Wondering how to get to Bacalar, Mexico? In this guide, we’ll give you information to help you get to Bacalar.
Bacalar is a beautiful spot in the south of the Quintana Roo located 4 hours from Cancun, 3.5 hours from Playa del Carmen, and 2.5 hours from Tulum.
It’s the perfect spot if you’re searching for a destination quieter, peaceful and ideal for outdoor activities such as standup paddleboarding, cycling, or kayaking.
In fact, you’ll be able to go on a boat trip too while you’re there so that you can appreciate the seven colors found in the laguna.
Bacalar was – without a doubt – one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen during my trip in the Quintana Roo in Mexico. You can start planning your trip by reading our suggestions on the best things to do in Bacalar.
Without further ado, let’s talk about the ways you can use to reach Bacalar whether you’re arriving from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.
How To Get To Bacalar By Car
One of the easiest ways to get to Bacalar is by car. That can be convenient if you’re planning on road-tripping around the Quintana Roo, or if you like the freedom of renting a car.
You have two options – you can rent a car or book a private transfer. The latter will be a costly solution because Bacalar is far, and a transfer means that your driver will need to drive back to its original destination.
If you wish to rent a car, we recommend you rent a car on known websites such as Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, or Budget. Alternatively, you can look on Discover Cars which helps you find deals on trusted car rental providers.
If you wish to organize a private transfer, we recommend you use Cancun Airport Transportations. For a one-way transfer, the price starts at $355 and the round-trip at $655.
Now, if you’re driving yourself, you’ll find more information to reach Bacalar in the following sections. Note that the police officers often target tourists for checks.
So, if you decide to rent a car, you must be confident in your abilities to speak with the police. You’ll find the directions to get to Bacalar from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum below.
From Cancun
From Cancun International Airport to Bacalar, you can expect around 4 hours of driving (333 km). The route is quite straightforward (México 307).
You simply need to follow the direction of Chetumal/Bacalar.
Click here to get the map and directions.
From Playa Del Carmen
From Playa del Carmen, you can expect around 3h30 of driving (279 km).
The route is quite easy to follow via México 307.
Click here to get the map and directions.
From Tulum
Finally, from Tulum, you can expect around 2h30 of driving (215 km).
Again, the route is straightforward via México 307.
Click here to get the map and directions.
How To Get To Bacalar By Bus
The easiest way to get to Bacalar is by bus. It’ll take more time, but it’s safe and easy. We recommend you take the Ado bus.
We also suggest you book bus tickets on your mobile device because the desktop version has glitches. Alternatively, you can book your bus ticket via Budbus. They offer all the Ado bus routes on their website which offer a perfect mobile and desktop version.
From Cancun
You can take the bus from Cancun to Bacalar at the following bus station:
- Cancun Centro
That said, you’ll need to get to the Centro bus station.
The bus from Cancun to Bacalar has stops in Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Of course, it depends on the exact route you book.
You’ll arrive here. From there, you can easily find a taxi to reach your hotel or walk to your hotel if you prefer. Most hotels are within walking distance (10-15 minutes walk).
The Ado bus ticket costs around MXN 542 ($26) and is available on Busbud for around $28.
From Playa Del Carmen
You can take the bus from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar at the following bus stations:
- Turistica
- Xcaret
- Alterna
The bus from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar has one stop in Tulum. Of course, it depends on the route you book.
You’ll arrive here. From there, you can easily find a taxi to reach your hotel or walk to your hotel if you prefer. Most hotels are within walking distance (10-15 minutes walk).
The Ado bus ticket costs around MXN 438 ($21) and is available on Busbud for around $20 depending on the starting point.
From Tulum
You can take the bus from Tulum to Bacalar at the following bus stations:
- Tulum Centro
The bus from Tulum to Bacalar has no stops.
You’ll arrive here. From there, you can easily find a taxi to reach your hotel or walk to your hotel if you prefer. Most hotels are within walking distance (10-15 minutes walk).
The Ado bus ticket costs around MXN 324 ($15) and is available on Busbud for $17.
Staying in Bacalar?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels around Bacalar laguna.
Best hostel: Che Bacalar Hostel
Best mid-range hotel: Blue Palm Bacalar
Best luxury hotel: Habitas Bacalar
How To Get To Bacalar By Flight
Finally, you can also get to Bacalar by flight to save time as it’s the fastest way to get to Bacalar. The nearest airport is the Chetumal International Airport.
So, you may want to fly there directly or simply, book a domestic flight to Chetumal.
You can rent a car there and drive around 40 minutes to reach Bacalar, or you can take the Ado bus from Chetumal to Bacalar.
The Ado bus ticket costs around MXN 92 ($4.50) and is available on Busbud for around $5.
Final Thoughts On Getting To Bacalar, Mexico
If you’re looking for an easy option, I’d recommend you take the Ado bus to Bacalar.
If you’re searching for a fast option, then you should rent a car and drive to Bacalar yourself.
If money isn’t an issue, then, you can fly to Chetumal or book a private transfer to reach Bacalar.
We hope this guide was helpful and that you’re going to enjoy Bacalar as much as we did.
Want more travel inspiration in Mexico? Read one of the following blog posts:
