The Best Way to Get From Cancun to Bacalar Mexico (And the Worst!)
Wondering how to get from Cancun Airport to Bacalar?
The easiest major airport with access to Bacalar is Cancun International Airport, so most visitors fly there and then make the 4.5 trip to Bacalar.
But don’t worry — it’s very easy to travel from Cancun to Bacalar Mexico — and you’re about to discover your best transportation options.
As someone who’s lived in Mexico for years now, and currently lives in Merida just a few hours from Bacalar, I know the best way to get to Bacalar from Cancun is via private transport service.
This is by far the easiest, fastest, most stress-free and hassle-free way to get from Cancun Airport to Bacalar — with door to door service!
You can book below with the Tripadvisor-backed company I recommend, or head here to find out why I say they are your best option.
Besides private transportation, you can rent a car in Cancun and drive to Bacalar, or go on a Cancun to Bacalar tour.
Besides these, you can take the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Bacalar or a taxi from Cancun to Bacalar — but you’ll soon see why that’s your worst option.
Ready for a breakdown of all your Bacalar transportation options?
Keep reading to learn about the best ways to get from Cancun to Bacalar Mexico (and the worst way)!
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Where is Bacalar Mexico?
The Bacalar pueblo magico (magic town) is located in Quintana Roo State, one of the three states that make up Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
It is south of Cancun, Playa del Carman and Tulum, and about 30 minutes north of the Mexico-Belize border.
If you’re continuing on to these best Belize beaches, you can do a land crossing near Bacalar in Chetumal.
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How far is Bacalar from Cancun?
Wondering about the Cancun to Bacalar distance?
It’s 215 miles (346 km) from Cancun Airport to Bacalar. The Cancun to Bacalar drive time is about 4.5 hours in normal traffic.
- Tulum to Bacalar Distance: 134 miles (215 km), Drive Time: 2.5 hours
- Playa del Carmen to Bacalar Distance: 174 miles (280 km), Drive Time: 3.5 hours
- Riviera Maya to Bacalar Distance: 171 miles (275 km), Drive Time: 3.5 hours
- Puerto Morelos to Bacalar Distance: 194 miles (312 km), Drive Time: 4 hours
- Playa Mahahual to Bacalar Distance: 65 miles (105 km), Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
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Cancun to Bacalar Private Transfer (Best Option)
As mentioned, the best and easiest way is to book private transportation from Cancun to Bacalar.
While there are cheaper ways, they often take triple the amount of time — and who wants to deal with that after getting off a flight, going through the Customs line, waiting for luggage, etc.!?
I recommended Cancun Airport Transportation, with an impressive 4.5 star rating and 2,500+ Tripadvisor reviews.
I’ve checked, and they are the most affordable and best private transfer Cancun to Bacalar shuttle service out there. Keep reading for seven reasons to book with them.
SAVE $55 by booking round trip, and relax knowing your Bacalar to Cancun Airport shuttle is also handled. ▶︎ BOOK NOW!
Six Reasons to Book the Cancun to Bacalar Shuttle
1. Leave on Your Schedule
With the private shuttle, you set the departure time.
Imagine arriving to Cancun Airport after your flight, going through the Customs line, getting your luggage, and then waiting another three hours to even start the Bacalar bus journey — which takes about 5.5 hours! 🤬 Yeah, no.
2. Bilingual Driver
With Cancun Airport Transportation, you’ll have an English-speaking driver.
For those who aren’t confident in speaking Spanish, having a bilingual guide who will meet you at the airport is a nice perk — especially after a long and stressful day of traveling!
3. It doesn’t matter if your flight’s late
If your flight arrives late, or if you have any issues clearing Customs, or if there’s any delay or issues with your luggage (travel can be so stressful!), your private shuttle will still be there for you.
4. Nice Cars, SUVs and Vans
Cancun Airport Transportation guarantees you’re in an insured, new, and air conditioned vehicle.
While many shuttles from Cancun to Bacalar do have AC, it’s not always a guarantee, and on a 4.5-hour drive in the tropics after a flight, no AC is not a good start to your Bacalar vacation!
💎 Want a luxury car? You have options for SUV transportation in a Yukon, Suburban or Expedition from Cancun to Bacalar.
