You can get from Isla Holbox to Cancun by ferry + ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option is by ferry and ADO bus, which costs USD 39. The journey takes about 5 hours, and you’ll need to board the bus to Cancun 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, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 2.5 hours.
In this article, I’ll discuss several travel options and offer some practical advice for a smooth sailing and heaps of fun trip.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + ADO Bus | 4-5 hrs | $39 |
| Ferry + Shuttle | 3-4 hrs | $44 |
| Ferry + Private Transfer | 2.5 hrs | – |
| Ferry + Taxi | 2.5 hrs | – |
| Ferry + Rental Car | 2.5 hrs | – |
How far is Cancun from Holbox?
The air distance fromHolbox to Cancun is 37.8 miles or 60.9 kilometers. But first, to reach Cancun, you must travel 13 kilometers by ferry from Holbox to Chiquila, and then another 87.2 miles or 140.3 kilometers from Chiquila to Cancun on land.
Getting to Cancun from Holbox
1. Ferry + ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 4-5 hours
The most common and recommended way is to travel with the Holbox Express ferry and ADO coach bus.
Since Holbox is an island, you will first have to take the ferry boat to Chiquila, and after that, your best choice to travel to Cancun is on the coach bus.
ADO is a reliable company that operates these buses, which are well equipped with air-conditioning, reclining seats, and bathrooms, so you get the most comfortable trip.
They offer a ticket at an affordable price, in which the ferry ride is also included, so you don’t have to get tickets for both trips separately.
Therefore, this is the cheapest and most cost-effective option to travel from Holbox to Cancun.
The ferry ride is only 30-40 minutes long, and after that, you have a 4-hour bus ride to Cancun.
Check out the schedules and book your trip from Isla Holbox to Cancun online!
Ferry + ADO Bus Schedule
The table below displays the Holbox Express ferry + ADO bus timetable for trips, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30am | 01:55pm | 4h 25m | $39 |  |
| 10:30am | 03:15pm | 4h 45m | $39 | |
| 12:30pm | 04:40pm | 4h 10m | $39 | |
| 05:30pm | 09:10pm | 3h 40m | $39 | |
2. Ferry + Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 3-4 hours
Another great alternative option to the coach bus is the shared van shuttle!
The shuttle is similar to taking the bus, only it takes less time to arrive in Cancun, and the price is a bit higher- but definitely worth it!
The shuttles are available earlier in the morning, and by booking your seats online, you also get the ferry ticket included in one price!
This is a fast and comfortable transportation option that carries fewer people.
It will take about 30 minutes to get to Chiquila from Holbox on the ferry and another 3 hours from Chiquila to Cancun on the shuttle.
Don’t wait to book everything separately! Instead, check the schedules and ensure your trip from Isla Holbox to Cancun today!
Ferry + Shared Shuttle Schedule
The table below displays the Holbox Express ferry + Holbox Shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30am | 11:00am | 3h 30m | $44 | |
| 09:30am | 01:30pm | 4h | $44 | |
| 01:30pm | 05:00pm | 3h 30m | $44 | |
| 04:30pm | 08:30pm | 4h | $44 | |
3. Ferry + Private Transfer
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
If you want luxury and maximum comfort, you can consider traveling with a private transfer!
With this option, you must get a ferry ticket from Holbox to Chiquila and a ride to Cancun separately.
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.
The ferry ticket will cost you USD 15, and the private transfer depends on the number of passengers and the company you choose to book your transport.
Therefore, this option might be much more expensive, and consequently, it is usually recommended if you are traveling with a group of up to 7 people.
However, by choosing this option, you get complete freedom to arrange your trip and flexibility by not getting attached to bus or shuttle schedules!
Plus, you skip the hassle of going through public transport and long road trips.
Since a car drive from Chiquila to Cancun takes only 2 hours, expect to get from Holbox to Cancun in about 2 hours and 40 minutes!
If you choose this option and arrange a private transfer from Holbox to Cancun, make sure you select a reliable company that will provide you with this service!
4. Ferry + Rental Car
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
Another great option is to travel by rental car!
First, get from Holbox to Chiquila by taking the Holbox Express ferry boat, which takes around 30 minutes and costs USD 15 per passenger.
After that, once you arrive on land in Chiquila, several car rental companies offer great deals and vehicles at incredibly affordable prices!
Once you pick, you can start your 2-hour road trip from Chiquila to Cancun!
5. Ferry + Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
And finally, another available option is to take a taxi to Cancun once you arrive in Chiquila from Holbox.
This option, however, is not highly recommended because some taxis might not be reliable. A better alternative to the cab is a private transfer, which you can book beforehand!
But if you still decide to take a taxi to Cancun upon arrival in Chiquila, ensure you’ve agreed on a price before you leave, so you don’t get ripped off due to traffic and road conditions.
Besides this, you should arrive in Cancun in about 3 hours, since a car drive is the fastest way to get around anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula!
Best day tours in Cancun
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 a taxi?
An estimated cost for the taxi ride is USD 210-USD 230.
Can you fly?
If you want to fly, you can only do so if you have a private plane. Since Holbox Island doesn’t have a big airport, it only supports smaller private planes!
How long is the shuttle?
The shared shuttle takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
How long is the ferry?
The journey is around 30 minutes long.
Is there Uber in Cancun?
Yes, Uber is available in Cancun.
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