Holbox is an island paradise growing in popularity with travellers from Mexico and worldwide. As an island, it isn’t the easiest place to get to. But it’s absolutely worth the journey from Cancún to Holbox.
Without a doubt, this was my favourite place in the Yucatan Peninsula! And there’s plenty of transport options to suit all group sizes, budgets and travel preferences.
Travel planning shouldn’t be stressful. So this Cancún-Holbox travel guide explains ALL your transport options and the costs – plus how to book. From cheap shared minivans to private flights and everything in between, this is how to get to Holbox Mexico…
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How to get to Holbox from Cancún
Holbox is a small island on the northern Quintana Roo coast. And the most economic options to get there are by land and then the ferry. Unless you can afford a private plane!
I took the bus and it was super straightforward – you get dropped off pretty much next to the ferry port. I also recommend the combined shuttle and ferry tickets for the ultimate convenience.
| JUMP TO: | Cost (One-Way) | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bus + Ferry | 544 pesos (370 + 220 pesos) *BEST VALUE* | 4 hours |
| 2. Shared shuttle + Ferry | 44 USD *BEST OVERALL* | 4 hours |
| 3. Colectivo + Ferry | 486 pesos (250 + 220 pesos) | 4 hours |
| 4. Private transfer + Ferry | 220 USD for up to 7 people + 220 pesos each | 3.5 hours |
| 5. Taxi + Ferry | From 2160 pesos (1940 pesos [100 USD] taxi + 220 pesos each) | 3.5 hours |
| 6. Rental Car + Ferry | Dependent on length of hire and company + 220 pesos | 3.5 hours |
| 7. Hitchhiking + Ferry | 220 pesos | Possibly all day |
| 8. Tours to Holbox Island | Around 100 USD (full-day trip with lunch and activities) | 3.5 hours |
| 9. Fly | From 800 USD per plane | 35 mins |
Plus find out more about the sea crossing from Chiquila to Holbox and how to get from Cancún Airport to Holbox.
Getting from Cancún to Chiquilá
There isn’t a ferry to Holbox from Cancún directly. And all land routes from Cancún to Isla Holbox pass through the port town of Chiquilá.
And, since no vehicles are allowed onto the island, you’ll have to travel here first before crossing the narrow channel to Holbox by boat.
The sections below go through the different land options to get to Chiquilá. There’s more on the Holbox ferry crossing later, including how to book tickets and how often they run.
1. Bus from Cancún to Chiquilá (For Holbox)
ADO run the buses from Cancún to Chiquilá. The bus station is just a couple of minutes’ walk to the ferry terminal – just head for the water!
- 4 bus departures each day between 8.15 am and 3.15 pm
- The journey takes 2 hours and 35 minutes
- Costs 378 pesos (when booked direct)
- The buses are 44-seater coaches with a storage area underneath for large bags and suitcases (8.15 service is 16-seater minibus)
I’d recommend booking the bus at least a day or two in advance as the services can fill up quickly – or sooner at peak times.
Conveniently, Cancún to Holbox bus and ferry tickets can also be booked online in one simple transaction (with 24-hour support from a Central America-based company and a stress-free experience).
Or, you can book through the temperamental ADO website, which does offer advance booking discounts (so do stick with it – if you can get it to work!).
2. Cancún to Holbox Shuttle (Shared Options)
Shuttles are typically a more convenient option for getting from A to B. And should be booked a day or two in advance, at least.
This is a great option when bus times don’t work for you. For example, leaving Cancún in the morning or late afternoon.
A shared Cancún to Chiquilá shuttle will cost from as little as 17 USD per person. This price usually includes one full-size, checked-in style piece of luggage and one item you carry on you.
A second option is to book an all-in-one Cancún to Holbox shuttle plus ferry ticket online. This costs 40 USD for a shared shuttle from Cancún to Chiquilá and then a ticket for the public Holbox ferry.
Booking your shuttle in this way means you just need to make one purchase. And you go straight from the shuttle to the dock without having to stop and buy tickets from the ferry vendors.
3. Colectivo from Cancún to Chiquilá
Unlike colectivos across many other routes in Mexico, the colectivo from Cancún to Chiquilá only runs 4 times a day.
- Colectivos to Chiquilá leave from outside the Soriana Supermarket (other side of the roundabout to the ADO bus station in Cancún).
- Costs 250 pesos
- Takes 2.5 hours (although more like 3)
Do expect that your luggage may need to go on the roof rack. So make sure any valuables or items that shouldn’t get wet are with you!
Colectivos are generally more cramped than the coach-type buses that are the norm in Mexico. But, given that you’re saving 100 pesos or so, the choice is yours to make.
4. Private Transfer
For a private Cancún-Holbox transfer (dropping you off in Chiquilá), prices are around 200 USD for 4-seater and 7-seater vehicles. This comes with the added benefit of hotel or airport pick up in Cancún and drop off at the ferry terminal.
Advance booking is required for Cancún to Chiquilá shuttles. Also, don’t forget to book your return or onward journey before getting to Holbox as the WiFi and internet are notoriously bad there.
