Traveling between Cancun, Isla Holbox, and Merida requires some planning, but there are a few transportation options for each budget and travel style. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Holbox from Cancun, as well as your options for traveling from Holbox to Merida.
For all of my posts in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya, check here.
Pin it for Later: Cancun to Holbox, Holbox to Merida
How to Get from Cancun Airport to Holbox
There are three main options for getting from Cancun to Holbox:
Option 1: ADO Bus to Ferry: Cancun to Holbox
Once you land at Cancun Airport, the first step is to get to the downtown Cancun ADO bus station. You can either take an ADO bus that runs from the airport to the bus station, or grab a taxi. You can check ADO bus schedules and prices online or through their app.
From the downtown Cancun ADO station, you’ll take a bus to Chiquila, which is the port for the ferry to Isla Holbox. The bus ride takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, and the bus from Cancun to Chiquila is a first-class ride, so quite comfortable.
Once in Chiquila, you can take a ferry operated by either 9 Hermanos or Holbox Express. Transportation to Holbox via ferry costs around 300 MXN per person, and the ride takes 30 minutes. Both companies are good and comfortable. We used Holbox Express to arrive and 9 Hermanos to leave.
Once you arrive on Isla Holbox, you may need to take a taxi (4×4 vehicle) to your accommodation, especially if you have luggage. Holbox doesn’t have cars, but you can find a line of taxis available at the dock.
Option 2: Shared Shuttle to Ferry: Cancun to Holbox
Depending on your flight arrival time and your comfort level, you can consider booking a Cancun to Holbox shuttle. This option eliminates the need to transfer from the airport to downtown Cancun. Shared shuttles run directly from Cancun Airport to Chiquila (the port of entry for the Holbox ferry), with prices typically around 850 MXN per person. The shuttle ride to Chiquila takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, and from there, you follow the same steps to take the ferry to Holbox.
We personally used Holbox Adventure/Holbox Shuttle during our arrival trip, and the experience was smooth, with no delays. We choose this option because we missed the ADO bus just by a few minutes, and would have had to wait several hours for the next one. So this was the best option for us based on our arrival time.
Option 3: Private Shuttle to Ferry: Cancun to Holbox
For those looking for extra comfort and convenience, private shuttles are also available. A private shuttle from Cancun to Holbox will take you directly from the Cancun airport to the Chiquila ferry dock. This option is ideal for families or larger groups, though you’ll still need to board the ferry and take a taxi upon arrival on Holbox. Contact Holbox Adventure for private shuttle arrangements.
How to Get from Holbox to Merida
After enjoying the incredible beaches of Holbox, you might be heading to Merida, a vibrant city full of history and culture. This was our route during our last trip and I found it really challenging to find information before arrival. So I wanted to be sure to put this transportation information into a post to help others who want to do the same. There are a few options for traveling from Holbox to Merida. You can also do this travel in reverse from Merida to Holbox.
Option 1: ADO Bus: Holbox to Merida
First, you’ll need to take a ferry back to Chiquila. You can use either Holbox Express or 9 Hermanos. Once there, the ADO bus runs directly to Merida, but note that there is only one bus per day. The ADO bus from Holbox to Merida departs at 1:45 PM and arrives at 6:40 PM in the center of Merida.
If this schedule works for you, it’s the simplest way to get to Merida. ADO buses are clean and air-conditioned, making the trip comfortable. Check schedules and book tickets through the ADO website or app.
Option 2: Chiquila to Tizimin to Merida: Holbox to Merida
If you prefer to arrive in Merida earlier in the day, this option is ideal. We didn’t want to arrive so late, so I had to hunt and ask around for this information. But the trip was still easy enough once you know what you are doing.
After taking the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila, you can catch the Noreste bus to Tizimin. There are several daily departures (5:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM). The 5:30am bus is direct to Merida, only making a stop in Tizimin. However that was too early for us so we opted for the 7:30am bus. To make that, we left our Holbox Airbnb at 6am, Took the 6:30am ferry, arrived in Chiquila at 7am, and then waiting a half hour for the bus. The bus departs just to the right of the dock, as you are exiting the dock.
From Tizimin, take a “suburban” (local passenger van) to Merida, which will take about 2.5 to 3 hours. The suburban or “combi” station is just in front of the Noreste station in Tizimin on the corner of C. 46 and C. 47.
This combination of buses gets you to Merida faster if you’re an early riser, but it involves more transfers than the direct ADO bus.
Option 3: Private Transport: Holbox to Merida
For a quicker and the most comfortable option, private transport from Chiquila to Merida is available. You’ll still need to take the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila, but from there, a private shuttle can take you to your destination in Merida in about 4 hours. This service typically costs between 4,000 and 5,000 MXN.
Pin it for Later: Cancun to Holbox, Holbox to Merida
Whether you choose to travel by bus, shared shuttle, or private transport, getting from Cancun to Holbox and Holbox to Merida is not a problem with a little planning. Each option offers different advantages of convenience, comfort, and cost, allowing you’ll find the perfect way to explore these stunning destinations within your travel style. With beautiful beaches on Holbox and the rich culture of Merida, your journey through the Yucatan Peninsula will be unforgettable!
For all of my posts in the Yucatan and Riviera Maya, check here.
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