Holbox is an island, so the trip has two parts: a drive of about 155 km (96 miles), 2.5 to 3 hours, to the Chiquilá ferry pier, then a 20–25 minute ferry to the island. Allow 3 to 3.5 hours door to door.
| Distance to Chiquilá | About 155 km / 96 miles |
| Drive time | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| Ferry | 20–25 minutes, about every 30 minutes |
| Last ferry | Around 9–9:30 pm from Chiquilá |
| Private transfer to the pier | From 286 USD per vehicle, one way |
| Ferry ticket | Paid at the pier, about 220–330 MXN per person (2026) |
| Cars on Holbox | Not allowed – golf-cart taxis on the island |
Book your transfer to the ferry
Book the transfer to the Chiquilá ferry pier; the boat to Holbox is paid separately at the pier.
Prices
| Service | Vehicle / capacity | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | Van, up to 8 passengers | 286 USD | 515 USD |
| Luxury | SUV (Suburban or similar), up to 6 | 572 USD | 1030 USD |
| Premium | Cadillac or similar, up to 5 | 1144 USD | 2059 USD |
| Group | Large van, up to 16 | 572 USD | 1030 USD |
Prices in US dollars per vehicle (not per person), taxes and airport fees included. Rates from Cancun Airport Transportations, checked October 2026; the booking form shows the final price for your hotel.
Transfer services
- Private – a van just for your group (up to 8), the most popular choice. BOOK NOW
- Luxury – an SUV such as a Suburban for up to 6. BOOK NOW
- Group – a large van for up to 16 passengers with luggage. BOOK NOW
The ferry from Chiquilá
Two companies, 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express, run passenger ferries from Chiquilá about every 30 minutes from 6 am to around 9:30 pm; the crossing takes 20–25 minutes and tickets are sold at the pier (about 220–330 MXN one way in 2026). There are no reservations: buy your ticket at the company’s booth on the pier. On Holbox, golf-cart taxis wait at the pier to take you and your luggage to the hotel.
The last boats leave Chiquilá around 9 to 9:30 pm. If your flight lands after about 3 pm, or is delayed, you may arrive too late – a private transfer goes straight to the pier without stops, and small hotels in Chiquilá are an option for the night.
Meeting your driver at Cancun Airport
- Clear immigration and customs (e-gates in Terminals 3 and 4 issue a digital tourist card for eligible e-passports).
- Walk straight through the exit hall. Staff inside offering “free” transport or tours are mostly timeshare sellers – you do not need to stop.
- Outside the terminal, look for your driver or representative holding a sign with your name. Your confirmation email has the exact meeting point.
Flights land at Terminal 2, Terminal 3 or Terminal 4 depending on the airline – see the airline directory or check the live arrivals board. Drivers track your flight, so a delay is not a problem.
Other ways to get there
- Shared shuttle – vans from the airport to Chiquilá; the ferry ticket is not included and the vans may stop along the way.
- ADO bus – buses run from the Cancun downtown terminal to Chiquilá a few times a day, so from the airport you first ride to downtown. See the ADO bus guide.
- Rental car – drive to Chiquilá and leave the car in one of the fenced lots near the pier (about 150–250 MXN per day). See car rental at Cancun Airport.
- Charter flight – small planes fly from Cancun’s private aviation terminal to the Holbox airstrip in about 30 minutes, in daylight only, for up to about five passengers.
About Holbox
Holbox is a car-free island in the Yum Balam reserve, known for its beaches, flamingos and whale sharks. Hotels are in the village, along Playa Norte and towards Punta Cocos. More in the Holbox guide and the list of Holbox hotels.
FAQ
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Other transfers from Cancun Airport
- Cancun Airport to Cancun Hotel Zone
- Cancun Airport to Playa Mujeres
- Cancun Airport to Isla Mujeres
- Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
- Cancun Airport to Cozumel
- Cancun Airport to Tulum
- Cancun Airport to Valladolid