You can travel from Cancun to Holbox by ferry + bus, shared shuttle, private transport, flight, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
If you are looking for a tropical getaway, Holbox is the perfect place for you! This completely unspoiled paradise is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico.
It’s a lovely little island that isn’t overrun by tourists, so you’ll miss most of the hustle and bustle.
In addition, this remote island has excellent beaches with crystal-clear water, beach bars where you can enjoy drinks while listening to local music and dancing on a Friday or Saturday night, diverse landscapes and trails you can hike while looking over natural lagoons or marveling at surrounding mangroves!
Once you’re there, the town’s laid-back charm and gorgeous beaches will make you want to stay forever!
And if you want to enhance this unforgettable experience-we recommend booking and joining a full-day guided tour of Isla Holbox!
Our top pick is this Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch, which will take you through the picturesque streets of Holbox! Swim in the clear waters, see the Yalahau Cenote, and then finish the day with a sumptuous lunch!
And the best part?
By booking this tour, you get transportation to and from your accommodation and a boat journey to the island, where you can indulge in drinks!
So what are you waiting for? Book and save a spot for the Holbox tour today!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cancun to Holbox.
Distance from Cancun to Holbox
The air distance from Cancun to Holbox is about 61 kilometers or 30 miles by car. However, the distance from Cancun to the Holbox ferry dock in Chiquila is 139 kilometers or 86.4 miles, and the trip takes about 2 hours!
Transportation Options from Cancun to Holbox
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cancun to Holbox:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ferry from Cancun to Holbox | ~4 hours | USD 40 |
| Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Cancun to Holbox | 3 hours | USD 44 |
| Private transfer + Ferry from Cancun to Holbox | 2 hours 30 minutes | USD 115-USD 234 |
| Private Flight from Cancun to Holbox | 30 minutes | USD 405-USD 693 |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun to Holbox | ~2 hours 30 minutes | – |
Getting to Holbox from Cancun
1. ADO Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Cancun to Holbox
Travel time: ~4 hours
The most affordable option from Cancun to Holbox is booking a combined ADO Bus + Holbox Ferry Ticket!
Because Holbox is an island, you must first travel to Chiquila and then board a ferry to Holbox. The easiest method to complete the trip, which lasts about 4 hours, is to combine the two rides into a single scheduled trip!
In cooperation with Holbox Ferry, the reliable bus operator ADO provides comfortable coach buses for your travels. The trip to Chiquila takes around 3 hours, and the ferry crossing takes only 20 minutes.
This is an excellent deal because you don’t have to get tickets for both trips separately and try to align schedules.
The best part? A single ticket costs only USD 40!
Check the timetables and reserve your ticket from Cancun to Holbox online today!
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Cancun to Holbox
Travel time: 3 hours
Another great option to get to Holbox from Cancun is to book a Shared Shuttle + Ferry ticket!
The shuttle is comparable to taking the bus, except that it arrives in Chiquila faster and costs a few more dollars. Nevertheless, it is well worthwhile!
Again, since the boat ticket is included in the price, you don’t have to consider aligning ferry schedules with your trip to Chiquila.
This less-crowded transportation option is quick, comfortable, and very convenient, especially if you’re traveling solo.
The shuttle ride from Cancun to Chiquila will take around 2.5 hours, and the ferry ride from Chiquila to Holbox will take an additional 20 minutes.
You don’t need to book everything separately! Instead, go over the itineraries and book the whole journey from Cancun to Holbox right away!
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:30 PM | 10:20 PM | 3 hours | USD 44 |  |
| 02:30 PM | 06:10 PM | 3 hours | USD 44 | |
| 12:00 PM | 03:10 PM | 3 hours | USD 44 | |
3. Private Transfer + Ferry from Cancun to Holbox
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
The private Holbox Shuttle and Ferry Boat ticket combination is always the most convenient and hassle-free way to get from Cancun to Holbox!
It is undoubtedly among the simplest and most practical ways to travel between Cancun and Holbox, especially when traveling in a group.
When using the private shuttle, you choose the departure time and get picked up at your Cancun accommodation. With this option, you also get the ferry ticket from Chiquila to Holbox!
Since it only takes two hours to drive from Cancun to Chiquila, expect the whole journey to Holbox to take about 2 hours and 30 minutes!
Consider taking a private transfer from Holbox to Cancun if you desire luxury and unmatched comfort!
Prices for a private transfer from Cancun to Holbox
- Up to 2 passengers: USD 136/ Per Person
- Up to 4 Passengers: USD 115/ Per Person
- Up to 6 passengers: USD 234/ Per Person
4. Private Flight from Cancun to Holbox
Travel time: 30 minutes
Looking for the quickest way to reach Isla Holbox from Cancun? You can fly directly from Cancun to Holbox on a private plane!
Although it is the most expensive method of transportation to Isla Holbox, it’s the most exciting and practical choice for people who are willing to splurge!
Aeródromo de Holbox is the small airport on Isla Holbox where you will be landing. However, the only available option is via a charter flight on a private plane.
For those interested in taking a flight from Cancun to Holbox, Flights Cancun offers this option for a group of up to seven passengers.
This is a very short flight, taking only 30 minutes since Cancun is only approximately 30 miles or 61 kilometers from Holbox Island.
You can explore your options and book a flight from Cancun to Holbox on Bookaway!
Find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner
5. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cancun to Holbox
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
If you want freedom and independence when vacationing, renting a car in Cancun is the second-best option after using a private transportation service.
However, you must leave your car rental in one of the parking spaces close to the pier in Chiquila because vehicles are not permitted on Holbox Island.
This is secure, and anyone arriving by rental car must follow these instructions. In addition, the lots have security guards who watch over the cars.
The fee for parking at the Chiquila pier varies but is generally between USD 5 and USD 10 per day.
Driving from Cancun to Chiquila takes around two hours, and from there, you must take the ferry to Holbox.
The ferries operate every half-hour from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. It costs USD 15 to board a ferry from Chiquila to Holbox, and the trip takes around 20 minutes.
We recommend you make a reservation in advance!
Best day tours in Holbox, Mexico
Get Your Guide is the best choice for your travel plans and one I highly recommend!
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Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Holbox, Mexico!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest option to get from Cancun to Holbox?
The cheapest option to get from Cancun to Holbox is by booking an ADO Bus + Holbox Express Ferry Combo Ticket, which costs only USD 40!
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Holbox?
The fastest way to get from Cancun to Holbox is by private plane! Flying to Isla Holbox from Cancun takes only 30 minutes!
How much does the ferry to Holbox cost?
The ferry ticket to Holbox costs USD 15. You can purchase your tickets at the Chiquila Port, or even better, book your tickets from Chiquila to Holbox online!
How much does it cost to fly from Cancun to Holbox?
A private flight from Cancun to Holbox that can carry 5-7 passengers costs USD 405-USD 693.
How long is the ferry ride to Holbox?
The ferry crossing from Chiquila Port to Isla Holbox takes about 20 minutes.
Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Holbox?
Yes — The Cancun-Chiquila road is a safe and simple drive for most tourists. Highway 180D and Highway 5 are essentially the only routes connecting Cancun and Chiquila.
Can I use US dollars in Holbox, Mexico?
All exchange offices take US dollars, and some also accept Canadian and European currencies. Payment in US dollars is accepted at major tourist attractions.
More Routes from Cancun
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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