You can get from Playa Del Carmen to Holbox by ferry + shared shuttle, ADO bus, private transfer, rental car, or flight.
The cheapest option to travel from Playa del Carmen to Holbox is by ADO bus + ferry, which costs USD 40. The journey takes about 4 hours.
The most popular option is the shared shuttle + ferry. Its convenience makes it the number-one choice for the majority of travelers.
The fastest way to travel to Holbox from Playa del Carmen is by flight, which takes about 1 hour.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to meander through the vast landscapes of Mexico, taking in its vibrant culture and stunning vistas.
Within this article, I’m eager to share with you the most efficient methods to traverse from Playa del Carmen to Holbox, ensuring your experiences are as memorable as mine. So, if you’re seeking expert tips on journeying through Mexico, you’ve come to the right place.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all Mexico transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Holbox:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle + Ferry | 4 hrs | $44 |
| ADO Bus + Ferry | ~4hrs | $40 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry | 3 hrs | + $216 to 283 |
| Rental Car + Ferry | 3 hrs | – |
| Flight | 1 hr | – |
How far is Playa Del Carmen from Holbox, Mexico?
The distance between Playa del Carmen and Isla Holbox is 123 kilometers or 84 miles if you travel by land to the port of Chiquila and then catch a boat to the island. The air distance is 103 kilometers or 65 miles.
The journey duration is between 1 and 8 hours, depending on your type of transport.
Getting to Holbox from Playa Del Carmen
1. Holbox Shared Shuttle + Express Ferry
Journey Duration: 4 hours
Holbox shared shuttles provide comfortable transport with their new, clean, air-conditioned vans. With their available daily shuttles, you will arrive safely at your destination.
The tickets for the ferry and the transfer to your hotel are included in the price they offer.
There are two fares, departing at different times of the day, so choose what’s best for you!
Express Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Shuttle + Ferry timetable for trips from Playa Del Carmen to Holbox, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30am | 12:10pm | 3h 40m | $44 |  |
| 03:30pm | 07:10pm | 3h 40m | $44 | |
2. ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry
Journey Duration: 3 hours 50 minutes
Coach buses are always the best option for traveling economically. ADO provides this travel solution, which also operates daily public transportation. A ferry ticket is included in their price offer.
However, only one coach bus is available daily from Playa del Carmen to Holbox.
ADO Bus + Holbox Express Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Shuttle + Ferry timetable for trips from Playa Del Carmen to Holbox, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:40am | 03:00pm | 3h 50m | $40 | |
3. Private Transfer + Ferry
Journey Duration: 3 hours
Want a smooth journey? Secure a direct private transfer!
If you value speed and convenience, opting for a direct transfer is worth the extra bucks.
We advise setting up your direct transfer from Playa Del Carmen beforehand. This guarantees a relaxed ride, an English-speaking chauffeur, and added flexibility!
For those traveling in bigger groups, a dedicated shuttle from your hotel in Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila is more sensible than a shared one.
Moreover, you can pick your departure time and make necessary pit stops on route!
Browse our available deals and secure your direct ride now!
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-3 passengers: USD 216
- 4-6 passengers: USD 251
- 7-10 passengers: USD 283
Once your driver drops you off in Chiquila, you must board the ferry to Holbox Island. The ferry crossing takes about 40 minutes, and tickets cost only USD 15!
Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Express Ferry timetable for trips from Chiquila to Holbox, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30am | 08:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 08:30am | 09:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 09:30am | 10:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 10:30am | 11:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 11:30am | 12:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 12:30pm | 01:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 01:30pm | 02:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 02:30pm | 03:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 03:30pm | 04:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 04:30pm | 05:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 05:30pm | 06:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 07:30pm | 08:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 08:30pm | 09:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 09:30pm | 10:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
4. Driving with a Rental Car and ferry
Journey Duration: 3 hours
Traveling by rental car is also an excellent choice since Playa del Carmen is only 123 kilometers or 84 miles from Chiquila port, where you must board your water transportation.
By renting a car, you can stop for lunch and visit places on the way, all without worrying about luggage limitations.
But you must leave your car at the port of Chiquila since Holbox Island is a car-free island. Water transport is available daily from 06:00 AM to 09:30 PM every half an hour.
Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Express Ferry timetable for trips from Chiquila to Holbox, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30am | 08:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 08:30am | 09:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 09:30am | 10:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 10:30am | 11:10am | 40m | $15 | |
| 11:30am | 12:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 12:30pm | 01:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 01:30pm | 02:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 02:30pm | 03:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 03:30pm | 04:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 04:30pm | 05:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 05:30pm | 06:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 06:30pm | 07:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 07:30pm | 08:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 08:30pm | 09:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
| 09:30pm | 10:10pm | 40m | $15 | |
There are great options in Playa del Carmen for picking a rental. And the best part? They are all at a great price! Check them out now!
5. Uber or Taxi + Water Transport
Journey Duration: 3 hours
You can also hire a taxi to get to the port of Chiquila. It’s essential to negotiate a fixed price before your departure. Sometimes, taxi drivers know how to rip off their customers, especially if they are tourists. Get to the port of Chiquila and book your ticket for your water transport!
6. Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour
The Air taxi or Helicopter is an excellent and memorable way to get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox Island without using public transportation (buses, taxis, etc.). The flight takes only 58 minutes and costs 1300 USD per person.
Best day tours in Holbox, Mexico
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.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Holbox, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Holbox Island have an airport?
There is an airport in Holbox, but it is tiny. Only private planes and helicopters can land. And as a courtesy, they don’t charge for landing your engine at this airport.
Does Mexico have an Uber?
Uber is a transportation option in Mexico, but unfortunately, not in this region.
The fact is that Uber, although often cheaper and certainly more convenient, is not available in Playa del Carmen.
How long is the car drive from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
If you travel by car or hire a private driver, you will get from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila in about 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Playa Del Carmen to Holbox?
The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquilá is by ferry + ADO bus, which costs USD 40.
What is the fastest way to get from Playa Del Carmen to Holbox?
The fastest way to travel to Holbox from Playa del Carmen is by flight, which takes about 1 hour.
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