How to Get from Holbox to Isla Mujeres
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
From Holbox to Isla Mujeres, book a combo ticket that covers both ferries and the road in between: US$56 to US$58 per person and about 5 to 6 hours 30 minutes.
Reverse route: Isla Mujeres → Holbox
You cross to Chiquilá, ride to Cancun by bus or shuttle, then take the Ultramar ferry to the island.
The detail everyone misses: this trip uses two boats. The combo ticket handles the connections, which is much easier than buying three separate tickets with luggage.
At a glance
- Route: ferry to Chiquilá, about 2 hours by road to Cancun, then a 30-minute ferry to Isla Mujeres
- Cheapest: ferry, ADO bus and ferry combo, US$56 per person
- A bit faster: ferry, shuttle and ferry combo, US$58 per person
- Best for groups: a private transfer from Chiquilá to the Puerto Juárez pier
- Avoid: the late departures. They reach Isla Mujeres after 22:00
Holbox to Isla Mujeres transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then select an option for pickup and booking details.
| Transport | Estimated fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + ADO bus + ferryOne ticket, six departures a day | Estimated fareUS$56per person | Travel timeAbout 5h 30m to 6h 30m |
| Ferry + shuttle + ferryOne ticket, four departures a day | Estimated fareUS$58per person | Travel timeAbout 5h to 6h 30m |
| Private transferChiquilá to Puerto Juárez, plus both ferries | Estimated fareQuoted per vehicleplus ferries per person | Travel timeAbout 3h 30m to 4h |
| Rental carSelf-drive, park in Cancun | Estimated fareVaries by rentalplus ferries and parking | Travel timeAbout 3h 30m to 4h |
Fares and travel times are estimates. Confirm current prices, pickup details, and departures before booking.
More routes from Holbox
1. Ferry + ADO bus + ferry, the one I’d book
One ticket covers the Holbox Express ferry, the ADO bus from Chiquilá to Cancun and the Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres.
GuateGo lists six departures, from 9:30 to 16:30, for US$56 per person.
The trip takes about 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 30 minutes. The 9:30 departure reaches the island around 15:30.
My verdict: the best value, with the most departures. Take a morning one to arrive in daylight.
Want one ticket all the way?
2. Ferry + shuttle + ferry, a little faster
This combo swaps the bus for a shared van to Cancun.
GuateGo lists departures at 7:30, 10:30, 13:30 and 16:30 for US$58 per person, taking about 5 to 6 hours 30 minutes.
My verdict: worth the extra two dollars for the 7:30 or 10:30 departure, which get you to the island by mid-afternoon.
Want the earliest start?
3. Private transfer, for groups
Take the ferry to Chiquilá, then a pre-booked driver takes you to the Ultramar terminal in Puerto Juárez in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
You buy both ferry tickets separately.
Bookaway also lists options on this route, so compare prices.
My verdict: worth it for families and groups who want to skip the bus connections.
Comparing options?
4. Rental car, if you are touring
If you left a car in Chiquilá, drive to Puerto Juárez in about 2 hours 30 minutes, park, and cross on foot.
Isla Mujeres is small enough that you will not miss the car. To compare prices, see rental cars in Cancun.
My verdict: only if you already have the car and plan to use it after the island.
Arriving in Isla Mujeres
The Ultramar ferry docks on Avenida Rueda Medina, in the island’s downtown.
Hotels in Centro and along Playa Norte are a 5 to 15 minute walk, and taxis and golf carts wait at the pier.
If you haven’t booked a place yet, see hotels in Isla Mujeres. Staying in Centro keeps everything walkable.
Practical notes
Bring cash. Holbox ATMs can run out, so keep enough pesos for the golf cart to the pier.
Pack light. You change boats and vehicles twice, so a small bag makes the day much easier.
Heading back to Holbox? See our Isla Mujeres to Holbox guide.
Tours on Isla Mujeres
Catamaran trips, snorkeling at the reef and golf-cart days around the island are the classics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get from Holbox to Isla Mujeres?
US$56 per person for the ferry, ADO bus and ferry combo, or US$58 for the version with a shuttle.
How long does it take to get from Holbox to Isla Mujeres?
About 5 to 6 hours 30 minutes with the combo tickets, including both ferries.
Is there a direct ferry from Holbox to Isla Mujeres?
No. You take a ferry to Chiquilá, travel by road to Cancun, then take the Ultramar ferry to Isla Mujeres.
Are both ferries included in the ticket?
Yes, the combo tickets include the Holbox Express ferry and the Ultramar ferry.
What time should I leave Holbox?
Take a departure before about 11:00 to arrive on Isla Mujeres in daylight.
Can I take a private transfer from Holbox to Isla Mujeres?
Yes, from Chiquilá to the Puerto Juárez pier, then the Ultramar ferry. You pay both ferries separately.
Where does the ferry arrive on Isla Mujeres?
At the pier on Avenida Rueda Medina, in the island’s downtown.
Can I take a car to Isla Mujeres?
Leave it on the mainland. The island is small and easy to get around by golf cart or taxi.
Onward routes from Isla Mujeres
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: combo fares, times and departures from GuateGo’s live listings; ferry and pier details from local 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.