5. Door to Door Service
With the private shuttle, your driver will meet you right outside of the airport.
They will walk you and your luggage to the car or SUV, pack everything up for you, and drive you straight to your Bacalar accommodation, while you just kick back and relax.
6. Fastest way to get to Bacalar
As time is always the most precious commodity while on vacation — and the one nobody seems to have enough of — it makes sense to spend a bit more money, as long as you’re saving a good chunk of time!
Compared to your other transport options, the private shuttle is fastest.
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Rent A Car: Driving from Cancun to Bacalar
Beside a private transport service, getting a Cancun car rental at the airport and driving to Bacalar from Cancun is the next best option.
Now, for those who just plan to relax on Bacalar Lake, drink in hand, soaking up the sun — skip the rental car and opt for the Bacalar airport shuttle.
However, if you’re planning to do a few Bacalar day trips to the Tulum Cenotes, Mahahual Beach and Chacchoben Mayan Ruins, then a car is the way to go.
For car rentals, the best place to get one is in Cancun Airport, which will have a much bigger and better selection than Bacalar.
When booking your car online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They are great because they search both international companies, and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates.
Discover Cars also provides ratings for all companies, so you can eliminate ones that don’t have a good reputation.
Finally, you can buy Mexican car insurance right from them when you book, so you’re not surprised with an exorbitant and unexpected bill when you get the car.
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How much are Cancun car rentals?
Mexico car rental rates vary, but figure about $25 USD per day for an economy car if you decline insurance, and about $35 USD per day for full coverage.
Note: You do need insurance, as you’ll see below.
🚗💨 Bacalar Car Rental: Cancun is the best place to get a Bacalar rental car, as you can then just drive to Bacalar, and Cancun will have a much bigger selection.
If you’ve looked online for a Mexico rental car, you might see $5 USD rentals. If this rate seems too good to be true — that’s because they are!
This is the base price for just the car, not including insurance, taxes, fees, etc. To be safe, assume the car will be at least $25 USD per day.
Do I need Mexico Car Insurance?
Yes — At the minimum, you need Personal Liability Insurance to drive in Mexico.
One of the reasons I always book with Discover Cars is because they offer full coverage for about $10 USD per day! At that rate, it’s a no brainer for me when renting a car in Mexico, so I have peace of mind.
Credit Card Insurance through a U.S. Card
Some United States credit cards provide insurance for card holders.
However, if anything happens, you have to pay for the damages out of pocket when you return the car in Mexico.
You’ll then file a claim with the credit card company, and hope they fully reimburse you in a timely manner.
Note: I have been in Mexico long enough, and heard enough horror stories, that I always tell people not to rely on this.
If you do opt for credit card coverage, call them before your Bacalar trip and double check their coverage policy, so you know you’re comfortable with it.
🚨 Some companies won’t let you take the car if you decline insurance, so be prepared with a backup plan — or purchase full coverage insurance when you book with Discover Cars, which is only about $10 USD per day!
If you’re planning to decline coverage altogether, first, know the company can deny your rental.
For those who have booked through a third party rental site where you’ve already paid in full, you’ll then have to haggle with them for a refund.
Second, they will likely put a hold of about $2,500 USD on your card. Make sure to use a credit card for this.
With a credit card, the money is held; whereas with a debit, the money is actually taken (then returned) — but you’d essentially be out the $2,500 until you return the rental 😳
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Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Bacalar?
The road from Cancun to Bacalar is Highway 307 (Carretera Cancún-Chetumal). It’s not a big highway, but rather, a well-maintained road that’s comfortable to drive on, even in a compact car.
Note: A bigger car or SUV is better if you’re exploring other places in Yucatan.
From the airport, you’ll find lots of signs directing you to Highway 307. You then just have to take this one road for a simple, straight shot drive all the way to Bacalar.
Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the Cancun to Bacalar drive time is about 4.5-5 hours.
While it’s not often advisable to drive at night in Mexico, you should be fine on this road at night. Highway 307 is frequented by tourists driving from Cancun Airport to Bacalar, so the government keeps it nice and safe.
🚔 Note: Don’t speed at night, as there’s always police checkpoints on this road.
