Bus from Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas

Bus or shuttle · ~5h · $15-30 USD · Several daily

Why choose Spring Bus?

Spring Bus is the best way to find bus tickets from Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas

Plan your perfect trip

Find and book your bus tickets in just a few clicks.

Best prices

We partner with top bus companies to provide you with the best prices available.

Flexible Booking

Change your travel plans as needed with our flexible booking options.

The journey from Palenque back to San Cristóbal de las Casas is a steady climb of about 210 kilometers from the steamy jungle lowlands into the cool Chiapas highlands, taking roughly five hours. The winding mountain road passes indigenous villages and, on many tourist shuttles, the Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls, making the return trip a scenic experience as much as a transfer.

First-class OCC and ADO buses run direct between the two towns several times daily, including overnight services, while shuttles from Palenque agencies often fold the waterfalls into a longer sightseeing day. Fares run about $15 to $30 USD, with shuttles costing a little more for the added stops. Buses arrive at San Cristóbal's OCC and ADO terminal just south of the historic center, an easy walk or short taxi to the town's cobbled streets and markets.

Route details: Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas

Travel time

5 h

Distance

210 km

Typical fare

$15 – $30 USD per person

Frequency

Several daily

First departure

Approx. 6:00 AM

Last departure

Approx. 11:00 PM

Operators on this route

OCC · ADO · Tourist shuttles

Pickup at Palenque

ADO terminal in Palenque town / shuttle agencies near the center

Drop-off at San Cristóbal de las Casas

OCC/ADO terminal in San Cristóbal, south of the historic center

About the journey

Heading from the jungle town of Palenque back up to San Cristóbal de las Casas, this route climbs about 210 kilometers from the humid Lacandon lowlands into the cool Chiapas highlands in roughly five hours. The winding mountain road reverses the famous descent, passing Tzeltal and Tzotzil villages and, for those on tourist shuttles, the spectacular waterfalls of Misol-Ha and Agua Azul. First-class OCC and ADO buses run directly between the towns, while shuttle (colectivo) services from Palenque agencies often bundle the cascades into a long sightseeing day en route. The destination, San Cristóbal de las Casas, is a beloved colonial highland town of cobbled streets, indigenous markets, and cool mountain air, perched at altitude in the heart of Chiapas. After the heat and ruins of Palenque, the climb into San Cristóbal's pine-scented highlands marks a striking change of scene and one of southern Mexico's most rewarding overland legs.

Travel tips for Palenque → San Cristóbal de las Casas

Choose a shuttle for the waterfalls. Colectivo services from Palenque can include Misol-Ha and Agua Azul on the way up; a direct OCC or ADO bus skips them and is faster.
Take motion-sickness pills for the climb. The long, winding ascent into the highlands is curvy; a tablet before departure keeps the five-hour ride comfortable.
Pack a warm layer for San Cristóbal. You leave hot, humid Palenque and arrive in cool, high-altitude San Cristóbal, where evenings can be genuinely chilly.
Carry cash for shuttle waterfall stops. Entrance fees and food stands at Misol-Ha and Agua Azul take pesos, so have small bills ready if your service stops there.
Book direct first-class ahead in season. OCC and ADO seats fill in busy months; reserving early locks in your spot and the most convenient time.
Know where you arrive in San Cristóbal. The OCC and ADO terminal sits just south of the historic center, a short walk or taxi to most lodging and the main plaza.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the bus from Palenque to San Cristóbal?

Plan for about five hours over roughly 210 kilometers of winding mountain road climbing from the lowlands to the highlands. Tourist shuttles that stop at the waterfalls make the trip longer.

How much does the bus cost?

Fares run about $15 to $30 USD. Direct OCC and ADO buses are at the lower end, while shuttles that include the Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls cost a bit more for the sightseeing.

What time do buses leave?

Departures run from approximately 6:00 AM to around 11:00 PM, several times daily, including overnight OCC and ADO services. Waterfall shuttles tend to depart early to fit the stops in.

Can I visit the waterfalls on the way back?

Yes. Many tourist shuttles from Palenque include the Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls on the route to San Cristóbal. A direct OCC or ADO bus does not stop but reaches San Cristóbal faster.

Where does the bus arrive in San Cristóbal?

Buses arrive at the OCC and ADO terminal just south of San Cristóbal's historic center, an easy walk or short taxi to the cobbled streets, markets, and main plaza.

Going the other direction?

Bus from San Cristóbal de las Casas to Palenque

See the return route →

Explore the cities on this route

Origin

Palenque

Bus tickets, accommodation, and what to do in Palenque →

Destination

San Cristóbal de las Casas

Bus tickets, accommodation, and what to do in San Cristóbal de las Casas →

Related routes

Bus route