How to get to isla Holbox from Cancun Airport

Just landed in Mexico and wondering how to get to Isla Holbox from Cancun Airport? You’re not alone. Every day, travelers arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN) with their sights set on Holbox — a peaceful, car-free island known for its stunning beaches, wildlife-rich lagoons, and barefoot charm.

Although Holbox is just a few hours from Cancun, getting there requires some coordination. Since there’s no direct road or bridge to Isla Holbox, the journey includes overland travel to the small port town of Chiquilá, followed by a short ferry ride to the island.

This guide is designed to help you figure out exactly how to get to Isla Holbox from Cancun Airport, with clear, step-by-step instructions that cover:

What to do when you land at any terminal in Cancun Airport
All transportation options to Chiquilá (private transfers, shuttles, buses)
How to catch the Holbox ferry
Pricing, travel times, and real-world tips to make your trip stress-free

Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a family with kids, or a couple on your honeymoon, this is your go-to guide for planning how to get from Cancun Airport to Isla Holbox safely and easily.

✈️ Ready to trade your airplane seat for a hammock by the sea? Let’s dive into the exact route and best travel options.

How to Get to isla Holbox from Cancun Airport

Getting Through Immigration, Customs & Out the Door Smoothly

If you’re landing at Cancun International Airport and planning how to get to Isla Holbox from Cancun Airport, the first part of your journey begins the moment the plane touches down. Whether you’re coming from the U.S., Canada, or Europe, it’s helpful to know what the airport process looks like — and how long everything might take before you even think about your shuttle or transfer.

Landing in Cancun: Terminals and First Impressions

Cancun Airport has four terminals, and which one you land at depends on your airline. Most international flights from the U.S. and Canada arrive at Terminal 3 or the newer Terminal 4. Domestic carriers like VivaAerobus or Volaris use Terminal 2, and Terminal 1 handles smaller charter flights.

Once your plane lands, expect to taxi for 10 to 15 minutes before you reach the gate and can start deplaning. The airport handles a high volume of flights, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., so patience goes a long way here.

Immigration and Baggage Claim: What to Expect

After you leave the aircraft, your first stop is immigration. Here, you’ll show your passport, fill out a quick entry form (either paper or digital), and sometimes be asked to show proof of your return flight or accommodation. The line can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many flights have just landed.

Next is baggage claim. If you’re checking luggage, plan for another 15 to 30 minutes. This part is usually straightforward — just watch the monitors for your flight number and be ready to grab your bags as soon as they appear.

Once you’ve got your bags, you’ll go through customs. This usually involves walking past an agent and pressing a button: green means you go through, red means your bags will be inspected. Even if you’re selected, it’s generally quick and painless unless you’re bringing in something unusual.

Exiting the Terminal: Vendors, ATMs & Meeting Your Ride

After customs, you’ll walk through a long hallway full of eager vendors offering taxis, tours, and “free information.” Just keep walking — most travelers breeze through this part in 5 to 10 minutes. If you’ve pre-booked a transfer to Chiquilá (the ferry port to Holbox), your driver will be waiting for you outside the terminal with a sign.

This is also a good moment to hit an ATM, exchange currency, grab a local SIM card, or pick up water and snacks. These things are harder to come by later on, especially once you’re en route to Holbox.

How Long Will It All Take?

From the time your plane lands to the time you exit the airport, most travelers spend 60 to 90 minutes inside Cancun Airport. During peak travel times or if you’re unlucky with customs, it might stretch to 2 hours — so it’s a good idea to schedule your ground transportation with a bit of buffer time.

If you’re taking a shuttle or private transfer, make sure to book your pickup for at least 90 minutes after your flight arrival time. That gives you some breathing room in case lines are long or bags are delayed.

Traveling from Cancun Airport to Chiquilá

Once you’re outside, you’re ready for the next part of the journey: getting from Cancun Airport to Chiquilá, the gateway to Isla Holbox.

Private Transfer

For a hassle-free and comfortable journey, consider booking a private transfer directly from Cancun Airport to Chiquilá. This option is ideal for families, groups, or travelers with substantial luggage. The journey typically takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Highlights:

Door-to-door service: Your driver will meet you at the airport with a sign bearing your name.
Flexible scheduling: Depart at your convenience without waiting for other passengers.
Comfortable vehicles: Air-conditioned cars or vans, often with Wi-Fi and refreshments.

Estimated Cost: Approximately $120–$180 USD per vehicle, accommodating up to 4 passengers.

