Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila

How to Get From Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila

4Options
2hFastest
$15From
ElaMaartenSeleneWritten by Ela · Reviewed by Maarten, Selene

Minivan · Colectivo · Bus · Private Transfer

Chiquila is the small port where the ferries to Holbox leave. The island is known for its car-free sand streets and its whale sharks in summer. Chiquila is 93 kilometres (58 miles) from Playa del Carmen. The Colectivo is the cheapest way to get from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila at $15 (250 MXN). The minivan and the bus cost more, if you'd rather have a booked seat.

DISTANCE

Distance from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila

Playa Del Carmen and Chiquila are about 93 km (58 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 122 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h and 2h 30m.

~93 km
Straight-line distance
~122 km
Route distance
COMPARE

4 ways to travel from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila

There are four ways to travel from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila. You can choose between the minivan, colectivo, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 2h–2h 30m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by colectivo with tickets starting at $15 (250 MXN).

Minivan10 departuresDuration2hPricefrom$17295 MXN

Playa del Carmen to Chiquila by Minivan

Plenty of minivans operate daily from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila.

A minivan ride costs around $17 (295 MXN) and the journey takes about 2h, 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.

Minivans arrive at Puerto de Chiquila.

Minivan schedule from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila

2hPeninsula TravelStandardTerminal de colectivos Playa del Carmen - Tulum (Shuttle BusTe Llevo a Holbox - Servicio Colectivo07:3008:3009:3010:3011:3014:30+4$17295 MXNTickets
2hChiquila Holbox ExtremeTouristPlaya del Carmen Bus StopPuerto de Chiquila08:3010:3011:3015:3018:30$17295 MXNTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
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To
Chiquila
ColectivoDuration2h 30mPricefrom$15250 MXN

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 2h 30m, and ticket prices start at $15 (250 MXN).

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
Chiquila
Bus1 departureDuration2h 10mPricefrom$21360 MXN

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 2h 10m, and a bus tickets cost $21 (360 MXN).

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 schedule from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila

2h10mADOStandardPlaya Del Carmen ADO Bus StationChiquilá Bus Station11:35$21360 MXNTickets
2h10mADOFirst ClassADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del CarmenADO Chiquila11:35$23395 MXNTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

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Booking Tip

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.

Chiquila
Private TransferDuration2hPricefrom$1753,050 MXN

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 $175 (3,050 MXN) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $59 (1,020 MXN) each.

You can book your private ride through Viator or 12GoAsia.

Playa Del Carmen
DayTrip
Standard Car 3 PAX
$175 (3,050 MXN)
$59 (1,020 MXN) per person
Viator
Standard Car 3 PAX
$220 (3,800 MXN)
$74 (1,280 MXN) per person
Viator
Minivan 10 PAX
$340 (5,900 MXN)
$34 (590 MXN) per person
Available at12Go AsiaViator
Chiquila

Reach out to our Community

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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila, roughly 93 kilometres (58 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $15 (250 MXN). The quickest trip takes 2h.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila?

The distance from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila is 93 kilometres (58 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila?

Journey times from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila overlap: minivan 2h, colectivo 2h 30m, bus 2h 10m, private transfer 2h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.

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.

About the Authors

Ela
Ela

Senior Travel Writer

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.

Maarten
MaartenReviewer

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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
SeleneReviewer

Travel Writer

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.

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