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Bacalar is a lagoon town 321 kilometres (199 miles) south of Cancun, near the Belize border. The water shifts through every shade of blue, which is why people make the trip. Flying is the quickest way, taking 2h 40m. By road, the bus is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Bacalar at $36 (625 MXN). A private transfer runs direct and costs a lot more.
Distance from Cancun to Bacalar
Cancun and Bacalar are about 321 km (199 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 346 km by road. The quickest way to get from Cancun to Bacalar is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 40m.
3 ways to travel from Cancun to Bacalar
There are three ways to travel from Cancun to Bacalar. You can choose between the bus, flight, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 40m–5h 55m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $36 (625 MXN).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Cancun City Centre→Bus Terminal25m
- Cancun→Bacalar5h 20m
- Cancun→Bacalar10m
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- City Centre→Cancun Airport30m
- Cancun→Chetumal1h 30m
- Chetumal→Bacalar40m
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Cancun to Bacalar by Bus
Taking the bus is an easy and cheap way to get from Cancun to Bacalar. The bus stations of the two cities are both centrally located. You can walk from and to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.
Total travel time takes around 5h 55m - 6h 20m.
Step 1: Cancun City Centre to Bus Terminal
Buses depart from ADO Cancun Bus Station along Calle Pino in downtown Cancun. If your hotel is in this area, it might only be a short walk away.
If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, you can reach the bus station via a 20-minute taxi/Uber that costs around $11 (200 MXN)
You can also save some money by using the local bus when coming from Cancun’s hotel zone. Line R-1 makes a stop at Avenida Tulum, right in front of the bus terminal. A bus ticket costs $0.70 (13 MXN) and the trip takes around 25 minutes.
Step 2: Cancun to Bacalar by Bus
Buses from Cancun to Bacalar are available throughout the day, with departures almost every hour from 06:10 in the morning to past midnight.
ADO and AU are the bus companies operating on this route. ADO offers a more comfortable ride with better seats and onboard toilets, while AU is the cheaper option with simpler buses and no restrooms. Check out our Mexico Transport Guide for a full comparison of their bus types and amenities.
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance via BookAway to be assured of a seat at your desired time and date.
While it is possible to buy your tickets at the bus station, you’ll have to wait for the next trip in case tickets for your preferred time are already sold out.
Step 3: Bacalar Bus Terminal to City Centre
Many hotels are within walking distance of Bacalar Bus Station. If your hotel is closer to the beaches of Laguna de Bacalar, we recommend taking a taxi.
Taxis in Bacalar are not metered so make sure to agree on a price before getting in. A better option is to take an Uber, with fares to Laguna Bacalar Beach and anywhere within the city starting from $6.30 (110 MXN).
Cancun to Bacalar by Flight
Taking a flight is a quick way to get from Cancun to Bacalar. But it is worth noting that you can only take a flight up to Chetumal, which is still 40 km away from the beautiful lagoon.
The total travel time takes around 2h 40m.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Cancun Airport
Cancun Airport is about 18 km south of Cancun city centre. You can get there in three ways: via taxi, a private minivan, or the ADO buses departing from ADO Centro Cancun. All options can drop you off at any of the airport’s terminals.
The bus is the cheapest option from downtown Cancun to Cancun Airport at $6.00 (105 MXN). Tickets are available online and at the bus station in the city centre.
If you’re coming from the Hotel Zone, it might be more convenient to take a private minivan for $26 (455 MXN). You can book your bus or private transport beforehand through BookAway.
See our Cancun Airport page for a more detailed guide.
Step 2: Cancun to Chetumal by Flight
Two airlines offer direct flights from Cancun to Chetumal: Aerus and Hahn Air Technologies. If you're after a budget-friendly option, Aerus offers the cheaper fares.
There are only 2-3 departures a day for the direct flights from January to March. Flight time is around 1h 30m. Prices for airline tickets can go as low as $115 (1,980 MXN) when you book at least a few weeks ahead.
If you're travelling between April and December, only indirect flights with a layover in Mexico City are available and the flight time is at least 6 hours. With that in mind, taking a bus or booking a private transfer might be faster and more convenient during these months.
Regularly check Skyscanner for the cheapest flights and latest schedules.
