How to get from Cancun to Isla Holbox

Why visit Isla Holbox?

Isla Holbox is a unique destination near Cancun, but not at all as busy. This island paradise is probably Quintana Roo’s best-kept secret. That’s a miracle, considering how even its houses engross visitors with all the amazing street art.

But the island’s main draw is its natural wonders. Perfect for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers, protected areas make up a huge part of Isla Holbox. Our favourite: the whale sharks. This is one of the best places to swim with them ethically. That’s because they created really strict guidelines to make sure the whale sharks are protected while we humans are having fun!

There are 4 ways to travel the 67 kilometre (42 miles) distance from Cancun to Isla Holbox. You can choose between the private flight, minivan + ferry (Combined Booking), private transfer and bus/minivan + ferry (Separate Bookings). The journey takes 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by private flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus/minivan + ferry (separate bookings) with tickets starting at 585 MXN ($33.50).

From Cancun, the most popular way to get to Isla Holbox is a combined minivan and ferry via Chiquila. You can book this on a single ticket through BookAway. This includes both the minivan from Cancun to Chiquila Port and the ferry to Isla Holbox.

Ticket fares start at 640 MXN ($36.50) for the entire trip. Travel time is about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.

The journey from Cancun to Isla Holbox is straightforward:

1. Cancun to Chiquilá – A minivan takes you 140 km northwest to Chiquilá in about 2.5 hours.
2. Chiquila to Isla Holbox – From Chiquilá, you’ll hop on a ferry for a quick 20-minute ride to Isla Holbox.

Departure station in Cancun

The minivan from Cancun to Chiquila departs from Cancun-Holbox Shuttle Station, across the street from ADO Bus Terminal in downtown Cancun..

Some minivans also leave from Cancun Airport. Pickup points vary by company, but they’re usually at Terminal 2 (next to Guacamole Grill) or Terminal 4 (near Welcome Bar). It’s best to confirm the exact meeting point before booking.

Upon arrival at Chiquila, the driver will lead you to the boat going to Isla Holbox. That’s at the town’s main port, Puerto de Chiquila.

Is the combined ticket option from Cancun to Isla Holbox not available? You can also book your tickets separately.

The journey remains the same — you’ll just need to purchase two separate tickets and arrange your own transfers: one for the bus or minivan from Cancun to Chiquila and another for the ferry to Isla Holbox.

For the first part of the journey from Cancun to Chiquila, you can take either a public bus or a minivan. Both options are reliable, so it really comes down to your preference.

Buses are more spacious and comfortable, while minivans run more frequently, giving you greater flexibility.

Buses going from Cancun to Chiquila depart from ADO Bus Station along Calle Pino in downtown Cancun.

The main operator on this route is ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company. ADO buses are air-conditioned, have reclining seats and come with onboard restrooms

Ticket prices start at 405 MXN ($23.50).

ADO Centro

First Class

ADO Chiquila

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

13:00

3h

16:00

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

ADO Primera

From 405 MXN ($23.50)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

405 MXN ($23.50)

13:00

3h

16:00

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

450 MXN ($26)

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

Check on BookAway

Two companies operate minivans from Cancun to Chiquila: Chiquila Holbox Extreme and Peninsula Travel.

Most minivans depart from Cancun-Holbox Shuttle Terminal, across the street from ADO Bus Station in downtown Cancun. If you’re arriving by plane, you can also book a minivan that picks you up directly from Cancun Airport.

Minivans run daily and depart more frequently than buses. The minivan ride from Cancun to Chiquila takes about 2h 20m - 2h 35m, with fares starting from 270 MXN ($15.40).

Buses and minivans drop passengers off at the parking lot next to Puerto de Chiquila. This is the port where you’ll catch a ferry to Isla Holbox.

Two companies operate on this route: Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos.

Ferries have indoor seating with air conditioning and TV screens. You can also step onto the main deck to enjoy the sea views.

Ticket prices start from 315 MXN ($18.10). The ferry ride takes around 20m.

Direct private transfers all the way from Cancun to Isla Holbox can be tricky to find. If you can’t find any available on your travel date or if you’d rather make a stop in Chiquila first, there’s a simple workaround: book a private transfer from Cancun to Chiquila instead.

In Chiquila, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to a public ferry to Isla Holbox.

Choices are limited when taking a private transfer from Cancun to Chiquila, but you should be able to book one through Viator or GetYourGuide.

Rates start from 2,790 MXN ($160) when coming from Cancun Airport and 4,800 MXN ($275) if you’re staying in downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone.

Travel time is around 2 hrs.

At Chiquila Port, ferries to Isla Holbox sail regularly throughout the day. You can get a ferry ticket for around 330 MXN ($18.90) on BookAway.

The journey takes about 20m.

Small private flights are operating from Cancun to Isla Holbox. This isn’t just a way to get from A to B — it’s an experience in itself. From the sky, you’ll get stunning views of Isla Holbox and the entire Yucatán Peninsula.

Flights Cancun operates air taxis for this route. Rates start from 16,000 MXN ($890) for a private plane that fits up to 5 people. If you’re travelling in a group of 7, the flight costs 25,000 MXN ($1,450).

Since you’ll be taking a small plane, you may only be able to bring a small piece of luggage. Make sure to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before departure.

Flying may be pricey, but it’s the fastest and most scenic way to reach Isla Holbox. The flight from Cancun to Isla Holbox takes only 30 minutes.

Cancun Airport

Flights depart from FBO Cancun, which is inside Cancun Airport. From Cancun city centre, you can get there in about 30 minutes by shared minivan, bus, or taxi. Bus ticket prices start from 135 MXN ($7.70), and you can book in advance via BookAway.

See here a more detailed description of how to get from Cancun centre to Cancun Airport.

Holbox Airport

In Isla Holbox, you’ll land at Aerodrome de Holbox, a small airstrip within the tourist area. From there, your hotel and the beach are just a short golf cart taxi ride away.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.