How to Get From
Bacalar to Cancun

Overview Compare Bus Taxi Flight Questions To Stay

How to get from Bacalar to Cancun

With millions of tourists visiting Cancun every year, Cancun is hands down the most popular destination in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. It’s even the second most visited destination in the country, after Mexico City.

The reason for this? Cancun offers a diverse range of things to do, but its main draw is without a doubt its stunning beaches alongside the vibrant and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Cancun is often either the first or last stop of itineraries around the Yucatan Peninsula. This bustling city is often the starting point before visiting nearby Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel or Tulum, but you can also travel directly from Bacalar to Cancun.

Depending on what you’re looking for in Mexico, Cancun can just be a short stopover or a holiday destination in itself. You’ll find most tourists in the Hotel Zone, which is full to the brim with all-inclusive resorts, restaurants and lively bars.

New to Cancun? Check out this compact Cancun guide to find the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Cancun!

3 ways to get from Bacalar to Cancun (Sorted by popularity)

Transport Mode	Duration	Costs		Availability
Bus	6 hours	605 MXN ($32)		Check Bus Tickets
Private Transfer	4 hours	6,850 MXN ($360)		Check Private Transfers
Flight	2hrs 05m	2,943 MXN ($155)		Check Flights

The cheapest way to get from Bacalar to Cancun is a 6-hour bus with fares from 605 MXN ($32). Your alternate options are a 4-hour private transfer with rates from 6,850 MXN ($360) or a 2-hour flight that costs around 2,943 MXN ($155).

The bus is a great and relatively cheap way to travel from Bacalar to Cancun. Buses for this route are operated by ADO so you are guaranteed a comfortable ride. There’s an ADO bus departure throughout the day from morning to night. Combined fares, including transfers to and from bus terminals, start from 605 MXN ($32).

Travelling in a group or heading straight to Cancun International Airport? You can also take a private transfer that costs around 6,850 MXN ($360) for up to 4 people. Although quite expensive, you’ll be taken straight from your hotel in Bacalar to Cancun’s Airport in just 4 hours, which is 2 hours faster than the bus.

There is no direct flight from Bacalar to Cancun, but you can take one from Chetumal. This combined taxi and flight journey takes a little over 2 hours and costs around 2,943 MXN ($155). We don’t really recommend taking short-haul flights like this are quite harmful to the environment.

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

Itinerary from Bacalar to Cancun

Bacalar to Cancun by Bus

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: 605 MXN ($32)

Duration: 6 hours

Cost: 605 MXN ($32)

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

Step 1: Bacalar City Centre to Bus Terminal

Duration: 10 minutes

Cost: 60 MXN ($3.10)

Duration: 10 minutes

Cost: 60 MXN ($3.10)

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 range from 60 MXN ($3.10) to 130 MXN ($6.50). Note that taxis are not metered in Bacalar.

Step 2: Bacalar to Cancun by Bus

Duration: 5.5 hours

Cost: 530 MXN ($28)

Duration: 5.5 hours

Cost: 530 MXN ($28)

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 really cold so make sure to have a jacket handy!

Ticket prices from Bacalar to Cancun start from 530 MXN ($28). The journey takes around 5.5 hours.

Bus schedule from Bacalar to Cancun

Bus Operator	Schedule	Duration	Costs
ADO	Almost every hour from 09:20 – 00:49	5.5 hours	530 MXN ($28) Check Bus Tickets

We recommend booking your bus ticket online for guaranteed seats at your desired time and day. BookAway is an easy-to-use platform with awesome customer service. It also often gives the best price, even cheaper than booking directly on the ADO website.

Bus tickets are also available to buy at the bus station. But get there at least 30 minutes before your preferred bus departure. Otherwise, tickets may be sold out and you’ll have to wait for the next trip.

Step 3: Bacalar Bus Terminal to City Centre

Duration: 5 – 25 minutes

Cost: 15 MXN ($0.70)

Duration: 5 – 25 minutes

Cost: 15 MXN ($0.70)

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 210 MXN ($11). 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 25 minutes. A bus ticket costs 15 MXN ($0.70).

Bacalar to Cancun by Private Transfer

Duration: 4 hours

Cost: 6,850 MXN ($360)

Duration: 4 hours

Cost: 6,850 MXN ($360)

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 for a 4-seater car from Bacalar to Cancun Airport start from 6,850 MXN ($360). 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.

