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How to get from Holbox to Cozumel, Mexico

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

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than Isla Cozumel, Mexico! 

This breathtaking island, located in the Caribbean Sea, is filled with endless opportunities for thrill-seekers! Isla Cozumel is home to the most beautiful sandy beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and some of the best scuba diving in the world! 

Enjoy your day soaking up the sun on Cozumel’s magnificent beaches. Then, hike through the lush jungle and uncover ancient Mayan ruins. 

Or, if you’re feeling daring, give some of the world’s top scuba diving a shot! Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover the stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. 

And when the sun sets, join in the fun at the lively town of San Miguel de Cozumel, where you’ll find plenty of nightlife and entertainment!

Want to have the ultimate Cozumel experience? Book and join this El Cielo and Palancar Snorkelling Tour with Open-Bar and Ceviche and have an exciting day!

So gear up, pack your bags, and let Cozumel be your next tropical adventure destination!

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

Distance from Holbox to Cozumel

The air distance from Holbox to Cozumel is about 129 kilometers or 80.2 miles.

However, the total road and water distance is 154.8 kilometers or 96.2 miles.

It takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes to travel by car and ferry from Holbox to Cozumel.

Transportation Options from Holbox to Cozumel

The following table outlines all transportation options from Holbox to Cozumel:

MethodTravel timePrice
Holbox Express Ferry + Shared Shuttle + Ultramar Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel6-10 hoursUSD 68
Holbox Express Ferry + ADO Coach Bus + Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel5-6 hoursUSD 71-USD 75
Holbox Express Ferry + Private Transfer + Ultramar Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel3 hours 15 minutes~300 USD
Holbox Express Ferry + Rental Car + Ultramar Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel3 hours 15 minutes

Getting to Cozumel from Holbox

1. Holbox Express Ferry + Shared Shuttle + Ultramar Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel

Travel time: 6-10 hours

Are you doing some island hopping through the beautiful Mexican coast? Then getting from Holbox to Cozumel may initially appear like a big hassle because these two lovely islands are not directly connected. 

But fortunately, there is a perfect solution that will make your travel easy! The most convenient way to get from Holbox to Cozumel is to purchase a single ticket that includes all modes of transportation between the two islands!  

We recommend purchasing this combined Holbox Express Ferry + Shared Shuttle + Ultramar Ferry Ticket for only USD 68!

The first part of your trip will be taking the Holbox Express ferry boat from Holbox to Chiquila, which will take about 40 minutes. Then, once you arrive at the Chiquila port, you will transfer to the shared van operated by Holbox Shuttle. Then you will head on a road trip to Playa del Carmen, where you must catch your next ferry to Cozumel! 

Once you’ve arrived at the port, you will board one of the Ultramar ferries and arrive at Cozumel in 45 minutes!

Depending on the shuttle departure you book, the journey will last anywhere from 6 to 10 hours. 

However, because you have everything planned out in advance, this lengthy trip will be easy, enjoyable, and well worth the cost! You won’t have to stress about making individual reservations or figuring out how to schedule your trip within all the different timetables.

Additionally, as this option includes all modes of transportation in one ticket, it is the least expensive way to get from Holbox to Cozumel!

Departure TimeArrival TimeDurationPrice per Person
10:30 AM08:45 PM10 hoursUSD 68BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
03:30 PM10:45 PM7 hoursUSD 68BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
04:30 PM10:45 PM6 hoursUSD 68BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
how to get from holbox to cozumel mexico

2. Holbox Express Ferry + ADO Coach Bus + Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel

Travel time: 5-6 hours

Another option you can take advantage of to get from Holbox to Cozumel is getting a ticket covering your trip from Holbox to Playa del Carmen and then booking a separate ticket for the ferry to Cozumel!

You can book the combined Holbox Express Ferry + ADO Coach Bus ticket that will get you to Playa del Carmen and includes the first ferry and bus trip from Holbox.

We have a detailed guide on how to get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen, so you should check it out if you want to learn more about this ticket deal and check out the schedules!

Holbox Express Ferry + ADO Coach Bus from Holbox to Playa del Carmen:

Departure TimeArrival TimeDurationPrice per Person
11:30 AM04:00 PM4 hours 30 minutesUSD 49BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
04:30 PM08:00 PM3 hours 30 minutesUSD 49BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574
02:30 PM06:10 PM3 hours 40 minutesUSD 45BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM e1667205837574

Then, once you’ve arrived in Playa del Carmen, the rest of the trip is a piece of cake!

