What to expect when visiting 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!
4 ways to get from Holbox to Cancun
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 61 kilometers (38 miles) from Holbox to Cancun by minivan + ferry (2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes), private Transport (2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes), flight (30 minutes) and ferry + bus or colectivo (2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 30 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €36 for the minivan + ferry.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 Minivan + Ferry
You can travel from Holbox to Cancun with a combined van and ferry transfer.
Tickets cost around €36 and the 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.
Minivan + Ferry options from Isla Holbox to Cancun
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Holbox to Cancun by Private Transport
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 €36 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.
Holbox to Cancun by Ferry + Bus or Colectivo
To get from 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 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes.
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 20m.
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.
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 €14 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.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
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 (€16.50).
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 210 MXN (€9.90).
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.
Holbox to Cancun by Flight
If you’re looking for the fastest way to get from 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 15,000 MXN (€710) 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 (€9.40) 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 (€4.60) and 500 MXN (€24).
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Holbox to Cancun
Can you take a rental car from Isla Holbox to Cancun?
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!
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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.
