6:30 pm.
Ultramar Puerto Juarez:
Every 30 minutes from 5:30 am – 6:00 pm
Then hourly until 11:00 pm or midnight, depending on the season.
Ferry times change — always double check the current schedule.
Technically yes… but it’s kind of frowned upon. Many of the ferries sell beer, sodas, water, and snacks onboard, so bringing your own isn’t exactly encouraged.
That said, if you’ve grabbed a cold one while waiting, finish it before boarding. It’s good manners and trust us, nobody wants to wear your beer because you tripped on the gangplank.
Purchasing a roundtrip airport transfer is your best option. They will advise you what time you should catch the ferry to get to the airport in plenty of time.
If you prefer to play it by ear, taxis are readily available at the Ultramar terminal in Cancun.
Calling an Uber: You can try, but most will not pick up at the ferry terminal, it’s an official Taxi stand. If they will, you’ll likely have to walk at least several blocks away from the ferry terminal to avoid potential issues with the taxi union. Don’t risk it.
Be safe – do not walk a block down the street and flag down a random taxi driving by.
Ride in comfort and arrive with a smile – they turn the mundane transfer into a mini vacation. And get the discount for our users!
No one does luxury airport transfers like they do – your VIP treatment begins here!
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A 45 minute crossing and if you were lucky, the great Pochón would be on board strumming his guitar and singing Los Cinco Perros with a wink and a smile.