One of Mexico's most cherished vacation havens is Cancun, renowned for its endless beaches and vibrant nightlife. But the Yucatan Peninsula holds many other treasures, such as ancient Mayan cities, underwater caves, and picturesque towns like Valladolid.

If your itinerary permits, an exquisite destination to consider is Bacalar. Often dubbed the "Lake of Seven Colors" due to its stunning water hues, Bacalar provides a tranquil escape from the usual tourist hustle. The good news? Getting there from Cancun is straightforward. Dive into this guide to learn the top methods to travel from Cancun to Bacalar.



The Cancun International Airport serves as the primary gateway for those wanting to explore gems of the Yucatan Peninsula, from the famous Playa del Carmen to the lesser-known Mahahual and our focus for today, Bacalar.



Be it from the Cancun International Airport or the city center, the journey to Bacalar is roughly 4 hours by car or bus.

Visitors must reach Bacalar town, which nestles beside the enchanting Bacalar Lagoon. The city has various attractions and provides boat tours to explore the lagoon's expanse.



Bacalar does not have direct flights from Cancun, so the main modes of transport are by road. The journey costs vary, but for a general idea, you can refer to peso-to-dollar converters for current rates.



Continue reading to unravel the details on reaching Bacalar, the optimum seasons, the choicest accommodations, and must-visit spots.

  1. Car Rental
  2. Renting a car provides the liberty to explore at your own pace. The daily charges for car rentals in Cancun fluctuate between $15-$30. For a seamless experience, consider booking your vehicle online before your trip. The estimated drive from Cancun to Bacalar is roughly 4 hours.

This method suits those looking to wander around the Yucatan beyond just Bacalar. A bus or shuttle might be more economical for a direct Cancun-Bacalar trip.


Upon reaching Bacalar, you'll find multiple parking options in and around the town.

  1. Private/Shared Shuttle
  2. Opting for a private shuttle roughly takes the same duration as driving yourself to Bacalar. If Cancun Airport is your starting point, a private shuttle is handy. You can check shuttle tariffs online. The luxury of having a personal, air-conditioned ride means you commence your journey on your terms, with the flexibility to halt at will. One good option is Cancun Shuttle Transportation


For groups, this is an excellent choice. Solo adventurers with a tighter budget might want to explore shared shuttle options. Typically, the rates for shared shuttles hover around $60 one way.


One commendable service is Cancun Travel Transport, with rates starting at $250 for three individuals.

  1. ADO Bus
  2. The renowned ADO Bus company in Mexico has comfortable buses from Cancun to Bacalar. Though the journey is slightly lengthier at 4 ½ hours, it's affordable, costing under $25.

You can locate ADO bus kiosks across the three terminals at Cancun Airport and the downtown Cancun ADO bus station at Calle Pino, SM23, MZ56, Lt 1 y 2, Centro, 23.