How To Get to Holbox From Cancun, Tulum, and the Rest (2023)

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Need to know how to get from Tulum to Holbox? Maybe you’re coming from Cancun, Merida, or elsewhere in Mexico. We’ve got you covered no matter where you’re coming from!

Quick Rundown on Getting to Holbox

Holbox is a beautiful island off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s become quite popular over the last few years.

Getting to Holbox is harder than getting to some of the bigger cities, so I want to give you all the info so you can get there as quickly and safely as possible.

It’s important to note that no matter where you’re coming from, you’ll need to make your way to Chiquila, the port city where you’ll find the ferry to Holbox (unless you’re taking a private flight, which we’ll get into).

First, you’ll need to get to Cancun. Check Sky Scanner for the best deals on flights!

Getting From Cancun to Holbox

Since Cancun is the most popular city (and airport) in the area, we’ll start with Cancun. Luckily, Cancun is a transportation hub, so the options are plentiful.

I’ll give you all the options, along with my recommendation.

Take a Shared Shuttle

Shared shuttles are fairly affordable and are the preferred option for many. I’d recommend taking a shared shuttle over a taxi for solo travelers, as the price is per person.

When you book your shared shuttle, your price is locked and your reservation is confirmed. With taxis, you’re at the mercy of the drivers on site.

On stop-and-go bus routes, it can take three hours or more to get from Cancun to Chiquila. This non-stop shuttle gets you there in 2 hours.

Book a Private Transfer

If you want a little elbow room and don’t mind paying a few extra bucks for it, private transportation may be for you.

Booking a private transfer will start at about $100 USD and go up from there depending on how many passengers you have and the size of vehicle you want.

If you’re traveling with a small group, this may be the way to go, as the price is per vehicle, and you may be able to save some money by splitting the cost with other members of your group.

Rent a Car

If you prefer to make your own way to Chiquila, renting a car in Cancun and driving there yourself is an option you may want to consider.

Book with Discover Cars for the best experience with international car rentals.

The downside to renting a car would be leaving it in Chiquila when you take the ferry to Holbox.

Some people won’t mind that and it will be worth it just to be able to make your own way and stop wherever you please.

This option is also worth considering if you or someone in your group has a tendency to get carsick. Being carsick on a long bus ride can be about as miserable as can be, so if that’s you, renting a car might be the way to go.

Take the Local Bus

Many people are surprised to hear this, but the local bus system in Mexico is quite effective. The first and second-class buses are big, and the seats are comfortable. Some of the buses even have restrooms onboard.

Booking with Bus Bud will guarantee your spot while allowing you to book on a more user-friendly website than the local bus websites, some of which do not have an English option.

Taking the bus is a budget-friendly option for those who are looking for an authentic experience that feels more like traveling as the locals do. It’s my preferred method of traveling.

*Remember to book Chiquila as your destination!*

Take a Private Flight

If you have a small group and don’t mind paying a high price, private flights are available from Cancun to Holbox for groups of up to 5 people for the price of $1,000 USD per group.

Book this flight for a quick and hassle-free way to get to Holbox. The price tag is high but if you’ve got a small group and split the cost, it might be worth it for you to cut your travel time way down.

This private flight is a luxury option, but some people like to travel in luxury and not spend as much time and deal with the little inconveniences of traveling by bus or car.

Getting From Tulum To Holbox

Many travelers will want to get to Holbox from Tulum since they’re quite similar as far as destinations go. Many travelers have both destinations on their itinerary, with Cancun being nothing more than the incoming airport.

You could make your way from Tulum to Cancun, then utilize one of our suggestions above.

You could also use one of the following recommendations to get from Tulum to Holbox.

Take the Local Bus

This is going to be the preferred method of travel to Holbox from Tulum.

Direct buses are available, as well as ones that stop along the way. The non-stop buses reach Chiquila from Tulum in about 5 hours.

It’s a long ride, but this is the way to do it. The ticket will cost around $30 USD, significantly less than the cost of taxis or private transfers.

Rent a Car

If you want to make your own way to Chiquila, renting a car is always an option. Remember that you’ll have to leave the car in Chiquila while you visit Holbox.

That might be worth it for you to be able to have your own car before and after your visit. I don’t usually rent a car, but a few of my friends swear by it and always do.

