You can travel from Merida to Holbox by ferry + bus, private transfer, or rental car. Check out our guide with all the important information.
Are you ready for the ultimate island escape? Look no further than Holbox, an island paradise on the northeastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Its magnificent natural beach setting, unmatched beauty, and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax and unwind! But the fun doesn’t stop there!
From May to September, Holbox is visited by whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Imagine swimming alongside these gentle giants as they gracefully glide through the water. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else!
When you’re not busy whale shark watching, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Go bird watching, visit the local Mayan ruins, or explore the charming villages scattered throughout the island!
And when you’re ready to kick back and relax, there are plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants to choose from.
So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your trip to Holbox today by booking this Holbox Island Day Trip and Safari with Lunch, and experience all this fantastic island has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
Check out our guide for all the important information on traveling from Merida to Holbox.
Distance from Merida to Holbox
The distance from Merida to Holbox is about 318.9 kilometers or 198.1 miles by car and ferry.
It takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to travel by car and ferry from Merida to Holbox.
Transportation Options from Merida to Holbox
The following table outlines all transportation options from Merida to Holbox:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Merida to Holbox | ~7 hours | USD 54 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry from Merida to Holbox | 4 hours 50 minutes | USD 280-USD 335 |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Merida to Holbox | 4 hours 50 minutes | – |
Getting to Holbox from Merida
1. ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Merida to Holbox
Travel time: ~7 hours
The ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry is the cheapest and most practical option to travel from Merida to Holbox!
We highly recommend booking this 2 in 1 ticket option since it includes both the bus trip from Merida to Chiquila and the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox at a affordable price of only USD 54!
The journey takes about 7 hours in total, including transfers. Despite its duration, the trip is organized and comfortable, and it is well worth the expense!
Air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a bathroom onboard ensure that those 7 hours will go by quickly and smoothly!
The ADO bus will take you from Merida to Chiquila, where you’ll board the ferry to Holbox!
This option is popular among tourists, so make sure you save your seats online in advance!
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Price per Person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:15 AM | 02:00 PM | 7 hours 15 minutes | USD 54 |  |
| 06:45 AM | 02:00 PM | 6 hours 45 minutes | USD 54 | |
2. Private Transfer + Ferry from Merida to Holbox
Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Time is the most valuable thing you can have when on vacation and the one thing you can never have enough of!
Therefore, if you want to travel from Merida to Holbox faster, budgeting a little more on a private transfer makes perfect sense!
By using a private transfer, you can get from Merida to Holbox quickly and comfortably!
With a private transfer, you will get picked up at your location in Merida and arrive in Chiquila in about 4 hours. Then you’ll need to catch the next ferry to Holbox, which will take you there in only 40 minutes!
You can check out all available options for a private transfer from Merida to Chiquila online and find a great deal! Additionally, since this option doesn’t include the ferry to Holbox, we also recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance!
So, if you enjoy luxury travel or are traveling with company, and this option appears suitable, arrange a private transfer from Merida to Holbox today!
Prices for a private transfer from Merida to Chiquila
- 1-3 passengers: USD 265
- 4-6 passengers: USD 299
- 7-10 passengers: USD 320
3. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Merida to Holbox
Travel time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Renting a car in Merida is your last alternative if you don’t want to employ private transportation but still arrive in Holbox quickly!
Numerous car rental agencies in Merida offer various deals, so choose the best one for you!
Then head on a road trip to Chiquila, where you’ll catch the Holbox ferry. The drive takes only about 4 hours, making this the fastest way to get from Merida to Holbox!
However, since there is no cargo ferry to Holbox, you’ll need to find a parking space near the port and park your car there. This only costs a few dollars, and parking spaces in Chiquila are safe, so leaving your car there shouldn’t be a problem.
Then, get on the ferry and arrive in Holbox in only 40 minutes! Ferry tickets to Holbox cost only USD 15, and combined with the car rental expenses; this option is quite affordable.
If you want to learn more about the second part of your trip and browse the schedules, check out our guide on How to get from Chiquila to Holbox!
You can purchase your tickets at the port, but we recommend booking the ferry tickets online in advance!
We also recommend browsing through the rental options and making a reservation in advance!
Best day tours in Holbox, Mexico
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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 Merida to Holbox?
The cheapest option to get from Merida to Holbox is the ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry Combined Ticket, which costs only USD 54, and covers both the bus trip and ferry crossing!
What is the fastest way to get from Merida to Holbox?
The fastest way to get from Merida to Holbox is by car and ferry. You can either rent a car in Merida or book a private transfer that will get you to Chiquila and then board the ferry to Holbox.
Combining these methods of transport will take around 4 hours and 50 minutes to get from Merida to Holbox!
How much is the Holbox Ferry ticket?
The Holbox Express Ferry ticket costs USD 15 and can be purchased online!
How long is ferry ride to Holbox?
The ferry ride from Chiquila to Holbox lasts about 40 minutes.
How long is the drive from Merida to Chiquila?
The car drive from Merida to Chiquila should take about 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Is there a cargo ferry from Chiquila to Holbox?
Since there are no cars on Isla Holbox, there is also no cargo ferry from Chiquila to Holbox.
When is the first ferry from Chiquila to Holbox?
The first ferry departs from Chiquila at 07:30 AM to go to Holbox.
What time is the last ferry from Chiquila to Holbox?
The last ferry departs from Chiquila at 09:30 PM to go to Holbox.
More Routes from Merida
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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