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How to get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox, Mexico

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. 

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:

MethodTravel timePrice
Shared Shuttle + Express Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox4 hoursUSD 44
ADO Coach Bus + Holbox Express Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox3 hours 50 minutesUSD 40
Public Bus + Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Holbox4+ hours
Driving with Rental Car + Water Transport3 hours
Private Transfer + Water Transport3 hours
Playa del Carmen to Holbox Flight1 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!

Playa Del Carmen To Holbox

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.

From Playa Del Carmen To Isla Holbox

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

Where Is Holbox Island Mexico 5

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

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!

Playa Del Carmen To Holbox

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!

How To Get From Playa Del Carmen To Holbox, Mexico
©Mardoz via canva.com

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.

Playa Del Carmen To Holbox

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.  

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