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How to get from Isla Holbox to Cancun
Cancun is the main tourist destination on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It offers a diverse range of things to do, from water activities, visiting ancient Mayan archaeological sites, to just relaxing on one of its stunning beaches. This vibrant beach city runs alongside the Caribbean Sea, guaranteeing a crystal blue sea and snow-white sand.
For many visitors, Cancun is a popular entryway into the wonderful country of Mexico due to its busy international airport. It is the door to other popular sites in the Quintana Roo district, such as Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum.
Depending on what you’re looking for in Mexico, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars.
New to Cancun? Check out this compact Cancun guide to show you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Cancun!
4 ways to get from Isla Holbox to Cancun
There are 4 ways to get from Isla Holbox to Cancun: a 3-hour combined bus or colectivo and ferry, a 2.5-hour private transfer, and a 30-minute flight. Rates range from 518 MXN ($27) to 15,075 MXN ($795).
There is no direct ferry from Isla Holbox to Cancun. When taking public transportation, you’ll first have to take a ferry to Chiquila, and then transfer to either a bus or a colectivo going to Cancun. Combined travel time is 3 to 3.5 hours.
If you’re heading straight to Cancun Airport, you can also take a private transfer. Rates start from 4,655 MXN ($245) for up to four people. This includes a public ferry ride from Holbox Island to Chiquila and a private shuttle from Chiquila to Cancun Airport.
If budget is not a problem, the fastest way to get from Isla Holbox to Cancun is via a private flight. For this option, you’ll spend about 30 minutes on air, overlooking the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula. Rates start from 15,075 MXN ($795) for a plane that can fit up to five passengers with small luggage.
Itinerary from Isla Holbox to Cancun
Ferry + Bus or Colectivo
- Isla Holbox
- 20 minutes
- Chiquila Port
- 2.5 to 3 hours
- Cancun
- 5 to 15 minutes
- Cancun city centre
Isla Holbox to Cancun by Ferry + Bus or Colectivo
To get from Isla Holbox to Cancun, you must first get to the port of Chiquila by boat. Once in Chiquila, you can take a colectivo or a bus to get to Cancun. The entire journey takes around 3 hours.
Step 1: Holbox to Chiquila by Ferry
The ferries to Chiquila are run by the companies Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. Both offer the same service and the difference is that one departs on the hour while the other departs on the half-hour.
The Isla Holbox ferry departs every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 20:30. You will arrive at Chiquila Port after around 20 minutes.
Before boarding your Holbox ferry, we recommend checking the schedules of buses and colectivos from Chiquila to Cancun so that you won’t have to wait too long at the port.
Ferry schedule from Isla Holbox to Chiquila
We recommend booking your ticket online via BookAway so you won’t have to physically queue at the port. Tickets are at the same price of 220 MXN ($11.50) whether you buy them online or at the Holbox main dock, from which the ferries depart. If you book with 9 Hermanos, your ticket will be valid for an entire day, no matter the departure time.
Step 2: Chiquila to Cancun by Bus or Colectivo
There are two options to get from Chiquila to Cancun: a 2-hour-40 minute bus or a 2.5-hour colectivo.
Both the bus and the colectivo offer a reliable and direct service so it really depends on your preference and on what best fits your travel schedule.
Colectivos are a bit faster than the bus, but buses are bigger vehicles with more space between seats so they’re usually more comfortable.
By Bus
Buses to Cancun depart from the ADO office in Chiquila located about 300 meters from the main dock, where your Isla Holbox ferry dropped you off.
This route is operated by ADO Bus, Mexico’s largest bus company. Buses come equipped with AC and reclining seats but since this is a relatively short journey, some vehicles won’t have a toilet.
The ride to Cancun is around 2 hours 40 minutes and the bus will drop you off at Cancun Central Bus Terminal in the city centre.
Bus schedule from Chiquila to Cancun
By Colectivo
Colectivos to Cancun depart from the car park next to Chiquila’s main dock. The service is provided by a small local company called Te Llevo a Holbox and the vehicles are sprinter-type minivans. They come equipped with AC and reclining seats.
You can book a colectivo ticket online through the Te Llevo a Holbox website, but with an additional booking fee. You can also buy your tickets in person at their only office located on Holbox Island. A colectivo ticket costs 350 MXN ($18.50).
Colectivo schedule from Chiquila to Cancun
Colectivos will drop you off at the parking lot next to the Soriana Supermarket, located across the street from Cancun’s central bus terminal in the city centre.
Step 3: Cancun Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Both the colectivo and the bus will drop you off at the Central Bus Terminal area in Cancun’s city centre. Many hotels and hostels are located around and just a few blocks from the bus terminal so you can choose to walk.
If you are staying more than a few blocks away or at the beach areas, you may have to take a taxi to get to your final destination. Taxis are available outside of the bus terminal and are metered so rates will depend on the distance and time. An average ride to the beach area is around 210 MXN ($11).
Another option is to use public transport. Buses pass in front of the bus terminal on Avenida Tulum and lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 connect the bus terminal with the beach and hotel area. The rate for the buses is 15 MXN ($0.70) to be paid directly to the bus driver.
Isla Holbox to Cancun by Private Transfer
Are you heading straight to Cancun International Airport after a visit to Isla Holbox? If so, you can take a more expensive yet more convenient private transfer.
For this option, your tour operator will guide you to take a public Holbox ferry going to Chiquila. From here, a private shuttle will be waiting to take you to Cancun International Airport.
Rates start from 4,655 MXN ($245) for a vehicle that fits 4 passengers. The rate includes both your individual ferry tickets and private shuttle ride. For guaranteed trusted service, we recommend booking your private transfer through BookAway.
Check Private Transfers with BookAway
Cancun to Isla Holbox by Flight
If you’re looking for the fastest way to get from Isla Holbox to Cancun, the flight is the way to go. There are no commercial flights between the two destinations, but Flights Cancun offers private flights daily.
Rates start from 15,075 MXN ($795) for a private plane that can accommodate five people. Quite expensive, but also scenic. Flight time is 30 minutes and you’ll have an amazing view of the Yucatan Peninsula for the entire journey.
You can book your flight through the Flights Cancun website. Keep in mind that there’s an additional 200 MXN ($10.50) airport fee per passenger. Also, as you’ll be taking a small plane, you may only be able to bring small luggage.
Flight departure and arrival points
Flights depart from Aerodromo de Holbox, which is situated within the tourist area at Holbox Island. This small airport should be just a short taxi ride away from your hotel or Holbox beach.
In Cancun, you will arrive at FBO Cancun, which is just inside Cancun Airport. From here, you can get to Cancun city centre via a 30-minute shared minivan, bus or taxi. Rates range between 98 MXN ($5) and 500 MXN ($26.50).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you take a rental car from Isla Holbox to Cancun?
Although there are car ferries operating between Chiquila and Isla Holbox, it is not really advisable to take your rental car to the island. On your way to Holbox Island, it’s best to leave your rental car at Chiquila Port, then just take it back on your way to Cancun. Make sure to check out our Top 10 Car Rental Tips to help you save money!
Our favourite places to stay in Cancun
Sina Suites – Treating Yourself
Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.
Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.
- Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Great location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Viento Suites – Mid Range
Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.
The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- BBQ facilities
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Yellow Capsule Hotel – Budget Friendly
Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.
The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.
- Cool capsule sleeping experience
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Great location
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Estancia Tulbayab 36 – Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.
The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.
- Great location
- Clean and spacious rooms
- Helpful and friendly hosts
- You’ll feel at home
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
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About the author(s)
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.
