How to Get From San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque

There are several bus trips from San Cristobal De Las Casas to Palenque every day. ADO is the sole operator for this route. The buses include AC, reclining seats and a toilet.

Looking to save time as well as a night on accommodation? Then go for the night bus. If you are a good sleeper, you will be able to get a good night’s rest and wake up the next morning in your new destination.

The buses do make a few stops along the way where you’ll be able to stretch your legs and go to the toilet.

A bus ticket costs 440 MXN ($26) and the bus can complete the journey in around 8h 5m - 8h 45m.

Departure station

Buses to Palenque depart from San Cristobal de las Casas Bus Terminal, just a 10-minute walk from the town’s main square.

You can also get to the terminal by taxi that takes around 5 minutes from the city centre. Rates start at 50 MXN ($2.90).

A private transfer is a comfortable way to get from San Cristobal De Las Casas to Palenque — especially if you're travelling in a group or with kids.

There are two possible routes: one via Villahermosa and another via Ocosingo. The Ocosingo road is shorter and cheaper, but we won’t get tired of saying it — go with the Villahermosa route. It’s the safer, more reliable choice and makes a lot more sense if you want a smooth journey.

Take the safer route via Villahermosa

The Villahermosa route takes about 7h and uses toll roads that are well-maintained, smooth and free of sharp curves or speed bumps. It's a much calmer ride — perfect if you're prone to motion sickness or just want a worry-free trip.

We recommend booking with Taxi Seguro San Cristobal, a trusted local company offering private transfers via Villahermosa for 5,500 MXN ($315). Taxis are standard 4-seater sedans, and payment is made in cash directly to the driver on the day of travel.

For safety reasons, departures must be no later than 9:00 am, because the driver needs to return to San Cristobal before dark.

Why we don’t recommend the Ocosingo route

The Ocosingo road is shorter — around 5 to 6 hours — and cheaper, with standard fares from 3,500 MXN ($200) to 5,200 MXN ($300). But the route passes through remote areas that have experienced roadblocks and security issues in recent years.

Some drivers know how to handle these situations and choose the safest paths, but there’s still a level of risk. Take this route only if you’re very familiar with the area or absolutely need to save time and money.

If you decide to take the Ocosingo route, you can book a transfer through platforms like BookAway or Wayak. Keep in mind that these booking portals only offer the Ocosingo route and don’t cover the safer Villahermosa option. Make sure to book with a trusted provider and travel only during daylight hours.

Safety tips when travelling via Ocosingo

• Pick a trusted taxi company. We don’t advise just hailing a taxi from the street. Pick one that receives good reviews or ask your hotel’s staff to help you find a trusted ride.
• Ask if they’re travelling in a convoy. Many tour operators choose to travel in a convoy when taking on the Ocosingo route. Make sure that your taxi driver plans to join one. If he doesn’t, find another taxi.
• Secure your valuables. Hide all gadgets and anything flashy (especially jewellery!).
• Separate a few 100-peso bills (100 MXN ($5.80)) from the rest of your cash. This way, you can easily pay for roadblocks without showing all your money. A wallet full of cash can be very tempting for the hungry locals.
• Look brave, not fierce. One wrong look can piss off the locals. Try to look calm and confident, but be careful not to seem annoyed, aggressive, or even scared.
• Travel during the day. No taxi will want to travel at night anyway. That would be like asking for trouble.