How to Get to Bacalar, Mexico: A Complete Guide
Bacalar, a southeastern Mexican town on the border of Belize, is gaining popularity among tourists for its newly coined title, “The Maldives of Mexico.” This somewhat hidden gem could be on the verge of becoming Mexico's newest premier destination within the next few years.
Wondering how to get to Bacalar but not sure where to start? Keep reading for the ultimate travel guide to ensure a seamless and easy trip down the Mexican Riviera and discover the tranquility of this lagoon oasis. Grab a coffee and some snacks, and prepare for a journey to one of Mexico’s most beautiful, best-kept secrets.
Tip: This can, of course, also be reversed to go from Bacalar to anywhere in Mexico!
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How to Get to Bacalar, Mexico
Step 1: Fly into Mexico
For anyone who is already in Mexico, you can skip down to step 2.
If you are not already in Mexico, the first step is, of course, flying in. Bacalar does not have an airport, so you will need to fly to one of the nearby airports. I suggest considering Chetumal, Tulum, or Cancun. Cozumel and Merida also have international airports, although they are a bit farther away.
To find a detailed guide on how to get to Bacalar from Cozumel head here!
The Best Airport Options:
Chetumal (CTM): 38 KM (45 minutes)
Tulum (TQO): 202 KM (2.5-3 hours)
Cancun (CUN): 333 KM (4.5-5.5 hours)
Step 2: Travel FROM THE AIRPORT Or OTHER origins IN MEXICO TO BACALAR
Whether you have just flown into Mexico or are already in the country, you have four options to reach Bacalar: bus, taxi, shared van, or rental car.
Option #1: Private Taxi
A private taxi is always an option, but it can be quite pricey if you are departing from anywhere other than Chetumal. A taxi from Tulum Airport can cost upwards of $250 USD, and from Cancun, it can be around $300 USD. Most taxis can be booked right at the airport, either inside the arrivals terminal or outside at the taxi stand.
Option #2: Rental Car
For travelers who prefer flexibility and the opportunity to make stops along the way, riding via rental car is an excellent choice. I have not rented a car in Mexico myself, as I felt more at ease using the ADO bus system (see below).
Option #3: Colectivo
A Colectivo is a shared van where passengers heading to the same destination travel together for a cheaper price. They are especially favored by backpackers and travelers with minimal luggage. They operate extensively across Mexico, including hourly routes from Chetumal to Bacalar.
However, Colectivos can be small and cramped, and operate on fixed schedules. They may wait until the van is full before departing and often lack working air conditioning. If you have multiple or large bags, drivers might prioritize additional passengers for higher fares, potentially turning you down.
In my opinion, for longer distances, ADO buses provide more comfortable and direct options at affordable rates compared to Colectivos. If you are seeking the cheapest and most efficient option, consider checking for ADO "Conecta,"— a shared van known for being faster than the bus due to its more direct route. On the ADO website, this option will appear in your search alongside the regular ADO bus options.
Option 4: ADO Bus
ADO is the largest Mexican bus company throughout Yucatan and most routes are safe for tourists. You can take an ADO bus from nearly anywhere else in the Yucatan Peninsula to get to Bacalar. The easiest and most common routes are from Tulum, Chetumal, Cancun, and Playa Del Carmen. Keep reading for an in-depth overview of how to use ADO to get to Bacalar.
If you are coming from Cancun, Tulum, or Chetumal, there are direct routes from each of these locations to Bacalar. Prices will vary depending on the time of year and time of departure.
Chetumal Airport: From the airport, you need to take either a taxi or an ADO airport bus 7 minutes to the Chetumal ADO Bus Station. From this ADO bus station, it is around a 1 hour bus ride to Bacalar.
Tulum Airport: There may be a direct ADO bus from Tulum Airport to Bacalar, however, you need to contact ADO directly to make sure it is running. Otherwise, you will take a 40-minute taxi or ADO bus to the ADO Bus Station in downtown Tulum. From this bus station, you will take a second ADO bus 2 hours and 50 minutes to Bacalar.
Cancun Airport: Take an ADO bus, shared shuttle, or taxi from the airport to the ADO bus station in either Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. You will then take an additional bus from one of these destinations to Bacalar.
When searching for your route on the ADO website, multiple options may come up:
ADO offers a "GL" option— their "luxury" bus, providing additional amenities for a more comfortable travel experience. Find more information here.
The "AU" option might also appear in your search. It is the cheapest version of bus travel and is still regulated by ADO. I have not taken the AU myself.
As mentioned earlier, Conecta is a shared van option with a more direct route. However, it is not ideal for people with a lot of baggage.
Each of these options varies in amenities, stops, and travel times.
To see if your bus makes any stops, click “ver detalle” (see details)
after searching your route on the ADO website. A bottom section should show up (see photo as an example). Click “ver mapa,” and your screen should look like the photo below…
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 image displays the second screen that will pop up 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 can be found above the purple box.
Stops along your route can be found under the purple box.
Tip: Be sure to download your ticket to your phone beforehand in case cell service is spotty at the bus station.
Where Does Baggage Go?
Larger bags, suitcases, and any bag with wheels must go under the bus. My larger bags are always secured before being placed under the bus. They either have a built-in combination lock (thank you TUMI) or are locked with a mini padlock between the zippers for extra security.
All my valuables, including money, are in my backpack, which I keep near my feet throughout the bus ride. The bus is air-conditioned with cozy seats, adjustable shades, TV screens showing a movie, and a bathroom at the back.
Pro Tip: Not all passengers sit in assigned seats—be sure to get on the bus early! Sit further from the bathroom if possible… :)
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 recommend traveling with extra caution, as you should when going 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, but taxis are awaiting your arrival to take you to your accommodation. Be sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting into the taxi. I paid 50 pesos to get to my accommodation which was 2.5 km away.
Congrats you have made it to Bacalar!
To find all of the vital information you need to know about Bacalar and what there is to do, head here!
Note: Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay up to date on what routes are open now!
