So you’ve just landed at Cancun Airport (CUN), grabbed your bags, and now you’re ready for the next adventure: getting to the beautiful Isla Mujeres. The good news? It’s easier than you think. The even better news? I’m going to walk you through exactly how to get from Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres, step-by-step, so you can spend less time stressing and more time enjoying those crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Whether this is your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned Isla Mujeres fan, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about the transfer from Cancun Airport to Puerto Juárez, the ferry crossing, and all the insider tips that’ll make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Step-by-Step: Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres
Getting from Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres is actually a two-part journey. Here’s the play-by-play:
Step 1: Airport Transfer to Puerto Juárez (15-20 minutes)
First, you’ll need ground transportation from Cancun Airport to Puerto Juárez, which is the main ferry terminal that services Isla Mujeres. The drive is quick—typically 15-20 minutes depending on traffic—and takes you north from the airport along the coast.
Puerto Juárez is not the same as the Hotel Zone ferry terminal. Puerto Juárez is where locals and savvy travelers catch the ferry, and it’s the fastest, most reliable option for getting to Isla Mujeres.
Book your airport transfer to Puerto Juárez →
Step 2: Ferry from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujeres (~15 minutes)
Once you arrive at Puerto Juárez, you’ll board a ferry to Isla Mujeres. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, and the boats run frequently throughout the day. You’ll buy your ferry ticket at the terminal—it’s straightforward and easy.
Total travel time from wheels down at CUN to stepping onto Isla Mujeres? About 45 minutes to an hour, give or take. Not bad for a tropical island escape, right?
Transfer Options from Cancun Airport to Puerto Juárez
Now let’s talk about how to actually get from the airport to the ferry terminal. You’ve got a few options:
Private Transfer with Pickrides (Recommended)
This is the easiest, most reliable option—especially if you’re traveling with family, have luggage, or just want a hassle-free start to your vacation. With Pickrides, a driver meets you at the airport with a sign, helps with your bags, and takes you directly to Puerto Juárez in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Why we love it:
- No haggling, no surprises—you know the price upfront
- Door-to-door service
- Professional drivers who know the route
- You can book online before you land
- Secure payment via Stripe
Skip the hassle — pre-book your Pickrides transfer
Shared Shuttle
Some companies offer shared shuttle services where you split the ride (and cost) with other travelers heading to Puerto Juárez or nearby areas. It’s cheaper than a private transfer, but you’ll likely wait for the shuttle to fill up and make multiple stops.
Pros: More budget-friendly
Cons: Longer wait times, less flexible
Taxi
You can grab a taxi outside the arrivals terminal, but here’s the catch: Cancun Airport taxis are notoriously expensive, and you’ll need to negotiate the fare beforehand. Expect to pay $40-60 USD or more depending on your negotiation skills. There’s also the hassle factor—after a long flight, do you really want to haggle?
Rental Car
If you’re planning to explore the Cancun area before heading to Isla Mujeres, renting a car is an option. You can drive to Puerto Juárez and park at the ferry terminal (there are paid parking lots nearby). Just keep in mind that you won’t need a car on Isla Mujeres—it’s a small island best explored by golf cart or scooter.
Bottom line: For most travelers, a pre-booked private transfer offers the best balance of convenience, reliability, and value.
Puerto Juárez Ferry Schedule & Prices 2026
Two main companies operate ferries from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujeres: Ultramar and Marinsa. Both are reliable and offer similar service.
Ultramar Ferry
- Schedule: Ferries run approximately every 30 minutes from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until late evening (around 11:30 PM)
- Price: Around $15-20 USD per person, round trip (prices subject to change)
- Ticket purchase: At the terminal; cash and cards accepted
Marinsa Ferry
- Schedule: Similar frequency to Ultramar, with boats running throughout the day
- Price: Comparable to Ultramar
- Ticket purchase: At the terminal
Pro tip: Ferry schedules can vary slightly by season, and boats may run less frequently during low season or very early/late in the day. During peak season (like right now—Spring Break and Easter), expect more frequent departures.
