Holbox is a car-free island off the north tip of the Yucatan. Sandy streets, golf carts and whale sharks in summer are the draw. Flying is the quickest option, taking 30 minutes. If you're not flying, the cheapest way from Holbox to Cancun is the minivan and ferry combo at $37 (640 MXN).
Holbox and Cancun are about 70 km (43 miles) apart. The quickest way to get from Holbox to Cancun is by taking the flight, which takes around 30 minutes.
There are four ways to travel from Holbox to Cancun. You can choose between the minivan, ferry, private transport, and flight. The journey takes 30m–2h 50m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at $37 (640 MXN).
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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 $37 (640 MXN). The entire journey takes about 2h 50m - 3h 30m.There are two companies operating on this route: Peninsula Travel and Chiquila Holbox Extreme.
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 (Combined Booking) tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 2h 25m - 3h 35m.
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.Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 [ferry_price3].
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.
Bus tickets are available 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 $15 (270 MXN) 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.
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 $11 (200 MXN). 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 $0.70 (12 MXN), payable directly to the driver.
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 $350 (6,100 MXN) 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 2.5h.
Private Transport tickets are available on GetYourGuide and Viator.
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 $995 (17,000 MXN) 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 $10 (175 MXN) 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.
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 $8.70 (150 MXN) on BookAway.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Flight tickets are available on Bookaway.
Here are our favourite places to stay in Cancun for every budget.
Treat YourselfThis adults-only hotel offers luxurious suites and spacious apartments rather than just rooms. Most of which come with balconies overlooking the nearby idyllic lake. If you opt for an apartment, you’ll also be able to enjoy your own kitchen facilities.
Scattered throughout the hotel there’s plenty of places to chill, from hammocks to sun loungers and little sun decks. La Casa del Alux is like a little oasis situated on the outskirts of Holbox town.
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Mid-RangeIsla Bonita makes sure that you’re stay on a tropical island is comfortable. Their rooms are spacious, well air-conditioned and have their own private balcony for you to relax on. Did we mention that there’s also a swimming pool at the centre of the hotel?
Some of the rooms also come with their own kitchen if you fancy whipping up a snack. If not, you’re only minutes from Holbox’s best restaurants and the beach.
Double rooms between $50-$80 per night
BudgetFinding good accommodation on a budget is a relatively hard task on Holbox. Kin Camping is one of the best budget friendly options. And it also offers an unforgettable experience. Each of their tents comes with a comfy double bed, so you won’t be slumming it if that’s what you had in mind when you first saw the word camping.
They’ve created a campsite with great facilities, including a communal kitchen, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to chill out and meet other like-minded travellers. The friendly staff are always there for anything you need.
Tent with double bed between $15-$50 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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!
That's the full picture for getting from Holbox to Cancun, roughly 70 kilometres (43 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $37 (640 MXN). The quickest trip takes 30m.
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.
The distance from Holbox to Cancun is 70 kilometres (43 miles).
The fastest way to get from Holbox to Cancun is by flight and takes 30 minutes.
The cheapest way to get from Holbox to Cancun is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 640 MXN.
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.
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.
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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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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
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