You can get from Holbox to Playa Del Carmen by ferry + ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option is by ferry + shared shuttle, which costs USD 44. The journey takes 2.5 hours, and you’ll need to board the shuttle in Chiquila to get to Playa del Carmen.
The most popular option is the ferry + ADO bus, which combines both transportation modes in one ticket for only USD 45.
The fastest way is by ferry + private transfer, rental car, or taxi. This trip lasts less than 2.5 hours.
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Transportation Options
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Shuttle | 2.5 hrs | $44 |
| Ferry + ADO Bus | 4.5 hrs | $45 to 49 |
| Ferry + Private Transfer | ~2.5 hrs | – |
| Ferry + Taxi | ~2.5 hrs | – |
| Ferry + Rental Car | ~2.5 hrs | – |
How far is Playa Del Carmen from Holbox?
The air distance fromHolbox to Playa Del Carmen is 64 miles or 103 kilometers. However, first, you must take a ferry to travel 13 kilometers from Holbox to Chiquila and then transfer to continue to Playa Del Carmen.
The distance from Chiquila to Playa Del Carmen is 76.2 miles or 122.7 kilometers.
Getting to Playa Del Carmen from Holbox
1. Ferry + Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Our top pick is the shared shuttle + ferry combination!
This is the best and most convenient choice for a fast, affordable, and comfortable trip!
And the best part?
You do not have to book the ferry and shuttle ride separately since they are both included in the price of one ticket, which you can get online now!
To get from Holbox to Playa Del Carmen, you must take the ferry to Chiquila first. This is only a 30-minute journey.
Then, from the Chiquila port, you get transferred to the shared van shuttle, which will get you to Playa Del Carmen in no time!
There are two shuttles to choose from. One takes 2 hours and 30 minutes and drops you off at 50 Avenida Norte, in the Playa Del Carmen center.
The other one takes 4 hours and will leave you in front of Office Depot, under the bridge of the Highway in Playa.
The shuttles are air-conditioned, have comfortable seats, and carry fewer passengers than the bus, so you should have no problem taking this trip!
Holbox Express Ferry + Holbox Shared Shuttle Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Express ferry and Holbox Shared Shuttle timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:30am | 02:00pm | 3h 30m | $44 |  |
| 05:30pm | 08:00pm | 2h 30m | $44 | |
2. Ferry + ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
The second option is an alternative to the shared van shuttle, which runs more frequently. Of course, we are talking about the ADO coach buses!
Once again, you must get on the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila and continue to Playa Del Carmen with the ADO coach bus.
These buses are also comfortable and convenient, but the journey takes longer.
Depending on which bus you take, reaching Playa Del Carmen might take up to 8 hours.
However, this is a convenient option and a trip well worth the cost!
Check out the schedules, and book one ticket for the ferry and bus to Playa Del Carmen!
Holbox Express Ferry+ ADO Bus Schedule:
The table below displays the Holbox Express ferry and ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:30am | 04:00pm | 4h 30m | $49 | |
| 02:30pm | 06:10pm | 3h 40m | $45 | |
| 04:30pm | 08:00pm | 3h 30m | $49 | |
3. Ferry + Private Transfer
Journey Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Want to get to Playa Del Carmen fast? Then, we recommend you book a private transfer that will take you directly to your destination!
This is especially recommended if you’re traveling in a group since the trip price is affordable once split between all people.
You can get a private vehicle with your driver if you research online, or reach out to some of the traveling agencies in Chiquila, at least one day in advance.
The only other thing you have to think about is getting the ferry ticket separately, which will cost you an additional 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.
After you get on the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila and arrive on land, you must transfer to your private car and get to Playa Del Carmen in about 2 hours!
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1 to 3 passengers: USD 216
- 4 to 6 passengers: USD 251
- 7 to 10 passengers: USD 283
4. Ferry + Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes
The combination of a ferry and car rental can also be an excellent option for independent travelers or explorers!
Once you make the 30-minute trip with the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquila, you can find several car rental companies in the small town offering vehicles at really affordable prices.
This is an excellent way to organize your trip and not rush to meet schedules.
The ferries frequently run, so you don’t have to worry about missing your ride. After that, it’s pretty simple- you pick up a car and drive to Playa Del Carmen for 2 hours!
You can even stop along the way, take breaks, and make detours to nearby sites!
5. Ferry + Taxi
Journey Duration: ~2 hours 30 minutes
Another way is to take a taxi once you arrive in Chiquila.
You will find many taxi drivers at the port after you take the ferry from Holbox and arrive in Chiquila. This is where you should be cautious and watch out not to get scammed.
Taking a taxi from Chiquila to Playa Del Carmen is an available option but not recommended.
Due to unpredictable traffic conditions, the price can vary. So, if you decide to go to Playa by taxi, you should agree on a price with your driver before departing.
Best day tours in Playa del Carmen
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 direct connection?
There is no direct connection; however, you can take the ferry boat to Chiquila and then take a bus or a shuttle to Playa Del Carmen. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Chiquila to drive to Playa Del Carmen and arrive in around 2 hours 30 minutes.
How do I travel from without a car?
The best way to travel without a car is by ferry and shared shuttle, which takes 2 hours 30 minutes and costs USD 44.
How long is the bus ride?
The bus ride from Chiquila port to Playa Del Carmen is 6-8 hours long.
How much is a taxi?
A taxi from Chiquila to Playa Del Carmen can cost you around USD 60-USD 70.
How long is the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila?
Depending on the wind, the trip between Holbox and Chiquila takes approximately 30 minutes.
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