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!
What are the 4 ways to travel from Cancun to Isla Holbox?
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 580 MXN ($33.50).
Where to stay in Isla Holbox?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Isla Holbox at the bottom of this page.
Cancun to Isla Holbox by Minivan + Ferry (Combined Booking)
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 635 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:
- Cancun to Chiquilá – A minivan takes you 140 km northwest to Chiquilá in about 2.5 hours.
- 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.
Combined minivan and ferry schedule from Cancun to Isla Holbox
Arrival station in Isla Holbox
Ferries arrive at Holbox Ferry Dock. Check in advance if your accommodation is within walking distance of the pier.
If your hotel is farther away, you’ll find golf cart taxis waiting right outside the dock. You can also rent a golf cart or bike for the day to explore the island at your own pace.
Cancun to Isla Holbox by Bus/Minivan + Ferry (Separate Bookings)
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.
Step 1: How to get from Cancun to Chiquila
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.
Option 1: Bus from Cancun to Chiquila
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).
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Option 2: Minivan from Cancun to Chiquila
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 265 MXN ($15.40).
Step 2: Ferry from Chiquila to Isla Holbox
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.
Cancun to Isla Holbox by Private Transfer
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.
Step 1: Private Transfer from Cancun to Chiquila Port
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 4,770 MXN ($275) if you’re staying in downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone.
Travel time is around 2 hrs.
Step 2: Public Ferry from Chiquila Port to Isla Holbox
At Chiquila Port, ferries to Isla Holbox sail regularly throughout the day. You can get a ferry ticket for around 330 MXN ($19) on BookAway.
The journey takes about 20m.
Cancun to Isla Holbox by Private Flight
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 ($895) 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 ($1,460).
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 ($7.80), 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.
Best places to stay in Isla Holbox
La Casa del Alux - Treating Yourself
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 per night
Isla Bonita - Mid Range
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 per night
Kin Camping - Budget Friendly
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 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun to Isla Holbox. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun to Isla Holbox
Can you take a rental car from Cancun to Isla Holbox?
Most tourists drive up to Chiquila, leave their rental car there, and then take the passenger ferry to Isla Holbox. Make sure to check out our Top 10 Car Rental Tips to help you save money!
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.
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.
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.
