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!
What are the 4 ways to travel from Holbox to Cancun?
There are 4 ways to travel the 61 kilometre (38 miles) distance 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 650 MXN ($36.50).
Where to stay in Cancun?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Cancun at the bottom of this page.
Holbox to Cancun by Shared Minivan + Ferry (Combined Booking)
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 650 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.
Shared Minivan + Ferry options from Isla Holbox to Cancun
Holbox to Cancun by Ferry + Bus or Minivan (Separate Bookings)
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.
Step 1: Holbox to Chiquila by Ferry
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.
Book your ticket online via BookAway so you won’t have to physically queue at the port. 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 Minivan
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.
Option 1: Chiquila to Cancun by Bus
This route is operated by ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company. Buses come equipped with AC and reclining seats, with ticket prices starting at 365 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.
- 24/7 customer support
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Option 2: Chiquila to Cancun by Minivan
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 275 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.
Step 3: Cancun Bus Terminal to the City Centre
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.
If your accommodation is farther away or in the beach areas, you may have to take a taxi. Metered taxis are available outside the bus terminal, with fares depending on distance and time. An average ride to the beach area costs around 200 MXN ($11.20).
Public transport is another option. Buses stop in front of the terminal on Avenida Tulum, and lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 connect the bus terminal with the beach and hotel area. The fare is 12 MXN ($0.70), payable directly to the driver.
Holbox to Cancun by Private 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 ($345) 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.
Holbox to Cancun by Flight
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 ($975) 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 180 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 ($8.50) on BookAway.
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 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
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Holbox to Cancun. 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 Holbox to Cancun
Can you take a rental car from Isla Holbox to Cancun?
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.
