Here’s How to Get From Merida to Holbox Island, Mexico (The Best & Worst Ways)
Wondering how to travel to Holbox from MERIDA?
You’re in the right place because I live in Merida and have done this trip myself.
Whether you need info on the Merida to Holbox Island route or the Isla Holbox to Merida route — you have four transportation options, and you’ll learn about all of them in this article.
Your options include renting a car and driving, taking a short flight from Merida to Holbox, booking a private driver, and taking the ADO bus from Merida to Holbox.
Keep reading to discover all these best ways how to get to Holbox Island from Merida — as well as the two ways I don’t recommend for how to get to Isla Holbox.
Option #1: Merida to Holbox Drive (Merida Car Rental)
- ⏰ Trip Time: 4 Hours
- 💸 Cost: $25+USD per day for a rental car
- 🚙 Check car rental rates and availability here
If you’re planning to explore the Yucatan Peninsula beyond Isla Holbox, or just prefer driving from Merida to Holbox, then getting a Merida car rental is your best option.
IMO, the best place to rent a car is Merida Airport, which has the largest selection of rental cars in Merida. (If you happen to be coming from Cancun, get one at Cancun Airport).
Note: You’ll have to leave your rental car in Chiquila at a paid parking lot near the Chiquila Ferry Dock, as you can’t bring a car to Holbox Island.
When booking a rental car in Merida, or anywhere in Mexico, I recommend and use Discover Cars myself.
They search both local Mexican companies and large international corporations, so you’re guaranteed to get the best car rental rates.
Discover Cars also has ratings for all companies, so make sure to eliminate any that don’t have a good reputation.
Finally, you can buy Mexican car insurance right from Discover Cars, so you’re not surprised with an unexpected bill when you pick up the car.
Do I need Mexico car insurance to rent a car?
Yes — At the minimum, you need Personal Liability Insurance to legally drive in Mexico.
Drivers in the Yucatan aren’t known to be the safest in Mexico, so personally, I always opt for full coverage.
With Discover Cars, I’ve always paid only about $10 USD per day for full coverage!
How much are Merida car rentals?
Mexico car rental rates will always vary — but figure about $25-35 USD per day for an economy car with the minimum Personal Liability Insurance coverage and about $35-45 USD per day for full coverage.
If you’ve looked for a Mexico rental car online rates, you may have seen $5 USD per day rentals. If that seems too good to be true, it is.
This is the base price for the car — not including taxes, fees, and insurance. To be safe, assume your Merida rental car will be about $25 USD per day.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Is it safe to drive from Merida to Holbox?
Yes — For the majority of travelers, the Merida Holbox drive is safe.
To be extra safe, don’t drive at night, don’t speed and don’t be on your phone — which is a ticket-able offense.
If you follow these rules, you should be safe, and the police will have no reason to pull you over.
📍 Merida to Holbox Map
- Merida to Holbox Distance: 190 miles (306 km) from Merida to Chiquila, Mexico, then 8 miles (13 km) on the Chiquila to Holbox ferry.
- Merida to Holbox Time on the Road: 4 hours in normal traffic to get to Chiquila, Mexico, then 30 minutes on the ferry boat.
- Valladolid to Holbox: If you happen to be coming from Valladolid to Isla Holbox, you’ll basically follow the same route; it just takes about two hours less.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Option #2. Merida to Holbox Private Transportation
- ⏰ Trip Time: 4 Hours
- 💸 Cost: Prices start at about $225 for 2 passengers, and increase slightly with the number of passengers
Want to be picked up at your Merida accommodation and driven straight to the Holbox Island dock to catch the ferry?
Then fastest, easiest, most stress-free way to get from Merida to Isla Holbox is by booking a private driver.
They will drive you, door to door, from Merida to the ferry dock in Chiquila, where you’ll get on the Holbox Island Ferry. 🚢 For more info on the Holbox Ferry, head here.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Option #3: Merida to Holbox Flights
- ⏰ Trip Time: 45 Minutes
- 💸 Cost: $500+ USD for a one-way flight
Wondering, What’s the fastest way to get from Merida to Holbox? That would be a private flight with Flights Holbox.