Cancun to Bacalar Map
Police Checkpoints on the drive to Bacalar
There will be a few police checkpoints on Highway 307 as you’re driving to Bacalar.
It’s usually a fast procedure: Traffic funnels down into one lane, police do a quick check to make sure nothing’s out of the ordinary, and you go on your merry way.
In some cases, the police may ask you to pull over, see your rental papers, driver’s license, etc. — so have all documents handy.
This is standard procedure to verify you don’t have anything illegal, aren’t driving without a license and aren’t drunk on your Cancun to Bacalar drive.
Topes: Speed bumps in Mexico
When driving in Mexico, beware of topes in Mexico! A tope (pronounced toe-pay) is a speed bump, and they are all over — even on Mexico highways.
Often, there’s no sign alerting you to them, so keep your eyes on the road. Some topes are bigger than others, so slow way down when you see one.
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Cancun to Bacalar Bus
Right off the bat, know there is no direct bus from Cancun Airport to Bacalar!
In truth, I don’t recommend taking the bus from Cancun to Bacalar, but it is an option, so I’m going to tell you how and you can decide if it’s worth it.
For budget travel, the ADO bus from Cancun to Bacalar is your best option.
However, it can also take triple the time as the private shuttle from Cancun to Bacalar — but if you don’t mind sacrificing hours for dollars, the bus is the cheapest way to get to Bacalar from Cancun.
The bus takes a lot longer because there are no direct buses from Cancun to Bacalar.
In fact, you actually need to take one bus to Playa del Carmen, then a second bus from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar, then a taxi to your Bacalar hotel.
Step #1 — Cancun Airport to Downtown Cancun
You can take a taxi (about $15-20 USD), or the ADO bus from Cancun Airport to Downtown Cancun (about $3-5 USD).
Note: There’s no Uber in Cancun Airport, so you have to take a bus or taxi. There are buses departing every 30-45 minutes from all Cancun Airport terminals.
🚐 Is taking the bus in Cancun safe? Yes — Mexico buses are safe, efficient and inexpensive, and used by locals and travelers alike.
Step #2 — ADO Cancun to Bacalar Bus
The Cancun to Bacalar ADO bus departs about every two hours, from about 7am to midnight — See the full Cancun to Bacalar bus schedule on the ADO site.
Tickets are about $900 pesos ($45 USD). In normal traffic, the drive takes 5.5 hours, and you’ll be dropped off at ADO Bacalar (here).
🚌💨 How to book ADO Bus Tickets
ADO (pronounced ahh-day-oh) is among Mexico’s largest bus companies, with service all over the country on a luxury-class fleet of buses. Though there’s the ADO website, it’s much easier to book ADO tickets via the BusBud site, which is in English.
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Taxi from Cancun to Bacalar (Worst Option)
In my opinion, a Cancun to Bacalar taxi is your worst option.
Barring an emergency situation, I’d recommend you use the private Cancun Airport transportation or rent a car to get to Bacalar from Cancun.
Here’s why:
How much is a taxi from Cancun to Bacalar?
A LOT — but plan for at least $400 USD, though it could be more, depending on your luck. At $355 USD one way, it’s cheaper to book private transportation from Cancun to Bacalar ⤵
As you’re getting to the exit doors, Cancun Airport taxi drivers will begin approaching you.
Depending on how they judge your appearance (ie. how well you’re dressed, if you look like it’s your first time in Mexico, etc.), they’ll give you that price.
For this reason, your Cancun to Bacalar taxi cost might be $350+USD — the same as you’d pay for a private transfer.
The issue with taxis in Mexico is they rarely have meters, and sadly, scamming travelers who don’t know the prices isn’t uncommon in Mexico (or anywhere!).
In short — save yourself the hassle and just book your Cancun to Bacalar private shuttle.
They will meet you right outside the airport, walk you and your luggage to the van, pack everything up, and drive you straight to your Bacalar accommodation.
🚕💨 Wondering if you can take a Cancun to Bacalar Uber — No, there’s no Uber in Cancun Airport!
A Word of Warning About Cancun Taxis
Cancun taxi drivers are famous for, and good at, tricking people into taking a taxi.
They may say there aren’t rental cars available, or the buses aren’t running, or anything they think will work to get you to pay them for their service. Take whatever they tell you with a grain of salt.
