You can get from Holbox to Cozumel by ferry + shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option is to travel by two ferries and a shared shuttle, which costs USD 68. The journey takes between 6 and 10 hours, and you’ll need to board two ferries and a shuttle in Chiquila.
The most popular option is also the ferry shared shuttle, providing all transportation modes for one price!
The fastest way is by ferry + private transfer, rental car, or taxi/Uber. The length of this trip is about 6 hours.
This article will guide you through different transportation choices and give you handy advice for a laid-back and delightful trip! So, hop on a ride and make sure to visit Isla Cozumel!
How far is Cozumel from Holbox?
The air distance fromIsla Holbox to Isla Cozumel is 80.2 miles or 129 kilometers. However, since you need to transfer from water to land, traveling takes 6-10 hours.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Shuttle | 6-10 hrs | $68 |
| Ferry + Private Transfer | ~6 hrs | – |
| Ferry + Rental Car | ~6 hrs | – |
Getting to Cozumel from Holbox
1. Ferry + Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 6-10 hours
The best way to travel between the two islands is by booking one ticket for all the transportation methods included! We recommend taking the ferries + shared shuttle since it is the most convenient and cost-effective option.
This includes taking a ferry from Holbox to Chiquila, which will take about 30 minutes. Then, you must transfer to a shared van shuttle, which will take you to the Playa Del Carmen port.
Here, you will take another ferry boat to Cozumel, which takes around 45 minutes.
The trip will take 6 to 10 hours, depending on which shuttle you book. All this also depends on the shuttle and ferry schedules and the road conditions, of course.
However, this long journey is still comfortable and well worth the price since you have it all planned ahead.
You won’t have to worry about booking everything separately and adjusting to all the different schedules.
This is the cheapest option, including all the transfers in one ticket!
Ferry + Shared Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Express ferry + shared shuttle + Ultramar ferry timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30am | 08:45pm | 10h 15m | $68 |  |
| 03:30pm | 10:45pm | 7h 15m | $68 | |
| 04:30pm | 10:45pm | 6h 15m | $68 | |
2. Ferry + Private Transfer
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
If you want to get to Cozumel as fast as possible, booking a private driver between the ports is your next great deal!
However, you must purchase your ferry tickets separately since they are not included in the price of the private vehicle. The ferry ticket from Holbox to Chiquila costs USD 15.
Holbox Express Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Express Ferry timetable for trips from Holbox to Chiquila, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
Additionally, the ferry from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel costs USD 23.
Ultramar Ferry Schedule:
The table below displays the Ultramar Ferry timetable for trips from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00am | 08:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 10:00am | 10:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 11:00am | 11:45am | 45m | $23 | |
| 12:00pm | 12:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 02:00pm | 02:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
| 05:00pm | 05:45 PM | 45m | $23 | |
| 08:00pm | 08:45 PM | 45m | $23 | |
| 10:00pm | 10:45pm | 45m | $23 | |
Add this to the price of your private transport that will get you from the port in Chiquila and drive you to Playa Del Carmen to catch your next ferry to Cozumel.
This option might come out a little pricey, so this is why it’s only recommended for families or larger groups traveling together.
If this is the case, it should be affordable once you divide the costs, depending on how many people you travel with.
Prices for a private transfer from Chiquila to Playa del Carmen:
- 1 to 3 passengers: USD 216
- 4 to 6 passengers: USD 251
- 7 to 10 passengers: USD 283
Book your private transfer, and travel in comfort!
3. Ferry + Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
If you plan to explore the Yucatan Peninsula while traveling in Mexico, renting a car is also a great idea!
You do, however, have to take the ferry to Chiquila from Holbox first, and after you arrive on land, you can head to one of the many car rental companies to rent a vehicle.
Car rentals in Chiquila come at really affordable daily prices, so make your choice and head to Playa Del Carmen.
This drive should take around 2 hours and 30 minutes if you’re driving directly, but you can also take detours, explore the area, or even make a stop in Playa for a while!
Then, to get to Cozumel, you must take another ferry. You can get on the Ultramar ferries from the port in Playa Del Carmen and arrive in Cozumel in about 45 minutes.
You should know that getting your car on the cargo ferry is possible, but this is not recommended. It’s costly; some car rental companies might not allow it, and it’s definitely not worth it.
So, it’s best to park or drop off your rental in Playa Del Carmen.
This option is not expensive, considering the freedom and flexibility you get when planning your trip!
Best day tours in Cozumel
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
Are there cars in Holbox?
Holbox Island has no cars, postal service, banks, or high-rises.
How much does the Holbox ferry cost?
For one way, the Holbox to Chiquila ferry costs USD 15 per passenger.
How much does the Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel ferry cost?
For one way, the Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel ferry costs USD 26 per passenger. Ultramar operates these ferries.
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