How to get from Cancun to Bacalar
Why visit 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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Cancun to Bacalar?
There are 3 ways to travel the 345 kilometre (214 miles) distance from Cancun to Bacalar. You can choose between the bus, private transport and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 40 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 640 MXN ($36).
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 walk from and to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.
Total travel time takes around 5 hours 55 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes.
Step 1: Cancun City Centre to Bus Terminal
Buses depart from ADO Cancun Bus Station 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 20-minute taxi/Uber that costs around 200 MXN ($11.20)
You can also save some money by using the local bus when coming from Cancun’s hotel zone. Line R-1 makes a stop at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal. A bus ticket costs 13 MXN ($0.70) and the trip takes around 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 are the bus companies operating on this route. ADO offers a more comfortable ride with better seats and onboard toilets, while AU is the cheaper option with simpler buses and no restrooms. Check out our Mexico Transport Guide for a full comparison of their bus types and amenities.
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance via BookAway 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 Bacalar 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. A better option is to take an Uber, with fares to Laguna Bacalar Beach and anywhere within the city starting from 110 MXN ($6.20).
Cancun to Bacalar by Flight
Taking a flight is a quick way to get from Cancun to Bacalar. But 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 around 2 hours 40 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 about 18 km south of Cancun city centre. You can get there in three ways: via taxi, a private minivan, or the ADO buses departing from ADO Centro Cancun. All options can drop you off at any of the airport’s terminals.
The bus is the cheapest option from downtown Cancun to Cancun Airport at 105 MXN ($6). Tickets are available online and at the bus station in the city centre.
If you’re coming from the Hotel Zone, it might be more convenient to take a private minivan for 465 MXN ($26). You can book your bus or private transport beforehand through BookAway.
See our Cancun Airport page for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Cancun to Chetumal by Flight
Two airlines offer direct flights from Cancun to Chetumal: Aerus and Hahn Air Technologies. If you’re after a budget-friendly option, Aerus offers the cheaper fares.
There are only 2-3 departures a day for the direct flights from January to March. Flight time is around 1h 30m. Prices for airline tickets can go as low as 2,010 MXN ($115) when you book at least a few weeks ahead.
If you’re travelling between April and December, only indirect flights with a layover in Mexico City are available and the flight time is at least 6 hours. With that in mind, taking a bus or booking a private transfer might be faster and more convenient during these months.
Regularly check Skyscanner for the cheapest flights and latest schedules.
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 there is no need to book in advance. It’s good to know the average rate though to avoid being overcharged. A taxi ride from Chetumal Airport to Bacalar should cost you around 300 MXN ($16.80) - 400 MXN ($22.50).
A cheaper option would be to take the bus, which you can pre-book on BookAway for only 110 MXN ($6.20). Unfortunately, there are no direct buses for this route. You’ll still have to take a short taxi ride to the ADO Chetumal Bus Terminal in the 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.
Cancun to Bacalar by Private Transport
If you prefer your own ride and have the budget for it, a private transfer from Cancun to Bacalar is the easiest and most convenient option. It’s also a great alternative if you’re coming from Cancun International Airport and are heading straight to Bacalar with all your luggage.
The journey takes 4 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Taxi apps Uber and Didi, are also available on this route from Cancun to Bacalar. They are usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at 4,850 MXN ($270) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,620 MXN ($91) each.
If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 4,850 MXN ($270).
Private Transport options from Cancun to Bacalar
Best 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
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!
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 1,780 MXN ($100) if you leave it in Bacalar.
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.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
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.