You don’t need to book ferry tickets in advance. Just show up, buy your ticket, and hop on the next available boat. Easy.
Tips for a Smooth Trip
Here are some insider tips to make your Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres journey as smooth as possible:
Book Your Transfer in Advance
Don’t wait until you land to figure out your ground transportation. Pre-booking a transfer with Pickrides means you’ll have one less thing to worry about when you’re jet-lagged and just want to get to your hotel.
Carry Cash for the Ferry
While many ferry terminals accept credit cards, it’s smart to have pesos (or USD) on hand. You’ll also want cash for tips, snacks, and any other small purchases.
Time It Right
If your flight lands in the late evening, double-check the last ferry departure time. Missing the last ferry means either waiting until morning or paying a premium for a private water taxi.
Pack Light (or Smart)
If you have large or heavy luggage, a private transfer is definitely the way to go. Hauling big suitcases onto a crowded ferry isn’t fun.
Know Your Terminal
Make sure your driver knows you need to go to Puerto Juárez (the main ferry terminal for Isla Mujeres), not the Hotel Zone ferry dock. A reputable transfer service like PickRrides will already know this, but it’s worth confirming.
Travel Insurance
Always a good idea, especially for international trips. It can cover everything from flight delays to lost luggage.
Why Book with Pickrides?
Look, there are plenty of ways to get from Cancun Airport to Puerto Juárez. But here’s why thousands of travelers choose Pickrides:
Trusted Since 2011
Pickrides has been serving travelers in the Cancun area since 2011. That’s over a decade of getting people where they need to go, safely and reliably. Over 20,000 travelers have trusted Pickrides for their Cancun airport transfers.
No Scams, No Surprises
You pay upfront online, so there’s no haggling, no inflated prices, no switching vehicles at the last minute. What you book is what you get.
Door-to-Door Service
Your driver meets you inside the arrivals terminal with a personalized sign. They help with your bags, answer any questions, and get you to Puerto Juárez quickly and comfortably.
Secure Payment
All payments are processed securely through Stripe, so your financial information is protected.
Local Expertise
Pickrides drivers know the area inside and out. They’ll get you to Puerto Juárez via the quickest route, and they can answer any questions you have about the ferry or Isla Mujeres.
Ready to book? Get your Cancun airport transfer now
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take from Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres?
Total travel time is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes a 15-20 minute drive from Cancun Airport to Puerto Juárez, plus the 15-minute ferry crossing to Isla Mujeres. Add a bit of buffer time for buying ferry tickets and boarding.
How much does a transfer from Cancun airport to Puerto Juárez cost?
Prices vary depending on the type of service:
- Private transfer (Pickrides): Typically $35-50 USD for a private vehicle (check current rates on pickrides.com)
- Shared shuttle: $15-25 USD per person
- Taxi: $40-60+ USD (depending on negotiation)
A private transfer offers the best value when you factor in convenience, reliability, and stress-free travel.
Can I take Uber from Cancun airport to Puerto Juárez?
Uber availability at Cancun Airport is limited and inconsistent due to local regulations and taxi union restrictions. Even if you manage to get an Uber, drivers often face issues picking up passengers at the airport. A pre-booked private transfer is much more reliable.
What time does the last ferry to Isla Mujeres leave?
The last ferry from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujeres typically departs around 11:00-11:30 PM, but schedules can vary by season. If your flight lands late, check the current schedule or plan to stay overnight in Cancun and catch the morning ferry. During peak season, ferries run later and more frequently.
Ready for Paradise?
Getting from Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres is straightforward, especially when you have a solid plan. Book your transfer, pack your sunscreen, and get ready for turquoise waters, fresh ceviche, and those legendary Isla Mujeres sunsets.
Safe travels, and enjoy every minute of your island escape.