See Holbox on a Tour From Tulum

If you want to keep your home base in Tulum, this is going to be a good option for you. You can leave the bulk of your things in your hotel or in a locker. Make sure to lock it up!

Going from Tulum to Holbox on a tour makes for a long day, but if you don’t want to take the bus, or shell out for private transport, and don’t mind not staying a few days on Holbox, this could be a good option for you.

The tour has a reasonable price tag of $65 USD per person and includes all transportation and lunch from a menu with a handful of choices at a local restaurant.

The price does not include an entrance fee of about $30 USD for the nature reserve, or any alcoholic beverages you choose to consume.

Getting From Merida to Holbox

We’ve covered getting to Holbox from a very similar destination in Tulum, as well as the major city on the Yucatan Peninsula in Cancun.

Now let’s cover getting to Holbox from the other major city on the peninsula, Merida. The capital city of Yucatan, Merida is the safest city in Mexico.

Take a Local Bus

The bus tickets from Merida to Holbox cost $30-$35 USD and as usual, are the most budget-friendly option.

There aren’t as many routes from Merida as Cancun or even Tulum, but there are a few that leave in the morning. This is my preferred and recommended method.

Book a Private Transfer

Private transfers are great for small groups or solo travelers that don’t mind spending a few extra bucks for private transport.

There’s always the possibility of meeting someone going to the same place as you and sharing a private transfer too.

Private transfers from Merida to Holbox start at around $210 for a group of 3 or fewer and go up from there.

Getting to Holbox From the Rest of Mexico and the U.S.

If you’re traveling to Holbox from anywhere else in Mexico, or maybe you want to go straight there from the States, you’ll want to get to Cancun first, then follow our recommendations from there.

I always use Sky Scanner to find the best deals on flights, to Cancun or anywhere!

Get your flight to Cancun or Merida, then you’re ready to make your way to Holbox using our experience and recommendations above.

How to Get to Holbox FAQs

You might still have some questions about the trip to Holbox. I’ll answer as many of them as I can so you know it all before you go.

How Much Does the Ferry to Holbox Cost?

The ticket for the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox costs around $12 per person each way. The ferry companies all offer round-trip tickets.

There are two ferry companies, 9 Hermanos, and Holbox Express. The tickets are all the same price but the two companies run routes on alternating schedules to give you the most options.

How Long Does the Ferry to Holbox Take?

The ferry is a short trip, taking only 15-20 minutes. It’s a short ride, but a necessary one. The ferry drops you off at the main port of Holbox.

From there you can explore the downtown area and surrounding beaches either on foot or you can hire a golf cart taxi to take you where you need to go.

Is Getting to Holbox Safe?

If you’re under the impression that traveling around Mexico isn’t safe, I’m here to tell you that if you follow our advice, you’ll be just fine.

There are always dangers, but that’s true of any method of travel to any destination.

Getting to Holbox by our recommended travel methods and staying on the island itself is totally safe.

It’s always a good idea to check travel advisories before your trip for updated safety information.

Where to Stay In Holbox?

Holbox has some great options for places to stay. Hotels are a bit pricey on Holbox, but that’s to be expected.

I liked the northwest side of the island the most. It’s close enough to the downtown area to be within walking distance of just about whatever you need, including the bioluminescence lagoon.

I stayed at Hotel Para Ti (pictured) and loved it, but scouted out a few other options too for different budgets.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get to Holbox?

We’ve definitely gone over a lot of options for travel to Hobox. You might still be wondering what the cheapest way is.

If I wasn’t clear enough in my recommendations above, let me lay out for you now the cheapest way to get to Holbox.

• Use Sky Scanner to find your flight to Cancun
• Book your bus to Chiquila with Bus Bud
• Get your ferry tickets from 9 Hermanos or Holbox Express
• Check Booking (dot yeah) for a hotel that matches your taste and your budget

Summing Up How to Get to Holbox

We went over a lot of information here. You did the right thing coming here to do some research first. Holbox can be a little difficult logistically. Moreso than just flying into a destination city.

Luckily, I’ve already been there and scouted everything out in order to pass on the best information possible to you guys!

Holbox is a beautiful place and now you’re prepared to get there as quickly, cheaply, and safely as possible.

Have fun out there!

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