🗺️Getting Around

Get Around Cozumel

Cozumel is one road around a flat island. You can't really get lost — but picking the right transport makes the difference between a great day and a frustrating one.

🚕

Taxi

Most convenient

Fixed-rate taxis operate island-wide. No meters — rates are set by zone and posted at the taxi stand near the pier. Negotiate the zone before you get in.

—Downtown → Airport: ~$10 USD
—Downtown → Palancar: ~$20 USD
—Downtown → Punta Sur: ~$25 USD
—Ask the posted fare sheet at the pier

🛵

Scooter / Moped

Best for the coast road

Renting a scooter is the classic Cozumel experience. The coastal highway is flat and easy. Dozens of rental shops on Avenida Rafael Melgar and near the pier.

—~$30–45 USD/day for a basic scooter
—Valid driving license usually required
—Helmets required by law — check if included
—Full tank policy: return with same fuel level
—Check brakes and lights before you leave the shop

🚗

Rental Car

East coast explorer

A car opens up the entire island — especially the wild east coast. Essential if you're traveling with family or gear. Book ahead in high season.

—~$40–70 USD/day depending on season
—International credit card required for deposit
—Buy their insurance — your card coverage may not apply in MX
—Airport location (small agencies) often cheaper than downtown
—Fuel is PEMEX — full-serve stations, tip the attendant

⛳

Golf Cart

Tourist classic

Golf carts are the slow, fun way to see downtown and the north coast. Not ideal for the east coast (too slow, no A/C). Great for a relaxed half-day.

—~$50–70 USD/day
—Street-legal — but stay out of main highway lanes
—Usually seats 4, max speed ~35 km/h
—No A/C and fully exposed to sun — bring sunscreen

🚲

Bicycle

Eco & budget

Cozumel is flat and the coastal boulevard has a dedicated bike lane. Perfect for getting around downtown and the hotel zone. Not practical for long island trips.

—~$10–15 USD/day to rent
—Bike lane runs along the waterfront malecón
—Best in the morning before the heat peaks
—Some hotels offer free bikes for guests

🚐

Collectivo (Share Taxi)

Local way

Shared minivans run a fixed route along the main road (Avenida Juárez and the costera). Incredibly cheap — the way most locals get around.

—~$0.80–1.50 USD per ride
—Flag them down on Avenida Juárez or the coastal road
—Pay the driver when you get off, not before
—No set schedule — runs until late evening

✈️ From the Airport

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is 3 km from downtown — a 10-minute taxi ride (~$10 USD). There are no public buses from the airport.

Quick Comparison

Transport	Price/day	Best for	East coast?
🚕Taxi	$5–25 per trip USD	Point-to-point	✅
🛵Scooter	$30–45 USD	Coastal cruise	✅
🚗Rental car	$40–70 USD	Family / east coast	✅
⛳Golf cart	$50–70 USD	Downtown only	❌
🚲Bike	$10–15 USD	Town & waterfront	❌
🚐Collectivo	$1 per ride USD	Main road errands	❌

🗺️ The Road System

🏙️ Downtown (San Miguel) is on the west coast. Most hotels, restaurants, and the ferry pier are here. Fully walkable.

🏝️ The coastal road circles most of the island — west side goes south to Punta Sur, east side returns north. The full loop is ~50 km.

🌴 Avenida Juárez cuts across the island east–west and is the main artery for collectivos and locals.

⚠️ The north part of the island has no public road — that's the park and wildlife reserve.

Prices approximate — always confirm locally.