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If you’re planning to visit anywhere in the Mexican Caribbean, then you have probably noticed that there are more flights to Cancun from the U.S. than to any other airport.
If you’re traveling to Cozumel, though, you can fly into the island’s airport.
This is what thousands of other travelers are doing, and there are a few reasons why tourists are flying directly to this island paradise near Cancun more than ever.
Several Direct Flights To Cozumel
Although there may not be as many flights to Cozumel from the U.S. as there are to Cancun, several are still available.
In February this year, there was an overall increase in air traffic to the destination of 39 percent compared to 2023.
In regards to international passengers, there was an increase of 30 percent.
There are direct flights to Cozumel from 15 cities in total, 10 of which are U.S. cities and two of which are Canadian.
Shorter Trip From Airport To Hotel
Another reason to fly into Cozumel Airport rather than Cancun is the shorter trip to your hotel.
If you are staying in Cozumel, flying into Cozumel Airport will save you an hour-long trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen to catch a ferry across to the island.
This saves you more than two hours of precious vacation time.
Spending Less On Transportation
The shorter trip from the airport to your destination also means spending less on transportation.
Getting from Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen and then taking the ferry to the island can cost well over $100 each way.
That money could be much better spent on vacation expenses.
Smaller, Less Crowded Airport
Cancun Airport is huge compared to Cozumel’s and can get pretty crowded.
On its busiest days, more than 600 flights might be coming and going.
This can result in long lines and wait times upon arrival and when departing.
Cozumel’s smaller airport is much easier to navigate.
Convenient To Playa Del Carmen
Some of the nearly 80,000 travelers who flew into Cozumel Airport likely visited Playa del Carmen at some point during their stay. Perhaps they even made Playa del Carmen their main stay.
Playa del Carmen is just a ferry ride away from Cozumel, while it’s more than an hour’s drive from Cancun Airport.
All That The Island Has To Offer
The majority of travelers who fly into Cozumel probably choose the airport because they are visiting Cozumel, and there are plenty of reasons to visit the island destination.
Stunning beaches, which are often free of sargassum when other beaches are not, the bohemian island vibe, great restaurants, and luxurious hotels are all part of what makes Cozumel so special.
Add to that the fact that Cozumel is only minutes away from fascinating Mayan ruins, beautiful cenotes, and the Mayan jungle, and you’ll come up with a long list of reasons to visit Cozumel.
Getting From Cozumel Airport To Where You Need To Go
Once you land at Cozumel Airport, you’ll need to get to your destination.
Transfers can be booked in advance so that your driver can be there waiting for you.
If you’re heading to a hotel in Cozumel, you can expect to pay around $30 for a shared shuttle each way, or $44 if you book a roundtrip. Prices go up from there.
If you’re going to Playa del Carmen, you’ll have to book transportation to get to the ferry dock, which is under 10 minutes away.
You’ll then need to take a taxi to your Playa del Carmen hotel, which is much faster than coming from Cancun.
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