Planning a trip to the stunning Isla Holbox? Getting to Isla Holbox is part of the adventure—and it’s easier than it feels once you know the flow. This laid-back island sits just off the northern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, far removed from big resorts and busy highways.
While you can’t fly directly onto the island, the journey blends road trip, ferry ride, and your first glimpse of turquoise water, setting the tone for the slower pace waiting on the other side. Here’s exactly how to get to Isla Holbox, step by step, so you can arrive relaxed and ready to unplug.
If you’re ready to start your adventure, plan your trip with Travel Yucatan today. Then, read on to find out how you can visit Holbox.
3 Ways to Get to Isla Holbox
Photo Credit: Bruno_Doinel
Isla Holbox is a small island located north of Cancun. To get there, you’ll first need to reach the village of Chiquila, where you’ll eventually start the ferry ride to Isla Holbox. Chiquila is on the mainland at the far northern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Cancun.
1. Bus
This is the most economical, though time-consuming, way to get to Holbox. You can use the information below for additional bus information and links.
2. Drive Yourself
Adventurous travelers with rental cars can drive themselves to Chiquila and follow the instructions below for additional details.
3. Arrange a VIP Transfer
Book a full-service, door-to-door VIP private transfer to Holbox. They will pick you up, take you to the ferry, and then take you to your hotel in Holbox by taxi. If it’s in your budget, private transfers are the way to go on vacation!
Getting to Chiquila to Catch the Ferry
Taking the Bus from the Cancun Airport
There is an Airport ADO Bus that runs approximately every 30 minutes from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm at the time of writing. It departs from Terminals 2 and 3 at the Cancún International Airport and goes to the downtown central bus station in Cancun City on Tulum Ave.
There, if you arrive early enough, you can catch the 8:15 am ADO bus to Chiquila. The next bus is at 11 am, followed by buses at 12 pm and 3:15 pm. Many flights arrive in Cancun too late to make these connections, so you might have to spend one night downtown at a hotel close to the bus station.
When it’s time to go back to Cancun from Isla Holbox, buses depart Chiquila at 11:20 am, 12:15 pm, and 2 pm. The 2 pm bus takes you directly to the airport.
Taking the Bus from Merida
Multiple buses depart Merida in the morning. There are ADO departures at 2:37 am, 6:15 am, and 9:07 am, and the journey takes a little less than 6 hours.
You could also take a bus to Valladolid, then find a ride to El Ideal or Chiquila if you had to.
For more information on Mexican bus services, see our guide to the system here.
Driving from Cancun
Go west from Cancun on the free highway until you hit the town of El Ideal. Watch for the signs for Isla Holbox, then turn North to Chiquila. Follow the signs for Isla Holbox to find the road to Chiquila.
Driving instructions to Chiquila from Cancun Airport
Driving from Merida/Valladolid
Drive East on Hwy 180 past Valladolid until you reach El Ideal, then follow the signs for Isla Holbox to find the road to Chiquila.
Driving instructions to Chiquila from Merida
Driving from the Mayan Riviera
You can drive through the jungle from Playa del Carmen if you wish, taking the route to Coba first, then heading north. We only recommend this route to the adventurer. We have gotten lost numerous times taking this route ourselves and found it faster to take Hwy 307 up towards Cancun, then turn West onto Hwy 180. You can, of course, take the jungle route. Just make sure you enter with a full tank of gas and leave in the morning, so you don’t end up driving (and potentially getting lost) at night.
Driving instructions to Chiquila from Playa del Carmen
Public Ferry Service from Chiquila
Photo Credit: Marc Bruxelle
The 9 Hermanos (9 Brothers) and Holbox Express operate Public Ferry Services back and forth from Chiquila to Holbox.
At the time of writing, ferry tickets cost a few hundred Mexican pesos each way. The crossing time is approximately 20-30 minutes, and the water is generally not too rough, except during the occasional tropical storm.
The ferry runs every half-hour from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm. There are some additional boats put into service during the summer months, whale shark season, and on weekends. That’s a “temporary” non-published schedule posted only on the piers in Chiquila and Holbox.
If you miss a boat or arrive after the last ferry, don’t despair! You’ll often be able to find a fisherman hanging around the smaller lanchas there at the Municipal Pier. These locals may offer you a private ride across to the tiny island of Holbox for a unique experience.
Getting Around on Holbox
Photo Credit: Rainer Lesniewski
Once you arrive at the ferry dock on Holbox Island, don’t expect to see cars and buses everywhere you look. Besides walking, the primary means of transportation here is a bike or a golf cart.
These handy machines carry four comfortably and can go to both ends of the island. You can rent them per hour or by the day, and take a golf cart taxi if you don’t want to drive yourself.
A few golf cart rental companies operate on Holbox. You can stop by Rentadora la Conchita, El Brother, or Rentadora El Cachorro, and you’ll be experiencing Isla Holbox beaches and sampling the famous lobster pizza before you know it. You may even want to book a stay at a local hotel to extend your trip.
Get Ready For Your Isla Holbox Trip
Getting to Isla Holbox is an adventure that promises stunning natural beauty and a serene island atmosphere. Whether you choose to hop on the bus or drive before your scenic ferry ride, the journey is part of the charm.
Planning your route in advance ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip to this hidden gem. Once you arrive, you’ll be ready to explore all that Isla Holbox has to offer, from pristine beaches to vibrant wildlife. Book your trip with Travel Yucatan to experience this special place for yourself.
