How to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox, Mexico

6 Jan 2023 9 min read No comments Mexico Routes

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

If you’re looking for a peaceful and picturesque destination to get away from it all, Isla Holbox is the perfect place for you! Isla Holbox is a small and picturesque hidden gem on the northeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. 

It is part of the state of Quintana Roo, home to the famous tourist destination of Cancún. This small island is a true paradise with its crystal blue waters, beautiful sandy beaches, and abundant wildlife!

The island is a haven for nature lovers, with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, whale sharks, and various fish species! 

In addition to its natural beauty, Holbox Island has a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, with a small but vibrant community of local artists and craftsmen. 

Whether you’re interested in swimming, fishing, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun and the laid-back atmosphere, Isla Holbox has something for everyone!

Are you ready to experience the beauty and tranquility of Isla Holbox for yourself? If so, we highly recommend booking a guided tour. 

You will have the chance to discover the island’s many attractions and natural wonders and benefit from a knowledgeable local guide leading the way!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the beauty and charm of Isla Holbox. Book your guided tour today and start planning your dream vacation!

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

Distance from Cancun Airport to Holbox

The air distance from Cancun Airport to Holbox is about 69.1 kilometers or 42.9 miles.

However, you must first drive 144 kilometers or 89.5 miles from Cancun Airport to Chiquila. After that, you’ll need to board a ferry and sail 13 kilometers farther out to sea to reach Holbox.

It takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel by car and ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox.

Transportation Options from Cancun Airport to Holbox

The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun Airport to Holbox:

MethodTravel timePrice
ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox 5-6 hoursUSD 45
Holbox Shared Shuttle + Holbox Express Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox 3 hoursUSD 73
Private Transfer + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox 2 hours 40 minutesUSD
Taxi + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox
Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox USD

Getting to Holbox from Cancun Airport

1. ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox

Travel time: 5-6 hours

Booking a combined ticket for the ADO Coach Bus and Holbox Express ferry is the most cost-effective method to travel from Cancun Airport to Holbox Island!

To travel to Holbox Island from the airport, you must first board a bus to Chiquila port. The ADO coach buses will transport you hassle-free and without additional transfers from Cancun Airport directly to Chiquila!

Then, once you arrive at the port, it will take you around 40 minutes to reach Holbox by ferry. The most excellent aspect of this deal is that you don’t have to buy a ferry ticket and a bus ticket separately. Instead, the cost of your entire booking includes both transportation methods!

Even though the journey lasts roughly 6 hours, the buses are pleasant and comfortable, so you’ll have a smooth journey and won’t have to worry about transfers!

This option is popular among tourists, so make sure you book your tickets online in advance and ensure your trip from Cancun Airport to Holbox Island!

Departure TimeArrival TimeDurationPrice per Person
08:10 AM01:00 PM4 hours 50 minutesUSD 45BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
09:05 AM03:00 PM5 hours 55 minutesUSD 45BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
11:25 AM05:00 PM5 hours 35 minutesUSD 45BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
12:50 PM07:00 PM6 hours 10 minutesUSD 45BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
How to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox1

2. Holbox Shared Shuttle + Holbox Express Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox

Travel time: ~3 hours

You can also take the Holbox Shared Shuttles + Ferry from the Cancun Airport to Holbox, as shuttles run more frequently than the bus!

This transportation method is faster and more comfortable because there are fewer passengers and a smaller group that you’ll be traveling with.

Even with the boat ride from Chiquila to Holbox and the drive from the airport to Chiquila, you can go from Cancun Airport to Holbox in around 3 hours.

The price of one ticket, which covers the Holbox Shuttle and Holbox Express Ferry, is only USD 73. This is one of the best offers available!

Check the departure times, then reserve your ticket from Cancun Airport to Holbox online!

Departure TimeArrival TimeDurationPrice per Person
01:00 PM04:10 PM3 hours 10 minutesUSD 73BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
10:15 AM02:10 PM3 hours 55 minutesUSD 73BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
03:45 PM07:10 PM3 hours 25 minutesUSD 73BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
06:00 PM09:10 PM3 hours 10 minutesUSD 73BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574

3. Private Transfer + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox

Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Booking a private transfer is another choice for getting from Cancun Airport to Holbox!

From the airport, the driver will transport you directly to the Chiquila port so you can board whichever boat you choose!

Most of these vehicles, which offer private transportation services, are minivans or larger cars. Using this option might make sense if you’re traveling in a group because the price can be split.

