Overview Compare Bus Taxi To Stay
What to expect from Bacalar
Bacalar is one of Mexico’s hidden gems that has somehow managed to escape the influx of tourists. It’s situated in the south of Mexico’s Quintana Roo District, not too far from Chetumal and Belize.
Why do we love Bacalar so much? Bacalar Lagoon!
Bacalar Lagoon or Laguna Bacalar boasts of mesmerizingly blue waters, a colour more commonly associated with a tropical island paradise. Surrounded by nature-themed resorts, it’s so easy to get lost in the moment here, tucked in a hammock overlooking the lagoon. Spending the whole day doing nothing isn’t such a bad idea in Bacalar.
If you’re not one for slow days, there are also plenty of activities available like kayaking, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and scuba diving in one of Bacalar’s cenotes. The town also has an interesting history involving pirates that can be fun to learn about during your visit.
Recommended reading: Gecko Routes Tulum travel guide – packed with tips about the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and how to get around in Tulum.
How to get from Tulum to Bacalar
The best way to travel the 215 km (133 miles) distance from Tulum to Bacalar is via a 3-hour bus ride, which costs around 360 MXN ($21.00). Alternatively, you can take a 2.5-hour taxi with fares from 3,500 MXN ($200.00).
The bus goes directly to Bacalar from Tulum and is the most cost-efficient option available. The buses operating on this route provide a comfortable ride, and you can be flexible with your schedule, as there are bus trips from morning to late evening. The bus ride takes almost 3 hours with fares from 360 MXN ($21.00).
Travelling in a group? A taxi from Tulum to Bacalar takes around 2.5 hours, but it is a bit expensive with rates from 3,500 MXN ($200.00).
Another alternative that has become popular with travellers is renting your own car in Tulum. Rates for a rental car start from 90 MXN ($5.00) a day. This option gives you the freedom to stop at any of the beaches or towns along the way, leave whenever you want, and indulge in a bit of car karaoke. The only downside is that you will need to return the car in Tulum or pay around $100 extra fee if you leave the car in Bacalar.
Tulum to Bacalar by Bus
Taking the bus is the most common way to travel from Tulum to Bacalar. The bus companies operating Tulum to Bacalar bus services are ADO and Autobuses Unidos.
ADO has more departures throughout the day and offers a more comfortable ride with more legroom compared to Autobuses Unidos. Meanwhile, all Autobuses Unidos trips are in the evening.
Tickets start from 360 MXN ($21.00) for the 3-hour bus ride.
Departure station
Buses bound for Bacalar depart from Tulum’s main bus station, Terminal Autobuses ADO, located in the town’s centre. This bus stop is within walking distance of many hotels in the town centre.
You can also take a taxi if you prefer, but note that taxis are not metered in Tulum. An average taxi rate from the beach area to the bus terminal is around 150 MXN ($8.50).
Bus schedules from Tulum to Bacalar
We highly recommend purchasing your tickets online beforehand to be assured of a seat on your desired date and time. We like booking with BookAway because they don’t add hidden charges and also offer great customer service.
If you prefer to buy your tickets at the bus station, make sure to be there at least 30 minutes before departure time! Otherwise, there’s a huge chance of tickets being sold out for your desired time and you’ll have to wait for the next trip.
Arrival station
Once you arrive in Bacalar, you’ll be dropped off at the ADO Bus Terminal, situated on the town’s main road. There is an option to walk if your accommodation is nearby.
However, if you’re staying closer to Laguna Bacalar, the best option is to take a taxi. Taxis here are not metered as well, so make sure to agree on the price before entering the taxi. Taxi fares for destinations within Bacalar range between 60 MXN ($3.50) and 130 MXN ($7.50).
Tulum to Bacalar by Taxi
If you prefer a private ride or are travelling in a group, you can also take a taxi from Tulum to Bacalar.
Since taxis in Tulum are not metered and you’ll be travelling a long distance, it’s best that you first agree on a rate with the taxi driver beforehand.
The taxi ride from Tulum to Bacalar takes 2.5 hours and costs around 3,500 MXN ($200.00). You can hail one from the street or approach one of the taxis outside ADO bus terminal.
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
Bacalar Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bacalar Travel Guide
9 best things to do in Bacalar
Routes from Bacalar
Most popular routes in Mexico
Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)
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.
