Tulum to Bacalar by bus with ADO

Q: How much is the bus from Tulum to Bacalar?

Fares start from about MX$370; a typical fare is around MX$452. Prices change by date, time and service class, so search your date for the exact fare.

Q: How many buses go from Tulum to Bacalar each day?

ADO and its partner lines run about 12 departures a day on this route. First 01:50 · last 23:00.

Q: Where does the Tulum to Bacalar bus leave from?

Most departures leave from Tulum ADO Terminal Autobuses. Your ticket shows the exact terminal.

Q: Where does the bus from Tulum arrive in Bacalar?

At the ADO terminal on Highway 307 on the edge of Bacalar, about 1 to 2 km from the main square. Taxis usually wait when buses arrive.

Q: Should I take the Tren Maya or the ADO bus from Tulum to Bacalar?

Both connect the towns. Trains run only a few times a day from stations outside the town centres, while ADO buses leave from central Tulum and stop close to Bacalar's centre, which many travellers find more convenient.

Q: Can I take a colectivo from Tulum to Bacalar?

Yes, but it usually means a change at Felipe Carrillo Puerto, and vans have no trunk, so only small bags fit. It works for light travellers; the bus is simpler with luggage.

Q: Is there anything to see between Tulum and Bacalar?

The route passes the Muyil ruins at the edge of Sian Ka'an and the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a historic Caste War site. These are best visited by car or as a separate stop rather than from a through bus.

About 12 ADO departures a day, fastest trips around 2h 50min, fares from MX$370.

Next departures are shown below. Pick one to book, or search another date.

Tulum to Bacalar at a glance

Buses per day

About 12 ADO departures

Fastest trip

From around 2h 50min

Fares

From MX$370

Timetable

First 01:50 · last 23:00

The journey from Tulum to Bacalar

South of Tulum, Highway 307 leaves the Riviera Maya's resorts behind and runs inland through the Costa Maya region. The bus passes the edge of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve near the small Muyil ruins and the Chunyaxché lagoon, then crosses long, quiet stretches of jungle with scattered Maya villages.

The main town on the way is Felipe Carrillo Puerto, once Chan Santa Cruz, the rebel stronghold of the Caste War and home of the Sanctuary of the Talking Cross. Further south the lagoon comes into view as the bus nears Bacalar, stopping at the ADO terminal on the highway at the edge of town. Northbound, buses finish at Tulum Centro on Av. Tulum.

When the buses leave

Morning (5:00–11:59): about 2 a day
Afternoon (12:00–17:59): about 6 a day
Evening (18:00–23:59): about 4 a day
Night (0:00–4:59): about 1 a day

A typical trip takes around 2h 50min; the fastest services take around 2h 50min. Times and fares come from current ADO timetables for the next 30 days and change by date and service class.

ADO services on this route

ADO: about 10 a day
AU: about 2 a day

ADO is the standard first-class service; ADO GL adds more legroom and extras, and ADO Platino has the widest seats. AU and ADO Aeropuerto cover regional and airport routes.

Sample departure times

01:50, 02:20, 08:00, 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 13:20, 13:40, 15:00, 16:00, 17:05

Departure times vary by day and station. Search your date above to see every bus, seat availability and the exact fare.

Bus stations in Tulum and Bacalar

The terminals most buses on this route use. Check the station printed on your ticket.

Depart from: Tulum ADO Terminal Autobuses

Av. Tulum
Coordinates: 20.21061, -87.46502
About 12 ADO departures a day on this route

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Arrive at: Bacalar Bus Station

Av. 19 o libramiento Reg 4 Mz 64 LT 5 entre calles 42 y 40
Coordinates: 18.69014, -88.39034
About 12 ADO departures a day on this route

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Arriving in Bacalar

Bacalar is the natural next stop after Tulum for travellers wanting slower days on the water. The freshwater lagoon is famous for its bands of blue, with sailing tours, kayaking, swimming at Cenote Azul and the stromatolites at Los Rápidos. The 18th-century Fort San Felipe overlooks the lagoon in the centre, and Chetumal and the Belize border lie further south.

Tips for the Tulum–Bacalar bus

Tip 1

In Tulum, board at Tulum Centro on Av. Tulum; most Bacalar services leave from there rather than from the ruins stop.

Tip 2

Book ahead around Easter, July to August and the Christmas holidays, when southbound buses sell out.

Tip 3

Shared vans from Tulum often require a change at Felipe Carrillo Puerto and have little room for luggage, so the bus is easier with suitcases.

Tip 4

Bacalar is better as a stay than a day trip from Tulum; plan at least a night or two.

Other ways to travel

Colectivos with a change in Felipe Carrillo Puerto are the budget option for light travellers, and the Tren Maya links Tulum and Bacalar from stations away from both centres. The ADO bus is the better choice for most visitors because it runs from central Tulum to a terminal on the edge of Bacalar town with room for luggage.

Tulum to Bacalar bus: FAQ

How long is the bus from Tulum to Bacalar?

Most ADO buses take around 2h 50min, and the fastest take around 2h 50min, depending on the service and stops.

How much is the bus from Tulum to Bacalar?

How many buses go from Tulum to Bacalar each day?

Where does the Tulum to Bacalar bus leave from?

Where does the bus from Tulum arrive in Bacalar?

Should I take the Tren Maya or the ADO bus from Tulum to Bacalar?

Can I take a colectivo from Tulum to Bacalar?

Is there anything to see between Tulum and Bacalar?

Return trip and related routes

Bacalar to Tulum

ADO bus route

Bacalar to Cancún

ADO bus route

Cancún to Bacalar

ADO bus route

Mérida to Bacalar

ADO bus route

Tulum to Cancún

ADO bus route

Tulum to Playa del Carmen

ADO bus route

Valladolid to Bacalar

ADO bus route

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Photos: Wasquewhat / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.