The Merida to Holbox flight time is less than one hour versus 4-5 hours over-land. However, with convenience comes a higher price tag.
There are no commercial flights from Merida to Holbox Airport. To take flights to Holbox Mexico, you have to charter a private plane with Flights Holbox.
Flight prices vary, so you’ll have to contact Flights Holbox for a quote, but plan for at least $500 USD for a one-way charter flight.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Option #4: Merida to Holbox Bus (ADO Bus)
- ⏰ Trip Time: 5 Hours
- 💸 Cost: $20+ USD for one-way tickets
For budget travelers, the ADO bus is the cheapest way to get to Holbox from Merida.
ADO is the largest bus company in Mexico, with a fleet of luxury-class buses.
Note: You can’t use a U.S. credit card on the ADO website, so you’ll want to book ADO tickets with BudBud for your Merida Holbox bus trip.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Merida to Holbox Island bus schedule
There are two direct Mérida to Chiquilá ADO bus trips each day: one at 6:45 am and one at 7:15 a.m.
ADO buses are large, with comfy reclining seats that have electric outlets to plug in your gadgets, air conditioning, a restroom and TVs playing movies (in Spanish).
When you take the ADO Merida to Chiquila bus, you’ll be dropped off at the only bus station in Chiquila, Mexico, at about 1:30 p.m.
The station is right at the Chiquila Dock, where you can buy your tickets for the Holbox Island Ferry.
Is there an overnight bus from Merida to Holbox?
Mayab, a low-cost carrier owned by ADO, has an overnight bus from Merida to Chiquila or Chiquila to Merida that operates a few times per week.
It leaves from the CAME Merida Bus Station downtown at 11 p.m., but you will have to buy your tickets in person.
Is the ADO bus safe for travelers?
Yes — For most travelers, taking the bus in Mexico is safe, and if you’re alone, you may even meet other solo travelers headed from Merida to Chiquila.
The ADO bus line is a popular, comfortable and inexpensive option for Mexico travel. Beloved by tourists and locals alike, it is even considered safe for solo female travelers.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
What NOT to Do: Taxi or Uber from Merida to Holbox
Personally, I don’t recommend using Uber or a taxi from Merida to Holbox Island — however, these options are available.
I am including info on both and will explain why I say they are the worst options to get from Merida to Holbox.
Can you take Uber from Merida to Holbox?
There is Uber in Merida, but most drivers won’t accept you since it’s an eight-hour trip in total for them.
According to the Uber fare estimator, it will cost about $250+ USD for the trip, which is more than the cost of a private car from Merida to Holbox.
Also, if there’s any traffic on the route, the price you agree to at the start of the trip might not be what you end up paying.
To avoid any “hidden fees,” just book this private driver from Merida to Holbox in advance. This way, you know exactly how much you’ll spend.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
How much is a taxi from Merida to Holbox Island?
Short answer: A LOT — often about $250 USD — which is more than a private car from Merida to Holbox.
You’ll also have to find a driver willing to take you, as this will be an eight-hour trip for them, so many won’t want to take it.
However, the main reason I don’t recommend taking a taxi from Merida to Chiquila is that taxis in Mexico don’t have meters, so you’re at the mercy of the driver.
🚖 Note: Before you get in any taxi in Mexico, you and the driver must verbally agree on the fare.
While prices are determined by zones, going from Merida to Chiquila crosses state lines, so the driver can essentially set their own price as you’ll be out of their designated zones.
In short, save yourself the hassle and haggle, and just book private transport to Chiquila.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Holbox Ferry in Chiquila, Mexico
Now that you know how to get from Merida to Chiquila, you’re about to discover everything you need to know about taking the ferry to Isla Holbox.
🚢 Note: Besides the boat dock, bus station, a few restaurants and convenience stores, there’s little else in Chiquila.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Holbox Ferry Schedule, Holbox Ferry Price & Tickets
Holbox ferry tickets cost $220 pesos ($11 USD) for adults and $160 pesos ($8 USD) for children.
You can buy your ferry ticket at the ticket window located right in front of the dock. The ferry ride to Holbox is about 30 minutes.
