My daughter and her friend are thinking of going to Cozumel as a college graduation treat. What do you suggest as the best way for them to get there from Cancun airport. They are looking at the Cancun rather than Cozumel airport because of the fare difference.

Take the Riviera bus from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen. Cost is about US$8.00. The bus station is right downtown, and only a few blocks from where the ferry leaves for Cozumel. I don't remember how much the ferry is.

There are also numerous companies you can arrange a private transfer from the airport to Playa as well. Cancu Valet is one, there are others. Considerably more expensive than the bus.

The buses are easy, they're nice buses, luggage goes underneath, air conditioned. No stops. Only takes about 45 minutes.

The ferry is $11 USD and is very close to the bus station. The taxi's also unload at the bus station for people taking the ferry. The bus leaves the airport at :45 min past the hour and you can buy tickets either in the airport before walking outside or at the bus itself. To get to the bus exit the airport and turn right, walk to the end of the terminal to the ADO bus with Playa Del Carmen on the front. Easy transfer and inexpensive.

Here's a response I gave to another poster asking the same question. Please note that my advice was based on the fact that she was traveling with 3 kids. I think it is fine to do the shared van option for adults. A bit more time consuming and tidious but fine for adults.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34864816

Thanks for the replies. They really help.

The buses to Playa del Carmen (that's where you get the ferry across) are right outside the airport.  They are big comfortable buses and even show a movie in route.  The ride to Playa takes about 1-1.5 hours.  My husband had to fly back to the States for business in the middle of our holiday this year.  On the return he missed his connection into CZM from Houston and had to do the Cancun/Playa/ferry thing.  We had never done it before, we always fly directly into CZM.  He was quite impressed with how easy the maneuver was.
 
From the International terminal in Cancun you will go to the far end of the domestic terminal to find the buses to Playa.  He said there are lots of people around to help with directions and information, so just ask.  The best is to engage a "skycap" to take your luggage and let him lead you.  That will only cost about $1 per bag and is worth it.  Nearly everyone you will encounter -- especially at airports, ferry, bus, hotels, will speak perfect English, so its easy to get help.
 
Once at the bus location, you'll buy your bus ticket -- $11 pp. one-way.  There are several buses outside - some going into Cancun, but they are marked well with electric signs on the front of each bus.  Its easy to find the one to Playa.
 
The bus will drop you in Playa about 2 blocks from the ferry dock.  Although my husband only had a small carry-on bag, he says that he's certain there were guys around to help with luggage if needed.  The ferry ticket is $8 pp one-way and the ride takes 20-30 minutes.  There are two ferries, what they call the fast ferry and the slow ferry.  They both travel at the same speed, so just take which ever one is departing next.  From the ferry landing in CZM, you will pull your luggage along the pier to a taxi line and then its on to your hotel.  I would suggest packing light or in one rolling bag so its easy to handle.  CZM is very casual -- you won't need more than swimsuits, shorts and sandals.  One little sundress if you are so inclined will do.  You will be able to find someone to help with luggage as you go along, but you'll pay each time so just budget for that (about $1 per bag each time someone handles it - airport, ferry, hotel, etc.) and its "no problem".
 
I think having a "car" (that would be a taxi) meet you at the airport and take you to Playa cost about $75.  My husband said the bus was great - fast and comfortable - as well as cheap.

Thanks all. These are very useful replies, not only for me but for others. I checked with Cancun Valet and the cost is 60 USD for two to PDC if any one is interested. As it turns out, I got a good deal for a week in Puerto Vallarta in a one bedroom condo so they are going there instead.

The bus from the airport to Playa is only $8 USD one way.