Bus from Bacalar to Tulum
Direct ADO bus · ~2h 30m · $12–22 USD · Multiple daily
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Bacalar to Tulum is the northbound return up highway 307, swapping the calm Lagoon of Seven Colors for the buzz of the Riviera Maya. ADO runs the 150 kilometres in about two and a half hours from Bacalar's central terminal, dropping you on Tulum's main avenue with services throughout the day. As the jungle thins toward the coast, you're back among the region's most popular beach attractions.
Tulum makes a lively contrast to Bacalar's quiet. The central terminal puts you within reach of its restaurants and shops, with colectivos and taxis running out to the cliff-top Maya ruins, the jungle cenotes and the long Caribbean beach. It's also a natural hub for going further: frequent ADO connections link Tulum onward to Playa del Carmen and Cancún for anyone continuing up the coast.
Route details: Bacalar to Tulum
Travel time
2 h 30 min
Distance
150 km
Typical fare
$12 – $22 USD per person
Frequency
Multiple daily
First departure
Approx. 6:30 AM
Last departure
Approx. 10:30 PM
Operators on this route
ADO
Pickup at Bacalar
ADO Bacalar terminal near the town centre and lagoon
Drop-off at Tulum
ADO Tulum terminal on Av. Tulum (main avenue)
About the journey
Heading north from the Lagoon of Seven Colors, the ADO bus from Bacalar to Tulum is an easy two-and-a-half-hour run back into the heart of the Riviera Maya. Coaches leave Bacalar's terminal near the town centre and follow highway 307 north through jungle that gradually gives way to the beach corridor, covering 150 kilometres before reaching Tulum's terminal on the main avenue. The air-conditioned coaches make the trip comfortable, and the central drop-off puts you within walking distance of Tulum's restaurants, shops and the colectivos and taxis that run out to the beach zone and cenotes. For travellers heading north up the coast, this leg reconnects Bacalar's tranquil lagoon with Tulum's headline attractions: the cliff-top Maya ruins overlooking the Caribbean, the famous cenotes of the surrounding jungle, and the long white-sand beach. It's also a useful staging point, with frequent onward ADO links from Tulum to Playa del Carmen and Cancún for those continuing further north.
Travel tips for Bacalar → Tulum
- Book popular departures early Northbound buses can fill in high season, so reserve on the ADO app to secure a seat and a better fare.
- Plan your Tulum transfer The terminal is in the town centre, not the beach zone, so budget for a colectivo or taxi out to beachfront accommodation.
- Bring water for the ride Bacalar's terminal options are limited, so stock up before the two-and-a-half-hour journey north.
- Pack a layer against the AC The coaches run cold, so a light jacket keeps the ride comfortable.
- Time it for the ruins An early departure lets you reach Tulum with time to visit the cliff-top Maya ruins before they close in the afternoon.
- Line up onward buses If continuing to Playa del Carmen or Cancún, check ADO connections from Tulum's terminal to plan a smooth next leg.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the bus from Bacalar to Tulum?
The ADO bus takes about two and a half hours for the 150-kilometre run north on highway 307, arriving at Tulum's terminal on the main avenue.
How much is the Bacalar to Tulum bus?
One-way fares run roughly $12 to $22 USD. Booking ahead on the ADO app and avoiding peak holidays usually gives the lower price.
What time do buses leave Bacalar for Tulum?
Departures generally run from around 6:30 AM through late evening, with multiple services daily. Schedules shift seasonally, so confirm on the ADO app before travelling.
Where does the bus arrive in Tulum?
Buses arrive at the central ADO terminal on Tulum's main avenue, within walking distance of restaurants and shops. The beach zone and cenotes are a short colectivo or taxi ride away.
Can I continue to Playa del Carmen or Cancún from Tulum?
Yes. Tulum is a busy ADO hub with frequent onward services up the coast to Playa del Carmen and Cancún, making it easy to keep heading north after arriving from Bacalar.
Going the other direction?