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 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 bus/minivan + ferry (separate bookings) with tickets starting at 590 MXN ($30).

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 715 MXN ($37) for the entire trip.

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 the Cancun-Holbox Shuttle Station next to Soriana Supermarket in downtown Cancun. This station is across the street from 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 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.

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.

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 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 400 MXN ($21).

Cancun ADO Bus Station

Standard

Chiquilá Bus Station

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

From 400 MXN ($21)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

400 MXN ($21)

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

400 MXN ($21)

11:00

2h 35m

13:35

Check on BookAway

ADO Centro

First Class

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

440 MXN ($23)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

440 MXN ($23)

08:15

2h 35m

10:50

12:00

2h 35m

14:35

15:15

2h 35m

17:50

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

440 MXN ($23)

11:00

2h 35m

13:35

Check on BookAway

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

Most minivans depart from the Cancun-Holbox Shuttle Terminal next to Soriana Supermarket in downtown Cancun. This is across the street from 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 minivan ride from Cancun to Chiquila takes about 2h 20m - 2h 35m, with fares starting from 300 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, and you can also step onto the main deck to enjoy the sea views.

Ticket prices start from 290 MXN ($14.80). The ferry ride takes around 20m.

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 private transfer start from 10,000 MXN ($530) 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.

In Chiquila, you need to transfer on your own to a public ferry going to Isla Holbox.

Rates for a private car from Cancun to Chiquila start from 4,500 MXN ($230) when coming from Cancun Airport. You can book your ride on BookAway.

At Chiquila Port, ferries to Isla Holbox sail regularly throughout the day. You can get a ferry ticket for around 330 MXN ($16.90), also available on BookAway.

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 ($885) 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 ($1,450).

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 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 ($6.90), 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 taxi or golf cart ride away.

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