How to Get from Holbox to Cozumel
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
From Holbox to Cozumel, book the combo that covers the Holbox ferry, a shuttle to Playa del Carmen and the Ultramar ferry: US$68 per person, arriving in Cozumel in the evening.
Reverse route: Cozumel → Holbox
It is a long travel day, 6 to 10 hours depending on the departure.
The detail everyone misses: all combo departures reach Cozumel between 20:45 and 22:45. For daylight arrival, take the shuttle to Playa del Carmen and cross to Cozumel the next morning.
At a glance
- Route: ferry to Chiquilá, about 2 hours 30 minutes to Playa del Carmen, then a 45-minute ferry
- One ticket: ferry, shuttle and ferry combo, US$68 per person
- Split it: shuttle to Playa del Carmen for US$44, then the Cozumel ferry for US$23
- Best for groups: ferry, then a private transfer to the Playa del Carmen pier
- Avoid: the 10:30 combo. It waits for an evening ferry and takes 10 hours
Holbox to Cozumel transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then select an option for pickup and booking details.
| Transport | Estimated fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + shuttle + ferryOne ticket, three departures a day | Estimated fareUS$68per person | Travel timeAbout 6h to 10h |
| Shuttle, then the ferryTwo tickets, overnight option | Estimated fareUS$44 + US$23per person | Travel timeAbout 2h 30m, plus 45 min ferry |
| Ferry + private transferChiquilá to the Playa del Carmen pier | Estimated fareQuoted per vehicleplus both ferries | Travel timeAbout 3h 30m to 4h |
| Ferry + rental carPark in Playa del Carmen | Estimated fareVaries by rentalplus ferries and parking | Travel timeAbout 3h 30m to 4h |
| Private charter flightDirect from Holbox | Estimated fareFrom about US$3,430per plane | Travel timeAbout 40m |
Fares and travel times are estimates. Confirm current prices, pickup details, and departures before booking.
More routes from Holbox
1. Ferry + shuttle + ferry, the one-ticket option
One ticket covers the Holbox Express ferry, a shared shuttle to Playa del Carmen and the Ultramar ferry to Cozumel.
GuateGo lists departures at 10:30, 15:30 and 16:30 for US$68 per person.
All three reach the ferry terminal in San Miguel in the evening, at 20:45 or 22:45. The 16:30 departure is the quickest, at about 6 hours.
My verdict: the simplest way to do it in one day. Take the 16:30 departure and enjoy your last morning on Holbox.
Want one ticket to Cozumel?
2. Shuttle to Playa del Carmen, then the ferry
Book the ferry and shuttle from Holbox to Playa del Carmen, US$44, then the Ultramar ferry to Cozumel, US$23.
The shuttle takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, and ferries cross in about 45 minutes, from 8:00 to 22:00.
Taking the 10:30 shuttle lets you cross the same afternoon. The 17:30 shuttle works if you sleep in Playa del Carmen.
My verdict: the better choice if you want to arrive in daylight.
Want to split the trip?
3. Ferry + private transfer, for groups
A driver meets you off the ferry in Chiquilá and takes you to the Cozumel ferry pier in Playa del Carmen in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
You pay both ferries separately.
My verdict: worth it for a group that wants to arrive in Cozumel by mid-afternoon.
4. Ferry + rental car, if you are touring
If you left a car in Chiquilá, drive to Playa del Carmen in about 2 hours 30 minutes, park, and cross on foot.
The passenger ferry does not take cars. To compare prices, see rental cars in Cancun.
My verdict: only if you will use the car on the mainland afterwards.
5. Private charter flight, the fastest
Bookaway lists a private tourist flight from Holbox straight to Cozumel, about 40 minutes, from about US$3,430 for the plane.
It replaces two ferries and a long drive, and splits well between a small group.
My verdict: a splurge, but the only way to get there in under an hour.
Short on time?
Arriving in Cozumel
The Ultramar ferry docks at the maritime terminal on Avenida Rafael Melgar in San Miguel, the island’s only town.
Hotels in town are walkable, and taxis wait at the pier.
If you haven’t booked a place yet, see hotels in Cozumel. Staying in San Miguel keeps restaurants and the ferry close.
Practical notes
Bring cash. Holbox ATMs can run out, so keep enough pesos for the golf cart to the pier.
Arriving late? Book your first night in San Miguel so you are not looking for a taxi across the island at 23:00.
Heading back to Holbox? See our Cozumel to Holbox guide.
Tours in Cozumel
Reef snorkeling, diving trips and beach clubs fill most days on Cozumel.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get from Holbox to Cozumel?
US$68 per person for the ferry, shuttle and ferry combo, or about US$67 if you book the shuttle and the Cozumel ferry separately.
How long does it take to get from Holbox to Cozumel?
About 6 to 10 hours with the combo ticket, depending on the departure.
Is there a direct ferry from Holbox to Cozumel?
No. You go via Chiquilá and Playa del Carmen. The only direct option is a private charter flight, from about US$3,430.
What time do combos leave Holbox for Cozumel?
GuateGo lists departures at 10:30, 15:30 and 16:30, all arriving in the evening.
Can I arrive in Cozumel in daylight?
Yes. Take the 10:30 shuttle to Playa del Carmen and the afternoon ferry, or stay a night in Playa.
Where does the ferry arrive in Cozumel?
At the maritime terminal on Avenida Rafael Melgar, in San Miguel.
How much is the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel?
US$23 per person with Ultramar, about 45 minutes.
Can I take a car to Cozumel?
Not on the passenger ferry. Park in Playa del Carmen and cross on foot.
Onward routes from Cozumel
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: combo, shuttle and Ultramar ferry fares, times and departures from GuateGo’s live listings; charter flight from Bookaway; local details from travel guides.
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
- About the Author
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
