How to get from Holbox to Tulum, Mexico

AnaMarija Mishachkovska 11 Jul 2022 Last updated: 4 Apr 2025 4 min read No comments


You can get from Holbox to Tulum by ferry + ADO bus, private transfer, or rental car.

The cheapest option is by ferry and ADO Bus, which costs USD 50. The journey takes between 8 and 10 hours, and you’ll need to board a bus in Chiquila.

The most popular option is the ferry + ADO bus, which provides both transportation modes at one price!

The fastest way is by ferry + private transfer or rental car, which takes about 3 hours.

In this article, Iโ€™ll share all the available travel options, break down each transportation option, and offer friendly tips for a relaxing and enjoyable trip!

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options:

MethodTravel timePrice
Ferry + ADO Bus~5 hrs$50 to 54
Ferry + Private Transfer3.5 hrs$265 to 320
Ferry + Rental Car~3 hrs

How far is Tulum from Holbox?

The distance fromHolbox to Tulum is 104 miles or 168 kilometers.

Getting to Tulum from Holbox

1. Ferry + Coach Bus

Journey Duration: ~5 hours

We recommend taking the Holbox ferry + ADO coach bus for an effortless and affordable trip!

This is the number one pick, especially for budget travelers! Since you have to travel by boat and on land, syncing up schedules can be stressful, but with this option, you can book one ticket, which includes both rides for one price!

To get off Holbox, you must get on the Holbox Express ferry, which will take you to Chiquila in about 30 minutes. After that, you must get on the ADO bus in Chiquila, which will drive you straight to Tulum. 

The ADO buses are well equipped; they have air-conditioning, reclining seats, bathrooms, and TVs, so your long journey is comfortable and relaxing!

Traveling by bus from Chiquila to Tulum takes longer, but the price is well worth it!

Ferry + ADO Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the Holbox Express ferry + ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DepartureArrivalDurationPrice
11:30am05:00pm5h 30m$50
02:30pm07:30pm5h$54
04:30pm09:25pm4h 55m$54

2. Ferry + Private Transfer

Journey Duration: Custom Time

If you prefer a little more comfort and luxury and want to arrive at your destination quickly, hiring a private transfer is the way to go!

If you are traveling with a group, hiring a private driver with your vehicle is convenient for traveling from Chiquila to Tulum.

Once you get off the ferry from Holbox in Chiquila, the driver will pick you up and drive you to Tulum at your exact destination in no time! 

The best part? You get to make your schedule! Depart and arrive whenever you want, make stops along the way, and enjoy the scenic views while traveling in maximum comfort!

Check out the prices for different group sizes and pick the one that’s best for you! Once you split the cost between the group, the cost per person is affordable and worth it!

Prices for a private transfer:

  • 1-3 passengers: USD 265
  • 4-6 passengers: USD 299
  • 7-10 passengers: USD 320

Click here to book your private transfer!

3. Ferry + Rental Car

Journey Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes

If you want independence and the freedom to explore the Yucatan, then you can travel the distance from Chiquila to Tulum by car!

First, you must get a ferry ticket separately and get on the Holbox ferry to arrive in Chiquila. This will cost you USD 15, and you will arrive in Chiquila in around 40 minutes.

Holbox Express Ferry Schedule from Holbox to Chiquila:

The table below displays the Holbox Express Ferry timetable for trips from Holbox to Chiquila, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

DepartureArrivalDurationPrice
06:30am07:20am40m$15
07:30am08:20am40m$15
08:30am09:20am40m$15
09:30am10:20am40m$15
10:30am11:20am40m$15
11:30am12:20pm40m$15
12:30pm01:20pm40m$15
01:30pm02:20pm40m$15
02:30pm03:20pm40m$15
03:30pm04:20pm40m$15
04:30pm05:20pm40m$15
05:30pm06:20pm40m$15
06:30pm07:20pm40m$15
07:30pm08:20pm40m$15
08:30pm09:20pm40m$15

Once you get on land, you will find several car rental companies offering different vehicles at really affordable prices!

You can go ahead and pick whatโ€™s best for you, grab a map, and head straight to Tulum!

This is the fastest way to get from Holbox to Tulum, plus you get to organize your trip, travel at your own pace, and make stops along the way.

Donโ€™t get tied to schedules and go through large crowds on public transport-just rent a car and explore your way from Holbox to Tulum!

Booking.com, compares 900 companies at over 53,000 locations. Click here to guarantee you the best car rental price.

Best day tours in Tulum

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. Itโ€™s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive?

There is no direct road connection from Tulum to Holbox. However, you can take the ferry boat from Holbox to Chiquila and then drive from Chiquila to Tulum. So, the real question is: How long is the drive from Chiquila to Tulum?
Driving a car takes around 4 hours to get from Chiquila to Tulum. However, traveling would be much longer if you went by bus.

How much is the Holbox ferry?

The Holbox ferry costs USD 15 per person. However, if you book a ticket with ADO from Holbox to Tulum, the ferry boat is included in the price!

Is it safe to drive?

Yes โ€” driving is safe and easy for most travelers.

What companies run ferry services between Holbox and Chiquila?

Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos are the companies that run ferries between Holbox and Chiquila. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from Holbox to Chiquila!

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