You can get from Cancun Airport to Holbox by ferry + bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option is to travel by ADO Bus + Ferry, which costs USD 45. The journey takes around 6 hours, and you’ll need to board the ferry in Chiquila.
The most popular option is the ADO Bus + Ferry combo, which combines both modes of transportation.
The fastest way is to travel by private transfer or taxi + ferry, which takes about 2.5 hours.
I’ve often roamed Mexico’s diverse landscapes, gathering valuable tips and insights on the prime routes.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of each travel option, ensuring your trip is easy and safe.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus + Ferry | ~6 hrs | $45 |
| Shuttle + Ferry | 3 hrs | $73 |
| Private Transfer/Taxi + Ferry | 2.5 hrs | ~$140 |
| Rental Car + Ferry | 2.5 hrs | – |
How far is Holbox from Cancun Airport?
The air distance from Cancun Airport to Holbox is 42.9 miles or 69.1 kilometers.
However, you must first go on a road trip from Cancun Airport to Chiquila, which covers 89.5 miles or 144 kilometers.
Then, you must get on a ferry boat and travel an additional 13 kilometers on the water to Holbox.
Getting to Holbox from Cancun Airport
1. Coach Bus + Ferry
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
The most cost-effective way is to take the ADO coach bus and Holbox Express ferries!
First, you must get on the bus from Cancun Airport to the port in Chiquila. The ADO bus will take you directly from Cancun Airport to Chiquila without hassle or additional transfers!
Then, you must get on the ferry boat to Holbox, which takes about 30 minutes.
The best part of this offer is that you do not have to pay for your ferry ticket separately. Instead, the ferry ticket is included in the total price of your reservation!
The trip takes around 6 hours, but the buses are comfortable and have space for luggage, so you won’t have to worry!
Coach Bus + Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the coach bus + ferry schedule, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:10am | 01:00pm | 5h 10m | $45 |  |
| 09:05am | 03:00pm | 6h 5m | $45 | |
| 11:25am | 05:00pm | 6h 25m | $45 | |
| 12:20pm | 07:00pm | 6h 10m | $45 | |
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry
Journey Duration: 3 hours
You can also take the shared van shuttles.
Since you’re traveling in a smaller group with fewer passengers, this mode of transportation is quicker and more comfortable.
You can get from Cancun Airport to Holbox in about 3 hours, including the ferry trip from Chiquila to Holbox and the road trip from the airport to Chiquila!
One ticket costs USD 73 and includes both the shuttle and ferry ticket! There isn’t a better and safer offer out there than this one!
Shared Shuttle + Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the shared shuttle + ferry schedule, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:00pm | 04:10pm | 3h 10m | $73 | |
| 10:15am | 02:10pm | 3h 55m | $73 | |
| 03:45pm | 07:10pm | 3h 25m | $73 | |
| 06:00pm | 09:10pm | 3h 10m | $73 | |
3. Private Transfer/Taxi + Ferry
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Once you get off your plane and arrive at Cancun Airport, you will find many companies or independent taxi drivers offering to take you to your next destination.
These vehicles, which offer private transportation/taxi services to and from the airport, are typically minivans or larger cars.
If traveling with a group, you may want to use this option because the cost can be shared and made more affordable.
But remember that this ride will take you to Chiquila, and the ferry you must take to Holbox is not included in the price.
Although costs for various rides may vary, you can anticipate paying about USD 130 for the road trip alone.
The car drive takes only 2 hours, while the ferry boat takes 30 minutes to pass the lagoon between Chiquila and Holbox. So, this is one of the fastest ways to get from Cancun Airport to Holbox!
So, if you choose this option, you should speak with the driver or settle on a price before leaving to avoid being tricked.
Also, it’s best to research a trustworthy traveling company online before making a reservation to ensure a safe journey from Cancun Airport to Holbox.
You can book your ferry tickets online in advance for only USD 15, and avoid waiting in line at the port!
Chiquila to Holbox 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. Rental Car + Ferry
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
To get to Holbox Island, consider renting a car once you land at Cancun International Airport.
Several car rental companies will make car rental in Cancun easy and hassle-free, so you can relax and look forward to your trip!
If you choose to rent a car, you should remember that once you travel from Cancun Airport to Chiquila, you must leave your car there and continue to Holbox by ferry. Since Holbox is a car-free island, taking your car with you is impossible.
But this should be no problem because you can find safe parking spots in Chiquila and get your car once you return from Holbox if you make multiple road trips while in Mexico!
Car rentals in Mexico are affordable, making it one of the most cost-effective options to travel from Cancun Airport to Holbox!
The drive to Chiquila will take about 2 hours, and the ferry crossing should take 30 minutes.
Therefore, if you want to make stops along the way and set your schedule, choose this mode of transportation!
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
Can you fly?
Isla Holbox has a small airport called Aerodromo de Holbox. However, a charter flight on a private plane is the only way to get there. Taking the Cancun to Holbox flight costs USD 1,000 per charter for up to five people with Flights Cancun.
How do I get from Cancun Airport to Chiquila?
The best and most convenient way to get from Cancun Airport to Chiquilá is on a shared van shuttle, which costs USD 73. The ferry ticket to Holbox is included at this price if you book your seats online!
Is it safe to drive from Cancun Airport to Chiquila?
In general, travelers will find the Cancun Chiquila route safe and convenient.
Is there a direct bus?
Yes, ADO operates a direct coach bus from Cancun Airport to the port in Chiquila. After this, you will transfer by ferry to Holbox.
Do you need to book a ferry to Holbox in advance?
You can buy the ferry tickets to Holbox at the port in Chiquila, so purchasing a ticket in advance isn’t necessary. However, it is recommended to do so since you can get great deals that include your ferry ticket and the drive from Cancun Airport to Chiquila!
How much does the Holbox ferry cost?
The ferry from Chiquila to Holbox costs USD 15.
Is there a car ferry to Holbox?
Since Holbox is a car-free island, you can not take your car with you on the ferry. Passengers leave their vehicles in Chiquila and get on the passenger ferry.
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