Set the Price Before You Get In
With taxis in Mexico, you’ll negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in, because most cabs don’t have meters.
If you don’t know this and just jump in the taxi, they will throw out some exorbitant price when you arrive in Bacalar — so agree on a price before getting in.
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Best Cancun to Bacalar Tours
For those staying at a Cancun hotel or resort, you can always opt for a Bacalar day tour.
Between the thriving coral reefs offshore and Chacchoben Mayan Ruins near Bacalar, this is the perfect day trip from Cancun Mexico.
With a Bacalar tour, you don’t have to worry about anything — except enjoying yourself! Here are the best Cancun to Bacalar tours, which you can book right now ⤵
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FAQs: How to Get from Cancun to Bacalar
Is there Uber in Cancun?
Sort Of — The answer to this question is tricky. While Uber is legal in Cancun, it’s very rarely used, even by Cancun locals.
In 2019, a court ruled Uber can operate in Cancun, but to say Cancun taxi drivers weren’t thrilled is an understatement. In fact, the two groups have been known to publicly clash, and most locals and visitors simply stay away from Cancun Uber for this reason.
Can I take Uber from Cancun to Bacalar?
Maybe — Technically, you can. However, given that is a nine hour round trip drive, you’re not likely to find anyone who will accept the trip on a whim.
Now, that’s not to say you won’t — so if you do want to try to Uber to Bacalar from Cancun, here’s what you’ll do:
To use Uber, fully exit the Cancun Airport CUN with all your luggage, and walk about 10 minutes in the (hot and humid 🥵) Cancun weather to the main road, then call your Uber.
Since Cancun Uber isn’t popular, and you’re requesting a very long trip, you might get an Uber, but you might not!
is there Uber in Bacalar mexico?
No — Once in Bacalar, you’ll also have to get around by taxi or with your rental car.
Are there flights from Cancun to Bacalar?
No — There’s no airport in Bacalar, and no Cancun to Bacalar flights.
However, Chetumal International Airport (code: CTM) is about 35-45 minutes away in Chetumal, Mexico. However, most travelers still fly to Cancun Airport, since it’s easier to find direct flights to Cancun.
Cancun to Chetumal flight
Though there’s no flights to Bacalar, you can fly from Cancun to Chetumal Airport. From Cancun Airport, you’ll take the one hour MAYAir Flight to Chetumal.
As there’s only one Bacalar air taxi flight per day, many people find it easier to just book the Cancun to Bacalar shuttle.
On a personal note, I never recommend the flight from Cancun to Chetumal. If you were coming from Mexico City, then yes, the Mexico City to Chetumal flight is the best option.
Chetumal to Bacalar
From Chetumal, you can book this Chetumal to Bacalar shuttle, or take a taxi to Bacalar. Note: There’s no Uber in Bacalar and no Uber in Chetumal, so make sure you have cash (pesos) if you plan to take a taxi.
The Chetumal to Bacalar distance is just 24 miles (39 km), so it’s a short trip at just 35-45 minutes
cancun to bacalar lake mexico
Bacalar Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Bacalar Lake, or Bacalar Lagoon?
Within the town of Bacalar, Mexico, there’s Laguna Bacalar. Though its name in Spanish sounds like this is a lagoon, it’s actually Bacalar Lake (but you’ll see it called Bacalar Lagoon as well).
This is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, after Lake Chapala in Jalisco State.
What is Bacalar Lake of Seven Colors?
The local Mayans call Bacalar the Lagoon of Seven Colors because they say you can see seven shades of blue in the water.
Bacalar Lagoon ranges from 0- to 300-feet-deep (90 m); in the shallows, the water looks clear or turquoise, while in the deeper parts, you’ll see dark, indigo blues.
Can you swim in Bacalar?
Yes — The lake of Bacalar is the main reason most visit Bacalar Mexico. It is one of the most beautiful places in places Mexico, and best places in Riviera Maya for snorkeling, swimming and boating.
Laguna Bacalar is a freshwater lake, and the water is warm year-round.
Are there crocodiles in Lake Bacalar?
Yes — However, the likelihood of you seeing one is very very small. The lake is about 26-miles-long (42 km) and crocodiles are quite shy, so don’t expect to see any.