You can select the option and vehicle that is right for you depending on the number of passengers traveling with you!

But remember that this trip will only get you to Chiquila, and the price does not cover the boat you must take to get to Holbox.

The ferry ticket is an extra USD 15, which is quite affordable! In addition, tickets for the ferry boat and the private transfer are available online!

The ferry ride from Chiquila to Holbox takes 40 minutes, whereas the drive takes nearly 2 hours. Consequently, this may be among the quickest ways to travel from Cancun Airport to Holbox!

Check out the deals online and book ahead of time to ensure a safe trip from Cancun Airport to Holbox!

Prices for a private transfer from Cancun Airport to Chiquila:

  • 1-3 passengers: USD 182
  • 1-3 passengers: USD 205
  • 4-6 passengers: USD 237
  • 4-6 passengers: USD 255
  • 7-10 passengers: USD 317
  • 7-10 passengers: USD 325
How to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox2

4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox

Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes

When you arrive at Cancun Airport, you can also consider renting a car to get to Holbox Island. 

You can unwind and enjoy your trip by choosing one of the many vehicle rental companies that will make renting a car at Cancun Airport simple and hassle-free!

If you decide to rent a car, remember that you must leave your vehicle at Chiquila once you have arrived from the Cancun Airport and then take the ferry to Holbox. You cannot bring your car with you because there are no cars allowed on Holbox Island.

But if you intend to take road trips around Mexico, this shouldn’t be an issue since you can find secure parking spaces in Chiquila and reclaim your car after you return from Holbox!

Car rentals in Mexico are relatively cheap, making this one of the most affordable ways to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox!

It will take roughly 2 hours to travel to Chiquila and an extra 40 minutes to reach Holbox by ferry.

We recommend you make a car reservation in advance!

5. Taxi + Ferry from Cancun Airport to Holbox

Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes

As soon as you get off the plane at Cancun Airport, you can find several independent taxis to drive you to your next location.

This choice is preferable if you are going in a group because the price may be split and thus be less inexpensive. But remember that this trip will only take you to Chiquila, and the cost does not cover the ferry you must take to reach Holbox.

Although prices for different rides may vary, you should plan to spend roughly USD 130 on the road trip alone. 

The trip will take about 2 hours, and then you’ll have to board the ferry, which takes an additional 40 minutes to get from Chiquila to Holbox. So, this is among the quickest ways to travel from Cancun Airport to Holbox! 

If you choose to take a taxi, we recommend that you chat with the driver or agree on a price before departing to avoid being scammed.

You can also get your ferry tickets online to avoid waiting in line at the port. The Holbox Express tickets cost only USD 15!

Best day tours in Holbox, Mexico

Get Your Guide is your best choice for all your travel plans! They have always helped make my travels exciting and unforgettable, so I highly recommend it!

With Get Your Guide, you can discover authentic travel adventures and take advantage of personalized suggestions and itineraries with more than 60,000 guided tours, famous landmarks, and much more!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest option to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox?

The cheapest option from Cancun Airport to Holbox is the combined ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry ticket, which costs only USD 45!

What is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox?

The fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox is by private plane. However, only small private planes from Cancun Airport to Holbox that cost over USD 1000.
Therefore, the second fastest option is driving to Chiquila by car and boarding the ferry to Holbox, which takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes in total!

Can you get on a plane from Cancun Airport to Holbox?

Aerodromo de Holbox is the name of the little airport on Isla Holbox. The only way to get there, though, is via a private plane charter. A charter trip from Cancun to Holbox with Flights Cancun costs USD 1,000 for up to five passengers.

Do you need to book a ferry ticket to Holbox in advance?

It is not essential to buy a ticket in advance; you may purchase a ferry ticket to Holbox at the port of Chiquila. However, doing so is recommended because you can find fantastic prices that cover both your ferry ticket and your transportation from Cancun Airport to Chiquila!

How much does the ferry to Holbox cost?

A single ferry ticket from Chiquila to Holbox costs USD 15.

Is there a cargo ferry from Chiquila to Holbox?

There is no cargo boat from Chiquila to Isla Holbox because no cars are allowed on the island.

How long is the ferry crossing from Chiquila to Holbox?

The journey from Chiquila to Holbox usually lasts about 40 minutes, depending on the wind.

How can I get from Cancun Airport to Chiquila?

A shared van shuttle, which costs USD 73, is the best and most practical method to travel from Cancun Airport to Chiquilá. If you reserve your seats online, your ferry ticket to Holbox is also included in the cost!

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