You can travel from Cozumel to Holbox by ferry + bus, shared shuttle, private transport, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Are you searching for the perfect place to escape from the city noise and stress for a couple of days?
Then Holbox is your answer! Yes, this tiny island will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into the middle of paradise.
With crystal-clear, turquoise waters and secluded beaches, this is truly one of the best places in Mexico!
At first glance, it may not seem like much, but it’s actually quite diverse and displays breathtaking scenery and charm. So, if you’ve decided to do some island hopping, we are here to help and make your journey easier!
And if you’re looking to take part in an unforgettable experience- we recommend visiting Holbox on a guided day trip!
Discover Holbox Island’s pristine sandy beaches and turquoise waters by booking and participating in this Holbox Island Day Trip & Safari with Lunch!
Once you’ve seen everything Holbox has to offer, take a boat across the lagoon, tour Yum Balam Nature Reserve, and then savor a delicious lunch!
Book this experience today and fully discover the natural beauty of Holbox Island!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Cozumel to Holbox.
Distance from Cozumel to Holbox
The air distance from Cozumel to Holbox is about 129 kilometers, or 80 miles.
But in order to get from one island to the other, you will need to travel the distance between Playa del Carmen to Chiquila, which is 122.3 kilometers or 76 miles.
It takes around 2 hours to travel by car from Cozumel to Holbox.
Transportation Options from Cozumel to Holbox
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cozumel to Holbox:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox | 5 hours 10 minutes | USD 56 |
| Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox | 4-6 hours | USD 58 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox | ~4 hours | – |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox | ~4 hours | – |
Getting to Holbox from Cozumel
1. Ultramar Ferry + ADO Bus + Holbox Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Travel time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Since the two islands aren’t directly connected, traveling from Cozumel to Holbox may initially appear like a lot of effort. You must take two ferries to and from the islands and somehow get between the ports of Playa del Carmen and Chiquila.
But there’s good news—we have the answer you’re looking for!
We recommend purchasing a ticket that covers the ADO bus ride as well as both ferries that will take you from Cozumel to Holbox!
This is the most practical choice because you won’t have to coordinate all the ferry and bus timetables and make separate reservations, and it all costs only USD 56!
The entire itinerary is taken care of; all you have to do is show up!
First, it will take roughly 45 minutes to travel by the Ultramar ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen. You must change to the ADO coach bus as soon as you get to the port.
The coach bus will transport you to Chiquila’s port. After that, it will take you about 25 minutes to get to Isla Holbox on the Holbox ferry.
The trip will take approximately five hours, depending on which ticket you book.
Even though it’s a long journey, you’ll have a relaxing and enjoyable time because you’ve planned everything out beforehand!
So, cut down the hassle and book this Ultramar Ferry + ADO Bus+ Holbox Ferry combo ticket!
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 PM | 05:10 PM | 5 hours 10 minutes | USD 56 |  |
| 08:00 AM | 01:40 PM | 5 hours 40 minutes | USD 56 | |
| 07:00 AM | 12:10 PM | 5 hours 10 minutes | USD 56 | |
2. Ultramar Ferry + Shared Shuttle + Holbox Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Travel time: 4-6 hours
The Shared Van Shuttle + Ferry is another option for traveling from Cozumel to Holbox instead of using the bus.
The only difference between this option and the previous one is that you will take a shuttle rather than a coach bus to cover the distance on the road.
This ticket also includes the two ferry trips from Cozumel to Holbox, so you can choose it if you’d rather travel comfortably with fewer people.
From Cozumel, board the Ultramar ferry to Playa del Carmen and then transfer to a shared van shuttle. Next, you will travel for roughly 2-3 hours from Playa Del Carmen to the Chiquila port.
Once in Chiquila, you must board a different boat that will take you to Holbox in just 20 minutes!
So, save yourself some time and money, and book a ticket online, that combines a shared shuttle and ferry from Cozumel to Holbox!
