What to expect when visiting Chiquila
Chiquila is a very small beach town in Quintana Roo district. It hosts a lot of visitors every day but not because it’s particularly attractive. The main reason tourists flock to Chiquila is because it’s the gateway to the gorgeous Holbox Island.
In fact, the only way to get to Isla Holbox is with a ferry that departs from the port in Chiquila. Do check out our detailed guide for Chiquila to Isla Holbox if you want to visit the paradise island. It’s a good side destination especially when you’re already in the Riviera Maya.
3 ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 123 kilometers (76 miles) from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by bus (2 hours 10 minutes), colectivo (2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes) and private Transfer (2 hours). The journey duration ranges between 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by colectivo. The lowest priced tickets start from 250 MXN (€11.80) for the colectivo.Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Colectivo
You can choose from at least three colectivo companies when travelling from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila: Colectivo Playa del Carmen Chiquila, Peninsula Travel and Chiquila Holbox Extreme. You can get a seat for 250 MXN (€11.80).
All minivans are Sprinter type, meaning they have plenty of space in the back so you won’t have any trouble with your luggage. They also come equipped with AC and reclining seats.
Depending on your travel date, you can expect at least two colectivo departures every day. They add more trips during the high season (December to April). A colectivo ride from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila takes 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes.
Colectivo schedules from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
We recommend checking departure times online prior to your trip to save yourself the hassle of going to the colectivo stop and finding no colectivo there. You can do that via BookAway.
For Colectivo Playa del Carmen Chiquila, you can only reserve tickets through their Facebook page.
Although it’s possible, we don’t advise buying your tickets onsite on the same day because they may already be sold out.
Colectivo departure and arrival points
Sindicato Lazaro Cardenas departs from Benito Juarez Ave., in front of Farmacias Yza in Playa del Carmen city centre. Colectivo Playa del Carmen Chiquila leaves from its own terminal about 750m away at Paradero Playa Express.
All colectivos drop off passengers at the parking lot in front of Chiquila’s main port.
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Bus
ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company, and its low-cost sub-branch Mayab are the bus companies providing direct bus services from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila.
We recommend travelling with ADO because their buses are newer and faster. They also come with air-conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet. Mayab buses are cheaper but do not come with the same amenities and are often delayed.
Note that buses from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila only depart in the morning. The fastest bus can complete the journey between 2 hours 10 minutes. ADO bus tickets cost €19.70.
Bus schedules from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
It’s best to buy your tickets online for guaranteed seats. We recommend using BookAway, which doesn’t add hidden charges.
While it’s possible to buy your tickets at the bus station, we don’t recommend it. There’s a chance of tickets being sold out for your preferred time and you’ll have to wait a while for the next trip. Or worse, you’ll have to wait for the next day.
Bus departure and arrival points
Buses operating from to depart from Turistica Bus terminal, located at 5th Ave., and within walking distance from the beach and the port.
In Chiquila, your bus ride ends at the ADO Bus Stop next to the port. If you’re heading to Holbox Island and don’t have ferry tickets yet, you can buy them at the nearby ferry terminal.
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Private Transfer
If you prefer your own ride and budget isn’t an issue, you can also take a private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila.
Rates start from 1,950 MXN (€92) for a car that can fit 3 people. Bigger vehicles are also available for larger groups when you book your private shuttle through BookAway.
Frequently Asked Questions about Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
What is the distance from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila is 123 kilometers (76 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
The fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila is by colectivo and takes 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila is by colectivo with ticket costs starting from 250 MXN (€11.80).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Routes from Chiquila
Most popular routes in Mexico
Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
