Holbox is well connected with Cozumel. You can get from Cozumel to Holbox by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car + ferry boat.
Breathtaking white-sand beaches, beautiful lagoons, incredible Mexican folklore, and a genuine Mexican village that tourists haven’t overrun – Holbox is a must-visit destination to add to your bucket list!
Situated on the northern coast of Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula, Holbox is a jewel in the crown of beautiful places to visit in Mexico.
The island, separated from the mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon, is full of diverse landscapes —on one side, lush mangroves cover natural lagoons. At the same time, gorgeous beaches are surrounded by beautiful, crystal-clear water.
Holbox offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Yucatan Peninsula. Its incredible lush vegetation is beautiful, and so is the island’s culture!
Besides breathtaking nature, this beautiful island offers incredible food and culture, friendly locals, an authentic island-life experience, and much more!
Holbox is the ideal place to get away from it all. Whether you need a quiet place to relax or visit other mainland areas in Mexico, Holbox is sure to be your go-to destination!
Traveling between Cozumel and Holbox is easy, and you can choose between a bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, and rental car + ferry boat!
Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Cozumel to Holbox and our Mexico transportation guide.
How far is Holbox from Cozumel?
The air distance from Cozumel to Holbox is 80.2 miles or 129 kilometers.
Transportation Options from Cozumel to Holbox
The following table outlines all transportation options from Cozumel to Holbox:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Bus + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox | 5 hours 10 minutes | USD 64 |
| Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox | 5-6 hours | USD 68 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox | ~6 hours | – |
| Rental Car + Ferry | ~6 hours | – |
Getting to Holbox from Cozumel
1. Coach Bus + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Journey Duration: 5 hours 10 minutes
At first, getting from Cozumel to Holbox might seem like a big hassle since the two islands aren’t directly connected. However, the good news is that we have the solution you want!
If you are traveling from Cozumel to Holbox, we recommend booking one ticket with all the transportation modes included! We recommend taking the ferries plus the coach bus since it is the most convenient and cost-effective option.
First, a ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen will take approximately 45 minutes. Once at the port, you must transfer to a coach bus.
The coach bus will take you to the port in Chiquila. After this, you will take another ferry boat to Holbox, which takes about 30 minutes.
The trip will take a little over five hours, depending on road conditions and bus and ferry schedules.
Even though it’s a long journey, it will be comfortable and enjoyable since you have everything planned in advance. It will be easier to arrive from Cozumel to Holbox without worrying about booking everything separately!
Cozumel to Holbox Coach Bus + Ferry Schedule:
- 09:00 AM to 02:10 PM: Ferry + Coach Bus to Holbox from Cozumel
Total price: USD 64
- 08:00 AM to 01:10 PM: Ferry + Coach Bus to Holbox from Cozumel
Total price: USD 64
Get your ferry + coach bus ticket from Cozumel to Holbox here!
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Cozumel to Holbox. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. Shared Van Shuttle + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Journey Duration: 5-6 hours
Another alternative to the bus that will get you from the port in Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila is the shared van shuttle.
This option is similar to the offer above, but the only difference is that you will have to travel the road distance by shuttle instead of a coach bus.
The two ferry rides from Cozumel to Holbox are also included in this ticket, so you can opt for this if you prefer traveling with fewer people for more comfort.
The first shuttle departs earlier than the bus, so if you’re looking for transport to get you from Cozumel to Holbox the earliest, this one is for you!
Get on the ferry boat from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen, where a shuttle will be waiting for you. After that, you will travel from Playa Del Carmen to the port in Chiquila for about 5 hours.
Once you get to Chiquila, you need to get on another boat that will get you to Holbox in only 30 minutes!
Cozumel to Holbox Shared Shuttle + Ferry Schedule:
- 01:00 PM to 07:10 PM: Ferry + Shared Shuttle to Holbox from Cozumel
Total price: USD 68
- 07:00 AM to 12:10 PM: Ferry + Shared Shuttle to Holbox from Cozumel
Total price: USD 68
Get from Cozumel to Holbox in no time with this ferry + shared shuttle ticket offer!
3. Private Transfer + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
Booking a private transfer that will take you from Cozumel to Holbox as quickly as possible is an excellent way.
However, ferry tickets must be bought separately, as they are not included in the price of the private vehicle. It costs USD 26 for a ferry ticket between Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen and USD 15 for a ferry ticket between Chiquila and Holbox.
To catch a ferry to Holbox, you must take the private vehicle out of Playa Del Carmen port that will get you to Chiquila, and this cost is separate from the ferry.
We only recommend this option for families or larger groups traveling together because it may be a little pricey.
If this is the case, dividing the costs should be feasible, depending on the number of people traveling.
4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry from Cozumel to Holbox
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
If you intend to explore the Yucatan Peninsula while in Mexico, renting a car to get from Cozumel to Holbox is also a good idea!
You must take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen first and then head to one of the car rental companies in Playa Del Carmen to rent a vehicle.
Car rentals in Playa Del Carmen are reasonably priced, so make your decision, open a map, and head to Chiquila!
If you drive directly, it should take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can explore the area, make detours, or even stop in Chiquila for a while!
Then, to get to Holbox, you must take another ferry. The ferry ride from Chiquila to Holbox will cost USD 15 and take around 30 minutes.
Since Holbox is a car-free island, you should know that getting your car on the ferry is impossible. So, you will have to park or drop off your rental in Chiquila.
This option is cost-effective and affordable, considering the freedom and flexibility you benefit from when planning your trip!
Best day tours in Holbox, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Holbox, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ferry to Holbox?
The ferry to Holbox island is located in Chiquila. The boat runs daily from 06:00 AM to 09:30 PM every half an hour. The ferry from Chiquila to Holbox costs around USD 15 if you book through GuateGo, and crossing to the island takes around 30 minutes.
Do you need to book the Holbox ferry in advance?
There are usually enough seats for everyone, so you do not need to book your ferry ticket in advance. But, if you still want to ensure your place, you can book your tickets online with GuateGo!
What is the cheapest way to get from Isla Cozumel to Holbox Island?
The most affordable option to get from Isla Cozumel to Holbox Island is by bus and ferry which costs USD 64. Two ferry rides and a bus ride are included in this price!
What is the fastest way to get from Isla Cozumel to Holbox Island?
The fastest way to get from Isla Cozumel to Holbox Island is to take the ferry from Isla Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen and then drive the distance from Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila by car. You can hire a private transfer, grab a taxi or drive with a rental car!
After you arrive in Chiquila, you will have to take another ferry to Holbox.
How far is it from Isla Cozumel to Holbox Island?
Since Cozumel and Holbox are both islands, the air distance between the two is 129 kilometers.
However, the road distance between the ports in Playa Del Carmen and Chiquila, where you arrive and depart with the ferries, is 123 kilometers.
How long is the ferry ride from Chiquila to Holbox?
Depending on the wind, the journey from Chiquila to Holbox takes approximately 30 minutes.
How long is the ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen?
With the regular ferry, the trip takes 45 minutes, or with Ultramar, you can cross in just 20 minutes with their luxury boats.
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