About the ride from Chiquila to Cancun
Chiquila is a well-known gateway to get to Isla Holbox. But when you are ready to leave your sandy hammock to catch a flight or explore more of the Yucatán, Cancun is your next best bet.
You’re about to experience the contrast between Holbox’s chill vibes and Cancún’s party scene and beaches.
It’s a pretty quick ride between the two spots. Only 86 miles (140 km) by bus, car, or minivan. It takes between two and three hours to make the journey.
Five incredibly fun things to do in (and around) Cancun
Cancun is a paradise for travelers of all ages. It’s more than just epic all-inclusive resorts. It’s been on the tourist path for decades, so there is a lot to do for all budgets.
Go cenote hopping. Skip the hotel pool and the ocean for a day and dive into nature’s sinkholes instead. Cenotes are sinkholes in the middle of the jungle that the Mayans thought were sacred.
Head to Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Azul, or Cenote Ik-Kil for a swim in translucent waters surrounded by limestone caves and jungle. Perfect for cooling off and getting those Instagram-worthy shots.
Party at Coco Bongo. Cancun’s nightlife is legendary. And Coco Bongo is part of the reason. It isn’t just a club — it’s a wild mix of acrobatics, live music, and over-the-top performances. It’s full-on. But if you’re on a budget, there are plenty of hostel bars for cheaper drinks with a great backpacker crowd.
Explore Isla Mujeres. Take a 20-minute ferry to the island and rent a scooter or a golf cart to explore. Cruise around and stop at Playa Norte for some of the best beaches in the area, or visit Punta Sur for epic cliffside views. It’s so close, but feels worlds away from Cancun.
Visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá. While not exactly in Cancun, Chichén Itzá is one of the most well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in the world. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s a must-see day trip while you’re in this part of Mexico.
Wander Mercado 28 for street food and souvenirs. Want to eat like a local? Head to Mercado 28, Cancún’s famous flea market, where you’ll find authentic tacos, fresh ceviche, and cheap souvenirs. It’s way more budget-friendly than the Hotel Zone.
How to get from Chiquila to Cancun
You’ve got three choices to get between Chiquila and Cancun:
Bus
Car
Minivan
Here are the details to help you choose which mode is best for you.
Option one: Bus
Duration: 2-3 hours
Starting price: $19
In addition to being an affordable mode of transportation in Mexico, the ADO bus company is one of the biggest and best.
All the buses have air-conditioning and reclining seats. If you pay a few more dollars, you’ll get more amenities, like personal TVs, WiFi, and bathrooms onboard.
You’ll be allowed one trolley bag and one bag (maximum 46 lbs/21 kg) plus a handbag/small backpack.
You’ll get picked up at the Chiquila bust station and taken to the ADO Bus Station in Centro or the Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Option two: Private car
Duration: 2.5 hours
Starting price: $293 for the vehicle
If you want the utmost comfort and convenience, hiring a private car is the answer. It’s expensive, but you’ll get picked up at the Chiquila Port and driven directly to the Cancun airport. You won’t have to think about a thing.
The price is a flat fee, meaning you can split the cost among your group — up to three passengers. Additionally, you get to choose your departure time.
It’s a modern SUV with air conditioning and reclining seats. You’ll have plenty of room.
Your luggage allowance is one bag up to 44 lbs/20 kg and one handbag per passenger.
You can stop for bathroom breaks or Instagram pics along the way. It’s your ride.
Option three: Minivan
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Starting price: $15 per seat or $225 for the entire minivan
If you’re traveling in a group of up to 10 people, hiring a private minivan is a great option. Since it’s a flat fee, it’ll only cost about $25 per person if you fill it up. Quite a bargain for a private ride with you and your group.
You’ll get picked up at your hotel in Chiquila and dropped off at the airport in Cancun (CUN).
You get to choose a departure time that works best for your itinerary. No waiting at the airport for extra hours like you might with a shared minivan that has set pick-up times.
If you only need one seat, you can buy a ticket in a shared minivan. There are several companies offering this ride, and they each have their own pick-up and drop-off spots. Some are grocery stores, and some are bus stops. Take note of that when you are buying your ticket.
All the minivans are modern and have air conditioning.
When is the best time to visit Cancun?
It depends. For near-perfect weather, go between December and April. But you won’t be the only one who has that idea. It’s high season, and it will be crowded. Cancun isn’t a secret.
March and April are spring break months, so if you want to party, this is a fantastic time to celebrate.
July and August are the best months to swim with whale sharks in nearby Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox.
Avoid going in September and October. They are the rainiest months (read: hurricane season).
How many days should you spend in Cancun?
It really depends on why you are there. If you just want to chill on the beach and party the night away, then four to five days is plenty. If you plan to take day trips and use Cancun as a jumping-off point to see ruins and swim with turtles and whale sharks, a week would be better.
Where should you go after Cancun?
If you want to get a feel for other coastal towns in the Yucatan, head south to the popular towns of Playa del Carmen or Tulum. Keep going even further to Bacalar, a lagoon near the border of Belize that is known for its breathtaking blue hues and water adventures.
