Quick answer: Most visitors get around Cozumel by taxi, which charges fixed zone fares instead of using meters. Downtown San Miguel is easy to explore on foot or by bike. To see the whole island, including the beach clubs, Punta Sur and the wild east coast, rent a car or jeep for a day. Scooters are popular, but they are the island's biggest cause of visitor injuries, so only ride one if you are already an experienced rider.
Cozumel is about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, with one town, San Miguel, on the west coast facing the mainland. A single road follows the west coast south, loops past the Punta Sur lighthouse, runs up the undeveloped east coast and cuts back across the middle of the island to town. That simple layout makes it hard to get lost, but it also means the best beaches are spread out.
Getting Around Cozumel at a Glance
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Taxi | Most trips: town, beach clubs, the airport run, nights out |
| Walking or bike | Downtown San Miguel and the waterfront |
| Rental car or jeep | A day around the island, the east side, groups and families |
| Scooter | Experienced riders only |
| Colectivo (shared van) | Cheap rides on fixed routes around town |
| Uber | Don't count on it |
How Do Taxis Work in Cozumel?
Cozumel taxis do not use meters. Fares are set by the taxi union by zone, so the price depends on where you start and where you are going, not on miles driven. Every taxi is required to carry the official rate sheet and show it if you ask. A fare covers up to four people, and luggage rides free.
Confirm the fare before you get in, and carry pesos. Fares around town are quoted in pesos, and paying a peso fare in dollars usually gets you a worse exchange rate than the bank's.
| Ride (union rates) | Typical fare (pesos) |
|---|---|
| Within downtown, same zone | 26 |
| Downtown to the north hotel zone | 75 to 105 |
| Downtown to the south hotel zone | 75 to 300, depending on how far south |
| Downtown to the east coast | 185 to 720 |
| Extra: pickup at the ferry pier, a supermarket or a taxi stand | +8 |
| Extra: midnight to 6 a.m. | +12 |
Fares are from the union rate list as published by EverythingCozumel's taxi guide. Rates can change, so check the driver's sheet.
Taxis from the cruise piers
Taxis waiting at the International and Puerta Maya cruise piers quote in US dollars, and groups of five or more pay more. If you arrive by cruise ship and are heading downtown, budget around $8 for the ride. Our Cozumel cruise port guide has more on getting off the ship.
Getting from the airport
City taxis can drop you at Cozumel's airport but are not allowed to pick up there. When you land, buy a ride at the airport's transportation counter instead, either a private taxi or a cheaper shared shuttle van that stops at several hotels. For a house in town, expect roughly $9 plus a little more for each extra person. Going back to the airport, any city taxi will take you.
What about Uber?
Uber lists Cozumel on its website, but the island's taxi union has openly opposed ride-hailing, and visitors report it is unreliable or unavailable. Plan on taxis and treat Uber as a bonus if it happens to work.
Colectivos (shared vans)
Local colectivo vans run fixed routes around town from about 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., starting and ending at the Chedraui supermarket plaza. A ride costs about 10 pesos. They are built for residents' commutes rather than beach hopping, but they are a cheap way to reach the big supermarkets.
Should I Rent a Car in Cozumel?
Rent a car for a day or two if you want to see the whole island on your own schedule. The east coast has no taxi stands, and an island loop with stops at Punta Sur, the east-side beach bars and the San Gervasio ruins adds up quickly in taxi fares. Several rental companies have counters at the airport, and others have offices downtown. Our east side guide covers the loop drive, and there are no gas stations or ATMs out there, so fill up and get cash in town.
Before you sign, know that Mexico requires liability insurance from a Mexican insurer whenever you drive there, so expect it to be added to the rental price even if your policy at home or your credit card offers other coverage. MexPro explains the insurance rules. Your regular driver's license from home is fine.
Is It Safe to Rent a Scooter in Cozumel?
Scooters are cheap and fun, but Frommer's calls moped accidents the greatest cause of injury in Cozumel. Rent one only if you already ride at home. Everyone on a scooter must wear a helmet, and no more than two people may ride one. Stay on paved roads, watch for sand on the pavement, and skip the scooter on busy cruise-ship days in the south hotel zone. Our Cozumel safety guide has more.
Can I Get Around Cozumel by Bike or on Foot?
Yes, in and around town. San Miguel is flat and compact, and the waterfront, restaurants and shops are an easy walk or bike ride from most neighborhoods. Bikes are a good fit for short trips; for beaches farther south or the east coast, switch to a taxi or a car. Some rental homes include bikes. At our own house, Casa Cascada, guests can borrow bicycles and beach gear, and it's within walking distance of restaurants, the Chedraui supermarket and Corpus Christi park.
Driving Rules to Know in Cozumel
- Avenidas have the right of way over calles. Traffic on the avenues often does not slow down at cross streets, so stop fully when you are on a calle.
- Inside a traffic circle, the car already in the circle has the right of way.
- Watch for topes. Speed bumps can be abrupt and will damage a car taken at speed.
- Right on red is allowed after a full stop, when the way is clear.
- Seat belts are required in the front and back seats, and open alcohol in a car is illegal. Any alcohol in your blood after an accident can mean jail and voids rental insurance.
- Gas stations are full service. An attendant pumps the gas; make sure the pump reads zero before they start, and a tip of a few pesos is customary.
- Police don't collect fines on the street. If you are stopped for a violation, the officer takes your license to the police station, where you pay the fine.
These rules are summarized from EverythingCozumel's guide to driving and traffic laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cozumel taxis have meters?
No. Cozumel taxis charge fixed fares by zone, set by the taxi union. Ask to see the official rate sheet if a price seems off.
How much is a taxi in downtown Cozumel?
A ride within one downtown zone is 26 pesos on the union rate list, with a small surcharge for pickups at the ferry pier or late at night.
Can I take a taxi from Cozumel airport?
Not a regular city taxi, because city taxis can't pick up at the airport. Buy a private taxi or shared shuttle ride at the airport's transportation counter.
Is there Uber in Cozumel?
Don't count on it. Cozumel's taxi union opposes ride-hailing, and taxis are the reliable way to get around.
Do I need a car in Cozumel?
Not if you are staying in or near town. Rent a car or jeep for a day to explore the south end and the east coast.
Do I need special insurance to rent a car in Mexico?
Yes. Mexican liability insurance is required by law, and rental companies add it to the price even if you have coverage at home or through a credit card.
Do I have to wear a helmet on a scooter in Cozumel?
Yes. Helmets are required for every driver and passenger on a motorized two-wheeler, and no more than two people may ride one scooter.
Where to Stay to Make Getting Around Easy
Staying in San Miguel puts restaurants, groceries and the ferry pier close by, and taxis to the beaches are short and cheap. For more on picking a base, see where to stay in Cozumel.
Casa Cascada is our three-bedroom home with a private pool in Cozumel's Corpus Christi neighborhood, a few blocks inland and about ten minutes by taxi from the airport and the ferry pier. It has gated parking for a rental car and bikes for trips around town, and you can book direct.
Keep planning:
- Money in Cozumel: pesos or dollars, ATMs and tipping
- Cozumel's east side guide
- Ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
- Airlines that fly into Cozumel
- Cozumel services directory
Run a taxi, car rental or scooter business on the island? Reach visitors planning their Cozumel trip on Blog Cozumel.
