Holbox is an amazing island in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Merida to Holbox.
Holbox island offers everything you need for a relaxing vacation — beautiful beaches, amazing sunsets, good food, and friendly people.
It is a car-free island and rich in marine life, such as whale sharks and sea turtles.
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Merida to Holbox.
How far is Merida from Holbox?
The distance from Merida to Chiquilá is 190 miles or 306 kilometers. The distance from Chiquilá mainland to Holbox island is 8.01 miles (12.9 km).
Transportation Options from Merida to Holbox
The following table outlines all transportation options from Merida to Holbox:
Method | Travel time | Price |
---|---|---|
Coach Bus + Ferry from Merida to Holbox | 7 hours | USD 54 |
Private Transfer + Ferry from Merida to Holbox | ~ 5 hours | – |
Taxi + Ferry from Merida to Holbox | ~ 5 hours | ~USD 220 |
Private Flight from Merida to Holbox | ~ 1 hour | – |
Rental Car + Ferry | ~ 5 hours | – |
Getting to Holbox from Merida
1. ADO Bus + Ferry from Merida to Holbox
Journey Duration: 7 hours
The most economical way to travel from Merida to Holbox is by ADO Bus and Ferry.
From the bus terminal in Merida, you will first travel to the bus station in Chiquila. Once you arrive in Chiquila, you will board the ferry to Isla Holbox.
All ADO buses have air conditioning, reclinable seats, bathrooms, and TVs on board.
Merida to Holbox Bus Schedule
- 06:45 AM to 01:00 PM
- 07:15 AM to 01:00 PM
- 11:50 AM to 09:00 PM

2. Private Transfer from Merida Chiquila Holbox
Journey Duration: Around 5 hours
Another option is to book a private transfer from your hotel in Merida to Chiquila. In Chiquila, you can take the ferry to Isla Holbox. Read our detailed guide for more information on traveling from Chiquila to Isla Holbox.
Tip: Book your ferry ticket online in advance!
Chiquila to Isla Holbox ferry schedule:
- 07:30 AM
- 08:30 AM
- 09:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
- 11:30 AM
- 12:30 PM
- 01:30 PM
- 02:30 PM
- 03:30 PM
- 04:30 PM
- 05:30 PM
- 06:30 PM
- 07:30 PM
- 08:30 PM
- 09:30 PM
3. Merida to Holbox Flight
Journey Duration: Around 1 hour
There are no commercial or scheduled flights to Holbox; however, you can take a private flight from Merida to Holbox island.

4. Driving with Rental Car + Ferry
Journey Duration: Around 5 hours
You can also travel from Merida to Chiquila by rental car. Once you arrive in Chiquila, you can leave your car at one of the many secure parking lots. Parking fees start at $6/day (120.25 Mexican pesos).
5. Uber or Taxi + Ferry
Journey Duration: Around 5 hours
If you spontaneously decide to travel to Isla Holbox, you can also take a taxi or Uber from Merida to Chiquila. The trip by car takes around four hours, and an Uber costs about 220 USD (4,400 Mexican pesos).

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.
