You can get from Cancun to Bacalar by ADO Bus, private transfer, rental car, or flight.
The cheapest and most popular option is the ADO Bus, which costs USD 41 and takes just under 6 hours.
The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car. Traveling this way takes about 4 hours.
Having zipped around Mexico more times than I can count, discovering every nook and cranny, I can help you navigate this vibrant country!
In this guide, I’m sharing my top tips and insider knowledge on the best ways to travel this route.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | ~6 hrs | $41 |
| Private Transfer | ~4 hrs | – |
| Flight | – | – |
| Rental Car | ~4 hrs | – |
How far is Cancun to Bacalar?
The distance from Cancun to Bacalar is 215 miles or 346 kilometers.
Getting to Bacalar from Cancun
1. Our recommendation: ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 5 hours 50 minutes
Taking an ADO Bus is the cheapest way to travel between the two destinations.
The one-way bus fare is 41 USD, which takes around 5 hours and 50 minutes to get there.
All ADO buses have air conditioning, reclinable seats, a bathroom, and TVs.
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:10am | 01:00pm | 5h 50m | $41 |  |
| 09:10am | 03:00pm | 5h 50m | $41 | |
| 11:10am | 05:00pm | 5h 50m | $41 | |
| 12:10pm | 06:00pm | 5h 50m | $41 | |
| 02:10pm | 08:00pm | 5h 50m | $41 | |
| 03:10pm | 09:00pm | 5h 50m | $41 | |
| 05:10pm | 11:00pm | 5h 50m | $41 | |
| 11:59pm | 05:30am | 5h 50m | $41 | |
2. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Around 4 hours
A private transfer to Bacalar might be your best option if you prefer more comfort and flexibility.
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Cancun at your preferred time. Making stops on the way is often also possible for an additional charge.
3. Flight
There is no direct flight connection.
The nearest airport to Bacalar, Mexico, is Chetumal International (CTM) Airport, a 34-minute drive away.
4. Driving with a Rental Car
Journey Duration: Around 4 hours
I prefer traveling by rental car to be independent of bus or shuttle schedules and to explore the destination on my own.
For example, I highly recommend visiting Los Rápidos from Bacalar. The easiest and cheapest way to get there is by car.
There are sufficient parking lots in Bacalar, and the journey from Cancun to Bacalar is easy and safe.
Best day tours in Bacalar
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is it to drive?
The drive is generally considered safe, especially during the day.
Are car rentals available in Cancun for travel to Bacalar?
Yes, several car rental companies are available at the Cancun airport and throughout the city, offering various options for driving to Bacalar.
Is there a direct flight available?
Currently, there are no direct commercial flights. The best alternative is to fly to Chetumal, which is approximately 40 minutes away by car.
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