You can get from Cozumel to Holbox by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car + ferry.
The cheapest option is to board the ADO bus and take two ferries. This combined ticket with all transportation modes costs only USD 64!
The most popular option is also the ADO bus and ferry combined ticket. The journey takes a bit over five hours, and you’ll need to board two ferries—one to Playa del Carmen and another from Chiquila to Holbox.
The fastest way is by private transfer or taxi + ferry.
Getting around Mexico is something I’ve learned a lot about during my travels.
In this article, I’ll discuss various travel methods and offer useful advice to ensure your journey is enjoyable and smooth!
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus + Ferry | ~5 hrs | $64 |
| Shuttle + Ferry | 5-6 hrs | $68 |
| Private Transfer + Ferry | ~4 hrs | – |
| Rental Car + Ferry | ~4 hrs | – |
How far is Holbox from Cozumel?
The air distance fromCozumel to Holbox is 80.2 miles or 129 kilometers.
Getting to Holbox from Cozumel
1. Coach Bus + Ferry
Journey Duration: 5 hours 10 minutes
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!
Coach Bus + Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Ultramar ferry + ADO bus + Holbox Express ferry timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 01:10pm | 5h 10m | $64 |  |
| 09:00am | 02:10pm | 5h 10m | $64 | |
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry
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 at the earliest, this one is for you!
Get on the ferry boat from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen, where a shuttle will await 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 must get on another boat that will get you to Holbox in only 30 minutes!
Shared Shuttle + Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Ultramar ferry + Holbox Shuttle + Holbox Express ferry timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00am | 12:10pm | 5h | $68 | |
| 01:00pm | 07:10pm | 6h 10m | $68 | |
3. Private Transfer + Ferry
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
Ferry tickets must be bought separately, as they are not included in the price of the private vehicle. A ferry ticket between Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen costs USD 23, and a ferry ticket between Chiquila and Holbox costs USD 15.
To catch a ferry to Holbox, you must take a 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 expensive.
If this is the case, dividing the costs should be feasible, depending on the number of people traveling.
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-3 passengers: USD 213
- 4-6 passengers: USD 251
- 7-10 passengers: USD 283
4. Rental Car + Ferry
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
If you intend to explore the Yucatan Peninsula while in Mexico, renting a car 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 must 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
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
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!
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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