How To Travel From Cozumel to Bacalar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Exploring the Yucatan Peninsula is a bucket list item for most travelers. However, with many of Mexico's top destinations far apart, navigating between them can be confusing. If you are planning to head from Cozumel to Bacalar without a tour guide, you can use my step-by-step travel guide to make your trip simple and smooth.
Pro Tip: With a 5-6 hour journey ahead of you, be sure to pack plenty of water, snacks, and coffee.
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Cozumel to Bacalar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen (PDC)
The initial step in traveling from Cozumel to Bacalar is to board the ferry from Cozumel to the mainland, more specifically to Playa del Carmen. This 45-minute passenger ferry operates hourly, facilitated by three companies: Winjet (orange) Xcaret (blue), and Ultramar (yellow). The ferry services are subject to weather conditions.
Note: Transcaribe and Ultramar Carga also operate a car ferry between Calica and Cozumel for those who need to transport their motor vehicles. The price starts at 710 pesos, with Transcaribe being slightly cheaper.
Ferry Port Location (Cozumel):
The ferry port location in Cozumel for Winjet, Xcaret, and Ultramar is across the street from Benito Juarez Park. The exact location is here.
Ferry Port Location in PDC:
How to Get to the Ferry Port in Cozumel:
You can walk to the ferry port if you are staying in Centro or near the San Miguel area. If you plan to walk to the terminal, I recommend heading there early in the morning to avoid peak heat hours throughout your trip. I chose to take the 10:00 AM ferry with Winjet.
If you prefer a car, you can also schedule a taxi ahead of time by locating one the day prior and scheduling it, or you can ask your accommodation for assistance. You can schedule a taxi from the Cozumel airport to the ferry port here.
A view from inside of the Winjet Ferry.
How Much is the ferry?
Check their websites for updated pricing. The price is usually around 260 pesos (15 USD).
Should I Book Ahead?
The ferry can operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but I always buy tickets in advance online and arrive 30-35 minutes before departure to secure my spot. I recommend morning rides (before 11:00 AM) to avoid peak heat, crowds, and choppier waters. Consider arriving even earlier during the high season (December to February).
At the port, you will go through a security checkpoint where bags are scanned for weapons and illegal items. After passing through the scanner, you will find vendors selling food, drinks, and trinkets, with restrooms on the second floor. The ferry port is covered overhead but open on both sides.
How Long is The Ferry?
Typically 40-45 minutes, weather dependent.
How Is the Ride?
This is, of course, weather-dependent, but I find mornings are best for calm waters and smooth rides. I always carry motion sickness treatment and sit in the middle of the boat to minimize motion sickness. The cabin is air-conditioned and the seats are quite comfortable.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check the weather ahead of time to avoid a rocky boat trip.
What About My Baggage? Is it secure?
Yes, having taken many ferries in my life, including all of the lovely experiences in Indonesia (if you know, you know), Winjet’s baggage process had me relieved.
When boarding, employees will tag your baggage and give you a matching tag—do not lose it and take a clear photo incase you misplace it. The bags are then handed to the crew and placed in a secure compartment accessed via a small door.
How Many Bags Can I Take?
Although I am unsure of Winjet's exact baggage allowance, I can share my experience from a recent ferry trip with my boyfriend. We checked three large suitcases and carried two smaller bags (backpacks) on board.
We kept all personal and valuable items in our backpacks. While I have never experienced theft, I prefer to travel cautiously. Given the stories I have heard about traveling in Mexico, whether fact or fiction, I do not take any chances and stay vigilant.
When you arrive in PDC and exit the ferry, bags are placed in a secure area near the Winjet ferry boat. One worker stands inside the roped-off area, while another takes the bags handed down by his coworker. To retrieve your bag, you must hand over your ticket. The worker will then ensure the ticket matches the one on your baggage before you are free to go.
Step 2: Travel from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar
The best way to travel from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar is with ADO, Mexico's largest bus company, ADO. However, you can opt to rent a car or take a private taxi as well. (A private taxi could cost upwards of 200-300 USD.) I recommend taking the ADO bus since it is the cheapest and easiest option. There is a direct route from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar, with one stop in Tulum along the way. Prices vary depending on the day and time. The bus ticket can be anywhere from 300-500 pesos. I suggest booking ahead per usual.
Important note for booking your bus:
There are 2 ADO bus locations in PDC. One is closer to the ferry port (a 2 to 5-minute walk), and one is further from the ferry port. When you are booking your bus, be sure to check which terminal is listed under the "more information" tab.
The closest one is ADO Terminal Turística.
The further out one is ADO Playa del Carmen Alterna.
After searching your route on the ADO website, click “ver detalle” (see details)
and a bottom section should show up (see photo as an example). Click “ver mapa,” and your screen should look like the next photo…
P.S. If you have suitcases, make sure the small suitcase icon is shown (I have circled this in pink)–not all buses have suitcase space.
This is the second screen that appears after clicking ‘ver mapa.’
Salida: This is your origin or where you are getting the bus from.
Llegada: This is your destination.
The duration of your bus ride is shown above the purple box, and the stops along your route are listed below it.
Tip: Be sure to download your ticket to your phone in case the service is spotty.
My bus departed from ADO Playa del Carmen Alterna, the farther terminal. The GPS estimated a 17-20 minute walk, but it only took me 10 minutes, and the early morning heat was manageable with my backpacks and two suitcases. You can also take a taxi to the terminal instead of walking.
Since you already have your ticket, go through the front doors, past the ticket terminal, and out the back doors to the bus waiting area. Buses have their stops indicated on signs above the windshield. If you are unsure or it is close to your departure time, ask the workers outside for assistance.
Pro Tip: There are small vendors inside the bus terminal selling water and snacks if needed. The restroom inside the terminal has a fee. The restroom outside the terminal, near where the buses park, is free!
Did the Bus Arrive on Time?
Yes, my bus has always arrived on time and departed on time.
Where Does Baggage Go?
Larger bags, suitcases, and any bag with wheels must go under the bus. I locked my suitcases with its built-in combination lock (thank you TUMI) and with a mini padlock between the zippers.
All my valuables, including money, were in my backpack, which I kept near my feet throughout the bus ride. The bus was air-conditioned, with cozy seats, adjustable shades, TV screens showing a movie (we had Scooby-Doo in Spanish), and a bathroom at the back.
Pro Tip: People do not always sit in their assigned seats, so be sure to get on the bus early! Sit further from the bathroom if possible… :)
How Long is the Bus?
A little over 4 hours.
Is the Bus Safe?
I have traveled numerous bus routes across the Yucatan Peninsula without any moments of uncertainty or nervousness. I often noticed solo young female travelers on my buses, which speaks volumes. However, I always recommend riding with caution as you would anywhere. Avoid riding buses at night or arriving after dark at your destination. If you are a heavy sleeper, it is best not to nap on the bus. Follow basic safety rules like keeping money discreet and avoiding conflicts with strangers.
Step 3: Arrive in Bacalar & Transfer to ACCOMMODATION
The ADO bus drops you in what feels like a random spot in Bacalar, with taxis waiting to take you to your accommodation upon arrival. Be sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting into the taxi. I paid 50 pesos to get to my accommodation 2.5 km away.
Congrats you made it from Cozumel to Bacalar!
It was a long but easy and seamless travel day. It only took us a little over 6 hours from Cozumel to Bacalar and cost around 660 pesos (around 36 USD) for the ferry, bus, and taxi. This can, of course, also be reversed to travel from Bacalar to Cozumel!
To find all the essential information and tips you need for the perfect time in Bacalar, head here!
Note: Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible and simple with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay up to date on which routes are open!
