San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque: How to Get There

Shared shuttle from San Cristobal to Palenque:

This option is a convenient and budget-friendly way to travel, especially if you are exploring as a solo traveler or managing a moderate budget.

Departure Times and Journey Overview

With this option pick-up at your hotel in San Cristobal will occur between 3:30 A.M. and 4:00 A.M. (an early start that might be a bit too early for those enjoying a leisurely vacation). However, this early departure ensures you make the most of your day. After collecting all passengers, the journey along Highway 199 starts. This scenic route will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region.

Scenic Stops Along the Way

After leaving San Cristobal, the shuttle will make three stops on route to Palenque. The first stop is at Agua Azul, a breathtaking waterfalls, where you'll have around one hour and a half to enjoy the natural beauty of this great place. The second stop is at Misolha, another stunning natural attraction, where you'll have about 30 minutes to explore. Following your visit to Misolha, you have the option of visiting Palenque archaeological site or go directly to your hotel in Palenque.

Arrival in Palenque

If you choose to visit the Palenque archaeological site on the same day (which may be quite a full itinerary for one day), you can expect to arrive at the site between 2:00 and 2:30 P.M., with departure around 4:30 P.M. For those who decide not to visit the site, the van will first drop off passengers at the archaeological site and then proceed to drop you off at your hotel in Palenque, typically around 3:00 or 3:30 P.M.

The cost for a shared trip like this ranges from 1000 to 1200 MXN per person, which includes entrance fees, as well as pick-up and drop-off services.

Door-to-door car transfer

A door-to-door car transfer is an ideal choice for transportation between these two towns for several reasons. Firstly, the road connecting the towns is characterized by numerous hills and speed bumps. By opting for a private car transfer, you can navigate these obstacles comfortably and smoothly. Additionally, this mode of transportation allows you the flexibility to make stops along the way, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs and appreciate the breathtaking views that adorn the road.

Another significant factor to consider is the timing of most trips on this route, which typically start very early in the morning (as mentioned above). This may seem excessively early for a holiday. The door-to-door option typically starts at 7 A.M. as a suggested time, but it can be adjusted to a later time if preferred. This flexible start time allows you to choose a departure that best fits your schedule.

During the transfer, three stops can be made to enhance your experience. The first stop at a local restaurant in Ocosingo, which boasts a magnificent view. Here, you can savor a delightful meal while enjoying the surroundings. The second stop is at Agua Azul, where you can have up to two hours to explore the area. The natural beauty of Agua Azul is truly captivating, and this extended break allows you to fully immerse yourself in its wonders. Lastly, the third stop is in Misol-Ha, where you can spend 45 minutes to one hour. This scenic location offers an opportunity to admire a stunning waterfall and take memorable photographs. Following these stops, your driver can drop you off at your hotel in Palenque, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.

The next morning, you can conveniently visit the archaeological site of Palenque. We recommend arriving early in the morning to make the most of your visit, allowing you to appreciate the site's historical significance and grandeur without the crowds. By utilizing a private car transfer service, you can enjoy a well-planned itinerary that maximizes your travel experience between these two towns.

Price 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 or quote a price.

By bus:

There are two bus companies going to Palenque everyday from San Cristobal. The first one is the OCC bus company (Omnibus Cristobal Colon) also called ADO. They have buses almost every hour. Their units are 1st-class buses, with comfortable seats and air conditioning. If the bus goes through Ocosingo, the trip lasts for about 5.5 hours. But now, they are taking the road through Villahermosa and the trip takes between 8 and 9 hours. You can check their schedule here.

AEXA bus company is a second class bus company and has less buses going to Palenque than OCC, but you wont lose anything to check their schedule. Their terminal is across the street from OCC´s bus terminal. Their website is not working now.

Location map of OCC/ADO and AEXA bus stations. (click on the little bus)

View ADO (OCC) and AEXA Bus stations. in a larger map

By colectivo (mexican public shuttle):

Very good choise if you want to break this more than 5 hours trip in to trips of two or three hours each. Remember, you have very nice places to see on your way to Palenque. Tonina Ruins, Agua Azul and Misol ha waterfalls are some of them. A tipical trip will involve a first colectivo to Ocosingo (2 hours driving fron San Cristobal) and then another one to Palenque. Expect to get some "car sickness".

Colectivos can be found just meters from ADO bus terminal. They leave every 30 minunes aprox.

See also

Transportation from Palenque to San Cristobal