Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
30/07/2025
Gary Godfrey, Pexels
The primary arrival point for international travelers heading to Isla Holbox is Cancun International Airport (CUN), while the essential mainland gateway to the island is the port town of Chiquilá.
From Cancun International Airport (CUN) to Chiquilá:
Private Transfer:: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours, costing around $140-$250 USD per vehicle for a private service, or $60-$120 USD per person for a shared private transfer.
Shared Shuttle (Minivan):: Takes about 1 to 2.5 hours, with fares around $40-$50 USD.
Bus (ADO):: Involves two segments; first, a 45-minute ride from Cancun Airport to downtown Cancun (around $6.70 USD), followed by a 2 hour 35 minute journey from Cancun to Chiquilá (around $22 USD). The total travel time is about 3 hours 20 minutes, not including wait times, and costs approximately $28.70 USD.
Car Rental:: Driving from Cancun Airport to Chiquilá takes about 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours, with costs ranging from $286-$413 USD for the drive. Parking in Chiquilá is available at guarded lots for 100 MXN (approximately $5 USD) per day, as vehicles are not permitted on Isla Holbox.
From Merida to Chiquilá:
Bus (ADO/Wayak):: Direct buses typically take between 3 hours 55 minutes and 6 hours 15 minutes, with ticket prices generally ranging from $31-$70 USD.
Shuttle:: A shuttle service takes approximately 3 hours 50 minutes.
Car:: Driving from Merida to Chiquilá takes about 3 hours 30 minutes.
From Chiquilá to Isla Holbox (Ferry):
Ferry:: Two companies, Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos, offer crossings every 30 minutes. The journey typically lasts 20-25 minutes. A one-way adult ticket costs 330 MXN (approximately $18 USD), while children up to 8 years old pay 160 MXN. Ferries operate from Chiquilá between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM, and from Holbox between 5:00 AM and 8:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the pier.
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