Cheapest Way to Get to Isla Holbox

Dreaming of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back island vibes? Look no further than Isla Holbox, a hidden gem nestled off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Isla Holbox is a beautiful and peaceful destination for budget travelers looking for a paradise getaway with untouched nature.

If you're wondering how to get there from Cancun on a budget, you're in luck! This guide will show you the most affordable way to travel from Cancun to Isla Holbox. You can enjoy your tropical vacation without overspending.

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Where is Isla Holbox?

Isa Holbox is a small island in Mexico's Quintana Roo state, found in the Yum Balam Nature Reserve. The exact distance is 60.9 km. Plainly put, the island is about two and a half hours away from Cancun, Mexico.

People know Holbox as a quiet bohemian destination that is less popular than Tulum. I had a great time traveling alone to Isla Holbox and have a detailed travel guide for it.

The most popular options for getting to Holbox are:

• Book a private driver

• Fly from Cancun Airport to Holbox

• Rent a car

• Book a private shuttle

• Take a bus from Cancun to Holbox

What is the cheapest way to get to Isla Holbox?

Taking a bus will be the most affordable way to travel to Holbox. You will first take the Ado bus from Cancun's Central Station to Chiquila.

Ado Bus From Cancun to Chiquila

Bus travel is the cheapest option from the Cancun airport to Chiquila. And it’s the most scenic! Although the Cancun airport doesn't have a bus to Chiquila, you can take a bus to the Central Station or a taxi/uber from the airport instead. Rideshare in Mexico is also very affordable so expect to not break the bank.

To do this, you can catch a taxi or an Uber to the Central Bus Station and then purchase a ticket to Chiquila. The ticket will cost you about $400 MXN which is $20 USD. Since Isla Holbox is an island you'll have to take a ferry after arriving in Holbox.

The ADO Bus from Cancun to Chiquila has many different departure times throughout the day. The bus runs at 8:15 am, 9 am, 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 3:30 pm. The bus is air-conditioned and most have free WiFi.

To get the best use of your days in Holbox, take the earliest departure. It can even be cheaper to book online and less chaotic if you do not speak Spanish. Reserving ADO buses in advance is simple and strongly advised because they tend to sell out. The trip from Cancun airport to Chiquila takes about 2.5 hours, including waiting and traffic.  

Taking a Ferry From Chiquila to Holbox

Once in Chiquila, you will then catch a ferry ride to the island. A round trip ticket will cost about $25 USD. The ride is only about 20 to 30 minutes long and has beautiful scenery along the way.

Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance and arrive early to secure your ticket, especially during peak travel times.

Luckily, the ferry departs every hour starting at 6:30 am and ending at 9:30 pm.

If you want to save even more money, you might want to check into other ways to go from Cancun to Isla Holbox. Travelers on a tight budget frequently choose for shared vans or colectivos, which provide a more flexible and cost-effective mode of transportation between locations.

Remember that although shared vans could take longer than the ADO bus, they frequently offer door-to-door transportation and the chance to socialize with other passengers as you go.

Pack Light and Plan Ahead

To maximize savings on transportation costs, pack light and plan ahead for your trip to Isla Holbox. Choose a smaller bag to avoid extra fees on buses or ferries. Book tickets early for the best prices and avoid paying more at the last minute. Additionally, consider traveling during the off-peak season or on weekdays to take advantage of lower fares and fewer crowds.

Overall

Exploring the breathtaking beauty of Isla Holbox doesn't have to break the bank. To save money on your trip to Cancun, you can take the ADO bus and ferry.

You can also explore other transportation options and plan ahead. This will help you have a great island vacation without spending too much. This will help you have a great island vacation without spending too much.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the magic of Isla Holbox on a shoestring budget.

If you need a video example of how to get to holbox, click here to watch my TikTok.