Holbox to Cancun Trip Overview
Distance 76 km (47.5 miles) | |
Price range US$ 39-US$ 849 | |
Ride Duration Range 30m-3h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 11:00 | |
Latest Departure 22:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a flight from Holbox to Cancun
Fastest flight: 30m
Cheapest flight: US$ 849

About the ride from Holbox Island to Cancun
In Holbox, you've swam with whale sharks, floated in hammocks over the water, and experienced the magical bioluminescent plankton. That's a lot of wildlife and nature.
Now you're itching for a little something more lively. And Cancun is calling your name. This touristy paradise is famous for its exciting nightlife, beautiful cenotes, pristine white sand beaches, and fascinating ruins to explore.
There are two ways to get between the two divergent paradises:
Flight
Van + Ferry combo ticket
A flight is super fast and a bit expensive. A van + ferry ticket is way more affordable, but it takes three to four hours to get there. You'll have to choose between time and money. All the details to help you decide are below.
The five most incredible things to do in Cancun
Cancun might be known for its all-inclusive resorts and white-sand beaches, but there's way more to this hotspot than lounging by the pool. If you're looking to mix it up, here are five things to put on your hit list.
Take a dip in jungle cenotes. Trade the infinity pool for something way cooler. Cancun's cenotes are natural sinkholes hidden in the jungle, filled with crystal-clear, fresh water that's perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
These spots were sacred to the ancient Maya, and now they're one of the best ways to cool off and add some adventure to your trip. Cenote Azul, Dos Ojos, and Ik-Kil are crowd favorites, but there are tons scattered around if you want to explore.
Party at Cancun's beach clubs. If day drinking and DJ beats are your thing, you'll want to hit up one of Cancun's beach clubs.
Think: Mandala Beach Club or Coralina Daylight Club, where you can grab a cabana, sip cocktails, and dance with your feet in the sand.
Experience Cancun's nightlife at Coco Bongo. This isn't your average nightclub — it's more like a wild Vegas-meets-Cirque du Soleil show. Imagine live performances, aerial acts, confetti cannons, and music pumping all night. Total sensory overload, but in the best way possible.
If you're not up for the big show, there are plenty of hostel bars around the city serving up cheap drinks and fun vibes for a more laid-back night.
Spend a day at one of the eight Xcaret Parks. These parks crank things up a notch and get you off the beach.
Each one is unique. Some have ziplining, underground rivers, and jungle buggy rides. Others have more of an eco-park feel, with snorkeling, wildlife, and cultural shows mixed in. A couple are nighttime only. And still, a few more are family-friendly. No matter your style, there is an Xcaret park for you.
Take a day trip to Chichén Itzá. Yeah, it's a bit of a drive. But it's worth it. Chichén Itzá isn't just some old pile of rocks; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The towering El Castillo pyramid alone is jaw-dropping, and wandering around the ancient ruins is like stepping straight into Mayan history. If you want to balance out all the beach time with a little culture, this is your move.
Pro tip: Don't be an idiot and climb the ruins unless you want to know what the inside of a Mexican jail looks like.
How to get from Isla Holbox to Cancun
There is a fast way and a slow way to get between these two havens. An affordable way and a pretty pricey way. You do you!
Option one: Van + Ferry
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Starting price: $36
Buying a van + ferry combo ticket means you have a few steps to get you from Point A to Point B.
First, you'll take a 30-minute ferry from Holbox Island to Chiquila on the mainland. The ferry is a small-ish ship with two layers of seating: one inside and one on the roof. Both areas benefit from a refreshing breeze, but the views from the roof are pretty unbelievable.
From there, you'll hop in a modern, air-conditioned minivan that will drive you 87 miles (140 kilometers) overland to your destination in Cancun.
Depending on the operator you pick, that Cancun drop-off spot could be a grocery store, a shuttle bus depot, or even the Cancun airport (CUN) — but that will cost you about $20 more.
You'll be allotted 55 lbs/25 kg of luggage plus a 15 lb/7 kg handbag.
Option two: Private flight
Duration: 30 minutes
Starting price: $850 for a five-passenger plane, $1387 for a seven-passenger plane
Taking a private flight is definitely a boss move. And if you have a group of travel buddies, you can all get on board and share the moment. The smallest private plane seats five people, so you'll split the price. That means you'll have a private plane for $170 per person. Not bad to feel like James Bond for a bit.
The 30-minute flight will depart from Holbox Airport, which is only open to private flights, and it will arrive at the Cancun Airport (CUN). A luggage allowance of one 28 lb/13 kg bag and one 11 lb/5 kg piece of cabin luggage is allowed per passenger.
You will be charged a $10 airport tax during checkout. And even though it's a private flight, you'll need to arrive at the airport at least 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time to present your passport and voucher (sent via email) to receive your boarding pass. You must be at your boarding gate 30 minutes before departure.
When is the best time to visit Cancun?
If perfect beach weather is your top priority, plan your trip between December and April. Expect sunny skies, warm temps, and zero worries about rain. Just know — you won't be the only one with that idea. This is high season, so things get busy fast. Book your stays and transport early!
Craving wild parties? March and April are Spring Break central. The crowds get rowdy, and the energy is nonstop. It's not exactly chill, but it's definitely unforgettable.
For an indelible nature experience, plan your trip around August to catch the incredible sea turtle hatching season. Watch as baby turtles scoot from the sand to the sea — it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
On the flip side, September and October tend to be rainy and fall right in hurricane season. Fewer tourists, but pack that rain jacket and stay flexible with your plans.
How many days should you spend in Cancun?
Cancun is the kind of place where you could easily spend a week and never be bored. There is a lot to do in town, not to mention all the day trips. We suggest staying for at least three nights to truly enjoy your time, especially if you want to experience more than just the beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Where should you travel after Cancun?
If you're looking for another quick island escape, Isla Mujeres is just that. In 30 minutes, you can ferry over and spend the day or a few relaxing in a different kind of paradise.
If you're ready to head south, the hipster paradise of Tulum is waiting for you.
Companies Operating from Holbox to Cancun
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Holbox to Cancun
Based on 423 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Holbox to Cancun
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Popular stations and stops in Holbox and Cancun
Departure stations in Holbox
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Holbox to Cancun
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FLIGHT: Flights Cancun
VAN+FERRY: Peninsula Travel | Chiquila Holbox Extreme
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