Cancun to Bacalar
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What to expect when visiting Bacalar
Bacalar is one of Mexico’s hidden gems. Despite its growing popularity, it has somehow managed to escape the influx of tourists in the Quintana Roo. What’s so special about it? Bacalar Lagoon! Also called the Lagoon of Seven Colours, its crystal clear waters glow in varying hues of turquoise.
This laidback town is the perfect place to take a step back from busy destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. With its eco-friendly hotels, an unlimited number of hammocks, pristine cenotes and amazing views everywhere you look, you will fall in love with Bacalar.
3 ways to get from Cancun to Bacalar
There are three ways to travel the distance of 345 km (214 miles) from Cancun to Bacalar: by bus (5h 55m - 6h 20m), private transfer (4 hours) and flight (2 hours 05 minutes). The journey takes between 2h 05m - 6h 20m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 710 MXN ($43) for the bus.Where to stay in Bacalar?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bacalar at the bottom of this page.
Cancun to Bacalar by Bus
Taking the bus is an easy and cheap way to get from Cancun to Bacalar. The bus stations of the two cities are both centrally located. You can easily walk from and to your hotel or take a short taxi ride. Total travel time takes around 5h 55m - 6h 20m.
Step 1: Cancun City Centre to Bus Terminal
Buses depart from ADO Bus terminal along Calle Pino in downtown Cancun. If your hotel is in this area, it might only be a short walk away.
If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you can reach the bus station via a 15-minute taxi that costs around 210 MXN ($12.70).
You can also save some money by using the local bus when coming from Cancun’s hotel zone. Lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 make a stop at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal. A bus ticket costs 60 MXN ($3.60) and the trip takes around 5 – 25 minutes.
Step 2: Cancun to Bacalar by Bus
Buses from Cancun to Bacalar are available throughout the day, with departures almost every hour from 06:10 in the morning to past midnight.
ADO and AU operate on this route. You can expect a bus with air conditioning, reclining seats, and a toilet. Do prepare a jacket as the ride can get chilly!
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance to be assured of a seat at your desired time and date.
While it is possible to buy your tickets at the bus station, you’ll have to wait for the next trip in case tickets for your preferred time are already sold out.
Step 3: Bacalar Bus Terminal to City Centre
Many hotels are within walking distance of the bus station. If your hotel is closer to the beaches of Laguna de Bacalar, we recommend taking a taxi.
Taxis in Bacalar are not metered so make sure to agree on a price before getting in. Rates to Laguna Bacalar Beach and anywhere within the city limits start from 60 MXN ($3.60).
Cancun to Bacalar by Private Transfer
If you prefer your own ride and have the budget for it, it might be more convenient to get a private transfer from Cancun to Bacalar. Rates start from 14,000 MXN ($840) for a 4-seater car.
We honestly think that taking a private shuttle is quite expensive as there is already an efficient bus service connection between Cancun and Bacalar.
However, it’s a great alternative if you’re coming from Cancun International Airport and are heading straight to Bacalar with all your luggage. Travel time by private transfer is also about 2 hours faster than taking the bus.
3,470 MXN ($210)
Cancun to Bacalar by Flight
Taking a flight is a quick way to get from Cancun to Bacalar. It is worth noting that you can only take a flight up to Chetumal, which is still 40 km away from the beautiful lagoon.
The total travel time takes a little over 2 hours 05 minutes.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Cancun Airport
Cancun Airport is located about 18 km south of Cancun city centre. You can get there in three ways: via taxi, a shared minivan, or the ADO buses departing from Cancun’s Central Bus Station. All options can drop you off at any of the airport’s two terminals.
The bus is the cheapest option from downtown Cancun to Cancun Airport at 135 MXN ($8.30). Tickets are available for online booking on BookAway, but you can also buy them onsite at the bus station.
If you’re coming from the Hotel Zone, it might be more convenient to take a shared minivan for 120 MXN ($7.20) or a private transfer for 310 MXN ($18.70). Both can be conveniently booked beforehand through BookAway.
See our Cancun Airport page for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Cancun to Chetumal by Direct Flight
Mayair is the only airline offering direct flights from Cancun to Chetumal. Flight time is around 55 minutes and ticket prices start from 2,450 MXN ($150) per person.
For the latest schedules, we recommend checking the Mayair website.
Step 3: Chetumal to Bacalar by Taxi
From Chetumal Airport, you will then have to travel about 40 km northwest to Bacalar. The best way to complete the last leg of this journey is by taxi.
There are plenty of taxis waiting at Chetumal Airport so pre-booking is not really necessary. It’s good to know the average rate though to avoid being overcharged. A taxi ride from Chetumal Airport to Bacalar costs should cost you around 400 MXN ($24).
A cheaper option would be to take the bus, which only costs 80 MXN ($4.80). Unfortunately, there are no direct buses for this route. You’ll still have to take a short taxi ride to the ADO Bus Terminal in Chetumal city centre, from where the buses bound for Laguna Bacalar are parked.
Heading back to Cancun after? Check out the full details of our guide from Bacalar to Cancun.
Our favourite places to stay in Bacalar
Agam Hotel - Treating Yourself
This place is just wow! Agam hotel boasts a bright and stunning decor that will make you feel like you’re staying in one of the fancy Tulum hotels. The difference is that the price tag is a lot lower!
There’s a swimming pool and a number of comfy loungers to spend the day on, soaking up the sun. After one night here, you’ll be looking to book more!
- Stunning swimming pool
- Delicious à la carte breakfast
- Bike rental available
- Beautifully decorated, modern rooms
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Casa Zazil - Mid Range
The ladies running this hotel provide an unforgettable service, and are great at recommending things to do in Bacalar. The hotel feels brand new with it’s light and airy rooms that boast a modern flare.
Added bonus: one of the host’s talents is preparing delicious vegan smoothies, coconut bowls and paninis. Waking up in the morning has never been so easy!
- Attentive and friendly hosts
- Delicious breakfast
- Newly renovated rooms
- Close to the bus stop
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Hotel Ma Alob Che Bacalar - Mid Range
Hotel Ma Alob Che provides everything you could ask for at a very good price — spacious rooms, comfy beds and excellent hosts. It is slightly further out of town, but as Bacalar is so small, you’re never far from the action.
This comes with the advantage that you’ll be surrounded by only peace and quiet. The large and lush garden in the hotel is the perfect place to relish in this tranquility.
- Large and modern rooms
- Relaxing communal courtyard and garden
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Bicycles available to rent
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Zayali - Budget Friendly
The owners of Zayali homestay welcome you as if you’re part of the family, making you instantly feel like you’re at home. The rooms are clean, spacious and well air-conditioned, guaranteeing a great night’s sleep.
The rooms also include a fridge, microwave and coffee-making facilities. Plus, there’s a great communal hangout area with hammocks and a rustic bar.
- Super friendly host family
- Big and clean air conditioned rooms
- Great location
- Free water and coffee
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Cancun to Bacalar
Can you rent a car from Cancun to Bacalar?
Having a car rental gives you the freedom to make as many side trips as you want and do whatever you want – like belting out your favourite road trip tunes. It’s worth noting that you’ll have to return your rental car in Cancun unless you’re willing to pay an extra $100 if you leave it in Bacalar.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Cancun to Bacalar. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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