Isla Mujeres is a short ferry across the bay: a private transfer to the Gran Puerto terminal, then a 20-minute crossing. Here's how it works.
Check transfer prices & book →Isla Mujeres sits just off the coast north of Cancún, so the trip is a two-part one: a private transfer from Cancún airport (CUN) to the Gran Puerto Cancún ferry terminal at Puerto Juárez, about 25 km, roughly 30 to 40 minutes, and then the Ultramar passenger ferry across, a crossing of about 20 minutes.
The transfer handles the only awkward part: getting cleanly out of the airport and up to the right terminal without haggling with pushy taxi drivers. The ferry itself is easy, Ultramar runs roughly every half hour, you buy a ticket and walk on.
Transfer to Gran Puerto: ~25 km, ~30–40 min | Ferry crossing: ~20 min | Transfer from: $50 total | Airport: Cancún International (CUN)
Your transfer covers the drive to the Gran Puerto ferry terminal, not the boat. Ultramar ferry tickets are bought separately at the terminal or online, around $20–25 USD round trip per adult. And there's no need to bring a car across: Isla Mujeres runs on golf carts and taxis, so a transfer to the terminal is exactly what you need.
The main terminal is Gran Puerto Cancún at Puerto Juárez, just north of downtown. It's the most frequent and best-value crossing, and the natural drop-off for an airport transfer.
Ultramar also runs ferries from several Hotel Zone piers, Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol and El Embarcadero. These are convenient if you're already staying in the Hotel Zone, but they cost more and run less often. If you're heading straight from the airport to the island, Gran Puerto is almost always the better choice.
Cancún airport's taxi rank is where most arrival stress happens, fixed-price kiosks, dollar quotes, and a queue after a long flight. A pre-booked private transfer skips it entirely: your driver is in the arrivals hall with your name, and you go straight to the car and up to the ferry.
For families or anyone with luggage, a direct ride to Gran Puerto also means no shuttle stops and no scramble to make a departure, you arrive at the terminal together, buy your tickets, and step onto the next boat.
1–3 passengers, standard luggage. Plenty for the short run to the ferry terminal.
1–4 passengers. A bit more room for suitcases and beach gear on the way to the dock.
5–8 passengers. Keeps a family or group together for the terminal run, simpler than splitting taxis.
Premium vehicle if you'd like a smoother start before the crossing.
Your driver waits in the arrivals hall of your terminal, Terminal 2 (most US flights) or Terminal 3 (most flights from Europe and Canada), holding a sign with your name. Walk through arrivals and find it in the designated meeting area; don't engage with anyone calling out offers as you exit. If you can't find your driver, call the number on your booking confirmation first.
Private vehicle, from
Transfer to the Gran Puerto ferry terminal · Ferry ticket booked separately · Free cancellation
Book the transfer to Gran Puerto now, driver confirmed, drop-off logged. Buy your ferry ticket at the terminal and walk on board.