You can get from Cancun to Holbox by ferry + ADO Bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, taxi, rental car, or flight.
The cheapest option to travel is by ADO Bus + Ferry, which costs USD 40. The journey takes about 4 hours, and you’ll need to board the ferry in Chiquila.
The most popular option is the Holbox Shuttle + Ferry, which offers both speed and convenience and costs only USD 44.
The fastest way is by flight. The flight takes 30 minutes, and prices start at around USD 470.
Having traveled across Mexico multiple times, I’m your go-to guide for navigating this picturesque land. I’m excited to share my tips and ensure your travel is smooth and hassle-free!
I will break down each option in this guide and give you all the necessary details for a safe and seamless journey.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus + Ferry | 4 hrs | $40 |
| Shuttle + Ferry | 3 hrs | $44 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry | 3 hrs | – |
| Taxi + Ferry | 3 hrs | – |
| Flight | 30 min | $470 |
| Rental Car + Ferry | 3 hrs | – |
Getting to Isla Holbox from Cancun
1. ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 4 hours
The most economical option is to take an ADO bus from Cancun downtown to Chiquila. The journey takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes.
In Chiquila, you can board the ferry to Isla Holbox. The journey with the ferry will take another 40 minutes.
The good news is, by booking one ticket here, you get both modes of transportation to the island for one price! This saves you the hassle of booking your journey separately and aligning schedules.
Tip: Buy your ticket online in advance to ensure availability at your preferred time and avoid long queues at the ticket counter. On GuateGo, you can buy your combined bus + ferry ticket from Chiquila to Isla Holbox for just USD 40.
ADO Bus + Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Cancun to Holbox ADO Bus + Ferry schedule, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:15am | 12:10pm | 3h 55m | $40 |  |
| 10:00am | 02:10pm | 4h 10m | $40 | |
| 11:00am | 03:10pm | 4h 10m | $40 | |
| 01:00pm | 05:10pm | 4h 10m | $40 | |
| 03:00pm | 07:10pm | 4h 10m | $40 | |
2. Our recommendation: Shared Shuttle + Ferry
Journey Duration: 3 hours
We recommend you take a shared shuttle van. In Chiquila, you can board the ferry to Isla Holbox.
GuateGo offers combined tickets, so you don’t have to worry about getting to Chiquila in time for the next ferry. You can choose between three departure times in Merida: 12:00 PM, 02:30 PM, and 06:30 PM.
The price for the combined ticket is 44 USD.
Shuttle + Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Cancun to Holbox shared shuttle + Ferry schedule, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00pm | 03:10pm | 3h 10m | $44 | |
| 02:30pm | 06:10pm | 3h 40m | $44 | |
| 06:30pm | 10:20pm | 3h 50m | $44 | |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 3 hours
A private transfer to Chiquila might be your best option if you prefer more comfort and flexibility.
This is an excellent choice for those traveling in a group since you can split the price of the vehicle and get an affordable deal.
The price will vary depending on your group size, and the journey lasts about 2.5 hours.
Once you arrive at the port, board the next ferry, and you will arrive in Holbox in 40 minutes.
You can purchase your ferry ticket online and avoid waiting in line!
Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the ferry schedule, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30am | 08:10am | 40 min | $15 | |
| 08:30am | 09:10am | 40 min | $15 | |
| 09:30am | 10:10am | 40 min | $15 | |
| 10:30am | 11:10am | 40 min | $15 | |
| 11:30am | 12:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 12:30pm | 01:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 01:30pm | 02:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 02:30pm | 03:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 03:30pm | 04:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 04:30pm | 05:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 05:30pm | 06:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 07:30pm | 08:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 08:30pm | 09:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
| 09:30pm | 10:10pm | 40 min | $15 | |
4. Flight
Journey Duration: 30 minutes
Flights Holbox offers private flights. Because the island has only a tiny airport, only small planes can land there.
While this is the fastest and most spectacular travel option, it is also the most expensive. Prices start at around 470 USD one way.
5. Rental Car + Ferry
Journey Duration: 3 hours
You can also travel from Cancun to Chiquila by rental car. The distance from Cancun to Chiquila is 82.6 miles (about 133 kilometers), and the journey takes about two hours, depending on the traffic.
Once you arrive in Chiquila, you can leave your car at one of the many secure parking lots. Parking fees start at $6/day (120.25 Mexican pesos).
6. Uber or Taxi + Ferry
Journey Duration: 3 hours
If you spontaneously travel to Isla Holbox, you can also take a taxi or Uber from Cancun to Chiquila. From that point, you have to board the ferry to Holbox.
Best day tours in Holbox
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the ferry ticket?
Ferry tickets cost USD 15.
How long is the ferry trip?
The ferry trip lasts about 40 minutes.
What companies run ferry services to Holbox?
Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos operate ferries between Chiquila and Holbox Island.
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