How to get from Cancun to Bacalar
Located in the tropical region of the Riviera Maya, Bacalar is one of the most southern destinations in Mexico.
Bacalar is located 341km south of Cancun, which is around 4 hours in driving distance.
The very best attraction here is the Lake of Seven Colours (Bacalar Lagoon), which on a good day has been known to reveal as many as seven shades of blue and green.
Other popular things to see here include the imposing Fort of San Felipe, as well as its various Cenotes.
How to get from Cancun to Bacalar
In this guide, we’ll explore the 6 different options for getting from Cancun to Bacalar. We’ll also cover other important topics like safety and when is best to visit, as well as how to choose the right travel option for you.
Bacalar Quick Summary:
- 📍 Where is it: Southern Mexico
- 🗺 Difficulty Getting There: Easy
- ⏱ Time needed: 3-5 days
- ☀️ Best Time to Visit: January/February
Quick Answer: from our own experience traveling in this region, we’ve found the overall best way of getting from Cancun to Bacalar is by bus.
ADO has buses leaving every two hours from inside the airport and takes roughly the same time as a taxi would. And at 600MXP ($30USD), it’s by far the cheapest option too.
Things to know BEFORE visiting Bacalar
Staying Safe
You can see our Riviera Maya itinerary for more tips, but like with most destinations in Mexico, it’s important to plan properly before heading to Bacalar.
When it comes to safety, Bacalar is a pretty laid-back town with low rates of incidents. The touristy center is the safest part, and even if walking out into town you’ll still be fine.
Pickpocketers will be the main threat here, so be sure to leave all valuables locked up back in your accommodation and you’ll most likely have a trouble-free trip.
Getting Money Out
It’s important to take out Mexican Pesos (MXP) before you arrive in Mexico, ideally. If it’s not a possibility, then as you arrive at Cancun Airport you can use the ATM machines inside the arrival terminals (which are safe) to get your hands on the local currency.
Bacalar has many ATM so once you’re here you’ll be fine. Be sure to compare the different providers though, as some may charge higher for international withdrawal than others.
The Best time to Visit Bacalar
Bacalar has a dry and wet season, with both providing a different experience from the other.
The dry season runs from December until April. Average daily temperatures here range from 74-82°F, with highs of 89°F and lows of 67°F. Rainfall ranges from between 1-2.5 inches per month. This season is best for clear skies and warm-yet-not-overbearing temperatures.
The wet season runs from May until November. Average daily temperatures increase to 77-83°F, with highs of up to 90°F and lows of down to 70°F.
Rainfall ranges from between 3-7 inches throughout each of these months. This season is best for hotter temperatures, those who don’t mind some rain and also for the lush green vegetation and scenery that the extra rain brings. Just be sure to bring a Poncho with you.
Pre-booking Transport
As you’ll see reading on, there are numerous ways to get from Cancun to Bacalar. The most ideal situation is to pre-book transport before leaving home, so you don’t waste time trying to sort it all out at the airport.
Car Rental can be booked online beforehand, so it’s just a case of heading to the right part of the airport to fill out the paperwork and pick up the keys.
It’s also possible to book the ADO bus too in advance through their website.
Booking Private Transport (such as Hotel Transfers) is another good option that can be done in advance, which is often preferred due to the flexibility and comfort of being able to sit back and relax after your long flight.
Getting from Cancun to Bacalar
ADO Bus from Cancun to Bacalar
This is by far the cheapest option for getting from Cancun to Bacalar. When it comes to buses, ADO is one of the most extensive bus providers in this region of Mexico and is our go-to for getting around.
ADO has buses departing every two hours from inside the airport bus terminal, and it takes around 4 hours to arrive to Bacalar.
This option costs roughly 500MXP ($25USD), and you can buy a ticket at the ADO desks just outside of the baggage collection area.
The buses are of very good quality with spacious seats and leg room, and also have air conditioning.
Taxi from Cancun to Bacalar
This is another popular option, which is best for those who don’t want to wait around for the bus at the airport. Once you’ve collected your bags and headed for the terminal exit, you can then hail a Taxi from outside Terminals 2 and 3.
Whilst one of the quickest and most direct options (there are always taxis waiting, so you won’t need to wait around), it is somewhat expensive.
A one-way taxi ride from Cancun to Bacalar will cost roughly 5000MXP ($250USD).
The best way to book is from inside the terminal at the allocated taxi desks, so you’ll have the price agreed beforehand and also is much safer as each taxi is registered.
Car Rental from Cancun to Bacalar
This is the best option for those who want the most flexibility in not only getting to Bacalar but also getting around day to day.
Once you leave the baggage collection, you’ll see the desks of top rates rental companies such as Avis and Hertz.
Always book in advance for the best deals. Prices start at around 600MXP ($30USD) per day, and once you’ve filled out the paperwork you’re good to go!
If you’re thinking of this option, then here are a few tips from us and also other considerations.
First, it goes without saying, but make sure your accommodation has its own parking spaces for use in Bacalar to make things easier.
Also, when driving from the airport, it’s wise to learn a few words of the road in Spanish to prevent confusion and getting lost, and of course, use GPS or Maps to help you get there.
Private Transport from Cancun to Bacalar
Another popular option is pre-booking private transport that will take you directly from the airport to your accommodation in Bacalar.
This is the overall quickest option, as when you leave the terminal exit you’ll have your driver waiting for you ready to go.
Most airport transfers from Cancun to Bacalar cost around 6000MXP ($300USD), which is slightly more expensive than a taxi.
However, despite this, you’ll have everything guaranteed, which is important for those on a strict time schedule.
Private Transport can usually be booked through your hotel or accommodation, and there are also other companies in Cancun you can contact to book a private ride with.
Uber from Cancun to Bacalar
This is probably the least-used option on our list, however as it’s a possibility (you never know), we’ve included what we know about it.
Uber operates heavily in Cancun, and there’ll be lots of drivers waiting in and nearby the Airport.
You can expect to pay a similar fee to that of a taxi (5000MXP / $250USD), however, don’t expect it to be a quick option, as most Ubers will not make that length of a journey on a whim.
If you really need to use an Uber, then it’s best to pre-book it through the Uber App in advance.
Flight from Cancun to Bacalar
It’s possible to fly from Cancun onwards to Chetumal, which is a Mexican city that lies just north of the border shared with neighboring Belize.
Chetumal is roughly 20km from Bacalar, however, you’ll expect to drive (either independently or on the bus) for around an hour. You can also pre-book your Chetumal Airport transfer in advance.
It costs around 1500MXP ($75USD) for the flight, although you’ll then need to pay for extra transport to get to Bacalar.
It’s by far the least preferred and time-efficient option on our list, as you’ll need to wait for the connecting flight to Cancun Airport.
How to get from Cancun to Bacalar
And that’s all for our guide of how to get from Cancun to Bacalar.
This popular town in Southern Mexico is renowned for its stunning lake, great weather and natural sceneries.
In this guide, we’ve explored the 6 ways you can get from Cancun to Bacalar, the pros and cons of each, as well as our overall recommended option.
We’ve also covered important tips and info that you’ll need to know before heading to Cancun, which includes staying safe on your travels.
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