How to get from Merida to Holbox, Mexico

You can travel from Merida to Holbox by ferry + bus, private transfer, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.

Are you ready for the ultimate island escape? Look no further than Holbox, an island paradise on the northeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. 

Its magnificent natural beach setting, unmatched beauty, and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax and unwind! But the fun doesn’t stop there! 

From May to September, Holbox is visited by whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Imagine swimming alongside these gentle giants as they gracefully glide through the water. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else!

When you’re not busy whale shark watching, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Go bird watching, visit the local Mayan ruins, or explore the charming villages scattered throughout the island! 

And when you’re ready to kick back and relax, there are plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants to choose from.

So what are you waiting for?

Start planning your trip to Holbox today by booking this Holbox Island Day Trip and Safari with Lunch, and experience all this fantastic island has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!

Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Merida to Holbox.

Distance from Merida to Holbox

The distance from Merida to Holbox is about 318.9 kilometers or 198.1 miles by car and ferry.

It takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to travel by car and ferry from Merida to Holbox.

Getting to Holbox from Merida

1. ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Merida to Holbox

Travel time: ~7 hours

The ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry is the cheapest and most practical option to travel from Merida to Holbox! 

We highly recommend booking this 2 in 1 ticket option since it includes both the bus trip from Merida to Chiquila and the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox at a affordable price of only USD 54!

The journey takes about 7 hours in total, including transfers. Despite its duration, the trip is organized and comfortable, and it is well worth the expense!

Air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a bathroom onboard ensure that those 7 hours will go by quickly and smoothly!

The ADO bus will take you from Merida to Chiquila, where you’ll board the ferry to Holbox!

This option is popular among tourists, so make sure you save your seats online in advance!

Departure Time	Arrival Time	Duration	Price per Person
06:15 AM	02:00 PM	7 hours 15 minutes	USD 54
06:45 AM	02:00 PM	6 hours 45 minutes	USD 54

2. Private Transfer + Ferry from Merida to Holbox

Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Time is the most valuable thing you can have when on vacation and the one thing you can never have enough of!

Therefore, if you want to travel from Merida to Holbox faster, budgeting a little more on a private transfer makes perfect sense!

By using a private transfer, you can get from Merida to Holbox quickly and comfortably!

With a private transfer, you will get picked up at your location in Merida and arrive in Chiquila in about 4 hours. Then you’ll need to catch the next ferry to Holbox, which will take you there in only 40 minutes!

You can check out all available options for a private transfer from Merida to Chiquila online and find a great deal! Additionally, since this option doesn’t include the ferry to Holbox, we also recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance!

So, if you enjoy luxury travel or are traveling with company, and this option appears suitable, arrange a private transfer from Merida to Holbox today!

Prices for a private transfer from Merida to Chiquila

• 1-3 passengers: USD 265
• 4-6 passengers: USD 299
• 7-10 passengers: USD 320

3. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Merida to Holbox

Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Renting a car in Merida is your last alternative if you don’t want to employ private transportation but still arrive in Holbox quickly!

Numerous car rental agencies in Merida offer various deals, so choose the best one for you!

Then head on a road trip to Chiquila, where you’ll catch the Holbox ferry. The drive takes only about 4 hours, making this the fastest way to get from Merida to Holbox!

However, since there is no cargo ferry to Holbox, you’ll need to find a parking space near the port and park your car there. This only costs a few dollars, and parking spaces in Chiquila are safe, so leaving your car there shouldn’t be a problem.

Then, get on the ferry and arrive in Holbox in only 40 minutes! Ferry tickets to Holbox cost only USD 15, and combined with the car rental expenses; this option is quite affordable.

If you want to learn more about the second part of your trip and browse the schedules, check out our guide on How to get from Chiquila to Holbox!

You can purchase your tickets at the port, but we recommend booking the ferry tickets online in advance!

We also recommend browsing through the rental options and making a reservation in advance!

Best day tours in Holbox, Mexico

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Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Holbox, Mexico!

Frequently Asked Questions