How to get from Isla Holbox to Cancun

Why visit Cancun?

Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.

You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!

There are 4 ways to travel the 61 kilometers (38 miles) from Holbox to Cancun. You can choose between the shared minivan + ferry (Combined Booking), private transport, flight and ferry + bus or minivan (Separate Bookings). The journey takes 30 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan + ferry (combined booking) with tickets starting at 710 MXN ($36.50).

You can travel from Holbox to Cancun with a combined minivan and ferry transfer.

The trip begins with a 20-minute ferry ride from Isla Holbox to Chiquila, a small town on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. From there, you’ll switch to a minivan. The drive to Cancun is about 140 km and takes around 2.5 hours.

Combined fares for the minivan and ferry cost around 710 MXN ($36.50). The entire journey takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.

There are two companies operating on this route: Peninsula Travel and Chiquila Holbox Extreme.

Departure and arrival stations

Ferries leave from Holbox Ferry Terminal and arrive at Puerto de Chiquila.

Once in Chiquila, you’ll board a minivan to Cancun. Most minivans drop passengers off at the Cancun Shuttle Station near Soriana Supermarket in downtown Cancun. This station is about 500 metres from ADO Bus Station.

If you’re heading straight to the airport, you can also book a minivan with direct drop-off at Cancun Airport.

If combined tickets are not available, you’ll need to book your journey in two parts to travel from Holbox to Cancun.

First, take a boat to Chiquila. Once there, you can continue to Cancun by minivan or bus. The entire trip takes around 2 hours 25 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book your tickets separately.

Ferries to Chiquila are operated by Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. Both offer the same service, with one departing on the hour and the other on the half-hour.

Departures from Holbox Port are frequent, and the journey to Chiquila Port takes 20m.

Before boarding your Holbox ferry, we recommend checking the schedules of buses and minivans from Chiquila to Cancun. This way, you can avoid long waiting times at the port.

There are two options to get from Chiquila to Cancun: by bus or minivan.

Both options provide a reliable and direct service, so the best choice depends on your schedule and preferences.

Minivans are a bit faster than the bus, but buses are bigger vehicles with more space between seats so they’re usually more comfortable.

This route is operated by ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company. Buses come equipped with AC and reclining seats, with ticket prices starting at 400 MXN ($20.50).

Buses to Cancun depart from the ADO Chiquila Office, about 250 metres from the main port where your Isla Holbox ferry arrives.

The ride to Cancun takes around 2h 5m - 3h. Most buses arrive at Cancun Central Bus Terminal in the city centre, but some also go directly to Cancun Airport.

Chiquilá Bus Station

Standard

Cancun ADO Bus Station

11:20

2h 50m

14:10

12:15

2h 35m

14:50

14:00

3h

17:00

18:30

2h 35m

21:05

ADO

From 400 MXN ($20.50)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

400 MXN ($20.50)

11:20

2h 50m

14:10

12:15

2h 35m

14:50

18:30

2h 35m

21:05

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

400 MXN ($20.50)

14:00

3h

17:00

Check on BookAway

ADO Chiquila

First Class

ADO Centro

11:20

2h 50m

14:10

12:15

2h 35m

14:50

14:00

3h

17:00

18:30

2h 35m

21:05

ADO

440 MXN ($22.50)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

440 MXN ($22.50)

11:20

2h 50m

14:10

12:15

2h 35m

14:50

18:30

2h 35m

21:05

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

440 MXN ($22.50)

14:00

3h

17:00

Check on BookAway

ADO Chiquila

First Class

ADO Conecta Aeropuerto, Cancun, QR

11:20

2h 5m

13:25

14:00

2h 5m

16:05

ADO

585 MXN ($30)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

585 MXN ($30)

11:20

2h 5m

13:25

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

585 MXN ($30)

14:00

2h 5m

16:05

Check on BookAway

Minivans to Cancun depart from Estacionamiento Genesis, the car park right next to Chiquila’s main port. You can book with Peninsula Travel, Nice Travel Holbox or Chiquila Holbox Extreme.

Fares start at 300 MXN ($15.40) and the journey takes about 1h 50m - 2h 50m.

They arrive at the Cancun – Holbox Shuttle Terminal next to Soriana Supermarket. It’s across the street from Cancun’s central bus terminal in the city centre. Some minivans also offer drop-off at Cancun Airport.

Most buses will drop you off near or at the Central Bus Terminal area in Cancun’s city centre. Many hotels and hostels are within walking distance, so you may not need additional transport.

A private transfer from Holbox to Cancun is the easiest and most convenient option. Your tour operator will first guide you to the public Holbox ferry to Chiquila. Once there, a private shuttle will be waiting to take you to your destination in Cancun.

Rates start from 6,100 MXN ($315) for a vehicle that fits two passengers when you book through GetYourGuide. This price covers both individual ferry tickets and the private shuttle ride. If you’re travelling in a larger group, the cost per person decreases.

You can also find private transfers from Isla Holbox to Cancun International Airport on Viator.

The entire trip takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

If you want the fastest way to get from Holbox to Cancun, a flight is your best option. There are no commercial flights between the two destinations, but Flights Cancun operates private flights daily.

Rates start from 17,000 MXN ($890) for a private plane that fits up to five people. Quite expensive, but also scenic. Flight time is 30 minutes and you’ll have an amazing aerial view of the Yucatan Peninsula for the entire journey.

You can book your flight through BookAway. Keep in mind that there’s an additional 195 MXN ($10) airport fee per passenger. Also, since you’ll be taking a small plane, luggage space is limited. You may only be able to bring a small bag.

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. Bus tickets start at 150 MXN ($7.80) on BookAway.

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