You can travel from Holbox to Playa del Carmen by ferry + bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant and lively destination along Mexico’s beautiful Caribbean coast!
This bustling beach town is just a short distance from the popular tourist destination of Cancun and offers a mix of city life and laid-back beach vibes that make it a perfect vacation spot for any traveler!
Nestled between the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and the lush jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is known for its stunning beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling, and rich Mayan cultural history.
The city is also home to a thriving nightlife scene, with various bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for beach relaxation, exploring the vibrant city, or experiencing the region’s rich cultural history, Playa del Carmen has something for everyone!
And when planning a trip to Playa del Carmen, we recommend visiting the nearby Xcaret Park! Book your full-day entry ticket to Xcaret Park now and enjoy all the fun of the Riviera Maya’s premier attraction!
So pack your bags and prepare to experience all that this incredible destination has to offer.
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Holbox to Playa del Carmen.
Distance from Holbox to Playa del Carmen
The distance from Holbox to Playa del Carmen is about 136 kilometers or 84.5 miles by ferry and car.
It takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel by ferry and car from Holbox to Playa del Carmen.
Transportation Options from Holbox to Playa del Carmen
The following table outlines all transportation options from Holbox to Playa del Carmen:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Holbox Express Ferry + ADO Coach Bus from Holbox to Playa del Carmen | 3.5-4.5 hours | USD 45-USD 49 |
| Holbox Express Ferry + Shared Shuttle from Holbox to Playa del Carmen | 2.5-3.5 hours | USD 44 |
| Ferry + Private Transfer from Holbox to Playa del Carmen | 2 hours 30 minutes | USD 231-USD 298 |
| Ferry + Rental Car from Holbox to Playa del Carmen | 2 hours 30 minutes | – |
Getting to Playa del Carmen from Holbox
1. Holbox Express Ferry + ADO Coach Bus from Holbox to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 3.5-4.5 hours
To travel from Holbox to Playa del Carmen, we recommend choosing the Holbox Express Ferry + ADO Coach Bus ticket combination!
This is an excellent choice for traveling between Holbox and Playa Del Carmen, and it’s also the most popular among travelers!
To reach Playa Del Carmen, you must first take a ferry from Holbox to Chiquila. You will cross to Chiquila in about 40 minutes and then transfer to the ADO coach bus.
The ADO coach buses are very comfortable and well-equipped, and they take almost 3 hours to get to Playa del Carmen from Chiquila. It is, however, a convenient option and an inexpensive trip!
Forget about arranging the whole trip yourself and trying to align schedules—this 2-in-1 ticket covers both the ferry ride and bus trip from Holbox to Playa del Carmen!
Take a look at the schedule and book your ferry and bus tickets to Playa Del Carmen at once!
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:30 AM | 04:00 PM | 4 hours 30 minutes | USD 49 |  |
| 04:30 PM | 08:00 PM | 3 hours 30 minutes | USD 49 | |
| 02:30 PM | 06:10 PM | 3 hours 40 minutes | USD 45 | |
2. Holbox Express Ferry + Shared Shuttle from Holbox to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 2.5-3.5 hours
The second option operates less frequently but is an excellent alternative to the ADO coach bus. Of course, we’re referring to the shared van shuttle operated by Holbox Shuttle!
This is one of the best and most practical options for a quick, reasonably priced, and comfortable journey!
The best thing, though? The ferry and shuttle are also both included in the cost of one ticket, which you can purchase online, so you don’t need to make separate reservations!
Once again, the first part of your trip begins with a 40-minute ferry trip to Chiquila.
You will then transfer from the dock at Chiquila to the shared van shuttle, which will take you directly to Playa Del Carmen.
There are only two daily shuttle departures available. One sets you off at 50 Avenida Norte, in the heart of Playa Del Carmen, in 2 hours and 30 minutes. The other one takes 3 hours and 30 minutes and drops you off in Playa in front of Office Depot underneath the Highway bridge.
The shuttles are air-conditioned, have comfy seats, and carry fewer passengers than the bus, making this trip comfortable and enjoyable!
You can book your tickets online right away!
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30 AM | 02:00 PM | 3 hours 30 minutes | USD 44 | |
| 05:30 PM | 08:00 PM | 2 hours 30 minutes | USD 44 | |
3. Ferry + Private Transfer from Holbox to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Want to travel quickly and in privacy between Holbox and Playa Del Carmen? Then, we advise booking a private transfer to get you to your location!
