Taking The Bus From Cancun To Valladolid, An Easy & Safe Way To Travel
Thinking about taking the bus from Cancun to Valladolid, Mexico? But not sure how to navigate the bus system and wondering if its even safe to take?
Then you are in the right place as I have taken buses all over Mexico and most recently taking an ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid.
My quick answer is YES, the bus is a great option when you are trying to determine how to travel to Valladolid from Cancun.
With extensive experience taking the bus in Mexico, I’ll share an essential guide on how to purchase tickets, which bus stations to go to, what to expect, and detailed logistics.
This will translate to a more stress free trip as you become an expert on traveling by bus to Valladolid and anywhere else in Mexico too.
So, follow along with me as we tackle how to get to Valladolid from Cancun via bus for an easy and safe journey!
Taking The Bus From Cancun To Valladolid
How Far Is Valladolid from Cancun?
Valladolid is approximately 100 miles east of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula and in the Yucatan state of Mexico.
An average travel time from Cancun to Valladolid will take 2 hours.
Cancun And Valladolid Are In Different Time Zones
When planning your trip and making bus ticket purchases or even tour bookings, keep in mind that Cancun and Valladolid are not in the same time zone.
Cancun is in the state of Quintana Roo and is on EST time whereas Valladolid is in the state of Yucatan on MST time.
Or rather Cancun is 1 hour ahead of Valladolid.
This is very important when you are coming back to Cancun and need to catch a flight. Factor in losing 1 hour when traveling back to Cancun.
ADO Bus Company
When looking at bus options to Valladolid, you want to book an ADO bus. ADO is a top quality bus company operating in several cities in Mexico.
And it happens to be the only bus company that can transport you to and from Cancun.
ADO stands for Autobuses de Oriente and is pronounced as AH-Day-O.
Even though it is a slight difference in pronunciation from English, it makes a huge difference whether people will know what you are talking about!
I have taken several ADO buses in the Yucatan and in the states of Oaxaca, Puebla, Guerrero, and Mexico (Mexico City).
And I can honestly say they are really nice buses with comfortable seats, AC, TVs playing movies (in Spanish), a bathroom, and plenty of legroom.
Plus, it is the cheapest way to get from one city to another in Mexico.
The major concern many have asked me is whether it is safe. I felt 100% safe on every bus ride I’ve taken with ADO.
Of course, things can happen but that would be the same in any other city in the world.
In all the other states I listed above, I took the bus solo and was the only foreigner on the bus without any problems.
Whereas in the Yucatan, I traveled with my parents and about 1/3 of the people traveling on the buses were foreigners, primarily Europeans.
Tip: Most locals know little to no English but don’t let that deter you. Locals are so sweet and are more than willing to help. You can also type your questions into Google Translate for assistance.
Where To Find The ADO Bus Schedule
When planning your bus trip, view the times on the day of interest and the best way to do this is to go to the ADO bus site.
Automatically it is in Spanish, but you can change the setting to be in English. If you can’t for any reason, use Google Translate.
I’ve also included some key words to be mindful of:
Origen or Desde donde viajas = The city you are leaving from or traveling from
Destino = Your destination city
Fecha y hora de ida = Date and time of departure
Buscar Viaje = Search Trip (options or bus times)
Hora = Time (of departure)
Puerta = Door (or gate you board)
Asiento = Seat
Editar busqueda = Edit search
How To Purchase An ADO Bus Ticket
As I mentioned above, I go to the ADO website to get the schedule and plan out the time or times I want to purchase a bus ticket.
Currently only individuals that have a Mexican credit card can purchase off the ADO website.
I learned this the hard way after entering in my credit card info repeatedly. After asking around I realized it was because I was using a U.S. credit card.
Most of the time if it isn’t a popular route or on a major holiday, I go directly to the bus station to purchase my tickets.
Some of the time I show up about an hour early and purchase it but if I need to catch a specific time, I go to the bus station the day before to purchase it (if I am already in Mexico).
Another option to purchase your ticket is to buy it through BusBud.
They are a third party company that purchases the tickets for you. The nice thing is you can use a foreign credit card (such as the U.S.) and get confirmation ahead of your trip.
Booking through BusBud is the best option if you are traveling during a busy season or want to make sure you catch a specific bus.
This way it eliminates some of the stress wondering if you’ll get a seat on the bus.
Search Bus Tickets Through BusBud!
Note: You can use BusBud throughout Mexico for bus options from ADO and other bus companies operating as well.
How Much Does An ADO Bus Ticket Cost?
The price of an ADO bus ticket will vary depending on the time, day of the week, and if it is on a holiday.
But on average, you can expect a bus ticket from Cancun to Valladolid to be between 180 MXN (pesos) and 366 MXN.
That is roughly between $8.60 and $17.50.
Of course, prices can change and also depend on the conversion rate. But it gives you a ballpark estimate of what you’ll pay.
Which ADO Bus Station In Cancun To Select
There are two ADO bus stations in Cancun but only one that you can take a bus to Valladolid from.
You want to go to the ADO Central Cancun bus station which is in the middle of downtown Cancun about 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport.
Note: There is an ADO bus station at the Cancun Airport but not for buses going to Valladolid.
Take A Taxi Or Bus From Cancun Airport
Note: If you are already in Cancun and not coming from the airport, skip this step and go to the next one!
Once you arrive at the Cancun International Airport, you can take a taxi to the ADO Central Cancun bus station 30 minutes away in downtown Cancun.
