Best Ways: How to Get from Cancun to Bacalar
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Cancun to Bacalar, Mexico? Bacalar was one of our favorite places to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is famous for its crystal clear waters, stunning cenotes, and the incredible Seven Colors Lagoon.
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, train, or shuttle.
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.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or train ticket will cost.
Cancun to Bacalar by ADO Bus
The cheapest way to get to Bacalar is by bus. ADO is the largest and most popular bus company in Mexico. The Mexican ADO buses are safe, air-conditioned, comfortable, and cheap.
There are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to Bacalar. As there is no Uber at the airport, you will need to take another ADO bus or taxi into the city and then transfer to the direct bus to Bacalar.
The A/C buses run all day from the airport to Cancun ADO Bus Station every 30-45 minutes from 00:50 to 23:40. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes. The bus ticket costs 140 MXN (7 USD) per person.
Cancun to Bacalar ADO Bus Timetable
The buses run all day from the ADO Terminal Autobuses Cancun to Terminal De Autobuses Bacalar every hour from 6:10 AM to midnight. The bus journey takes about 5.5-6 hours. The cheapest bus ticket to Bacalar starts from 562 MXN (27.50 USD).
The Bacalar ADO bus station is located on the town’s main road. You can walk to most accommodation within 15-20 minutes, or take a taxi.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Bacalar
Cancun Airport to Bacalar by Train
The fastest way to get to Bacalar is by train. Travel time is just 4 hours 36 minutes. The tourist class train ticket costs 1113.50 MXN (54.50 USD) for foreigners and 557 MXN (27 USD) for local tourists.
The train station (Estación Tren Maya-Cancún) is located near Cancun Airport and can be reached in about 5-10 minutes by shuttle.
There is only one daily train from the airport to Bacalar at 9 AM, so we recommend booking your ticket in advance. You can buy tickets for the Maya Train on this official site.
Good to know
There is a free shuttle service from Cancun Airport to the Maya train station.
Cancun to Bacalar by Taxi, Private Transfer
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to get to Bacalar is by taxi. The journey takes 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi from Cancun Airport to Bacalar costs between 280 USD and 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 shuttle from the airport to Bacalar (any hotel) starting from 399 USD, and 4 pax are allowed.
Cancun to Bacalar by Car
The best way to get to Bacalar is by car. 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 30-40 USD daily for a standard car with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price!
Is it Safe to Drive from Cancun to Bacalar?
Yes, driving is generally safe in most tourist areas of Mexico, such as the Riviera Maya and Quintana Roo. The roads are well-maintained and easy to drive. We did our 2-week Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace.
Driving time between Cancun and Bacalar is usually 4.5-5 hours, depending on traffic. There is no toll road. There are few petrol stations along the way, so make sure you set off with a full tank!
Are you thinking of renting a car? Be sure to read our guide to renting a car in Mexico and driving in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cancun to Bacalar by Flight
There are no direct flights from Cancun to Bacalar, as Bacalar does not have an airport. The nearest airport to Bacalar is the Chetumal International Airport (airport code CTM). You can fly directly from Cancun to Chetumal and get to Bacalar in about 35-40 minutes by taxi.
The flight takes just 1.5 hours, and the cheapest plane tickets start from 80 USD (without luggage) per person one way.
TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights.
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 a beautiful pontoon boat 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, bottled water, and a boat ride.
Book your Bacalar full-day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
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 – Adults Only
- Mid-Range: Hotel Aldea 19 Bacalar or Hotel Makaabá Eco-Boutique
- Budget: Xibalba in town hostel
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Bacalar.
More Travel Guides about Mexico
- Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary
- 10 Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
- Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza
- Best Tulum Instagram Spots
- 7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar
- Los Rapidos & Laguna Bonanza
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
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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