Exploring Cozumel: Airport Accessibility And Travel Options

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is located on the Caribbean island of Cozumel, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, with more than 10 destinations in the US offering direct flights. It is a one-terminal, two-runway airport that is much smaller than other nearby airports such as Cancun International Airport. Cozumel Airport is also used for charter flights, executive and general aviation, and it functions as an Air Force Base for the Mexican Air Force.

Cozumel International Airport (CZM)

Cozumel International Airport handles both national and international air traffic for the city of San Miguel, Cozumel, and serves as a secondary gateway for Mexican Caribbean and Riviera Maya tourism. The airport is operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste ASUR and has seen an increase in passenger numbers in recent years, handling 663,270 passengers in 2022 and 677,503 in 2023. It is the ninth-largest airport in Mexico for international passenger traffic.

The airport has the capacity to receive Boeing 767 aircraft and conduct 22 operations per hour. It offers direct flights from 15 airports across 3 countries, including 3 domestic flights. American Airlines operates the majority of these flights, with Dallas-Fort Worth and Mexico City being the most common origins of flights to Cozumel. Other airlines that fly to Cozumel include Aeromexico, Air Canada, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris.

Travellers to and from Cozumel International Airport can choose from various transportation options, including shared shuttles, private car transfers, and private minibuses. The airport is just a short drive from the Cozumel Ferry Port, which is approximately 7 minutes or 1.9 miles away.

Location and transport options

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is located on the Caribbean island of Cozumel, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The airport is situated just 3km from the centre of Cozumel, and is easily accessible by a number of transport options.

Driving

The airport is a short drive from the centre of Cozumel, with the Cozumel Ferry Port just a 7-minute drive away (approximately 1.9 miles or 3.1 kilometres). Car rentals are available at the airport, with rates starting at $18 USD per day for weekly rentals with unlimited mileage.

Taxi

Taxis are also available at the airport, with rates depending on the location of your accommodation.

Shuttle

Airport transfers are available via a shared airport shuttle, private car transfer, or a private minibus for larger groups. The shared shuttle service is available for 1-10 passengers and costs $35 USD per person for a one-way trip from the airport. Private car transfers accommodate 1-3 passengers and cost $43.20 USD per vehicle for a one-way or round-trip service. Private shuttles are also available for 1-8 passengers, at a rate of $58.50 USD per vehicle for a one-way or round-trip journey. For larger groups of 4-10 passengers, private minibuses can be booked for $138.90 USD per vehicle, one-way or round-trip.

Bus and Ferry

For those travelling on a budget, there is the option to take a bus and ferry from the airport. From the airport, you can take a bus to Playa del Carmen, and then a ferry to Cozumel. This option is usually chosen by those who want to save money on airfare by flying into Cancun and then travelling to Cozumel. However, it is important to note that this option involves a crowded ferry ride and an additional 10-minute cab ride to your resort.

Airlines

Cozumel Airport is serviced by 11 airlines, including Aeromexico, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris. American Airlines operates the majority of flights, with direct flights to Cozumel from 4 different destinations. Most flights originate from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) in the United States and Mexico City (MEX) in Mexico, making up 35% of the airport's monthly flights.

Airlines and destinations

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is located on the Caribbean island of Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is a small airport with just one terminal and two runways. The airport serves the city of San Miguel, Cozumel, and is a popular gateway for tourists visiting the Mexican Caribbean and Riviera Maya.

The airport receives both domestic and international flights, with more than 10 destinations in the US offering direct flights. American Airlines operates the majority of these flights, connecting Cozumel to four different destinations. Most flights to Cozumel originate from Dallas-Fort Worth in the United States and Mexico City in Mexico. Other airlines that fly to Cozumel include Aeromexico, Air Canada, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris.

For travellers visiting Cozumel, flying into the Cozumel International Airport is the most convenient option. The airport is just a short drive from the resort areas, and travellers can easily rent a car or take a taxi to their destination. However, some travellers choose to fly into Cancun International Airport and then take a ferry to Cozumel, although this option can be more time-consuming and may involve a lengthy ferry ride.

Passenger experience and reviews

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is located on the Caribbean island of Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is a small airport with just one terminal and two runways. The airport handles over 600,000 passengers each year, with more than 10 destinations in the US offering direct flights. It is one of the top 35 busiest airports in Mexico by passenger traffic.

Passenger experience at Cozumel Airport varies. Some travellers report long lines and delays, especially when multiple flights arrive at the same time. Inbound delays are common, and some passengers have reported lengthy waits of up to 1.5 hours to get through immigration and check-in. However, others have reported seamless experiences with minimal delays. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before boarding time if travelling with carry-on luggage, and 2 hours in advance if travelling with checked luggage.

Outbound delays are less common, and one passenger reported that they had never heard of anyone missing a flight due to check-in or security delays. Another passenger noted that the airport is “fully computerized”, contrary to another traveller's claim that it is not.

The airport has all the facilities and amenities that passengers would expect from an international airport, including ATMs, lounges, parking, cafes, fast food, convenience stores, duty-free shops, and souvenir shops.

Alternatives: flying into Cancun

Yes, there is an airport in Cozumel. However, if you are unable to fly directly into Cozumel, you can fly into Cancun and make your way to Cozumel via a few different methods. Here are some alternatives to flying directly into Cozumel, with the details you need to know about each option:

Flying into Cancun and Taking a Private Transfer

One option is to fly into Cancun and then take a private transfer to Playa del Carmen, from where you can catch a ferry to Cozumel. This is a good option if you want a more personalised experience and don't mind spending a little extra.

The benefits of a private transfer include:

• Faster travel time to Playa del Carmen, taking about 45 minutes.
• Convenience, as the driver will be waiting for you at arrivals.
• The ability to pre-book your transfer before your flight.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

• It can be more expensive, especially if you are travelling solo or as a couple.
• There might be additional costs for luggage.

Taking a Bus to Playa del Carmen

Another option is to take a bus from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen. This is a more affordable option, especially if you are travelling alone, with tickets currently costing 190 pesos. The ADO bus company offers a direct service to Playa del Carmen, with buses departing every 30 minutes or so from each of the three terminals at the Cancun Airport.

However, there are also some drawbacks to this method:

• You cannot purchase tickets in advance, as you don't know how long it will take to get through customs and immigration.
• If you arrive at a busy time, you might need to wait for the next bus as they can fill up quickly.
• The frequency of buses decreases in the evenings, with almost 50 minutes between departures.

Flying from Cancun to Cozumel

Lastly, you can consider flying from Cancun to Cozumel. This option can be quick, but it might also be more expensive and have limited flight times and luggage space. The regional airline MAYAir offers flights between Cancun and Cozumel, but you will need to book these separately on their website.

Other Options

There are also other ways to get from Cancun to Cozumel, such as renting a car or taking a taxi, but these options may be less convenient and more expensive. Additionally, there is no direct ferry service between Cancun and Cozumel.

So, while there is an airport in Cozumel, flying into Cancun and then transferring to Cozumel via one of the above methods is a viable alternative. Consider your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences when deciding which option is best for you.

Frequently asked questions