Transportation from Palenque to San Cristobal de las Casas Mexico

Shared Shuttle Service from Palenque to San Cristobal

This option provides a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel, whether you're exploring as a solo traveler or managing a moderate budget. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate, and if you're traveling in a group of two or more, a private car service might be a more cost-effective choice. As of today (with the understanding that this may change), there are two shared shuttle options available.

Departure Times and Journey Overview

The first option can pick you up at 9:00 AM, which is ideal if you plan to visit the Palenque archaeological site on this same day. The shuttle will take you to the site, where you can explore the ancient wonders from approximately 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. If you've already visited Palenque and are ready to continue your journey, a second shuttle can pick you up around noon. From here the trip along road 199 starts.

Scenic Stops Along the Way

After leaving Palenque, the shuttle will make two stops on route to San Cristobal. The first stop is at Misol-Ha, a breathtaking waterfall, where you'll have around 45 minutes to soak in the natural beauty. The second stop is at Agua Azul, another stunning natural attraction, where you'll have about 2 hours to explore. Following your visit to Agua Azul, you'll switch vans for the final leg of the journey to San Cristobal.

Arrival in San Cristobal

Please note that a portion of the journey will take place after dark, especially during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. While the roads are generally safe and well-traveled during the day, it's wise to be prepared for nighttime travel by ensuring you have any essentials you may need easily accessible, such as snacks, a flashlight, or something to keep you entertained during the ride. The shuttle typically arrives in San Cristobal between 11:00 PM and midnight, with drop-off at the main square, ADO (OCC) bus terminal, or (if your hotel or airbnb accomodation is not too far from downtown) maybe to your doorstep.

Important Notes

Please note that the schedule and details provided here are accurate as of today but may be subject to change due to weather or road conditions (such as blockades). It's a good idea to confirm the departure times and stops with the shuttle service provider closer to your travel date to ensure a smooth journey. :)

Private car transfer from Palenque to San Cristobal

One great way to travel between these two towns is by using a door-to-door car service. It picks you up and drops you off right at your doorstep, which is super convenient. The road between the towns can be pretty hilly and bumpy, so having a private car with an experienced driver really helps make the ride smoother. Plus, it's much more comfortable, and you can take breaks to enjoy the beautiful views along the way.

If you're thinking about treating yourself to a comfortable trip while in Mexico, this is definitely the right journey to consider paying a little extra for. The peace of mind you get from knowing you're in good hands on such a challenging road is well worth it.

Another nice thing about this option is that you avoid the hassle of sharing a shuttle with a bunch of other people. Some of those shared services start around 9 AM and might not get you to San Cristobal until really late, like between 11:00 PM and midnight, which can be exhausting, especially if you're on vacation. Plus, with the shared shuttles, you usually have to switch vans along the way, which can add extra time and make the trip less comfortable.

With the door-to-door service, you can arrange for pick-up at 10:00 AM right from your hotel or Airbnb. Along the way, there are a couple of planned stops that make the journey more enjoyable. The first is at the Misol-Ha waterfall, where you can spend about an hour soaking in the natural beauty. Then, there's a longer stop at the Agua Azul waterfalls, where you can explore for about 2 hours and even grab some lunch.

You'll likely arrive in San Cristobal around 6:00 PM, just as the evening is starting, which is perfect because you avoid any potential issues that might come up if you were driving after dark. Plus, you'll be dropped off right at your hotel, so you can just relax as soon as you get there. Overall, it's a really comfortable and hassle-free way to travel, and it lets you enjoy the journey without any stress.

Average prices for a private car service might range from 3,500 to 5,000 MXN, depending on the company you contact and any stops you might add to your trip.

Ask questions, quote a price, or check out some reviews from other travellers on our TripAdvisor web page.

Travel from Palenque to San Cristobal by bus

ADO (or OCC) Bus Company takes the longer route from Palenque to San Cristobal for safety reasons. They offer around 8 trips per day, and the journey lasts between 8 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. You can check their schedule and book tickets at https://www.ado.com.mx. Prices range from 200 to 350 MXN per person.

Another bus company is AEXA, which offers departures at 9:30, 13:30, and 17:00. Like ADO, they also take the longer route through Villahermosa. The trip ends in Tuxtla Gutierrez, where shuttles to San Cristobal depart every 20 minutes. The shuttle terminal is just 200 meters from AEXA's last stop. AEXA's terminal in Palenque is located at Av. Benito Juarez No. 182, La Canada, CP 29960, Palenque, Chiapas. Their phone number is (916) 345-2630. Since they don't sell tickets online, you'll need to visit their office in Palenque, possibly a day before your trip to San Cristobal. For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.autobusesaexa.com.mx. The fare for the Palenque-Tuxtla route is 260 MXN, with occasional discounts bringing it down to 180 MXN. The shuttle from Tuxtla to San Cristobal costs 60 MXN.

By colectivo (Mexican shuttle public service)

If you're feeling adventurous, you have the option to take colectivos (Mexican public shuttle) for your journey. First, you'll take one from Palenque to Ocosingo, and then another from Ocosingo to San Cristobal de las Casas. You might not have to wait more than 20 minutes for the shuttle to depart. In Palenque, the colectivos terminal is situated on the corner of 5a Poniente Sur and Benito Juarez, very close to the AEXA terminal. Once you arrive in Ocosingo, ask about the colectivos to San Cristobal. It will be very easy to see them. There are a couple of companies, and they are located close to each other. The cost for both trips will be approximately 110 pesos each.

If you opt for this choice and wish to make stops at the waterfalls, it's possible to do so. While traveling in the colectivo from Palenque to Ocosingo, you can exit the colectivo at the junction that leads to Agua Azul. (You can do the same for Misol-Ha, but making both stops might result in arriving at San Cristobal after dark.) From there, you can either walk or take a taxi to the waterfall. After your visit, return to the same spot and wait for another colectivo. Keep in mind that colectivos from Palenque may already be full, so you might end up with a less comfortable seat in the colectivo.

By taking colectivos, you make this trip very affordable, while also getting a deeper glimpse into the everyday life of the people traveling along this route. It's a great experience if you're looking to immerse yourself more fully in Mexican life and culture.

Travel along 199 driving your own rented car

If you're planning to drive your own rental car along Highway 199, we just recommend reaching out to us for the latest updates on potential road blockades. Our team in San Cristobal de las Casas is well-connected, and we usually have reliable information about any planned disruptions at least a day in advance.

As a general note, if there are any road disruptions on Highway 199, they are most likely to happen between San Cristobal and Ocosingo, with the town of Oxchuc being a particularly common hotspot. To avoid potential delays, there's an alternate route that bypasses most of these trouble areas. This detour takes you through the municipalities of Guaquitepec, San Juan Cancuc, and Tenejapa, effectively reducing your chances of encountering any potential delays by about 90%