Taxis can be very expensive depending on the day or time. One time I arrived on a holiday and it was $80 USD because taxi services were limited.
If the taxi is too high and you are not in a rush, purchase an ADO bus ticket right before you exit the airport.
You can get the ADO shuttle to ADO Central Cancun bus station where you will then catch another bus to Valladolid from there.
Tip: If your flight arrives late into Cancun, you can book a night at the Hotel Plaza Caribe.
It is a budget hotel directly across the street from the ADO Central Cancun bus station. This is what I did and it worked out perfectly for a night.
Bus From ADO Cancun To Valladolid
Once at the ADO Central Cancun bus station go to the gate where you will board your bus if you already know it.
If you haven’t purchased your ticket yet, head to the ticket counter. After paying, the agent will tell you which gate to board the bus.
You always want to arrive between 20 – 30 minutes before your bus leaves to make sure you aren’t in a rush and miss it.
If you are ever in doubt whether it is time to board the bus, just ask an employee or someone else near you, “Is this the bus to Valladolid?” which translates to “Es este el autobus a Valladolid?”
Once it is time to board, a bus attendant will scan your ticket and let you get on the bus.
You will have assigned seats, so check your ticket to see what seat number (asiento) yours is.
All but one of the buses I took were on time so they will promptly take off. The bus will not wait for you if you are late so get there early.
In about 2 hours you will arrive at the ADO Valladolid bus station which is just 2 blocks from the main square and cathedral.
Note: If you don’t want to walk to your hotel, there are plenty of taxis at the bus station to take you.
Taxis only take pesos, so have some with you. Most taxi rides shouldn’t cost more than 40 or 50 pesos (~ $2.00 to $3.00 USD) if you are staying within the city center area.
Can I Bring My Luggage?
Yes! Traveling with your luggage is included in your ticket price. When it is time to board, there will be an attendant taking your luggage that you want placed in the underneath compartment.
Any bags or luggage that you don’t want with you at your seat that is.
I always check my suitcase and my small carryon bag and take my purse with my kindle and snacks with me onboard.
The bus attendant will tag your bag and give you a ticket. Keep these tickets!
When you arrive at your destination, you’ll hand the ticket stubs to the attendant to retrieve your bags.
Tip: Two items that go with me on every trip for my luggage are:
- These luggage locks and
- AirTags to keep track of my bags while on the go or in the event they get lost.
Best Apps For Riding The Bus In Mexico
I have taken an ADO bus around a dozen times and these are the apps that I use every time. In my opinion, they are ones you want to make sure and have.
Google Translate: Use to communicate with ticket agent or any bus attendants.
XE Currency Converter: To calculate how much a bus ticket will cost converting from pesos to your currency.
Whatsapp: This is the main app to communicate with others in Mexico whether it is your hotel, tour guide, or driver.
Maps: Use a maps app to track your bus ride progress and to help orient yourself when you arrive in Valladolid.
Tips For Taking The ADO Bus In Mexico
- If you are traveling on or near a major holiday or festival, buy your tickets in advance as buses will sell out if you need a specific time or day.
- Carry cash (pesos) for bathrooms at bus station, snacks, a taxi once you arrive, and/or tips.
- Pack some snacks and water to take with you.
- There is a bathroom onboard much like a bathroom you’ll find on a plane.
- Carry these travel wipes to keep your hands clean.
- When waiting at a bus station have small change (pesos) as you need to pay to use the restroom. Between 5 to 10 pesos. Many times, you need exact change to put into the turn stall.
- Make use of Google Translate! It has become my best friend traveling in Mexico. I try my best but it comes in handy when trying to communicate.
Cons To Taking The Bus To Valladolid
There really are no cons except that you can’t pick any time to go and are relying on a set schedule.
But since there are several buses going each day, it really is a great mode of transportation especially for the value.
Other Transportation Options To Valladolid
Hire A Driver
If you don’t want to wait for a bus, you can hire a shuttle to pick you up straight from the Cancun International Airport and take you directly to Valladolid.
Rent A Car
If you plan to take a lot of day trips from Valladolid or like the freedom of setting your own schedule, rent a car.
From my experience, it is very easy and safe to drive in the Yucatan.
I rented a car in Merida for a day trip and thought it wasn’t much different than driving in the U.S.
The Tren Maya
There is a new train in the Yucatan Peninsula called Tren Maya. Although all routes are not complete, you can take the train to Valladolid.
I have not taken the train but people I spoke to said as far as time and cost it is pretty much the same as taking the bus.
Top Valladolid Tours To Go On
Once you get to Valladolid, these were some of my favorite day trips from Valladolid!
Chichen Itza Cultural Tour – No visit to the Yucatan is complete without seeing Chichen Itza! Your guide will take you on a tour of Chichen Itza, lunch in a local Mayan family’s home, and swimming in a beautiful cenote!
Pink Lakes, Flamingos, Ek Balam & Cenote – This full day tour takes you to Rio Lagartos (pink lakes), Las Coloradas, Ek Balam (Mayan ruins), and swimming in a cenote!
Mayan Bee Park Tour – Explore a beekeeping farm with a local guide and learn about the ancient Mayan Bee and more including a honey tasting in a jungle setting.
Where To Stay In Valladolid
Here are my top hotel picks for comfort and prime location next to the main town square and attractions in Valladolid.
Tip: When booking make sure you are selecting Valladolid, Mexico and NOT Valladolid, Spain!
Map Of Cancun To Valladolid
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Get a no-obligation quote from two trusted travel insurance companies for peace of mind on your next trip!
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.