Isla Mujeres · Getting There

Getting to Isla Mujeres from Cancún

By Mr. Playas · Updated 2026

There is no bridge to Isla Mujeres. Everyone arrives by ferry. The crossing takes 20–30 minutes depending on the terminal. There are three departure points from Cancún, each with different pricing and convenience depending on where you are starting from.

Terminal 1 — Puerto Juárez (Best Option for Most Visitors)

Puerto Juárez is the main public ferry terminal, located in northern Cancún about 3 km from the Hotel Zone entrance. Ultramar and Magaña both operate from here. This is the cheapest crossing and the most frequent service.

Price: approximately $8–10 USD round trip
Frequency: every 30 minutes, roughly 6 AM – 11 PM
Crossing time: 20 minutes
Getting there from Hotel Zone: taxi (~$10–15 USD) or R-1/R-13 public bus (~$0.80 USD)

Terminal 2 — Gran Puerto (Hotel Zone)

Located inside the Hotel Zone at the Playa Linda marina. More convenient if you are staying in an Hotel Zone resort, but more expensive and less frequent.

Price: approximately $18–22 USD round trip
Frequency: roughly hourly, fewer late-night departures
Crossing time: 30 minutes
Getting there: walkable from most Hotel Zone hotels

Terminal 3 — Punta Sam (Car Ferry)

The only terminal that accepts vehicles. Located north of Puerto Juárez. Relevant only if you are transporting a car or motorcycle. Visitors do not need this.

Price: approximately $80–120 USD per vehicle plus passengers
Frequency: several crossings per day, less frequent than passenger ferries
Note: cars are not practical on Isla Mujeres — narrow streets, limited parking, golf carts are the standard

Use Puerto Juárez unless you are in the Hotel Zone

Puerto Juárez is cheaper, more frequent, and runs later at night than the Hotel Zone terminal. The taxi to Puerto Juárez from the Hotel Zone costs $10–15 USD — you will save this and more on the round-trip ferry price versus Gran Puerto. .

From Cancún Airport (CUN) to Isla Mujeres

The most efficient route from the airport:

Take the ADO bus from inside the airport terminal to downtown Cancún (~$10 USD, 30 minutes)
From the downtown ADO terminal, take a taxi to Puerto Juárez ferry terminal (~$5–8 USD, 10 minutes)
Board the next Ultramar or Magaña ferry to Isla Mujeres (~$8 USD, 20 minutes)

Total cost: approximately $23–26 USD per person. Total time: 60–80 minutes depending on ADO departure timing and ferry wait. A direct taxi from the airport to Puerto Juárez runs $35–50 USD and takes 25–35 minutes.

Arriving on Isla Mujeres

The ferry docks in the main town at the northern end of the island. The ferry terminal is central — most hotels near Playa Norte and in town are within walking distance or a short golf cart ride. Taxis meet the ferry for $5–8 USD to any point on the island.

Golf cart rentals are available at the dock and at multiple locations on Hidalgo Street. $40–60 USD per day. No car rental available for visitors — golf carts, bikes, and taxis cover everything on the island.

Luggage Logistics

There are no baggage restrictions on the ferry. Standard rolling luggage is fine. The dock area is not staffed with porters — you carry your bags from the boat to wherever you are going. Keeping luggage manageable is practical advice regardless. Taxis at the dock handle oversized bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the ferry to Isla Mujeres cost?

From Puerto Juárez (north Cancún): approximately $8–10 USD round trip. From the Hotel Zone Gran Puerto terminal: approximately $18–22 USD round trip. Prices vary slightly between Ultramar and Magaña operators.

How often does the ferry run to Isla Mujeres?

From Puerto Juárez: approximately every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 11 PM. Last ferry back from Isla Mujeres is typically around 11 PM–midnight. Gran Puerto terminal has less frequent service.

Can you take a car to Isla Mujeres?

Yes, via the Punta Sam car ferry — but it is not recommended. Cars are impractical on the island: narrow streets, limited parking, and golf carts do everything a car would. Leave the car in Cancún.

Is there a direct ferry from Cancún airport to Isla Mujeres?

No direct service. The most efficient route is ADO bus to downtown Cancún, then taxi to Puerto Juárez ferry terminal. Total transit time 60–80 minutes.

What time is the last ferry back from Isla Mujeres?

Typically 11 PM–midnight from Isla Mujeres to Puerto Juárez. Gran Puerto terminal's last departure is earlier, around 9–10 PM. Confirm current schedules at the dock — these change seasonally.