What are the best hotels in Bacalar?
You have two options in Bacalar: to stay right on the lake, or just off the lake. Personally, I always opt to stay on the lake, and even if you’re on a budget, many of the best hostels in Bacalar are actually located on the lake.
Here are the best lakefront Bacalar hotels, resorts and hostels ⤵
- Bacalar over the water bungalows: Centro Holistico Akalki Resort & Spa
- Best Bacalar resort: Mia Bacalar Resort & Spa
- Best Bacalar hotel: Casa Shiva Bacalar
- Best Bacalar hostels: Yak Lake House Bacalar and Yaxche Bacalar Hostel
What are the best things to do in Bacalar?
Swim in Lake Bacalar Lagoon
The best Bacalar things to see and do involve being in, near and on the Laguna Bacalar Lake!
You can swim in the lake, but you’ll also want to take this Bacalar boat tour to see all the sites around the lake, like Canal de Piratas (Pirate’s Channel), and do some SUP paddle boarding or kayaking.
Visit the Mayan Ruins Near Bacalar Mexico
There are several ancient Mayan Ruins and Mexico pyramids located within an hour of town. Among the best Bacalar Mayan Ruins, you can visit Kohunlich, Becan, Chicanna, Dzibanche and Chacchoben.
Balnarios: Bacalar Beach Clubs
It’s so hard not to call these beach clubs, but Bacalar is definitely not a Mexico beach!
The technical name is balneario — and no trip is complete without checking out at least a few Bacalar balnearios, like Cocalitos Bacalar, Los Aluxes Bacalar and Balneario Municipal El Aserradero.
Visit Cenote Azul BACALAR
Besides Bacalar Lagoon itself, the second most popular place to swim is Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote). It is also one of the deepest cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, at about 300-feet-deep (91.5 m)!
Cenote Azul is not connected to Bacalar Lake, but makes for a great place to spend the day.
best Bacalar tours
Is Bacalar safe for visitors?
Yes — For the vast majority of travers, Bacalar is safe. Bacalar is a pueblo (small town), and feels like it.
The biggest risk to your safety will likely be sunburns and drinking the water — Remember you can’t drink the water in Bacalar as it’s one of the top ways to get sick in Mexico.
Is Bacalar expensive?
It Depends — Bacalar has everything from luxury resorts, like La Albarina Bacalar and Bacalar overwater bungalows, to amazing Bacalar hostels, like Yaxche Camping Hostal.
Since Bacalar appeals to luxury travelers and Mexico backpackers, what you spend will depend on you.
As it’s much more off the beaten track compared to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, you will usually spend much less in Bacalar.
For planning purposes, figure $200 USD per night for a resort hotels, $25 USD per night for a hostel, $2-7 USD for drinks, and $5-20 USD for meals.
What’s the best time to visit Bacalar?
If you want perfect weather, visit during the dry season of November to April. This is also the high season, so expect bigger crowds and higher price tags.
If you don’t mind some rain, visit during the Bacalar rainy season (also the Bacalar slow season) from May to October.
How many days do I need in Bacalar?
It Depends — If you love peace and quiet, and aren’t looking for late nights in dance clubs, you might want to spend 4-5 days in Bacalar.
As a small town with a slow pace of life, those looking for a lot of excitement might only want 2-3 days in Bacalar.
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Final Thoughts: How to Get from Cancun to Bacalar
I have lived in the Yucatan Peninsula since 2019, and know many people who have made the trip from Cancun to Bacalar.
Without hesitation, I 100% recommend booking private transportation from Cancun to Bacalar — as anyone who’s taken the bus has said they regretted it.
While the bus costs about half as much money, it takes about three times as much time.
Unless you’re traveling on a tight budget, it’s worth spending the extra money on the Bacalar shuttle for the convenience of door to door private transportation from airport to hotel in Bacalar.
Is Bacalar worth visiting?
Can we curse around here?! …because OMFG, yes, Bacalar is so worth visiting! In fact, I’ve been a few times, and hope to return again.
If you want to experience some of the beautiful, unspoiled, best Mexico nature, beautiful nature in a laid back town, then Bacalar is your perfect place.