> > > RELATED POST: How to get from Valladolid to Chiquilá: All your options explained
5. Taxi from Cancún to Chiquilá
How much is a taxi from Cancún to Holbox Mexico?
Expect to pay between 120 and 200 USD one-way. This of course depends on your negotiation skills, the time of year and the time of day.
The taxi can only take you as far as Chiquilá, then you’ll need to get a ferry over to the island. To get to your hotel from there, you’ll need to hire another taxi (golf cart) on the island or walk.
6. Car Hire & Driving
Driving to Chiquilá from Cancún is pretty straightforward, but there’s no direct route. Head west on Highway 108D in the direction of Valladolid and Merida and then take Highway 5 all the way to Chiquilá.
Can you drive to Holbox?
Yes and no. You can only drive as far as Chiquilá and the route includes toll roads.
Cars aren’t allowed on Isla Holbox. So you’ll need to find suitable and secure parking for your time on the island (expect to pay around 100 pesos per day).
Since you can’t drive to Holbox itself. Having a rental car is only worthwhile if you’re also visiting other places around the Yucatan Peninsula. You definitely don’t need to hire a car just to drive to Chiquilá.
How long is the Drive from Cancún to Holbox Island (Chiquilá)?
It takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes to drive the 150 km or so to Chiquilá from Cancún Centro.
If you’re really desperate to get to Holbox Mexico straight away, then take a taxi. But, it’s not going to be cheap. If you can wait for a bus, colectivo or shuttle, then I’d highly recommend this over a taxi.
7. Hitchhiking
Personally, I only hitchhike when there are no other transport options available. So, I’d definitely recommend all the Cancún to Holbox transportation options above before thinking about hitchhiking.
Especially considering hitchhiking to the island is made more difficult by the fact that Chiquilá is in the middle of nowhere. As such, the number of people (and vehicles) heading there each day is relatively small.
But, it’s not impossible to hitchhike to Chiquilá (you’ll still have to pay for the ferry). Start early and have a Plan B if you don’t find a ride in a timeframe that suits you.
TOP TIP: Don’t let a lack of Spanish put you off hitchhiking. The first time I did it, I’d only been in Mexico for 3 weeks and couldn’t speak any Spanish. We communicated only through Google Translate and had no problems.
Getting to Isla Holbox from Chiquilá (Sea Crossing)
From Chiquilá, Isla Holbox Mexico is just across the water. And you have two options for getting to Holbox.
- Take the ferry that runs every half hour (fixed ticket price)
- Negotiate with a boat owner for a private trip across to Holbox
Isla Holbox Ferry
Two companies operate the Chiquilá to Holbox ferry route: 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express.
The 9 Hermanos ferries leave on the hour (first: 6 am, last: 9 pm) and Holbox Express ferries leave on the half-hour (first: 6.30 am, last: 9.30 pm).
Larger luggage is stored at the back of the boat and seating is available inside and on the top deck. The journey takes around 30 minutes and isn’t normally too choppy or windy.
Tickets for both companies cost 220 pesos each way (180 pesos for children). Buy your ticket at the kiosks near the roundabout in Chiquilá.
You can also buy Holbox ferry tickets on the ADO buses. Although there’s no price difference, tickets aren’t transferrable between the companies so make sure you definitely have one for the next departure. Otherwise, you could be waiting up to an hour!
If you prefer to book your ferry tickets in advance, buy your tickets for your travel day and time online here.
Getting to Isla Holbox by Private Boat Transfer
Alternatively, negotiate with a local boat owner around the Chiquilá port for a private Holbox transfer. I’d only recommend this for larger groups as otherwise, it’ll cost more.
Expect the journey to be bumpier as you’ll be travelling in a small, motor-powered boat. Not recommended if you’re easily travel-sick or seasick – stick to the ferry!
8. Tours to Isla Holbox from Cancún
If you only have a day to visit, a tour to Isla Holbox from Cancún and the Riviera Maya is a perfect way to not miss out on this island paradise. The slow pace of life, chilled vibe, rustic buildings and white sand beaches make it seem a world away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular towns.
The tours are full days, you’ll likely be picked up just after dawn and return as the sun’s going down. But, in that time, you’ll have a full day of activities making the long drive worth it.
To see a bit of everything in Holbox, this full-day tour from Cancun or Playa del Carmen is perfect. You’ll be picked up from your hotel, take a boat tour, have lunch on the island along with free time and finally visit the beautiful sandbanks to spot wildlife!
Tours to Holbox are available from all across Quintana Roo, including Cancún, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Options include…
9. Flying to Holbox
If it’s in your budget, the easiest way to get to Holbox is by plane. The 9-seater flights certainly make for a unique and memorable trip, with beautiful views over the blue seas below.
Can you fly to Holbox?
Yes! Holbox Mexico has an airstrip that’s only big enough for small aircraft to land. In fact, it’s one of an impressive 1714 airports in the country (there are more Mexico facts where that came from!)
Private charters are available from Cancún International Airport (CUN) all year round. Unfortunately, there’s no shared service, meaning you’ll have to book the whole 9-seater plane.
