Overall1.4/10Among the 5% hardest cities to reach
Good to know
Good to Know
- Holbox is a car-free island; the ferry is passenger-only. Plan to leave any rental car in Chiquilá parking lots for 100 MXN/day.
- Most nomads use private transfer from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá (2–2.5 hrs) + ferry (25 min). Total journey ~3 hours airport-to-island.
- Book accommodation and return transportation before arrival if possible; tourist booths at main square occasionally oversell or promote overcrowded minibus rides disguised as 'cheap transfers.'
- Ferry tickets can be purchased on arrival (no booking needed), but buying online in advance avoids queues at peak times.
- Holbox ferry runs roughly every 30 minutes 6 AM–9:30 PM (Chiquilá→Holbox); weather can cause occasional delays or cancellations.
- If you miss the last ferry, small fishermen boats occasionally offer informal crossings, but not reliable; better to plan to stay in Chiquilá overnight.
- Carry cash in smaller denominations; ATMs on island are few and sometimes run out. USD and MXN accepted, but small bills preferred.
- The 25-minute ferry ride crosses calm lagoon waters (not open sea), so seasickness is rarely an issue.
- Private charter flights (~$1,000–1,200 USD per plane) are luxury option; scenic but pricey for solo travelers; split cost among group to reduce per-person rate.
- Quintana Roo residents with valid ID may qualify for reduced ferry fares; ask at ticket counter.
On Holbox Island
- Transport Note
- Cars prohibited on island for environmental protection
Local Options
Golf Cart Taxi
- Cost
- MX$100
- Notes
- From ferry dock to hotels; prices 100–200 MXN depending on distance
Bicycle Rental
- Cost
- MX$50
- Notes
- Per hour
Walking
- Cost
- 0
- Notes
- Island is small; most of town walkable
Ground Transport Options
Private Transfer/Shuttle
- Cost
- MX$5,000
- Booking
- Book online in advance; many include flight-tracking service
- Travel Time Minutes
- 120-150
- Notes
- For 5 passengers; can be split. Prices vary: $220-290 USD per vehicle reported. Multiple operators available.
- Description
- Door-to-door service from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá ferry port
ADO Bus
- Cost
- Varies by operator; ferry tickets may be included
- Booking
- Book online at ado.com.mx or at stations
- Travel Time Minutes
- 120-150
- Notes
- Departs from multiple points (Cancún Downtown, Cancún Airport, Playa del Carmen, Tulum)
- Description
- Public air-conditioned bus service to Chiquilá
Shared Shuttle
- Booking
- Book in advance; coordinate with ferry times
- Travel Time Minutes
- 120-150
- Notes
- Budget option; typically operates 10:00–18:00. Coordinating with ferry schedules required.
- Description
- Group shuttle service to Chiquilá ferry terminal
Car Rental
- Cost
- MX$600
- Booking
- Various rental agencies at airport (DiscoverCars, local vendors)
- Travel Time Minutes
- 120
- Notes
- Daily rental cost ~600–800 MXN; park vehicle at Chiquilá lots (100 MXN/day). Must leave car on mainland.
- Description
- Rent a car and drive to Chiquilá (cars cannot board ferry to Holbox)
Ferry
- Booking
- Buy tickets directly at port or online in advance; no booking required, first-come basis
- Departure Point
- Chiquilá (small port town, ~2–3 hours from Cancún)
- Passenger Capacity
- Catamaran with air conditioning, video screens, toilets, comfortable seating
- Crossing Time Minutes
- 25
- Notes
- Residents of Quintana Roo may qualify for discounts with valid ID. Pets permitted on upper deck (leash required; no extra charge).
Fares
- Adult One Way
- MX$330
- Round Trip Adult
- MX$660
- Child Under 120cm
- MX$160
Schedule
- From Chiquila To Holbox
- 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM, every 30 minutes
- From Holbox To Chiquila
- 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM, every 30 minutes
- Notes
- Two companies alternate: one departs on the hour, one on the half-hour. Last ferry ~9:30 PM Chiquilá→Holbox, ~8:30 PM Holbox→Chiquilá. Schedule subject to weather and season.
Operators
- Holbox Express
- 9 Hermanos
Day Trip Access
- Feasibility
- Yes, possible same-day round trip
- Notes
- Ferry every 30 min allows flexible scheduling. Last ferry back 8:30 PM from Holbox. Nearby destinations: Cabo Catoche, Cenote Yalahau, Isla Pájaros (boat tours from Holbox)
Nearest Airport
- Name
- Cancún International Airport (CUN)
- Distance Km
- 155
- Travel Time To Holbox Minutes
- 120-150 minutes (including ferry)
- Notes
- Only major commercial airport serving Holbox; all international flights arrive here
Private Flights
- Option
- Charter flight from Cancún to Holbox
- Airport
- Holbox has small airstrip in town center; accommodations often offer pickup
- Luggage
- 15 kg (30 lbs) per person
- Cost Per Plane
- MX$20,580
- Flight Time Minutes
- 25–35
- Notes
- For 1–4 passengers. ~$500 USD reported for 5-person plane (~$100 pp). Cost per person drops with larger group. Flights depart private Cancún FBO (5 min from main airport). Operating hours typically 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Parking At Chiquila
- Cost
- MX$100
- Duration
- Per day
- Notes
- Multiple family-run and secure lots near ferry terminal. Manned by security; parking ticket issued for return check. Shade structures available.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
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More About Holbox
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.