If you’re traveling from Tulum to Bacalar, the easiest, most comfortable, and most reliable option is the ADO bus. It’s direct, affordable, air-conditioned, and takes just under 3 hours. It is the best choice for most travelers.
This assumes you’re not driving yourself. If you have a rental car, you can just plug the route into Google Maps and go.
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Best Way to Get From Tulum to Bacalar
🚌 ADO Bus
- Runs daily, almost hourly, until around 6pm.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned, and reliable
- Cost: ~$22–26 USD
- You can book online or at the station
- ADO Bus Station Tulum
Why it’s the best option:
- Direct route
- Comfortable, modern buses
- Wifi & Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Reliable schedule
About the route:
- Time: ~2h 50m – 3h
- Difficulty: Very easy
If you’re using public transportation, this is the most simple option. Your larger bags will be stored under the bus, and your smaller bags can be stored in the overhead rack above the seats. Make sure you keep valuables with you on the bus.
If you want a specific time from Tulum to Bacalar it is recommended to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling with multiple people. Certain departure times on this route can book up.
Booking Your Bus Tickets for Tulum to Bacalar
The best way to book your tickets is in person at the Tulum ADO Bus station. You can try to book your Tulum to Bacalar bus tickets directly on the ADO website, or mobile app. But just a heads up, the ADO site and app are only available in Spanish and has previously not accepted foreign cards. You can use the PayPal option and I have heard some people’s cards go through even with a foreign card, but it’s unreliable.
If you really want to book online I’d recommend using BusBud. It’s in English and you can use your credit card. Filter by direct only, and just note: it will cost a few dollars more more than booking direct. ie. $30usd vs $25.5usd.
All in all your best option is simply going to the Tulum ADO bus station and booking in person at the counter.
Cheapest Option: AU Bus
AU is apart of ADO, it is just their second class bus line. You can book on ADO website or at the bus station. AU does not have the wifi and toilet on board like most of the first class ADO busses do. These busses will however stop for bathroom breaks on longer journeys. If budget is a major factor, the AU bus is the cheapest way to get from Tulum to Bacalar.
What to know about the AU service
- Second-class buses
- Often older vehicles
- Fewer amenities
- Less frequent departures (they usually leave Tulum in the evening and get in late evening to Bacalar)
- Still safe and reliable
Travel time: ~3h 5m
Cost: Cheapest option
Comfort: Basic
While I usually take the regular ADO busses in Mexico, I did happen to take the AU bus from Tulum to Bacalar once. They stopped for bathroom breaks and the bus arrived to the station in Bacalar late at night. I wouldn’t recommend this option for solo travel since it gets in quite late well after dark, but I was with a group.
Travel Tips for Tulum to Bacalar Bus
- Bring a light coverup with you onto the bus. Sometimes the busses can get cold with the A/C.
- Bring some snacks and make sure your water bottle is filled
- Use the bathroom before boarding
- Keep valuables on you
- Book in advance if you want a specific departure time or on holidays
Getting from Tulum to Bacalar FAQs
Is there a direct bus from Tulum to Bacalar?
Yes, ADO and AU have direct busses.
What is the easiest way to get from Tulum to Bacalar?
The ADO bus is the easiest, most comfortable and most reliable option.
Is the Tulum to Bacalar bus route safe?
Yes, this is a well-traveled route that uses major highways and ADO is a reputable bus company.
Can you do Bacalar as a day trip from Tulum?
No. I would not recommend this as a day trip. Bacalar is a great travel destination and deserves at least two overnights. The travel time and bus schedule make it impracticle anyway.
How Long Does It Take From Tulum to Bacalar?
It takes around 3 hours by bus to get from Tulum to Bacalar.
Where Do You Catch the Bus in Tulum?
Busses depart from the Tulum ADO bus station.
Where does the bus drop you off in Bacalar?
Busses arrive at Bacalar Bus Station.
Can you eat on the ADO bus?
Yes! You can stop by a convince store such as Oxxo to grab snacks. Also make sure you have something to drink or your water bottle is full.
What is the difference between ADO and AU bus?
ADO and AU both operate under the same company and both timetables can be found on the ADO website. ADO is the first-class bus service and AU is second class. AU will be cheaper than ADO, and usually does not have restrooms and wifi like ADO does. The AU busses are usually older and considered less comfortable.
My Experience Taking This Route
I was so happy we added Bacalar onto our Mexico backpacking route. We went from Tulum to Bacalar and back using the bus, and it went really well. There were four of us, so we bought our tickets for an evening bus earlier in the day in Tulum. The bus arrived into Bacalar around 10pm.
*I would recommend usually to take an earlier bus especially if you’re solo traveling, a couple, family, or new to the area. This is what we happened to do on this trip, but usually it is better to arrive places much earlier before dark. We then walked to our accommodation from the bus station and settled in for the night. I always find that it is nice to be within walking distance from bus stations.
While You’re in Bacalar… ⛵️
Top Tours & Experiences in Bacalar
Bacalar offers some unforgettable experiences. These are some of the most popular tours in the area:
👉 Browse options below:
Where to Stay in Bacalar
If you’re still looking for a place to stay, here are some of the best budget-friendly options with excellent value.
- Hotel Las Palmas Bacalar – Not on the lagoon, but simple, affordable & great location.
- The Yak Lake House Hostel – A social hostel with a great location on the lagoon with lots of amenities and private rooms.
- Azul 36 Hotel – Nice accommodation with a small pool downtown Bacalar. Close to lagoon and restaurants, etc.
- Amigos Hotelito – Right on the lagoon with beautiful views and a dock and spaces to relax. Just on the south side of town, still walkable to restaurants, etc.
📚 More Mexico Guides
Planning a trip to Mexico? Here are more guides, travel tips, and cheap eats recommendations to help you travel Mexico on a budget.
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- My First Solo Trip to Mexico: Lessons & Confidence Boosts
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🌮 Cheap Eats in Mexico
🚐 Getting Around