Time & Cost of Flying to Isla Holbox from Cancún
The Cancún Airport to Isla Holbox flight time is just 35 minutes, making it the quickest way to complete the journey. With the town centre just a couple of minutes drive away.
Prices start at 800 USD each way (excluding tax) for groups of up to 5 people with carry-on. For bigger groups or those with more luggage, it costs 2900 USD return (excluding tax). Prices are for the plane and split between all passengers.
How to get from Cancún Airport to Holbox
Generally speaking, getting from Cancún Airport to Isla Holbox is pretty straightforward. In fact, it’s not too different than travelling from Central Cancún to Isla Holbox.
However, Cancún International Airport is the busiest it’s ever been. The number of flights arriving has skyrocketed bringing more passengers and luggage.
At peak times, it’s common to encounter long waits at baggage reclaim and immigration. Be sure to leave plenty of time between when you land and your transport connection.
- BUS: There’s no direct bus from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá, meaning you’ll need to travel to Downtown Cancún first (ADO bus, 130 pesos). The last bus leaves Cancún for Chiquilá at 3.15 pm. So, if you haven’t landed by 1:30 pm (absolute latest), you’ll probably need to stay in Cancún for the night (or get a shuttle).
You can now book a bundle of all three tickets that you’ll need to get to Holbox in one booking (Airport to Cancún, Cancún to Chiquilá and the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox)! Check out prices and availability for your travel dates and book online.
- COLECTIVO: These also only run from Downtown Cancún. And they can’t enter the airport, so take the ADO bus downtown to get a colectivo from Cancún to Chiquilá.
- CAR HIRE: If you’re hiring a car for your entire trip, then collecting it from the airport makes sense. There are lots of car rental companies around the airport so you’ll be sure to find something for your taste, size requirements and budget.
- SHUTTLE: You can book a shuttle directly from Cancún Airport to Holbox (with your ferry ticket included). The last shuttle is at 6 pm, so perfect for those arriving after the last bus. The cost is the same as booking from Central Cancún.
> > > RELATED POST: Thinking about heading to Belize? Check out this guide on getting to Caye Caulker from Cancún by bus, flight or water taxi.
Is Holbox Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Holbox has much more of an authentic feel and rustic charm compared with the resorts of the Quintana Roo coast. The sunsets are magical, the island vibe is chilled and the weather is beautiful.
You can lay in a hammock or sunbathe on the beach. Or you could take a walk along the sandbanks to Punta Mosquito – Holbox’s lesser-known beach.
And if your next stop is a trip to Mexico’s Modern World Wonder, Chichén Itzá, check out this complete guide on how to get there from Holbox – including the cheapest and fastest routes.
If you have any questions or want any more information, drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Information is correct as of October 2024 but is subject to change in future.
More Travel Guides on the Best of Mexico
QUINTANA ROO: Getting from Cancun to Tulum and Tulum to Cancun (Transport Guide)
QUINTANA ROO: How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (Transport Guide)
OAXACA: San José del Pacifico, Oaxaca (Complete Travel Guide)
YUCATAN: Mérida to Holbox (All 2024 Transport Options)
QUINTATAN ROO: Playa del Carmen to Tulum: Transport Options & Travel Guide
CHIAPAS: Visit El Arcotete Eco Park in San Cristobal, Chiapas [Complete Guide]
And much more, check out all Mexico Travel Guides here!
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Hi, thank you for all the information. We are landing at 17:20 in Cancun on a Wednesday. Do you think we will have enough time to get to Holbox for the last ferry? We are thinking taking a collectivo central city or shuttle from the airport. What would you recommend?
Thank you,
Sylvie
Hi, I think this would be quite tight as the last ferry is at 9.30 pm and the drive takes at least 2 hours. Plus, Cancun Airport is operating a record number of flights – I’ve seen recently it’s been titled the world’s fastest growing airport due to how many extra flights and passengers are passing through each month. Because of this, delays getting to the gate, through passport control and collecting your baggage can occur.
What’s more, if you got to Chiquila (the port for Holbox) and missed the last ferry, the hotel and restaurant options are going to be pretty limited.
If I was you, I’d book a hotel in central Cancun for one night and then travel to Holbox the next morning. It’ll be less stressful and a calmer start to your time in the country.
Do the buses have restrooms for the 2-3 hour trip?
Yes, the ADO buses have restrooms. The smaller buses/colectivos (like the 16-seater minibuses) do not.
What the earliest ADO buses depart Chihuahua headed back to Cancun? We are traveling in early October. The luxury bus?
And the best site to book from?
Do you mean Chiquila? If so, the earliest ADO bus is at 10.15 am. Book on the ADO website (ado.com.mx) if you can get it to work otherwise I use Busbud (https://busbud.tp.st/2ltJcYCv).
Hi there – I was just reading your blog and decided the shuttle would be the best option for me – is the link you provide to the gottogo website safe?
Best,
Lizzie
Hi, yes it’s safe. They’re my top recommendation for shuttles in Mexico and Central America, I know lots of people make bookings with them. If you want a shuttle, make sure you pick a route option on the website that is ‘Holbox Shuttle and Holbox Express – $44’, the ones with ADO are bus routes. Thanks, Zoe