Booking Options:

Holbox Shuttle
Viator Private Transfer
Welcome Pickups

Shared Shuttle

If your flight arrives at Cancun Airport between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, and you want to reach Isla Holbox the same day, your best — and often only — option is to book a shared shuttle from downtown Cancun to Chiquilá.

Why? By the time you clear customs and exit the airport, it’s often too late to catch a public bus, and a private transfer may be hard to arrange last minute , or expensive. But shared shuttles, especially the Te Llevo a Holbox service, offer one final late-afternoon departure (usually around 6:30 PM) that still gets you to Holbox that evening.

How to Catch the Shuttle from Downtown Cancun

Here’s the plan if you’re arriving in the late afternoon:

Take a taxi from the airport to downtown Cancun (about 30 minutes, ~$25–$35 USD).
Ask to be dropped at the Soriana supermarket parking lot, directly across the street from the ADO bus terminal on Avenida Tulum.
That parking lot is the official meeting point for several Holbox shuttle services, including Te Llevo a Holbox.

Alternatively, if you’re arriving downtown by ADO bus, just cross the street from the terminal to the Soriana lot.

How to get to Isla Holbox from Downtown Cancun Shuttle

🗣️ You can ask:

“¿Dónde salen las camionetas para ir a Holbox?”
(Where the vans to Holbox leave from?) — locals and drivers will know.

How to Schedule a Shared Shuttle in Advance

Yes, you can and should book your spot online in advance, especially if you’re arriving during high season or on a tight schedule. These shuttles fill up fast, and walk-ups are not guaranteed.

Key Shuttle Schedule Info

Last departure: Around 6:30 PM from downtown Cancun
Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours to Chiquilá
Ferry connection: Gets you there just in time for the final ferry to Holbox (usually around 9:30 PM)
Cost: ~$35–$50 USD per person
Arrival time: Be at the Soriana meeting point at least 10–15 minutes early

🚨 Important: Shuttles do not wait. If you’re late, you’ll miss it and likely need to stay overnight in Cancun.Booking a shared shuttle in advance is the most reliable way to reach Holbox on the same day if your flight arrives in the late afternoon. It’s budget-friendly, smooth, and designed with travelers like you in mind.

Bus (ADO)

f you’re traveling on a tighter budget and don’t mind a bit more effort, the ADO bus is a reliable and affordable way to get from Cancun Airport to Isla Holbox — though it involves a transfer in downtown Cancun.

There’s no direct ADO bus from the airport to Chiquilá, but you can get there easily in two legs:

Step 1: Cancun Airport → Downtown Cancun (ADO Terminal)

ADO buses run frequently from the airport to downtown Cancun, with departures from Terminals 2, 3, and 4. If you arrive at Terminal 1, you’ll need to take a free inter-terminal shuttle to access ADO service.

Departure Point: ADO counters are located just outside baggage claim at each terminal
Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
Travel Time: About 25–30 minutes to downtown Cancun
Cost: Around $6–$8 USD (110–130 MXN)

🗺️ Once you arrive at the ADO terminal on Avenida Tulum, you’re in downtown Cancun — this is your departure point for the next morning’s bus to Chiquilá.

🛏️ Late Flight? Here’s a Tip:
If your flight arrives late and you’re not going to make it to Holbox the same day, it’s a good idea to stay overnight in a hotel near the ADO station. This gives you an easy, stress-free start in the morning — just walk across the street or down the block to catch your early bus to Chiquilá.

Step 2: Downtown Cancun → Chiquilá (Ferry Port for Holbox)

From the downtown ADO terminal, you can take a second bus directly to Chiquilá, where ferries leave for Isla Holbox.

Departure Times: Typically around 7:40 AM, 9:40 AM, 11:30 AM, and occasionally later
Travel Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours
Cost: Around $14–$20 USD (250–350 MXN)
Arrival Point: The Chiquilá bus stop is just a 3-minute walk to the ferry dock

🎟️ You can purchase both legs of the trip — Airport → Downtown Cancun and Downtown Cancun → Chiquilá — at ado.com.mx or at the airport ADO counter.

This route is ideal for travelers who prioritize cost over speed and don’t mind a little extra planning. Just make sure your flight arrives early enough — or plan to overnight in Cancun — to catch that early bus to paradise.

Ferry to isla Holbox from Cancun Airport

Once you arrive in Chiquilá whether by bus, shared shuttle, or private transfer , you’re just one step away from reaching Isla Holbox. The final leg of the journey is a short ferry ride across the calm, shallow waters that separate the mainland from the island. Ferries run approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day, alternating between two local operators: 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express.

