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Writer's pictureIngo Fuchs

Transportation to Isla

This question comes up a lot - how do I get from Cancun Airport to Isla?


It’s actually quite simple - and enjoyable! Airport -> Ferry -> Vacation Home.

First step: Transportation from Cancun Airport to the Puerto Juarez Ferry Terminal

First step is to book your transportation before you leave, ideally a few weeks prior to departure in case any one transportation company is booked out. Companies like CARM and Happy Shuttle Cancun provide private shuttle services from Cancun Airport to Puerto Juarez, which is the main ferry terminal to get to Isla Mujeres. In addition to transportation they can provide you with the ferry tickets (so you don’t have to stand in line to buy them at the ferry terminal), drinks, extra stops to go grocery shopping etc.

When you arrive at Cancun Airport you will need to pass through Immigration (they now have electronic scanners to self-scan your US or Mexican passport) and Customs. After customs you can find multiple ATMs so you can load up on Pesos. As you go through the arrival hall towards the exit - just politely ignore the folks that claim they help with transportation, they are timeshare sellers. After you walk outside you will see greeters with signs identifying the transportation company they work for. Your transport company confirmation email will tell you how to find them and they will get you to your private shuttle.

There are bars outside the arrival area, so you can grab a drink there to take on your shuttle.


Typically you will want to book a round-trip ticket and include the ferry tickets when you book your transportation. Here are the links:

https://www.cancunandrivieramaya.com/transfers/ (use code CARMCARES for a small discount)

These services are known to be reliable, safe, and affordable. Taxis from the airport to the ferry terminal are very expensive and much less comfortable.

The drive takes about 40 minutes (although with current road construction it can take longer).

Alternatively you can take the ADO bus to the central bus terminal in Cancun, then a taxi to Puerto Juarez. This takes quite a bit longer, though.


Second Step: The Ferry

Puerto Juarez Ultramar ferry terminal:

At the ferry terminal you can have a porter take your luggage. The porters will watch your bags and then load them on the ferry. Make sure to remember what your porter looks like so you can find them after they drop off your luggage at the ferry. They work for tips. We usually tip a couple USD per bag, especially if they are heavy. You don't have to use a porter of course.

There is a little grocery store at the ferry terminal, decent bathrooms as well, plus a couple bars with snacks and food.

The ferry tickets are not specific to a particular departure time and ferries leave every 30 minutes to an hour. The ride takes about 20-25 minutes. The current ferry schedule can be found here:

https://ultramarsales.ultramarferry.com/en/routes-and-departures.html (look for Cancun/Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres)

Almost all of the ferry crossings will have live entertainment (tips are appreciated) and a person selling drinks and snacks. There is an inside area that is air conditioned, but we prefer to sit outside on the top of the ferry as the views are incredible.



Isla Mujeres Ultramar ferry terminal:

Porters will help unload luggage from the ferry in Isla, you can also get a porter there to help bring your luggage to a taxi or to your vacation home if nearby (Casa Reposado is only a couple blocks away and the porters will bring your luggage for a tip).

Inside the ferry terminal you will find a money exchange booth (one of the better exchange rates on the island), bathrooms, a bar, a small pharmacy etc.

Casa Reposado:

If you are staying at Casa Reposado, please see the map for walking directions. If you have heavy luggage or prefer not to walk - you can either hire a porter for a few dollars, or take a Taxi. There is a Taxi stand as you walk out of the ferry terminal and turn left, walk a couple minutes. Cost is around 80 pesos for downtown/Centro, so about 4-5 USD. Best to show them the map, or tell them to drop you off on Av Juarez between CFE (electric company) and La Lomita (a restaurant). Use your personal entry code at the electronic door lock and you have officially arrived!







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