This is especially advised if you’re going with a group because the overall trip cost can be shared fairly among everyone.
You can browse all the available options for different group sizes and get the best deal! Furthermore, you can book your private transfer online and enjoy your trip from Holbox to Playa del Carmen!
The only other thing you need to consider is purchasing a separate ferry boat ticket, which will cost you an extra USD 15. Once you’ve boarded the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila, it will take you about 40 minutes to reach the Chiquila port.
Then, you’ll just have to transfer to your private vehicle, which you can arrange to pick you up directly from the port.
After that, it’s only a 2-hour drive from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen!
Check out the options and arrange your trip from Holbox to Playa del Carmen here!
Prices for a private transfer from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen
- 1-3 passengers: USD 216
- 4-6 passengers: USD 251
- 7-10 passengers: USD 283
4. Ferry + Driving with Rental Car from Holbox to Playa del Carmen
Travel time: x hour
For independent tourists or adventurers wishing to get from Holbox to Playa Del Carmen, a ferry and car rental can also be a fantastic choice!
Once you’ve taken the 40-minute ride on the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquila, you can discover several car rental agencies there that provide vehicles at incredibly low rates!
This is an excellent way for you to fully plan your trip and avoid rushing to meet public transport schedules.
Also, you won’t have to worry about catching a ferry because they run often, and you can catch one anytime. After that, everything is relatively easy—you just rent a car and drive straight to Playa Del Carmen for 2 hours!
This way, it is even possible to take breaks and detour to nearby sites along the way!
We recommend you browse through your options and make a reservation in advance!
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
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Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen?
The cheapest option to get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen is the Holbox Express Ferry + Shared Shuttle ticket combination, which costs only USD 44!
What is the fastest way to get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen?
The fastest way to get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen is by taking a ferry to Chiquila and then getting a car rental in Chiquila to drive to Playa Del Carmen. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Is there a direct ferry between Holbox and Playa Del Carmen?
There isn’t a straight route that runs from Holbox to Playa del Carmen. To get to Playa Del Carmen, you must take the ferry to Chiquila and then a bus or shuttle. Alternatively, you can travel to Playa Del Carmen from Chiquila in a car and get there in about two and a half hours.
What is the distance from Holbox to Playa Del Carmen?
The air distance between Holbox and Playa Del Carmen is 103 kilometers or 64 miles. However, it is 13 kilometers from Holbox to the harbor in Chiquila, and it is 76.2 miles (or 122.7 kilometers) via car from Chiquila to Playa Del Carmen.
How long is the bus trip from Chiquila to Play Del Carmen?
The bus trip from Chiquila port to Playa Del Carmen is about 3 hours long.
How long is the ferry crossing from Holbox to Chiquila?
The trip from Holbox to Chiquila takes about 40 minutes, depending on the weather conditions.
How much is a ferry ticket from Holbox to Chiquila?
The Holbox Express Ferry tickets from Holbox to Chiquila cost USD 15.
More Routes from Holbox
Author: AnaMarija Mishachkovska
AnaMarija is a devoted SEO travel writer with deep expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand. Experience: AnaMarija's academic journey commenced with pursuing a bachelor's degree at AUE FON University in Macedonia. Subsequently, she immersed herself in the realm of travel writing, specializing in creating comprehensive transportation guides for diverse regions in Latin America and Southeast Asia. Since 2021, AnaMarija has been employed as a travel writer with expertise in transportation at Universal Traveller. Furthermore, in 2022, she expanded her horizons by becoming a travel writer for Guatemala Transport Service and Mexico Transport Service. Since 2023, AnaMarija has been actively sharing her extensive knowledge in Thailand transportation as a contributor to Bangkok Insiders. Expertise: AnaMarija holds profound expertise in transportation across various countries, including Costa Rica, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, and Thailand. Her comprehensive knowledge enables her to navigate the most efficient routes effortlessly, while her writing style ensures that this valuable information is easily understandable and readily accessible online. Education: AnaMarija's educational background includes studies in Design and Multimedia at AUE FON University in Macedonia. To augment her academic foundation, she pursued online courses in Search Engine Optimization…
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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