You can get from Holbox to Merida by ferry + ADO bus, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option to travel from Holbox to Merida is by ferry + ADO bus, which costs USD 54. The journey takes about 5.5 hours, and you’ll need to board the bus in Chiquila.
The most popular option is the ferry + ADO bus, offering both transportation modes with one ticket at a very affordable price.
The fastest way to travel to Merida from Holbox is by ferry + private transfer, rental car, or taxi, which takes about 4 hours.
I’ve hit the road in Mexico more times than I can count. Let me tell you, I’ve learned a thing or two about getting around.
This guide will give you the full rundown – straight, simple, and hassle-free. So, let’s dive into how to get from Holbox to Merida and get you ready for your Mexican adventure!
Transportation Options from Holbox to Merida
The following table outlines all transportation options from Holbox to Merida:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Holbox to Merida Ferry + ADO Bus | 5.5 hrs | $54 |
| Holbox to Merida Ferry + Private Transfer | ~4 hrs | – |
| Ferry + Taxi from Holbox to Merida | ~4 hrs | – |
| Rental Car | ~4 hrs | – |
How far is Merida from Holbox?
The air distance from Holbox to Merida is 153.5 miles or 247 kilometers. However, since you must take the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila first, the more important question is how far Merida is from Chiquila.
The road distance from Chiquila to Merida is 190 miles or 306 kilometers. Depending on your choice of transport, the trip should last between 4 to 6 hours!
Getting to Merida from Holbox
1. Ferry + ADO Bus from Holbox to Merida
Journey Duration: 5 hours 45 minutes
The ADO bus is the cheapest method of transport to travel to Merida from Holbox for budget travelers. ADO operates Mexico’s largest bus fleet, including coach and luxury buses!
We highly recommend this option since it includes the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila and the bus from Chiquila to Merida at an affordable price!
The journey takes 6 hours and 25 minutes total, including the transfer. It’s a long but organized and comfortable trip worth the price!
The buses have air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a bathroom, so those six hours will pass quickly!
One bus will take you from the ferry terminal to ADO Centro Histórico in Merida, and the other will drop you off at Mérida Terminal Paseo 6, so it’s up to you to choose which bus you take!
Holbox to Merida Ferry + ADO Bus Schedule:
The table below displays the Ultramar ferry + ADO bus timetable for trips from Holbox to Merida, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30pm | 06:15pm | 5h 45m | $54 |   |
| 12:30pm | 05:45pm | 5h 15m | $54 | |
2. Ferry + Private Transfer from Holbox to Merida
Journey Duration: Custom Time
By booking a private driver, you can travel from Holbox to Merida quickly, easily, and without stress!
Once you catch the ferry from Holbox, you will arrive at the Chiquila ferry dock in about 40 minutes.
Holbox Express Ferry Schedule from Holbox to Chiquila:
The table below displays the Holbox Express Ferry timetable for trips from Holbox to Chiquila, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
Then, you can just get picked up at this location by your private driver, which we recommend you book at least one day before your trip.
You can research online and find a great deal in one of the traveling agencies providing this service in Chiquila!
The driver will get you from Chiquila to Merida once you get off the ferry boat from Holbox at your exact location.
The drive from Chiquila to Merida will take around 4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. However, compared to the bus, this trip takes way less time!
So, if you’re into luxury travel or just traveling with a group, and this option seems convenient, go ahead and book your private transfer from Holbox to Merida today!
Prices for a private transfer from Chiquila to Merida:
- 1 to 3 passengers: USD 265
- 4 to 6 passengers: USD 299
- 7 to 10 passengers: USD 320
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3. Ferry + Rental Car from Holbox to Merida
Journey Duration: ~4 hours
If you do not want private transportation, renting a car in Chiquila is your next best option to get to Merida in no time!
Of course, to get off Holbox Island, you must take the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquila and rent a car there!
Since Holbox Island is a car-free island, renting a car there is impossible, and even if you could, it would be very inconvenient. Therefore, getting the vehicle in Chiquila is your only option.
You will find many car rental companies offering different deals, so choose the best option!
Suppose you want to rent an economy car with the minimum Personal Liability Insurance coverage in Mexico. In that case, the daily rate will range between USD 25 and USD 35; if you want full coverage, it will cost between USD 35 and USD 45 per day.
Either way, this option is well worth the price and one of the cheapest ways to travel from Holbox to Merida, considering the ferry ticket as well!
Plus, the drive takes only 4 hours, making this the fastest way to get from Holboxto Merida!
4. Ferry + Uber or Taxi from Holbox to Merida
Journey Duration: ~4 hours
And finally, although we don’t recommend taxiing from Holbox to Merida, you should know that this option is also available.
Once you arrive from Holbox to Chiquila, you can take a taxi to Merida, but only if you find a driver willing to take this route. Since they will have to travel 8 hours both ways, most disagree with this trip.
Even if they do, this trip will cost you around USD 250, and unless you are traveling with someone to split the cost, this option is not convenient and is very expensive.
Additionally, they might try to charge you extra due to traffic conditions, so you will likely get ripped off unless you agree on a price beforehand.
Best day tours in Merida, Mexico
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.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Merida, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an airport on Holbox Island?
Holbox has a small airport called Aerodromo de Holbox, which is only open to private and small aircraft.
Is it safe to drive from Holbox to Merida?
Yes, the Holbox Merida drive is safe for most travelers. However, to be extra secure, don’t drive after dark, don’t speed, and don’t use your cell phone while driving. It should be safe if you follow these rules, and there will be no reason for the police to stop you.
How much is a taxi from Holbox Island to Merida?
You can expect to pay approximately USD 250 for a taxi from Holbox to Merida, which is more than the cost of a private car. Moreover, finding a driver who will drive you will be difficult since they will take eight hours to make the trip.
What is the cheapest way to get from Holbox Island to Mérida?
The cheapest way to get from Holbox Island to Mérida is by ferry and bus, which costs USD 54 and takes around 6 hours.
What is the fastest way to get from Holbox Island to Mérida?
The fastest way to get from Holbox Island to Mérida is to take the ferry and then drive with a car. You can either rent your car or hire a private driver. This trip will last about 4-5 hours.
How long does it take to get from Holbox Island to Mérida?
To get from Holbox to Merida, first, you must take the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila. This takes about 30 minutes. Then, it is a 4-hour drive by car or approximately 6 hours by bus to Merida from Chiquila.
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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