Check Private Transfers with BookAway

Bacalar to Cancun by Flight

Duration: 2hrs 05m

Cost: 2,943 MXN ($155)

Duration: 2hrs 05m

Cost: 2,943 MXN ($155)

Taking a flight from Bacalar to Cancun can be quite expensive with combined rates from 2,943 MXN ($155). 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.

Step 1: Bacalar City Centre to Chetumal Airport

Duration: 40 minutes

Cost: 400 MXN ($21)

Duration: 40 minutes

Cost: 400 MXN ($21)

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 ($21) and the taxi journey takes around 40 minutes.

A cheaper yet slower alternative is a 50-minute bus, which only costs 80 MXN ($4.20). 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.

Step 2: Chetumal to Cancun by Direct Flight

Duration: 55 minutes

Cost: 2,445 MXN ($125)

Duration: 55 minutes

Cost: 2,445 MXN ($125)

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 2,445 MXN ($125) per person. You can check flight schedules and book tickets directly through the Mayair website.

Step 3: Cancun Airport to Cancun City Centre

Duration: 30 minutes

Cost: 98 MXN ($5)

Duration: 30 minutes

Cost: 98 MXN ($5)

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 ($5) and you can book them beforehand through ClickBus.

Going straight to the Hotel Zone? We recommend taking either a shared minivan for 157 MXN ($8) or a private transfer for 456 MXN ($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.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can you rent a car from Bacalar to Cancun?

There is also an option to rent your own car from Bacalar to Cancun. Car rentals are cheap in Mexico, making it a popular way to go around. Rates for a rental car start from 320 MXN ($16.50) a day. Note that if you rent your car in the magic town of Bacalar, there will be an extra charge if you drop it off in Cancun. For the cheapest rates and most extensive car rental choices, we recommend booking one through Skyscanner or Kayak.

Our favourite places to stay in Cancun

Sina Suites – Treating Yourself

Resorts in Cancun can cost you a bomb! Sina Suites gives you that resort-style feel without the high prices. Ever wanted your own private marina in a hotel? No? Well now you probably do, and Sina Suites has one. It also has a large swimming pool set amongst gardens that overlook the lagoon.

Every day, enjoy a continental breakfast and delicious Mexican food in their poolside restaurant/bar that sits underneath a traditional thatched hut! You’ll also get more than just a room here, most suites also offer a kitchenette and balcony.

• Views overlooking Cancun lagoon
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Bar and restaurant
• Great location

Double rooms start from $80 per night

Check Latest Price

Viento Suites – Mid Range

Viento Suites is an escape from the busy and hectic Cancun. Once you’re inside the walls of this hotel, chilling in the garden beside the swimming pool, you’ll forget about the outside world.

The location couldn’t be more perfect. It’s situated within Downtown Cancun, but also very close to the Hotel Zone and beaches. The rooms look like those found in a high-class hotel, but without the extortionate prices.

• Outdoor swimming pool
• BBQ facilities
• Great location
• Clean and spacious rooms

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

Check Latest Price

Yellow Capsule Hotel – Budget Friendly

Looking for a unique sleeping experience? The Yellow Capsule Hotel will definitely give you that. Instead of traditional rooms, you sleep in a pod. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the future when you clamber into your bright and spacious pod.

The capsules are clean and include everything you need for a comfy stay, a mirror, outlets, a safe and storage space. When you’re done hanging around in your pod, you can chill at the hotel’s terrace and enjoy their free breakfast.

• Cool capsule sleeping experience
• Friendly and helpful staff
• Great location
• Delicious breakfast included

Double rooms between $15-$40 per night

Check Latest Price

Estancia Tulbayab 36 – Budget Friendly

If you’re looking for a more homely feel than a to hotel, then definitely stay at Estancia. The owners will instantly make you feel welcome and are always there to offer advice.

The homestay offers a very convenient location, close to the local markets and not too far from the ADO bus station. The rooms are clean and spacious, plus a steal for the price. If you fancy doing some cooking whilst in Cancun, you can make use of the communal kitchen.

• Great location
• Clean and spacious rooms
• Helpful and friendly hosts
• You’ll feel at home

Double rooms between $15-$40 per night

Check Latest Price