How to travel from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The distance between Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen is around 120km (75 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to jump in a helicopter which takes around 1h 10m.

2 routes found

We've found 2 different ways to get from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen by helicopter and bus. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Playa del CarmenIsla Holbox if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
helicopter
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Helicopter

Jump in a helicopter to Playa del Carmen.

  • Duration1h 10m
  • Departson demand
  • Typical cost
    MX$27,175($1,300)
Operated by

Multiple helicopter operators

💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Playa del Carmen Colectivos.

  • Duration3h 20m
  • Departsevery 4 hours
  • Typical cost
    MX$355($17)
Operated by

Sindicato de taxistas Lázaro Cárdenas del Río

+ 1 others

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen

There are several options for getting from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen by helicopter and bus. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around MX$355 ($17) and will take around 3h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can jump in a helicopter and arrive in approximately 1h 10m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately MX$27,175 ($1,300).

The distance between Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen is around 120km (75 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 106km (66 miles)

It takes around 1h 10m to get from Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen by helicopter.

The quickest way to get from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen is to jump in a helicopter which takes around 1h 10m and will set you back approx MX$27,175 ($1,300).

The cheapest way to travel between Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen is to take the bus which will typically cost around MX$355 ($17) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

There is no train service that runs between Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen. We recommend that you jump in a helicopter to Playa del Carmen. instead which will take 1h 10m.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen. It typically takes around 3h 20m and departs every 4 hours.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Chiquilá. These services run every 4 hours and will take a minimum of 3h 20m.

Sindicato de taxistas Lázaro Cárdenas del Río and ADO run regular bus services between Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen. Buses run every 4 hours and take around 3h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen. We recommend that you jump in a helicopter to Playa del Carmen. instead which will take 1h 10m.

The closest major airport to Playa del Carmen is Cozumel International Airport (CZM) (CZM) which is approximately 20km (13 miles) from Playa del Carmen. Cancún International Airport (CUN) (CUN) and Chetumal International Airport (CTM) (CTM) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen. We recommend that you jump in a helicopter to Playa del Carmen. instead which will take 1h 10m.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen is to jump in a helicopter which takes, on average, 1h 10m and will usually cost around MX$27,175 ($1,300).

How do I get from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen

Compare travel optionsbetween Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen

Transport options from Isla Holbox to Playa del Carmen
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Helicopter
1h 10m
MX$27,175($1,300)
on demand120km (75 miles)
Bus
3h 20m
MX$355($17)
every 4 hours141km (87 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Isla Holbox and Playa del Carmen

Bus companies

helicopters

Ferry operators

Airports near Playa del Carmen

The following major airports near Playa del Carmen offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Mexico and internationally.

CZM
Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
International Airport
Distance
20km (13 miles) from Playa del Carmen
CUN
Cancún International Airport (CUN)
International Airport
Distance
50km (31 miles) from Playa del Carmen
CTM
Chetumal International Airport (CTM)
International Airport
Distance
270km (168 miles) from Playa del Carmen