How to Get from Holbox to Tulum
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
Need Tulum → Holbox? See the reverse guide.From Holbox to Tulum, the ferry and ADO bus combo is the budget choice: US$50 to US$54 per person and about 5 to 5 hours 30 minutes.
For groups, a private transfer from Chiquilá, from US$265 per vehicle, takes about 3 hours 30 minutes and drops you at your hotel.
The detail everyone misses: there is no shuttle on this route.
The bus stops in Tulum town, so if you are staying in the beach zone, add a taxi at the end.
At a glance
- Route: about 30 minutes by ferry to Chiquilá, then about 3 hours by road
- Cheapest: ferry and ADO bus combo, US$50 to US$54 per person
- Best for groups: ferry and private transfer, from US$265 per vehicle
- Most flexible: the ferry, then a rental car from Chiquilá
- Avoid: the last bus if you can. It reaches Tulum after 21:00
Holbox to Tulum transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then select an option for pickup and booking details.
| Transport | Estimated fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + ADO busOne ticket, three departures a day | Estimated fareUS$50 to US$54per person | Travel timeAbout 5h to 5h 30m |
| Ferry + private transferChiquilá to your hotel | Estimated fareFrom US$265per vehicle (1 to 3 people) | Travel timeAbout 3h 30m |
| Ferry + rental carSelf-drive from Chiquilá | Estimated fareVaries by rentalplus ferry | Travel timeAbout 3h |
Fares and travel times are estimates. Confirm current prices, pickup details, and departures before booking.
More routes from Holbox
1. Ferry + ADO bus, the one I’d book on a budget
One ticket covers the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquilá and the ADO bus to Tulum. GuateGo lists departures at 11:30, 14:30 and 16:30 for US$50 to US$54 per person.
The buses arrive at the ADO terminal on Avenida Tulum at 17:00, 19:30 and 21:25.
My verdict: good value for solo travelers and couples. Take the 11:30 departure to arrive before dark.
Traveling on a budget?
2. Ferry + private transfer, best for groups
A driver meets you off the ferry in Chiquilá and takes you to your hotel in Tulum, town or beach zone.
GuateGo lists US$265 for 1 to 3 passengers, US$299 for 4 to 6 and US$320 for 7 to 10, per vehicle.
My verdict: worth it for four or more people. Split that way, it costs about US$75 each and saves two hours.
Four or more of you?
3. Ferry + rental car, if you are touring
If you left a car in Chiquilá, the drive to Tulum takes about 3 hours. A car also lets you stop in Valladolid or at Cobá on the way.
To compare prices, see rental cars in Cancun.
My verdict: the best option if you are touring the peninsula anyway.
Arriving in Tulum
The ADO bus stops at the terminal on Avenida Tulum, in the center of town. Most hotels in town are a 5 to 15 minute walk.
For the beach zone, taxis wait outside the terminal. Expect roughly 150 to 250 MXN and agree on the price first, since Tulum taxis have no meters.
If you haven’t booked a place yet, see hotels in Tulum and choose between town (cheaper, close to the bus) and the beach zone (quieter, but every trip needs a ride).
Practical notes
Bring cash. Holbox ATMs can run out, and Tulum taxis want pesos.
No Uber in Tulum. Plan your ride from the terminal before you arrive.
Heading back to Holbox? See our Tulum to Holbox guide.
Tours in Tulum
Once you are settled, the ruins, cenotes and Sian Ka’an are the classic day trips from Tulum.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get from Holbox to Tulum?
From US$50 to US$54 per person for the ferry and ADO bus combo, or from US$265 per vehicle for a private transfer.
How long does it take to get from Holbox to Tulum?
About 5 to 5 hours 30 minutes by ferry and ADO bus, and about 3 hours 30 minutes by private transfer.
Is the ferry included in the bus ticket?
Yes, the ADO combo ticket includes the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquilá.
What time do buses leave Holbox for Tulum?
GuateGo lists combo departures at 11:30, 14:30 and 16:30.
Is there a shuttle from Holbox to Tulum?
No shared shuttle is listed on this route. Take the ADO combo or a private transfer.
Where does the bus arrive in Tulum?
At the ADO terminal on Avenida Tulum, in the center of town.
How much is a private transfer from Holbox to Tulum?
US$265 for 1 to 3 passengers, US$299 for 4 to 6 and US$320 for 7 to 10, per vehicle from Chiquilá.
Is there Uber in Tulum?
No. Use a taxi from the terminal or book your hotel transfer ahead.
Planning more of your Mexico trip?
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: ferry and ADO combo and private transfer fares, times and departures from GuateGo’s live listings; Tulum taxi ranges 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.
