How to Get to Holbox from Cancun or Playa del Carmen (and also from Mérida)

At the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Mexican Caribbean, lies Holbox Island—a peaceful refuge for travelers seeking relaxation, slow days and a deeper connection with nature.

If you are staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or even Mérida, this guide explains how to get to Holbox: driving, taking a bus, hopping on the ferry from Chiquilá or choosing a private flight.

Note: the last part of the journey is always the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox. For more detail about that stretch, you can read our guide to the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox.

Where is Holbox Island?

Holbox is a small island in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, located about 10 km off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea.

• It is roughly 145 km from Cancun.
• It belongs to the protected natural area Yum Balam.
• Many travelers visit Holbox from nearby destinations like Cozumel, Campeche, Cobá and other spots in the Riviera Maya.

Holbox has become a favorite destination for those who love:

• Bioluminescence in Holbox.
• The seasonal presence of whale sharks.
• Kayaking through mangroves.
• Birdwatching and sea turtle nesting.

Cars are not allowed on the island, which is part of its charm. Most visitors move around by:

• Bicycle.
• Golf cart (rental or taxi).
• Walking along the sandy streets.

If you’re looking for ideas on what to do once you arrive, you can explore our guide on what to do in Holbox Island.

How to Get to Holbox from Cancun

Unless you take a private flight, the classic route is:

Cancun → Chiquilá (by road) → Ferry Chiquilá–Holbox

Chiquilá and the ferry to Holbox

Chiquilá is a small coastal town in the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas, Quintana Roo. It is the main gateway to Holbox by sea.

• Two companies operate the ferry: Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos.
• In high season, boats alternate so that there is a departure about every 30 minutes between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM.
• The crossing takes about 30 minutes.
• A one-way ticket is around 330 MXN.
• You usually don’t need to book in advance; tickets are sold directly at the port.

Because cars are not allowed on Holbox, you will need to park your vehicle in Chiquilá:

• Expect to pay around 100 MXN per day at the parking lots near the port.

For a more detailed look at this step, you can check our article about the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox.

Driving from Cancun to Chiquilá

If you prefer to drive, you have two main options:

1. Toll Road (Highway 180D)
   • The fastest and smoothest route.
   • You will pay tolls in cash.
   • Head toward Mérida on Highway 180D and follow the signs to Chiquilá.
2. Free Road (Highway 180)
   • A slower but more economical route.
   • Take the road toward Mérida, then the detour at Valladolid Nuevo and follow Highway 5 until you reach Chiquilá.

Total distance is about 135 km, with an approximate driving time of 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Public Transportation from Cancun

If you prefer not to drive, public buses are a good alternative:

• From Cancun’s downtown bus station, you can take ADO or Mayab buses to Chiquilá.
• The ride takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on traffic.

This is the most budget-friendly way to reach Holbox.

Private Flight from Cancun

If time is your priority or you want a special experience, you can charter a private flight from Cancun to Holbox:

• Flight time is about 35 minutes.
• You will enjoy stunning aerial views of the Yucatán Peninsula and the Caribbean.

Below you’ll find how Ser Casasandra can help you arrange this type of transfer.

How to Get to Holbox from Playa del Carmen

If you are staying in Playa del Carmen, your goal is the same: reach Chiquilá and then take the ferry to Holbox.

Driving from Playa del Carmen to Chiquilá

You have two main route options:

1. Toll Road (Highway 305D)

• Take Highway 305D toward Mérida.
• You will go through two toll booths, paying around 300 MXN total in cash.
• After the second toll, exit toward Kantunilkin.
• Drive through the town and continue to Chiquilá.
• Distance: about 130 km.
• Approximate travel time: 1.5 hours.

2. Free Route via Puerto Morelos

If you prefer to avoid tolls:

• Drive north to Puerto Morelos.
• Head inland toward the town of Leona Vicario.
• From there, take Highway 180, then continue until you reach Highway 5, which leads directly to Chiquilá.
• Distance: about 160 km.
• Approximate travel time: around 2.5 hours.

Public Transportation from Playa del Carmen

An ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Chiquilá is the most economical option:

• Travel time is around 3 hours.
• It’s a relaxed way to reach the port if you don’t want to drive.

How to Get to Holbox from Mérida

More and more travelers are combining Mérida and Holbox in the same trip: a colonial city on one side, and an island escape on the other.

Driving from Mérida to Chiquilá

From Mérida, the road to Chiquilá takes you through small towns and quieter highways:

• One common route is via Motul – Tizimín and then connecting toward Kantunilkin and Chiquilá.
• Another option is to follow the road toward Valladolid and then take the connections toward the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas.

In general:

• Distance: around 260–280 km, depending on the route.
• Approximate driving time: 3.5 to 4 hours.

It’s a good idea to:

• Leave early in the morning.
• Plan your arrival so that you reach Chiquilá in time for a midday or afternoon ferry.

Buses from Mérida

There are bus routes from Mérida to Chiquilá (sometimes with stops or transfers). Because timetables change, it’s best to:

• Check current schedules at Mérida’s bus station a few days before your trip.
• Consider combining a bus from Mérida to Cancun and then another bus from Cancun to Chiquilá if that fits your plans better.

How Ser Casasandra Can Help You Get to Holbox

At Ser Casasandra, we want your trip to feel simple from the very beginning.

Private Transfer Service (land + ferry)

If you are flying into Cancun or Playa del Carmen, we can help arrange a private transfer:

• One of our representatives will greet you at the airport.
• You only need to share your flight number and arrival and departure time.
• From there, you will be taken to Chiquilá to catch the ferry to Holbox.

This option is ideal if:

• You arrive late or tired.
• You are traveling with family or a group.
• You prefer not to worry about routes, tolls and parking.

Private Flight with Ser Casasandra

We can also help you arrange a private flight:

• Planes depart from the private Cancun FBO terminal, just 5 minutes from the main airport.
• Approximate cost per plane: from 20,580.00 MXN one way, for 1 to 4 passengers.
• Luggage allowance: 15 kg (30 lbs) per person.
• Operating hours: usually 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Flight time: about 25 minutes from Cancun to Holbox.

During the flight, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of mangroves, coastline and the turquoise sea that surrounds Holbox.

For updated prices and availability, you can contact us through our website, and our team will be happy to help you plan your journey.

When You Finally Arrive in Holbox…

Once you step off the ferry, the rhythm changes:

• From highways to sandy streets.
• From traffic noise to the sound of waves.
• From tight schedules to unstructured time.

If you’re wondering what to do next, you can explore:

• Our guide on what to do in Holbox Island.
• A curated list of the 16 best Holbox restaurants.
• Our gastronomic experience at Ser Casasandra.
• How to live a wellness experience in Holbox Island or join yoga in Holbox at Ser Casasandra.
• When is the best time to visit Holbox.

To complete the experience, you can stay at Ser Casasandra, a soulful boutique hotel where art, calm and warm hospitality come together to make your days in Holbox truly unforgettable.

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