About 2 hours northwest to Chiquilá port, then a short ferry to the island. Here's how to time it right.
Check transfer prices & book →Holbox is a car-free island off the north coast of the Yucatán, so the trip comes in two parts: a private transfer from Cancún airport (CUN) to the port town of Chiquilá, about 145 km northwest, roughly 2 to 2 hours 20 minutes, and then the passenger ferry across, a crossing of about 25 minutes.
The drive heads inland through Kantunilkín rather than along the coast, so it's a quieter route than the Riviera Maya highway. A pre-booked transfer means you reach the port without negotiating taxis, and arrive in time for the ferry rather than guessing at connections.
Transfer to Chiquilá: ~145 km, ~2h–2h20 | Ferry crossing: ~25 min | Transfer from: $120 total (estimate) | Airport: Cancún International (CUN)
The last crossing to Holbox is usually in the evening, commonly around 9:30 pm, but it varies by operator and season. With a 2-hour drive on top, a late-evening flight can mean missing the last boat. If you're landing after about 7 pm, check the current ferry timetable before you travel; a very late arrival may mean an overnight in Chiquilá or Cancún and the first ferry next morning. This is the one thing genuinely worth planning around on this route.
Holbox has sand streets and no private cars; everyone gets around by golf cart, bike or on foot. So you don't bring a vehicle onto the island, you leave your transfer at Chiquilá and cross as a foot passenger. On the other side, your hotel can usually arrange a golf-cart pickup, or there are golf-cart taxis at the pier.
That's why the transfer goes to Chiquilá and no further: the port is exactly where the road journey ends and the island begins.
Your transfer covers the drive to Chiquilá port, not the boat. Ferry tickets are bought at the port, around 220–280 pesos each way per adult, from one of the two operators that run the crossing. There's no need to pre-book the ferry in most seasons; you buy a ticket and walk on.
1–3 passengers, standard luggage. Fine for the 2-hour run to Chiquilá.
1–4 passengers. More comfort and luggage room for the inland drive north.
5–8 passengers. Keeps a group together for the port run, easier than coordinating taxis to make the same ferry.
Premium vehicle if you'd like a smoother start to the island getaway.
Your driver waits in the arrivals hall of your terminal, Terminal 2 (most US flights) or Terminal 3 (most flights from Europe and Canada), holding a sign with your name. Walk through arrivals and find it in the designated meeting area; don't engage with anyone offering rides as you exit. If you can't find your driver, call the number on your booking confirmation first.
Private vehicle, from
Transfer to Chiquilá port · Ferry ticket booked separately · Free cancellation
Book the transfer to Chiquilá now, driver confirmed, drop-off logged. Aim for a daytime arrival, buy your ferry ticket at the port, and walk on board.