Best Ways: How to Get from Cancun to Bacalar
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Cancun to Bacalar, Mexico? Bacalar is one of the best destinations in Quintana Roo, so don’t miss it on your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary.
Bacalar is a paradise famous for its beautiful crystal clear waters, stunning cenotes, and incredible Lagoon of Seven Colors.
Getting to Bacalar may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Bacalar by bus, taxi, rental car, or private transfer.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Cancun to Bacalar, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
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Cancun to Bacalar Distance
The distance between Bacalar and Cancun is about 345 km, which is 4.5-6 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
There are several ways to get to Bacalar from Cancun: by car (4.5 hours), by bus (5.5-6 hours), and by shuttle (4.5 hours).
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or bus ticket will cost.
Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Bacalar
Cancun to Bacalar by Flight
There are no direct flights from Cancun to Bacalar, as Bacalar has no airport. The nearest airport to Bacalar is the Chetumal International Airport (airport code CTM). There are also no direct flights from Cancun to Chetumal.
TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Chetumal, Mexico.
The flight takes 7-9 hours with connection, and the cheapest plane tickets start from 160 USD (without luggage) per person for one way. We don’t recommend this option as travel times are long and flights are expensive (especially in high season).
You can get from Chetumal Airport to Bacalar in about 35-40 minutes.
Cancun Airport to Bacalar
The airport transfer is the most comfortable way to get to Bacalar. Once you land at the airport, go to the arrivals hall to meet your driver and travel to your accommodation in Bacalar.
The transfer from Cancun Airport to Bacalar (any hotel) costs 368 USD for 4 people. The journey time is 4-4.5 hours, depending on traffic.
How to Get from Cancun to Bacalar by Taxi, Private Transfer
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Bacalar is by taxi. The journey takes 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi cost from Cancun Airport to Bacalar starts from 300-350 USD, depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.
Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, you can book a minivan from the Cancun Airport to Bacalar starting from 368 USD, and 4 pax are allowed.
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Cancun to Bacalar by Car
The best way to get from Cancun Airport to Bacalar is by car. Cancun is the best place to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary, as there are many cheap and direct flights to Cancun. Once you arrive at Cancun International Airport (airport code CUN), you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.
Car rental will cost around 30-35 USD per day, which includes full insurance. Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.
During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.
Recommended post → How to Renting a Car in Cancun
Driving time between Cancun and Bacalar is usually 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic.
Day Trip from Cancun to Bacalar
A day trip to Bacalar is a great way to see the Maldives of Mexico, so even if you can only take a short visit, it’s still worth it. You can enjoy the beautiful pontoon ride to different cenotes, the Pirates Channel, and the Lagoon of Seven Colors. After that, explore Bacalar town and see the panoramic view of San Felipe Fort.
The tour price includes roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual guide, breakfast, lunch, a boat ride, and entrance fees.
Book your Bacalar full-day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide, where you can get the best prices.
Cancun Airport to ADO Terminal by Bus
There are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to Bacalar, so you must first take an ADO bus or taxi to the ADO Terminal and then another bus to Bacalar.
One of the best ways to get to Downtown Cancun is by air-conditioned ADO bus, which allows 1 trolley bag (maximum 21 kg) + 1 handbag/small backpack per passenger.
The travel time is approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs 9 USD per person.
The A/C buses run all day from Cancun Airport to ADO Terminal Autobuses Cancun every 20-30 minutes from 08:10 AM to 23:50 PM.
Cancun to Bacalar by ADO Bus
The cheapest way to get to Bacalar is by air-conditioned ADO bus, which allows one 21 kg bag + 1 handbag per passenger.
The travel time is approximately 5.5-6 hours, depending on traffic. Bus ticket prices range from 34 to 44 USD.
The buses run all day from the ADO Terminal Autobuses Cancun to the Terminal ADO Bacalar every hour from 06:10 AM to midnight.
Where to Stay in Bacalar
Bacalar has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Bacalar, Mexico
- Luxury: Hotel Amainah Bacalar
- Mid-Range: Hotel Aldea 19 Bacalar or Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique
- Budget: Xibalba in town hostel
More Travel Guides about Mexico
- 2 Weeks in Mexico: Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary
- How to Renting a Car in Cancun, Mexico
- 10 Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
- The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico
- How to Visit Yellow City of Izamal, Mexico
- 14 Best Tulum Instagram Spots
- Valladolid Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days
- 7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico
We hope our post on how to get from Cancun to Bacalar will help you plan your next trip to Mexico. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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