How to Get from Holbox to Valladolid
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
Need Valladolid → Holbox? See the reverse guide.From Holbox to Valladolid, the ferry and ADO bus combo costs US$38 per person and gets you there in under 3 hours, leaving Holbox at 12:30 and arriving around 15:15.
It is the only shared departure of the day, so book ahead.
The detail everyone misses: Valladolid is the closest colonial town to Holbox, and a good base for Chichén Itzá.
Arriving mid-afternoon leaves time for a cenote before dinner.
At a glance
- Route: ferry to Chiquilá, then about 2 hours by road
- Cheapest: ferry and ADO bus combo, US$38 per person
- Most flexible: ferry, then a rental car from Chiquilá, about 2 hours 30 minutes
- Best for groups: ferry, then a private transfer
- Avoid: missing the 12:30 boat. There is no later combo
Holbox to Valladolid 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, one departure a day | Estimated fareUS$38per person | Travel timeAbout 2h 45m |
| Ferry + rental carSelf-drive from Chiquilá | Estimated fareVaries by rentalplus ferry and fuel | Travel timeAbout 2h 30m |
| Ferry + private transferChiquilá to your hotel | Estimated fareQuoted per vehicleplus ferry per person | 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 + ADO bus, the one I’d book
One ticket covers the Holbox Express ferry and the ADO bus from Chiquilá. GuateGo lists one departure a day, at 12:30, for US$38 per person.
You arrive at the ADO terminal on Calle 39 in central Valladolid around 15:15, a few blocks from the main square.
My verdict: cheap, quick and well timed. Get to the pier 20 minutes early.
Want one ticket to Valladolid?
2. Ferry + rental car, if you are touring
If you left a car in Chiquilá, the drive to Valladolid takes about 2 hours. A car is handy for the cenotes, Ek Balam and Chichén Itzá nearby.
To compare prices, see rental cars in Cancun.
My verdict: the best option if you plan to explore the area around Valladolid.
3. Ferry + private transfer, for groups
A driver meets you off the ferry in Chiquilá and takes you to your hotel in Valladolid in about 2 hours.
The ferry is paid separately. Get a few quotes ahead.
My verdict: worth it for a group, or if you want to leave Holbox in the morning.
Arriving in Valladolid
The ADO terminal is on Calle 39, a few blocks from the main square. Most hotels in the center are walkable, and taxis wait outside.
If you haven’t booked a place yet, see hotels in Valladolid. Staying near the main square keeps restaurants and the bus close.
Practical notes
Bring cash. Holbox ATMs can run out, so keep enough pesos for the golf cart to the pier.
Going to Chichén Itzá? Buses and colectivos run from Valladolid, about 45 minutes away.
Heading back to Holbox? See our Valladolid to Holbox guide.
Tours from Valladolid
Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam and the cenotes around town are the classic day trips.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get from Holbox to Valladolid?
US$38 per person for the ferry and ADO bus combo.
How long does it take to get from Holbox to Valladolid?
About 2 hours 45 minutes by ferry and bus, or about 2 hours 30 minutes by car after the ferry.
What time does the bus leave Holbox for Valladolid?
The combo leaves Holbox at 12:30 and arrives around 15:15.
Is the ferry included in the ticket?
Yes, the ADO combo ticket includes the Holbox Express ferry to Chiquilá.
Where does the bus arrive in Valladolid?
At the ADO terminal on Calle 39, a few blocks from the main square.
Can I drive from Holbox to Valladolid?
Yes, from Chiquilá after the ferry. Holbox itself is car-free.
How far is Chichén Itzá from Valladolid?
About 45 minutes by bus, colectivo or car.
Is there more than one bus a day?
Only one combo departure is listed, at 12:30. Book ahead in high season.
Planning more of your Mexico trip?
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: combo fares, times, departures and arrival terminal from GuateGo’s live listings; 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.
