Day Trips from Tulum: Bacalar
Everything you need to know to plan a day trip from Tulum to Bacalar! Relax by the lagoon, visit the historic San Felipe Fort, and soak in the natural beauty.
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Tulum is a vibrant destination known for its stunning beaches, cenotes, and rich cultural history. Navigating the area, however, can be somewhat challenging for foreigners. That is why we have made a bunch of articles about getting to and around Tulum. Here we cover how to get to Tulum by bus.
What is the ADO Bus?
ADO is the major bus company in the area and the only one going from Cancun to Tulum. It operates fairly modern buses that feature spacious interiors, air conditioning and comfortable seating. With routes connecting beaches, archaeological sites, and the town center, the ADO Bus in Tulum is a decent way to get around, especially if you’re on a budget.
Key Features and Benefits
- Convenience: With fixed schedules and clearly marked stops, the service is fairly easy to navigate for first-time visitors. Don’t expect the driver or any other employees to speak english though.
- Affordability: Fares are budget-friendly, making it accessible to almost everyone.
ADO Bus Terminals in Tulum
- Tulum Pueblo: This is the main bus station in Tulum, located at the main Avenida Tulum, right next to Circle K and across the second colectivo stop. The bus terminal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From here, you can take buses to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Merida, and Bacalar.
- Tulum Ruins: This is a smaller bus station located at Carretera, heading to Cancún, Mexico. It is approximately 2 kilometers from the Tulum archaeological site.
Read more in our article about Tulum’s bus stations.
Getting from Cancun to Tulum with the ADO bus
You can take a direct bus from the ADO bus terminal in Cancun to the ADO bus terminal in Tulum. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, and the tickets cost around $13 USD (250 pesos). Buses depart every 20 minutes.
Read more in our article about getting from Cancun to Tulum by bus.
Prices and Duration of Rides of Most Important Destinations
- Tulum Ruins: You can take a bus from the ADO Bus Terminal – Tulum Pueblo to the Tulum Ruins. The journey takes around 15 minutes and the ticket costs around 4 USD (70 pesos).
- Playa del Carmen: Take a bus from the ADO Bus Terminal – Tulum Pueblo to Playa del Carmen. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and the ticket costs around 6 USD (120 pesos).
- Cancun: You can take a bus from the ADO Bus Terminal – Tulum Pueblo to Cancun. The journey takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes and the ticket costs around 13 USD (250 pesos).
- Chichen Itza: Take a bus from the ADO Bus Terminal – Tulum Pueblo to Chichen Itza. The journey takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and the ticket costs around 15 USD (300 pesos).
- Coba: You can take a bus from the ADO Bus Terminal – Tulum Pueblo to Coba. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and the ticket costs around 8 USD (160 pesos).
- Uxmal: Take a bus from the ADO Bus Terminal – Tulum Pueblo to Uxmal. The journey takes around 4 hours and the ticket costs around 20 USD (400 pesos).
Practical Tips
- Plan Ahead: Check the schedule on the ADO website to avoid long waits. The website unfortunately is offline quite often though. You can also try aggregator websites like CheckMyBus.
- Stay Hydrated: Tulum’s tropical climate can be hot, so carry water for your journeys.
- Secure Your Belongings: While the ADO Bus is generally safe, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your belongings.
Who Should Use the ADO Bus?
The ADO Bus is ideal for:
- Locals: For daily commutes or quick trips, the bus offers a dependable alternative to driving.
- Budget Travelers: Save on transportation costs without compromising too much on accessibility or comfort.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Tulum without a car doesn’t have to be a challenge. The ADO Bus offers a practical and sustainable way to move around, whether you’re visiting the Tulum Ruins, heading to the beach, or discovering cenotes. It’s not the fastest or most convenient way to travel, but it’s reliable, affordable and reasonably comfortable.
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