Chiquila to Isla Holbox ferry schedule
There are two Holbox ferry companies — 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express.
These two have boats running from about 5 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with departures about every 30 minutes.
As the ferry Holbox schedules can change, double-check the current Holbox ferry schedule before you travel.
Isla Holbox Taxis
Once you get off the boat in Holbox, you can walk to your accommodation or use one of the golf cart taxis.
They will be right there waiting for passengers as soon as you exit the boat to Holbox. If you need a taxi, remember to have some cash (pesos) to pay them.
Isla Holbox Travel Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Holbox?
As this is such a commonly mispronounced word, let’s make sure you’re pronouncing the word correctly before we continue any further.
Isla Holbox is pronounced hole-bosh, not hole-box. It is a Mayan word, and in the Maya language, the letter x has a “sh” sound.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Where is Isla Holbox, Mexico located?
Holbox Island is located in Quintana Roo State, one of the most visited of all Mexico states.
Also in Quintana Roo, there’s Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Bacalar Lagoon, Cozumel Island, Isla Mujeres, and some of the best Mayan Ruins in Mexico.
Merida is located in Yucatan State, one state west of Quintana Roo.
🗺 Holbox island Mexico map
Isla means “island” in Spanish, and as the word isla in its name states, Isla Holbox is in fact an island.
The closest town by land is the small pueblo of Chiquila, Mexico. You will have to get to Chiquila, where you’ll transfer onto the 30-minute ferry from Chiquila to Holbox Island Mexico.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
How far is Merida from Holbox?
Since you have to take the Holbox Ferry to the island, the better question is — How far is Merida from Chiquila?
The Merida to Chiquila Mexico distance is about 190 miles (306 km). This drive takes four hours in normal traffic.
🚙💨 Head here to get a visual with this Merida to Holbox Island map.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
How do I take the Holbox Island Ferry in Chiquila, Mexico?
Once you make the trip from Merida to Chiquila, you’ll board the Holbox Island Ferry. 🚢 For more info on the Holbox Ferry, head here.
The only exception to this is if you charter a Merida to Holbox flight, but everyone else must use the ferry to get to Holbox Island.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
✈️ Want to fly to Holbox Island instead of drive there? You can fly private (though not commercial).
Head here to get a price quote from Flights Holbox — but know they need at least 24 hours notice to book any charter flight, so don’t procrastinate on booking your flight to Isla Holbox.
Is Holbox safe for travelers?
Aside from sunburns, hurricanes, very rare instances of petty theft, and drinking too much (don’t forget to pack your Anti-Hangover Meds), Isla Holbox Island is considered safe for tourists.
In fact, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the safest places in Mexico for visitors.
Holbox Island has a population of just 2,000 people, so this is an “everybody knows everybody” kind of place.
Most businesses close by 11 p.m., but if you’re out late by yourself, stay aware of yourself and your surroundings because no place on Earth is 100% safe.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Can I bring my car to Holbox Island?
No — Cars aren’t permitted on Holbox Island. The Holbox Ferry is for people only, so you’ll need to leave your rental car in a paid parking lot next to the boat dock.
Prices for the Chihquila parking lots vary but typically cost $100-200 MXN pesos per day ($5-10 USD).
👮 Note: The lots have security guards who look after the cars, and they get locked at night, so your rental car will be safe in the Chiquila parking lots.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
What’s the best place to stay in Holbox?
Holbox consists of Playa Holbox Beach, located on the north end of the island near Punta Mosquito; Playa Punta Cocos, on the south end of the island; and Downtown Holbox, located between the two.
- Playa Holbox Beach: Most of the best Holbox resorts are near Playa Holbox, an area popular with couples and families.
- Punta Cocos Beach: A quiet area, perfect for a romantic getaway or relaxing trip.
- Downtown Holbox Island: This is where you’ll find all the action, with hostels and hotels in Holbox at varying price ranges.
🏩 Where to stay in Holbox Island (At all Budgets)
Here are the best places to stay in Holbox Island, separated by type and price.
