How to get fromBacalar to Cancun

What to expect when visiting Cancun

Cancun is a vibrant beach city overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With its crystal blue waters and snow-white sand, the city can be too touristy for some visitors. But its location on Mexico’s east coast makes it the perfect gateway to other destinations like Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres and Holbox.

You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars. Depending on what you’re looking for, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination by itself. Whichever you decide, make sure to explore other nearby destinations for a more authentic Mexican experience!

3 ways to get from Bacalar to Cancun

The 3 ways to travel the distance of 340 kilometers (211 miles) from Bacalar to Cancun are by: bus (5 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes), private transfer (4 hours) and flight (2 hours 5 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 2 hours 5 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €39 for the bus.

The bus service from Bacalar to Cancun takes around 5 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes, already including the short transfers to and from bus stations.

Buses depart from ADO Bacalar, located along the main road, some 2 km west of the tourist area. If your hotel is located nearby, you can probably even walk to the bus station.

If you’re staying by the beach or coming from a boat tour at Bacalar Lagoon, it might be better to take a taxi. This is especially convenient if you’re carrying some luggage. Rates from the lagoon and anywhere within Bacalar city limits start from 60 MXN (€2.80). Note that taxis are not metered in Bacalar.

There are at least 13 bus trips that operate between the two cities every day. Buses depart almost every hour from 09:20 to 20:50. One other bus leaves past midnight.

The sole operator for this route is ADO, Mexico’s most popular bus company. ADO buses feature fairly good service with air conditioning, reclining seats, and a toilet. Mexican buses can get cold so make sure to have a jacket handy!

Ticket prices from Bacalar to Cancun start from €35. The journey takes around 5h 15m - 6h 5m.

Buses park at the ADO Bus Station along Calle Pino in downtown Cancun. From this terminal, many hotels in the city centre are just within walking distance.

Are you heading to the Hotel Zone? If yes, then you can get there via a 15-minute taxi that costs around €12. A cheaper alternative would be to take the local bus. Lines R-1, R-3 and R-38 make a stop right in front of the bus terminal and can take you to the beach area in around 15 – 25 minutes. A bus ticket costs 15 MXN (€0.70).

Taking a flight from Bacalar to Cancun can be quite expensive with combined rates from 2,940 MXN (€140). It’s also indirect, so you’ll still have to travel by land for half of the journey.

One great thing about it though is the picturesque views of the peninsula, which you can enjoy from a bird’s eye view.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Since Bacalar doesn’t have its own airport, you’ll have to take a taxi to the nearest one. Chetumal Airport is located 40 km southeast.

We recommend asking your hotel in Bacalar to help you find the best deals. Rates start from 400 MXN (€18.70) and the taxi journey takes around 40 minutes.

A cheaper yet slower alternative is a 50-minute bus, which only costs 80 MXN (€3.70). However, there are no direct buses from Bacalar to Chetumal Airport. The bus can only take you up to ADO Bus Terminal in Chetumal city centre. From here, you’ll need an additional 15-minute taxi to Chetumal Airport.

If you’re in a hurry, we recommend just taking a direct taxi instead.

From Chetumal Airport, a flight to Cancun only takes 55 minutes. During this short period, you can enjoy some really amazing views of the Quintana Roo and the Riviera Maya.

Mayair offers several direct flights from Chetumal to Cancun throughout the week. A ticket costs around 2,450 MXN (€115) per person. You can check flight schedules and book tickets directly through the Mayair website.

From Cancun International Airport, you’ll then have to travel 18 km north to get to the city centre. There are three ways you can do this: via taxi, a shared minivan, or a bus.

Heading to downtown Cancun? There are ADO buses departing from both Terminals 1 & 2 of the airport. They will take you to the Central Bus Station, which is just within walking distance of many hotels in the city centre. A ticket costs 98 MXN (€4.60) and you can book them beforehand through ClickBus.

Going straight to the Hotel Zone? We recommend taking either a shared minivan for 155 MXN (€7.40) or a private transfer for €24. It’s best to pre-book your ride through BookAway.

For more info, check out our Cancun Airport guide.

Cancun to Bacalar guide

Travelling the other way? See our page about Cancun to Bacalar.

Looking for a way to go straight to the airport in Cancun? A private transfer is your best bet – if you have the budget for it.

Rates start from €645 for a 3-seater private transfer. Although quite expensive, a private shuttle is a good alternative if you’re travelling with kids or elders or just carrying a lot of luggage.

Also, you can be sure that you can make it in time for your flight as private transfers don’t make unnecessary stops and are 2 hours faster than the bus. That gives you more time to enjoy the seven colours of the beautiful lagoon before setting off for Cancun!

For spacious cars with professional drivers, we recommend booking through BookAway.

Private Transfer options from Bacalar to Cancun