Step 3: Chetumal to Bacalar by Taxi
From Chetumal Airport, you will then have to travel about 40 km northwest to Bacalar. The best way to complete the last leg of this journey is by taxi.
There are plenty of taxis waiting at Chetumal Airport so there is no need to book in advance. It’s good to know the average rate though to avoid being overcharged. A taxi ride from Chetumal Airport to Bacalar should cost you around $17 (300 MXN).
A cheaper option would be to take the bus, which you can pre-book on BookAway for only $6.30 (110 MXN). Unfortunately, there are no direct buses for this route. You’ll still have to take a short taxi ride to the ADO Chetumal Bus Terminal in the city centre, from where the buses bound for Laguna Bacalar are parked.
Heading back to Cancun after? Check out the full details of our guide from Bacalar to Cancun.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Cancun to Bacalar by Private Transport
If you prefer your own ride and have the budget for it, a private transfer from Cancun to Bacalar is the easiest and most convenient option. It's also a great alternative if you’re coming from Cancun International Airport and are heading straight to Bacalar with all your luggage.
The journey takes 4h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Taxi apps Uber and Didi, are also available on this route from Cancun to Bacalar. They are usually the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at $270 (4,750 MXN) for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $91 (1,580 MXN) each.
If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at $270 (4,750 MXN).
Our favourite places to stay in Bacalar
Here are our favourite places to stay in Bacalar for every budget.
Treat YourselfAgam Hotel
This place is just wow! Agam hotel boasts a bright and stunning decor that will make you feel like you’re staying in one of the fancy Tulum hotels. The difference is that the price tag is a lot lower!
There’s a swimming pool and a number of comfy loungers to spend the day on, soaking up the sun. After one night here, you’ll be looking to book more!
- Stunning swimming pool
- Delicious à la carte breakfast
- Bike rental available
- Beautifully decorated, modern rooms
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Mid-RangeCasa Zazil
The ladies running this hotel provide an unforgettable service, and are great at recommending things to do in Bacalar. The hotel feels brand new with it’s light and airy rooms that boast a modern flare.
Added bonus: one of the host’s talents is preparing delicious vegan smoothies, coconut bowls and paninis. Waking up in the morning has never been so easy!
- Attentive and friendly hosts
- Delicious breakfast
- Newly renovated rooms
- Close to the bus stop
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Mid-RangeHotel Ma Alob Che Bacalar
Hotel Ma Alob Che provides everything you could ask for at a very good price — spacious rooms, comfy beds and excellent hosts. It is slightly further out of town, but as Bacalar is so small, you’re never far from the action.
This comes with the advantage that you’ll be surrounded by only peace and quiet. The large and lush garden in the hotel is the perfect place to relish in this tranquility.
- Large and modern rooms
- Relaxing communal courtyard and garden
- Peaceful atmosphere
- Bicycles available to rent
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
BudgetZayali
The owners of Zayali homestay welcome you as if you’re part of the family, making you instantly feel like you’re at home. The rooms are clean, spacious and well air-conditioned, guaranteeing a great night’s sleep.
The rooms also include a fridge, microwave and coffee-making facilities. Plus, there’s a great communal hangout area with hammocks and a rustic bar.
- Super friendly host family
- Big and clean air conditioned rooms
- Great location
- Free water and coffee
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Bacalar?
Bacalar is one of Mexico’s hidden gems. Despite its growing popularity, it has somehow managed to escape the influx of tourists in the Quintana Roo. What's so special about it? Bacalar Lagoon! Also called the Lagoon of Seven Colours, its crystal clear waters glow in varying hues of turquoise.
This laidback town is the perfect place to take a step back from busy destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula like Playa del Carmen and Tulum. With its eco-friendly hotels, an unlimited number of hammocks, pristine cenotes and amazing views everywhere you look, you will fall in love with Bacalar.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Cancun to Bacalar, roughly 321 kilometres (199 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $36 (625 MXN). The quickest trip takes 2h 40m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Cancun to Bacalar?
The distance from Cancun to Bacalar is 321 kilometres (199 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Bacalar?
The fastest way to get from Cancun to Bacalar is by flight and takes 2h 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Cancun to Bacalar?
The cheapest way to get from Cancun to Bacalar is by bus with ticket costs starting from 625 MXN.
Can you rent a car from Cancun to Bacalar?
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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