- Best Luxury Hotel in Holbox ($$$$): Las Nubes de Holbox
- Best Boutique Hotel in Holbox ($$$): Casa las Tortugas Holbox
- Best Holbox House Rental ($$$): Casa Nino Holbox Villa
- Best Cheap Hotel in Holbox ($$): Alcobas del Mar
- Best Hostels in Holbox ($): Che Holbox Hostel & Bar and Tribu Hostel
Merida to Holbox Transportation
How do you get around on Holbox Island?
The developed part of Isla Holbox is only about five miles long (8 km).
If you’re going from one side of Holbox to the other, you’ll likely want to hail one of the golf cart taxis, which you’ll find all over the island. Most rides will be $50-150 pesos ($2.50-7.50 USD).
You can also rent a bike in Holbox to get around or rent a golf cart.
Bike rentals are about $15 USD per day, while golf carts cost about $20 USD per hour or $200 USD per day.
The golf carts are a fun way to get around, and with a three-hour rental, you could see the whole island.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
What’s the best time to visit Holbox Island?
The best time to visit Isla Holbox is from November to April, during the dry season.
⛈️ Note: June 1 to November 30 is the Atlantic Hurricane Season, though there’s usually nice weather in Holbox by November.
Holbox is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, which has a tropical climate.
This means it’s hot year-round, though the summers can also be very rainy and quite buggy — so don’t forget to pack this Bullfrog Anti-Bug Sunscreen, which protects you from both.
Whale shark season in Holbox Mexico
The upside to visiting Holbox in summer is that you can take a tour to swim with the whale sharks in Holbox.
I recommend booking this top-rated Holbox Whale Shark Tour here with a locally-owned company that has a stellar reputation for ethical animal tourism in Mexico.
The Holbox Whale Shark Season runs from about June 15 to September 15, when you can swim with the largest fish in the sea on their annual migration.
🐳 Note: Whale sharks are sharks, but they aren’t an aggressive variety. They average 40-feet-long (12 m), and to swim with them in the wild is a true Mexico bucket list experience.
Tours cost about $175-225 USD per person, as this is a must-do in Holbox Island. You can book Holbox whale shark tours online or in person (though I recommend online booking).
Merida to Holbox Transportation
The Best Things to Do in Holbox Island, Mexico
If you aren’t visiting during whale shark season, there are still plenty of great Holbox things to do.
As an island, most do involve being on, in, or near the Caribbean Sea, however, there are also great restaurants and fun bars you an check out, like Tequila O’Clock, Alma, and Soulbox.
Check out the list below, and don’t forget to book a Holbox tour — which helps support the local economy.
- Kayak through the mangroves
- Have a soothing sound bath
- Swim with the whale sharks (June to September only)
- Get loose at a tequila tasting
- Swim in the Holbox cenote (Yalahau Cenote at Yam Balum Nature Reserve)
- See the bioluminescence at night on Punta Cocos
- Take the popular Cabo Catoche Holbox Tour (with fishing)
- Visit the birds on Isla Pajaros (Bird Island)
- Walk along the giant sandbars at Punta Mosquito
- Watch the sunset downtown on the Holbox Pier
🐶🐱 One of the sweetest things you can do is volunteer at Refugio Holbox Animal Rescue, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to saving all animals on Holbox.
They accept monetary donations, but you can also take a dog out for a walk or play with the kitties for a while.
Merida to Holbox Transportation
Is Holbox worth visiting?
Though admittedly a bit of a trek to get to it, Holbox Island is worth visiting for those who want to venture off the beaten path to see one of the best Mexico hidden gems.
Isla Holbox is the ideal place if you want a quieter trip, surrounded by beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature.
My Final Thoughts on Merida to Holbox Transportation
Getting to Holbox from Merida can take a good bit of time, but is actually an easy trip.
For those traveling to Holbox Island, I hope you see you have plenty of options for this trip — and once you arrive, you’ll be on one of the best beaches in Mexico and all of North America.
When factoring in convenience and price, the private transfer is the best way to get from Merida to Holbox.
However, renting a car in Merida and driving to Chiquila, chartering a flight to Holbox, or even the ADO bus, are also great options for how to get to Holbox from Merida.
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