How to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
Why visit Chiquila?
Chiquila is a very small beach town in Quintana Roo district. It hosts a lot of visitors every day but not because it’s particularly attractive. The main reason tourists flock to Chiquila is because it’s the gateway to the gorgeous Holbox Island.
In fact, the only way to get to Isla Holbox is with a ferry that departs from the port in Chiquila. Do check out our detailed guide for Chiquila to Isla Holbox if you want to visit the paradise island. It’s a good side destination especially when you’re already in the Riviera Maya.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
There are 4 ways to travel the 123 kilometre (76 miles) distance from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila. You can choose between the bus, minivan, private transfer and colectivo. The journey takes 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at 250 MXN ($14).
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Minivan
Plenty of minivans operate daily from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila.
A minivan ride costs around 305 MXN ($17.10) and the journey takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic.
There are two companies operating on this route: Peninsula Travel and Chiquila Holbox Extreme.
Departure and arrival stations
Peninsula Travel minivans depart from Terminal de Colectivos Playa del Carmen – Tulum, about 1.5km from the Town Hall Plaza in the city centre.
In Chiquilá, minivans stop at Te Llevo a Holbox – Servicio Colectivo, just a 5-minute walk from the main port.
Minivan schedules from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Colectivo
Colectivos are a great way to travel like a local from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila. They’re the cheapest option and a convenient way to reach the ferry to Holbox.
All colectivos are Sprinter-style vans with air conditioning, reclining seats and space in the back for luggage.
Departure times can vary depending on the season, with more trips available during the high season (December and April). The journey from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila takes 2 hours 30 minutes, and ticket prices start at 250 MXN ($14).
Departure and arrival stations
Colectivos leave from Colectivo station – Playa del Carmen. It’s about 1.5 km from the town centre.
In Chiquilá, they drop passengers off at the parking lot in front of Chiquila’s main port.
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Bus
ADO, Mexico’s largest bus company, is the only operator providing direct bus services from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila.
Their buses are comfortable, with air-conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet on board.
Travel time takes 2 hours 10 minutes, and a bus tickets cost 375 MXN ($21).
Departure and arrival stations
Buses depart from ADO Terminal Turistica on 5th Ave., just a short walk from the beach and port.
In Chiquila, the bus stops at the ADO Bus Station next to the port. If you’re heading to Holbox Island and don’t have ferry tickets yet, you can buy them at the nearby terminal.
Bus schedules from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
Book your tickets online through BookAway at least a day before because bus seats are limited.
You can buy tickets at the bus station, but if they sell out, you’ll have to wait until the next day for the next trip. They may also charge extra for card payments.
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Private Transfer
A private transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your destination — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Prices for private transfer start at 3,050 MXN ($170) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,020 MXN ($57) each.
You can book your private ride through Viator or 12GoAsia.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila. 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 Playa del Carmen to Chiquila
What is the distance from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
The distance from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila is 123 kilometre (76 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
The fastest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila is by minivan and takes 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila?
The cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila is by colectivo with ticket costs starting from 250 MXN ($14).
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.
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.