You must get on one of the frequent Ultramar ferries from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and arrive at your destination in 45 minutes!

These tickets cost USD 26, and you can also book them online here!

how to get from holbox to cozumel mexico2

3. Holbox Express Ferry + Private Transfer + Ultramar Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel

Travel time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Booking a private driver that can get you between the ports is another fantastic deal if you want to go from Holbox to Cozumel as quickly as possible and if you want to avoid the long drive between Chiquila and Playa Del Carmen on public transport!

This way, the whole trip should take about 3 hours and 15 minutes!

However, you must purchase your ferry tickets separately because they are not part of the private vehicle’s pricing. For example, the cost of the first ferry from Holbox to Chiquila is USD 15, while the second one from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is USD 26.

Then, add this to the cost of the private transportation that will take you from Chiquila to Playa Del Carmen to catch the next ferry to Cozumel! To learn more about the last part of your trip and check out the ferry schedules, read our detailed guide on How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel here!

This alternative may be a bit pricey. Therefore, it is only suggested for families or larger groups that are traveling together.

If so, depending on how many people are traveling with you and the vehicle you choose, splitting the cost among the group might make this option very affordable and worth it!

So, browse through the options, check out the ferry schedules, and arrange your trip from Holbox to Cozumel online in advance!

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

Do you need help arranging your transportation?

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Complete this form and one of our transportation specialists will contact you!

We specialize in arranging transportation across Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Panama, Brazil, Thailand, and Colombia!

how to get from holbox to cozumel mexico1

4. Holbox Express Ferry + Rental Car + Ultramar Ferry from Holbox to Cozumel

Travel time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Renting a car is also an excellent way to get from Holbox to Cozumel if you plan to explore the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico!

To rent a car, you will have to take the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila first, and after you arrive on land, you can go to any of the many rental car companies in the area and make your choice!

The ferry from Holbox to Chiquila costs only USD 15 and takes about 40 minutes. To check out the schedules and learn more about the trip, read here everything you need to know about how to get from Holbox to Chiquila!

After you get your rental car, you must take a 2-hour road trip to Playa del Carmen.

Then, you must board another ferry to travel to Cozumel. Take an Ultramar ferry from the port at Playa Del Carmen, and you’ll be in Cozumel in around 45 minutes!

You should be aware that while it is technically possible, taking your vehicle to the island is not advised. It is pretty expensive, some car rental agencies might not permit it, and it is unquestionably not worthwhile.

Therefore, it’s easiest to simply park or return your rental vehicle at Playa Del Carmen.

Considering your freedom and flexibility when planning your trip, this option is well worth the cost and quite convenient if you’re an adventurous type of traveler!

We recommend searching through your options and making a reservation for your car rental in advance!

how to get from holbox to cozumel mexico3

Best day tours in Cozumel, 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 Cozumel, Mexico!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest option to get from Holbox to Cozumel?

The cheapest option to get from Holbox to Cozumel is with the combined Holbox Express Ferry + Shared Shuttle + Ultramar Ferry Ticket, which costs only USD 68, and includes all transport for one price!

What is the fastest way to get from Holbox to Cozumel?

The fastest way to travel from Holbox to Cozumel is by taking a ferry from Holbox to Chiquila, traveling by car the remaining distance to Playa Del Carmen, and then taking another ferry from the Playa Del Carmen port to Cozumel.

How much does the Holbox Express Ferry to Chiquila cost?

The Holbox Express Ferry from Holbox to Chiquila costs USD 15.

How much does the Ultramar Ferry to Cozumel cost?

The Ultramar Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel costs USD 26.

How long is the drive between the ports of Chiquila and Playa del Carmen?

The drive from Chiquila and Playa del Carmen takes about 2 hours by car.

Is there a direct ferry between Holbox and Cozumel?

There is no direct ferry connection from Holbox Island to Isla Cozumel.

How long is the bus trip from Chiquila to Play Del Carmen?

The bus trip from Chiquila port to Playa Del Carmen lasts about 3 hours.

How long is the ferry crossing from Holbox to Chiquila?

The ferry crossing from Holbox to Chiquila takes about 40 minutes or less, depending on the weather conditions.

How long is the ferry crossing from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?

The ferry crossing from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel takes about 45 minutes, depending on the weather conditions.

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