The ride itself takes about 20–25 minutes and offers stunning views of the mangroves, open sea, and often, flocks of seabirds gliding overhead. Tickets can be purchased right at the pier, and the terminal is easy to find, it’s just a short walk from where buses and taxis drop you off. You don’t need to book in advance unless you’re traveling during a major holiday or festival, but it’s always good to check schedules if you’re arriving late in the day.

The last ferry usually departs around 9:30 PM, so if you arrive in Chiquilá after that, you’ll need to stay overnight and continue in the morning. Once on the ferry, you’ll feel the transition from mainland hustle to the slow, sandy pace of Holbox. When you step off the boat, golf carts replace cars, shoes start to feel optional, and the laid-back charm of the island takes over. For exact ferry schedules, current pricing, and booking options, be sure to check our full guide: Ferry to Isla Holbox.

Private Flight

If you’re short on time, traveling in style, or just want to skip the long drive, then a private flight from Cancun to Isla Holbox is hands down the fastest and most exciting way to start your island adventure.

Instead of spending 2.5 to 3 hours in a car or shuttle to Chiquilá — and then hopping on a ferry — you’ll fly directly from Cancun and land right on the island at Holbox’s small private airstrip. It’s a dramatic, unforgettable way to arrive.

How Long Does It Take?

Flight time: Just 35–40 minutes from Cancun to Holbox
Total door-to-door time: Around 1.5 hours (including check-in and transport to the airstrip)

For many travelers, this means you can land in Cancun and be on Holbox within 1.5 hours — without stepping foot on a bus or ferry.

How Much Does It Cost?

Starting price: Around $500–$1,200 USD (per plane, not per person)
Capacity: Most planes hold up to 5 passengers
Example price breakdown:
- 2 people: ~$250–$600 each
- 4 people: ~$125–$300 each
- 5 people: ~$100–$250 each

✈️ Pro Tip: If you’re traveling as a group or a family, splitting the cost makes this option surprisingly reasonable, especially compared to booking multiple seats on shared shuttles or transfers.

Luggage Limits & Aircraft Info

Because you’ll be flying in a small charter aircraft (like a Cessna), there are strict baggage rules:

Luggage limit: Usually 10–15 kg (22–33 lbs) per person
Carry-on only: Large suitcases may not fit, soft-sided duffel bags are preferred
Additional luggage: May be accepted for a fee or sent separately

Always confirm weight limits and dimensions when booking — this is one area where planning ahead is key.

Where Do Flights Depart From?

Most flights depart from:

Cancun International Airport (FBO Terminal) – A small private aviation terminal near Terminal 2
Aerodrome near Cancun – Some operators use a nearby airstrip, and will arrange transfers from the main airport

Pickup from the main terminals is usually included or easily arranged, especially if you’ve just arrived on a commercial flight.

Final Tips

Now that you know exactly how to get to Isla Holbox from Cancun Airport, here are a few practical tips to help you enjoy the journey and arrive on the island stress-free. Whether you’re taking a bus, booking a shared shuttle, hopping on a private transfer, or flying directly, these tips will make traveling to Holbox smoother and more enjoyable.

✔️ What to Bring:

Cash (Pesos) – While Holbox has a few ATMs, they often run out or don’t work. Bring enough cash for the ferry, taxis, food, and small expenses.
Light luggage or a backpack – Holbox has no paved roads and limited vehicles. You’ll likely walk or ride a golf cart to your hotel. Wheeled suitcases don’t do well on sandy paths.
Sun protection – Bring sunscreen (reef-safe if possible), sunglasses, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. The sun is strong year-round.
Bug spray – Mosquitoes are common in the evenings and around mangroves, especially during rainy season (May–October).
Copies of reservations – Cell service and Wi-Fi can be spotty, so having screenshots or printed bookings helps.
Swimsuit, flip-flops, and a dry bag – This is island life. Dress light, pack a beach towel, and prepare to unplug.

❌ What to Avoid:

Oversized, heavy luggage – It’s hard to drag through sand, and most accommodations don’t have elevators or bellhops.
Tight schedules – Ferries and transport can be delayed, especially during storms or high season. Give yourself breathing room.
Booking late connections – If your flight lands late in Cancun, don’t gamble on catching the last ferry. Stay overnight if needed.
Relying on cards – Some restaurants and shops on Holbox are cash-only. Bring small bills for easier transactions.
Plastic bags – Holbox is eco-conscious. Bring a reusable tote or dry bag for beach days and shopping.

💡 Bonus Tip: Want to travel even lighter? Many hotels offer towels, beach gear, and filtered water — check before you pack!