How to get from Cancun to Isla Holbox

Why visit Isla Holbox?

Isla Holbox es un destino único cerca de Cancún, pero para nada tan concurrido. Esta isla paradisíaca es probablemente el secreto mejor guardado de Quintana Roo. Eso es un milagro, teniendo en cuenta cómo incluso sus casas absorben a los visitantes con todo el increíble arte callejero.

Pero el principal atractivo de la isla son sus maravillas naturales. Perfectas para los observadores de aves y los amantes de la vida salvaje, las áreas protegidas constituyen una gran parte de Isla Holbox. Nuestro favorito: los tiburones ballena. Es uno de los mejores lugares para nadar con ellos de forma ética. Esto se debe a que se han creado directrices muy estrictas para garantizar la protección de los tiburones ballena mientras los humanos nos divertimos.

There are 4 ways to travel the 67 kilometers (42 miles) 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 private transfer with tickets starting at 10,000 MXN (€475).

Ferries to Isla Holbox leave from Chiquila Port, 2.5 hours away from Cancun. Luckily, you don’t have to book separate tickets to get there. You can buy a single ticket that includes both the minivan from Cancun to Chiquila Port and the ferry to Isla Holbox. Ticket fares start at for the entire trip.

The trip 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.

Estación de salida en Cancún

The minivan from Cancun to Chiquila departs from the shuttle station next to the Soriana Supermarket in downtown Cancun. This station is across the street from the ADO Bus Station.

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

The driver will lead you to the boat going to Isla Holbox. This boat departs from the town’s main port, Puerto de Chiquila.

A private transfer to Isla Holbox is convenient if you’re coming from Cancun Airport, which is about 20 km from the city centre. Instead of dealing with public transport or making a stop in Cancun, you can head straight to Chiquila. The company you book with will arrange both your private shuttle and the Chiquila–Holbox ferry.

Rates for a round-trip private transfer start from 10,000 MXN (€475) for 3 passengers when you book through Viator. If you’re travelling in a larger group, GetYourGuide offers private transport for up to 10 passengers. These services include ferry tickets from Chiquila to Isla Holbox and a golf cart taxi once you arrive on the island.

The journey from Cancun Airport to Isla Holbox by private transfer takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

Keep in mind that while your minivan ride from Cancun to Chiquila is private, the ferry to Isla Holbox is shared.

Private transfers from Cancun to Isla Holbox are not always available. If that’s the case on the date of your travel, or if you simply want to make a stop in Chiquila first, then you can book a private transfer from Cancun to Chiquila.

Desde Chiquila, sólo tienes que trasladarte por tu cuenta a un ferry que vaya a Isla Holbox.

Rates for a private car from Cancun to Chiquila start from when coming from Cancun Airport. You can book your ride on BookAway.

At Chiquila Port, ferries to Isla Holbox depart regularly. Ferry prices start from 300 MXN (€13.70). For more info, check out our detailed guide for the Chiquila-Holbox ferry.

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 from Cancun to Isla Holbox. Rates start from 17,000 MXN (€795) for a private plane that fits up to 5 people. If you’re travelling in a group of 7, the flight costs 28,000 MXN (€1,300).

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 takes only 30 minutes.

Aeropuerto de Cancún

Los vuelos salen del FBO Cancún, que está dentro del aeropuerto de Cancún.

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 (€6.20), and you can book in advance via BookAway.

Vea aquí una descripción más detallada de cómo llegar del centro de Cancún al Aeropuerto de Cancún.

Aeropuerto de Holbox

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 taxi or golf cart ride away.

CONSEJO: Si decide viajar en avión, considere la posibilidad de incluir una tasa de compensación por emisiones de carbono para reducir su impacto en el medio ambiente.

Is the combined ticket option from Cancun to Isla Holbox not available?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book your tickets separately if the combined option is sold out.

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 with departure times.

Buses going from Cancun to Chiquila depart from the 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

Tickets start at .

Estación de autobuses ADO de Cancún

Estándar

Estación de autobuses de Chiquilá

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

11:00

2h 35m

13:35

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

ADO

En

Comparar precios

• Atención al cliente 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

Comprobar en BookAway

• Atención al cliente 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana

11:00

2h 35m

13:35

Comprobar en BookAway

ADO Centro

Primera clase

ADO Chiquila

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

11:00

2h 35m

13:35

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

ADO

Comparar precios

• Atención al cliente 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

Comprobar en BookAway

• Atención al cliente 24 horas al día, 7 días a la semana

11:00

2h 35m

13:35

Comprobar en BookAway

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

Most minivans depart from the parking lot next to the Soriana Supermarket in downtown Cancun. This is across the street from the ADO Bus Station. 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 ride from Cancun to Chiquila takes about 2h 20m - 2h 35m with fares starting from .

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, and you can also step onto the main deck to enjoy the sea views.

Ticket prices start from , and the ferry ride takes around 20m.