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Holbox is a car-free island north of the Yucatan Peninsula. Sandy lanes, shallow water and whale sharks in summer are the draw. Flying is the quickest option at 30 minutes. By road, the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Holbox is the bus and ferry combination at $34 (570 MXN).
Distance from Cancun to Holbox
Cancun and Holbox are about 70 km (43 miles) apart. The quickest way to get from Cancun to Holbox is by taking the private flight, which takes around 30m.
4 ways to travel from Cancun to Holbox
There are four ways to travel from Cancun to Holbox. You can choose between the ferry, bus/minivan + ferry (separate bookings), private transfer, and flight. The journey takes 30m–2h 50m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus/minivan + ferry (separate bookings) with tickets starting at $34 (570 MXN).
Reach out to our Community
1Hi Randy, thanks for informing us. You are totally right. I've updated it in the text and referred instead to "Holbox Shuttle (bookaway.com)". It actually looks like a rebranding as they depart from the same bus station and use the word "Holbox Shuttle" often on their site. Anyhow, it's linking to the correct booking page now. Safe travels!
Our favourite places to stay in Holbox
Here are our favourite places to stay in Holbox for every budget.
Treat YourselfLa Casa del Alux
This adults-only hotel offers luxurious suites and spacious apartments rather than just rooms. Most of which come with balconies overlooking the nearby idyllic lake. If you opt for an apartment, you’ll also be able to enjoy your own kitchen facilities.
Scattered throughout the hotel there’s plenty of places to chill, from hammocks to sun loungers and little sun decks. La Casa del Alux is like a little oasis situated on the outskirts of Holbox town.
- Chill out area and hammocks
- Lake views
- Huge suites and apartments
- Adults only
Double rooms start from $80 (1,360 MXN) per night
Mid-RangeIsla Bonita
Isla Bonita makes sure that you’re stay on a tropical island is comfortable. Their rooms are spacious, well air-conditioned and have their own private balcony for you to relax on. Did we mention that there’s also a swimming pool at the centre of the hotel?
Some of the rooms also come with their own kitchen if you fancy whipping up a snack. If not, you’re only minutes from Holbox’s best restaurants and the beach.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Rooms with private balconies
- Great location
- Airconditioned, spacious rooms
Double rooms between $50-$80 (850-1,360 MXN) per night
BudgetKin Camping
Finding good accommodation on a budget is a relatively hard task on Holbox. Kin Camping is one of the best budget friendly options. And it also offers an unforgettable experience. Each of their tents comes with a comfy double bed, so you won’t be slumming it if that’s what you had in mind when you first saw the word camping.
They’ve created a campsite with great facilities, including a communal kitchen, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to chill out and meet other like-minded travellers. The friendly staff are always there for anything you need.
- Everything you need for camping
- Communal kitchen
- Great atmosphere
- Relaxing chill out spots
Tent with double bed between $15-$50 (255-850 MXN) per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit 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!
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cancun to Holbox, roughly 70 kilometres (43 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $34 (570 MXN). The quickest trip takes 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Cancun to Holbox?
The distance from Cancun to Holbox is 70 kilometres (43 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Holbox?
The fastest way to get from Cancun to Holbox is by flight and takes 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Holbox?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun to Holbox is by bus/minivan + ferry (separate bookings) with ticket costs starting from 570 MXN.
Can you take a rental car from Cancun to Isla Holbox?
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Senior Travel Writer
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.
Travel Writer
Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