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:00 PM | 10:20 PM | 5 hours | USD 58 | |
| 04:30 PM | 10:20 PM | 6 hours | USD 58 | |
| 01:00 PM | 06:10 PM | 5 hours | USD 58 | |
| 11:00 AM | 03:10 PM | 4 hours | USD 58 | |
| 10:00 AM | 03:10 PM | 5 hours | USD 58 | |
3. Private Transfer + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Travel time: ~4 hours
Arranging a private transfer is another alternative to get from Cozumel to Isla Holbox, and it is often more affordable and pleasant if you are traveling with lots of bags or a bigger group.
With this option, you can get from Cozumel to Holbox as quickly as possible, so we highly recommend arranging a private transfer in advance!
The private vehicle will get you from the Playa del Carmen port to the port in Chiquila in about 2 hours.
However, the cost of the private vehicle does not include ferry tickets; thus, you must purchase them individually.
A ferry ticket from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen costs USD 26, while one from Chiquila to Holbox costs USD 15.
You can also purchase your ferry tickets online and not have to wait in line at the ports!
After you board the ferry from Cozumel, you will first arrive in Playa del Carmen.
From Playa del Carmen you will travel in your private vehicle to the pier in Chiquila where you can catch the ferry to Holbox.
Due to the higher price, we only recommend this option for families or bigger groups traveling together.
If so, it should be convenient to break the costs according to the number of travelers and get a great deal!
Check out the price deals for private transportation between Playa del Carmen and Chiquila and book online in advance!
Prices for a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
- Up to 3 passengers: USD 135
- Up to 7 passengers: USD 159
- Up to 14 Passengers: USD 218
4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Travel time: ~4 hours
The Yucatan Peninsula is an excellent place to explore while in Mexico, and renting a car can be an adventurous and fun way to go from Cozumel to Holbox.
After taking the ferry boat from Cozumel, you will need to rent a car from one of the companies in Playa del Carmen. It’s better to rent a car on the mainland since getting one in Cozumel and transferring it by ferry will be an unnecessary cost.
Finding a reasonably priced rental car in Playa Del Carmen is easy, so browse through your options, follow the map and head on a road trip to Chiquila!
Taking the direct route should take you about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can explore the surrounding area, make detours, or even stop in Chiquila!
After that, you will have to take another ferry to Holbox. It takes around 30 minutes to ride the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox, and tickets cost only USD 15!
Ferries depart frequently, so you can pick any time of day. We also recommend purchasing your Holbox Ferry tickets online in advance here!
However, you can’t take your car on the ferry since Holbox is a car-free island. Therefore, you should park or return your rental in Chiquila. There are secure parking lots that are guarded and cost only USD 5-USD 10 per day, so you can leave your car there!
Given the freedom and convenience you get when making travel arrangements, this choice is reasonable and cost-effective!
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 Cozumel to Holbox?
The cheapest option to travel from Cozumel to Holbox is by ADO Bus + Ultramar and Holbox Ferry. A combined tickets costs USD 56.
What is the fastest way to get from Cozumel to Holbox?
The fastest method of transport from Cozumel to Holbox is to take the ferry to Playa del Carmen, then drive from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by car. To travel by car you can either get a rental or hire a private transfer to get you between the ports.
Can I fly from Cozumel to Holbox?
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights connecting Isla Cozumel and Holbox Island.
Where is the ferry port to Holbox?
The ferry to Holbox Island departs from the port in Chiquila, which is about 2 hours away from the port in Playa del Carmen.
Where does the ferry from Cozumel arrive?
The Cozumel ferry arrives at the Playa del Carmen Port, at the beachfront, near to Fifth Avenue.
How long is ferry ride to Holbox?
The average ferry trip to Holbox lasts 25 minutes.
How much does the ferry to Holbox cost?
A ferry ticket to Holbox Island Costs USD 15.
How long is the ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen?
The average ferry trip from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen takes 45 minutes.
More Routes from Cozumel
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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