Planning a trip to the Yucatan and curious about the city of Bacalar? Look no further! We’re here to explain how to get to Bacalar from wherever you’re at. There’s seven options to choose from that will help you plan a smooth trip to the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon.

Nearby Airports In The Bacalar Area (Option 1)

While the Yucatan Peninsula has several airports, a specific Bacalar mexico airport does not exist unfortunately. If it did, getting there would be much easier! The closest airport to Bacalar Mexico is in Chetumal, which is about a 45-minute drive to and from Bacalar.

Bacalar Mexico flights are available by a few airlines below

• Aeromexico
• VivaAerobus
• Volaris
• Aerus

If you’re arriving in Cancun and want to fly to Bacalar, you’ll need to book a direct flight with Aerus. Other airlines offer flights, but they connect through one of the Mexico City airports. If you’re okay with this, then it’s an option but we like to snag direct flights as much as we can. A connention in Mexico City can add on hours to your travel day so keep that in mind.

We know from experience. We travel mexico a lot so if you want to know what Mexican airlines we trust with our family click here.

ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) Bus Transportation (Option 2)

If you’ve traveled in Mexico, you’ve probably noticed their buses, as they’ve been in business since 1939. They have an extensive network that spans the Yucatan and central Mexico, reaching from Oaxaca to Tamaulipas.

Taking the bus is a great way to travel around Mexico efficiently and affordably, especially if you’re heading to Bacalar. Download the ADO bus app to check out all the terminals in the area and easily purchase your tickets.

Rental Cars (Option 3)

Renting a car is the easiest and most stress-free way to get to Bacalar since you can drive straight to your accommodation. We’ve rented cars in various states in Mexico, and it’s a great way to explore different sites at your own pace.

Chetumal has all the standard rental car companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Europcar, Hertz, and many others. In Tulum and Cancun, we’ve consistently rented from America Car Rental, our favorite in the area, where we’ve found great daily rates. The rates with America Car Rental have been about $6 a day and includes the mandatory insurance. Such a steal!

Private Transport (Option 4)

There are private transport companies at all the major international airports. We’ve taken one from the Tulum airport to our accommodation, and it was a great experience. They pick you up in a large luxury SUV with leather seats, so you can ride in style and comfort all the way to your destination. However, if you’re coming into the Tulum or Cancun area the Taxi mafia does charge a lot of money. Be sure to plan your Private Transport in advance with a confirmed set rate.

Taxi Cabs (Option 5)

If you’ve read anything about the taxis in the Yucatan, especially how expensive they can be, you already know where this is going. I don’t recommend hailing a taxi unless you’re okay with paying around $150 USD for a 45-minute drive from the closest airport.

The cost from Tulum will probably be around $300 USD, and I don’t even want to think about what it could cost from Cancun. Plus, the drive from Cancun to Bacalar is about 5 hours. This is why they’ve earned the nickname ‘the taxi mafia’—because they’re really extorting money from tourists. If you can arrange something affordable this may be an option for you.

The Collectivo (Option 6)

If you love public transportation, the colectivo will be perfect for you. If you’re unsure what a colectivo is, it’s a small bus, station wagon, or even a limousine used for public transport. They’re how the locals get around without needing a personal car or motorbike.

If you’re coming from Tulum, you can find the Colectivo to Bacalar and Mahahual at the station along the main Highway 307. This YouTube video shows this traveler using the collectivo from Tulum to Bacalar.

The Mayan Train (Option 7)

The Mayan train is being built at an enormous scale and rapid pace during the fall of 2024. We saw a lot of the construction in progress. This new mode of transport will provide another travel option, connecting all the major airports, including Cancun, Tulum, Chetumal, and even Merida. So, no matter where you choose to fly in, visiting Bacalar will be much easier once construction is complete.

How should I get to Bacalar with my family?

Since we’ve spent many months in the Yucatan area, we decided to rent a car most of the time we’ve been here. If you’re a family with a suitcase each and some carry-on bags, I highly recommend either renting a car or opting for private transport from the airport. It gives you the flexibility and comfort you need to explore at your own pace without the hassle of juggling luggage.

If you’re a couple, a smaller family, or traveling solo and want to experience more of the local way of life in Mexico, I suggest taking the ADO bus or even the collectivo. And if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you could try hitchhiking along the main Highway 307.

We hope this helps answer your question on how to get to Bacalar Mexico! Give us some love and follow us on Instagram if it did!