How to Get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
Need Playa del Carmen → Holbox? See the reverse guide.From Holbox to Playa del Carmen, book the ferry and shared shuttle on one ticket: US$44 per person and 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes from Chiquilá.
The ADO bus and ferry combo costs about the same, US$45 to US$49, but takes 5 to 6 hours.
The detail everyone misses: there are only a few departures a day. Book a day ahead in high season so you are not stuck in Chiquilá.
At a glance
- Route: about 30 minutes by ferry to Chiquilá, then about 2 hours 30 minutes by road
- Cheapest and fastest shared option: ferry and shuttle, US$44 per person
- Alternative: ferry and ADO bus, US$45 to US$49, 5 to 6 hours
- Best for groups: the ferry, then a private transfer from Chiquilá
- Avoid: arriving at the Chiquilá pier without an onward ticket in the afternoon
Holbox to Playa del Carmen transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then select an option for pickup and booking details.
| Transport | Estimated fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + shared shuttleOne ticket, two departures a day | Estimated fareUS$44per person | Travel timeAbout 2h 30m to 3h 30m |
| Ferry + ADO busOne ticket, two departures a day | Estimated fareUS$45 to US$49per person | Travel timeAbout 5h to 6h |
| Ferry + private transferChiquilá to your hotel | Estimated fareQuoted per vehicleplus ferry per person | Travel timeAbout 2h 30m |
| Ferry + rental carPick up your car in Chiquilá | Estimated fareVaries by rentalplus ferry | Travel timeAbout 2h 30m |
Fares and travel times are estimates. Confirm current prices, pickup details, and departures before booking.
More routes from Holbox
1. Ferry + shared shuttle, the one I’d book
One ticket covers the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquilá and a shared van to Playa del Carmen. GuateGo lists two departures, at 10:30 and 17:30, for US$44 per person.
The 17:30 van arrives on 50 Avenida Norte near the center in about 2 hours 30 minutes. The 10:30 van arrives at the colectivo terminal in about 3 hours 30 minutes.
My verdict: the best value and the fastest shared option. Check which drop-off your departure uses.
Want one ticket to Playa del Carmen?
2. Ferry + ADO bus, a backup
The combo ticket covers the ferry and an ADO bus from Chiquilá.
GuateGo lists departures at 11:30 and 14:30 for US$45 to US$49 per person, arriving at the terminal on Avenida 20 at Calle 12 Norte.
The trip takes 5 to 6 hours with the wait in Chiquilá and the stops on the way.
My verdict: only if the shuttle times do not suit you. It costs the same and takes twice as long.
Need a midday departure?
3. Ferry + private transfer, for groups
Take the ferry to Chiquilá, then a pre-booked driver takes you to your hotel in Playa del Carmen in about 2 hours 30 minutes.
The ferry is paid separately at the pier. Get a few quotes ahead.
My verdict: worth it for families and groups who want to leave at their own time.
4. Ferry + rental car, if you parked in Chiquilá
If you left a car in Chiquilá, the drive to Playa del Carmen takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
To compare prices, see rental cars in Playa del Carmen.
My verdict: only if you already have the car.
Arriving in Playa del Carmen
Depending on your ticket, you arrive on 50 Avenida Norte, at the colectivo terminal, or at the ADO terminal on Avenida 20.
All are within a short taxi ride of Fifth Avenue.
If you haven’t booked a place yet, see hotels in Playa del Carmen. Staying near Fifth Avenue keeps the beach and the Cozumel ferry close.
Practical notes
Bring cash. Holbox ATMs can run out, so keep pesos for the golf cart to the pier.
Going on to Cozumel? The ferry pier is a short walk from Fifth Avenue. See Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
Heading back to Holbox? See our Playa del Carmen to Holbox guide.
Tours in Playa del Carmen
From Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, the cenotes and Tulum make easy day trips.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen?
From US$44 per person for the ferry and shared shuttle, or US$45 to US$49 for the ferry and ADO bus.
How long does it take to get from Holbox to Playa del Carmen?
About 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes by ferry and shuttle, and 5 to 6 hours by ferry and ADO bus.
Is the ferry included in the shuttle ticket?
Yes, the shuttle and ADO combo tickets include the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquilá.
What time do shuttles leave Holbox for Playa del Carmen?
GuateGo lists shuttle departures at 10:30 and 17:30, and ADO combo departures at 11:30 and 14:30.
Where does the shuttle arrive in Playa del Carmen?
The 17:30 van stops on 50 Avenida Norte near the center, and the 10:30 van at the colectivo terminal.
Can I take a private transfer from Holbox to Playa del Carmen?
Yes, from Chiquilá after the ferry. It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Do I need to book in advance?
In high season, yes. There are only a few departures a day.
Can I go straight from Holbox to Cozumel?
Yes, via Playa del Carmen. Take the shuttle, then the ferry from the pier near Fifth Avenue.
Planning more of your Mexico trip?
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: ferry, shuttle and ADO combo fares, times, departures and drop-off points from GuateGo’s live listings; ferry 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.
