Isla Holbox lies at the northwestern edge of the Caribbean Sea and contrasts remarkably with other coastal destinations in Mexico. To witness all its beauty, check out our guide on the best ways to get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox, Mexico!
Located in a protected nature reserve, this car-free island is a haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone wanting to relax.
Its pristine white sand beaches are backed by lush palm trees and home to many bird species, like pelicans and flamingos.
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This Island is a top diving spot for whale sharks and manta rays and a place to see sea turtles and manatees.
Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Reserve. Conservation International has recognized it as hosting populations representative of the Maya Floristic Region’s coastal vegetation that has survived in a few other places in Mexico.
Our recommendation?
A full-Day Tour with Lunch! You can explore the beautiful and diverse landscape of this quiet, turquoise Caribbean Island. Visit the Yalahau Cenote (lagoon), where you will wade through crystal clear water as you immerse yourself in this sun-soaked paradise. The tour finishes with a delicious and relaxing lunch.
So what are you waiting for?
Here are the best options to get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox, Mexico.
How far is Playa Del Carmen from Holbox, Mexico?
The distance between Playa del Carmen and Isla Holbox is 123 kilometers or 84 miles if you travel by land to the port of Chiquila and then catch a boat to the island. The air distance is 103 kilometers or 65 miles.
The journey duration is between 1 and 8 hours, depending on your type of transport.
Transportation Options from Playa del Carmen to Holbox
The following table outlines all Mexico transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Holbox:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle + Express Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox | 4 hours | USD 44 |
| ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox | 3 hours 50 minutes | USD 40 |
| Public Bus + Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox | 4+ hours | |
| Driving with Rental Car + Water Transport | 3 hours | |
| Private Transfer + Water Transport | 3 hours | |
| Playa del Carmen to Holbox Flight | 1 hour |
Getting to Holbox from Playa Del Carmen
1. Holbox Shared Shuttle + Express Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox
Journey Duration: 4 hours
Holbox shared shuttles provide comfortable transport with their new, clean, air-conditioned vans. With their available daily shuttles, you will arrive safely at your destination.
The ticket for the ferry and the transfer to your hotel is included in the price they offer.
There are two fares, departing at different times of the day, so choose what’s best for you!
Holbox Shared Shuttle Schedule:
- 08:30 AM to 12:10 PM: Shared shuttle + express ferry, pick up in front of Office Depot, under the bridge of the Highway in Playa del Carmen, and drop off at your hotel.
Total price: USD 44
- 03:30 PM to 07:10 PM: Shared shuttle + express ferry, pick up in front of Office Depot, under the bridge of the Highway in Playa del Carmen, and drop off at your hotel.
Total price: USD 44
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Holbox. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox
Journey Duration: 3 hours 50 minutes
When it comes to traveling economically, coach buses are always the best option. This travel solution is provided by ADO, which also operates with daily public transportation. A ferry ticket is included in their price offer.
However, only one coach bus is available daily from Playa del Carmen to Holbox.
ADO Bus Schedule:
- 10:20 AM to 03:50 PM: Coach Bus to Holbox from Playa del Carmen, pick up at Calle Quinta Avenida Centro C.P. 77711, and drop off at the port of Holbox.
Total price: USD 40
3. Public Bus + Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox
Journey Duration: 4-5 hours
Public buses are the cheapest and most crowded transportation for this journey.
There are two public buses. One runs daily and the other twice a week. Departures are in the morning from Playa del Carmen.
Buses depart from Playa del Carmen Turistica Bus terminal on the fifth avenue. They drop you off at the parking lot at Chiquila port, where you board a ferry or a water taxi to Isla Holbox.
Water transportation runs from 00:06 AM to 09:30 PM daily every half hour.
Public Bus Schedule:
- 9:45 AM – Riviera bus – Playa del Carmen to Chiquila port – Daily
- 9:10 AM – Mayab Bus – Playa del Carmen to Chiquila port – Every Thursday and Sunday
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Playa del Carmen to Holbox. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
4. Driving with Rental Car + Water Transport
Journey Duration: 3 hours
Traveling by rental car is also an excellent choice since Playa del Carmen is only 123 kilometers or 84 miles from Chiquila port, where you must board your water transportation.
By renting a car, you can stop for lunch and visit places on the way, all without worrying about luggage limitations.
But you must leave your car at the port of Chiquila since Holbox island is a car-free island. Water transport is available daily from 06:00 AM to 09:30 PM every half an hour.
There are great options in Playa del Carmen for picking a rental. And the best part? They are all at a great price! Check them out now!
5. Uber or Taxi + Water Transport
Journey Duration: 3 hours
You can also hire a taxi to get to the port of Chiquila. It’s essential to negotiate a fixed price before your departure. Sometimes the taxi drivers know how to rip off their customers, especially if they are tourists. Get to the port of Chiquila and book your ticket for your water transport!
6. Playa del Carmen to Holbox Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour
The Air taxi or Helicopter is an excellent and memorable way to get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox Island without using public transportation (buses, taxis, etc.). The flight takes only 58 minutes and costs 1300 USD per person.
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
Does Holbox Island have an airport?
There is an airport in Holbox, but it is tiny. Only private planes and helicopters can land. And as a courtesy, they don’t charge for landing your engine at this airport.
Does Mexico have Uber?
Uber is a transportation option in Mexico, but unfortunately, not in this region.
The fact is that Uber, although often cheaper and certainly more convenient, is not available in Playa del Carmen.
