Distance
104 km (65.0 miles)
Price range
US$32-US$1,452
Ride Duration Range
40m-3h
Earliest Departure
05:30
Latest Departure
22:30
Most Popular Operator

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Holbox to Playa del Carmen



























































































Taking a flight from Holbox to Playa del Carmen

Fastest flight: 40m

Cheapest flight: US$1,452

The fastest: 40m

The cheapest: US$1,452

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Food

English Speaking Staff

The fastest: 3h

The cheapest: US$32

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

routes_hero-image-alt Playa del Carmen

About the ride from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen


Traveling from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen is a breeze, thanks in large part to the combination van + ferry tickets you can buy. Playa del Carmen is south of Isla Holbox on the mainland, and both are very popular with tourists traveling around the Yucatán peninsula and México. 


You can travel from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen in approximately three hours. It's too far for a day trip, but you'll definitely want to spend a few nights exploring everything Playa del Carmen has to offer.


Six things to do in Playa del Carmen


Playa del Carmen is packed with amazing things to experience, so you'll really have your pick of what to do when you arrive. 


  1. Go to the beach. Of course, the number one thing to do in Playa del Carmen is spend time at the beach. 38th Street Beach is the perfect place to set yourself up for a day. It is a stunning area with powdery-soft sand, clear cerulean waters, and plenty of space to spread out.


Another beach to visit is Calle 10 Beach. It is known for its laid-back atmosphere and chilled-out vibes.


Other beaches nearby include Playacar Beach, Coco Beach, Calle 88 Public Beach, and Playa Maroma.


  1. Explore the local cenotes. Cenotes are local sinkholes filled with stunning crystal-clear fresh water and perfect for a refreshing swim. The Mayans thought them sacred and used them for various ceremonies and sacrifices.


Some of the best cenotes near Playa del Carmen are Cenote Azul, Gran Cenote, Cenote Zacil-Ha, Cenote Carwash (Ak Tun Ha), and Cenote Dos Ojos. 


  1. Stroll along 5th Avenue. Running through the heart of downtown is 5th Avenue. It is a must-see while staying here and has everything you can think of! It's an 8 km (5 miles) long, pedestrian-only street packed with shops, restaurants, and bars. 


You'll notice that prices in the shops and restaurants are a little higher here than a few streets off the beach, but you can come for a walk and people-watch and then go shop and eat in less touristy areas. 


  1. Take a trip out to Chichen Itza. You should definitely plan to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza while you are in Playa del Carmen. They are one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the perfect place to learn about ancient Mayan culture.


These ruins are some of the most impressive and jaw-droppingly beautiful in the world. 


  1. Enjoy some water sports. You can enjoy many activities on the water in Playa del Carmen. You can rent paddleboards, go snorkeling or scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. This is an adventure junkie's paradise!


  1. Learn about Frida Kahlo. Frida Kahlo is a Mexican icon, and her museum surely won't disappoint. While the museum doesn't contain any of her original art, it tells the story of her life and work, allowing you to learn about her fascinating history. 


How to get from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen


The only way to get from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen is to take a combo van + ferry. Tickets are around $40. 


Your combo ticket makes it a seamless journey, even though you'll have to change vehicles. 


First, you'll take the ferry from Isla Holbox to the port of Chiquilá on the mainland. From there, a passenger van will drive you the remaining hour and 45 minutes to the bus stop in Playa del Carmen. 


There are several departure times each day, starting as early as 6:00 a.m. This makes it very easy when planning your trip.  


About the ride to Playa del Carmen from Isla Holbox


The trip from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen takes about three hours. 


To get the best views of where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico, stand up top on the ferry to get the most out of your journey. It's only a thirty-minute ride, and you'll be treated to a fantastic breeze. 


Once you disembark the ferry, you'll transfer over to a tourist van to take you the remaining 120 km (75 miles) south to Playa del Carmen. Tourist vans are standard shuttles. 


Your best bet is to sit by the window to take in the scenery along the way. You can also use the window as a great headrest to catch some z's and feel refreshed once you arrive in Playa del Carmen. 


Best time to visit Playa del Carmen


The best time to visit Playa del Carmen is between February and May. This is when you'll get the best weather — sunny skies and warm days, perfect for spending time at the beach. 

However, this is peak tourist season, so book your accommodations early. 


May through July is also a good time to visit if you want to avoid the height of the crowds but still get plenty of beach-worthy days. Prices are a little lower during the shoulder season, too, which is always great if you're traveling on a budget.


Avoid visiting Playa del Carmen between August and November. This is considered the rainy season, and the area is known to experience hurricanes. You can expect quite a bit of rain during this time and maybe even a tropical storm or two.


Where to go after Playa del Carmen


After spending time in Playa del Carmen, you'll no doubt want to explore more of Mexico. 

One great option is to head to Cozumel. This island is perfect for world-class scuba diving, outstanding snorkeling, and pristine beaches. The best part about a trip to Cozumel is that it is only a 35-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen. You could even visit on a day trip if you're short on time.

Companies Operating from Holbox to Playa del Carmen

Average time

3h

Average price

US$32

(205)

Average time

3h

Average price

US$36

(101)

Average time

40m

Average price

US$1,452

Popular stations and stops in Holbox and Playa del Carmen

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