Town in Chiapas, Mexico
Getting around Palenque
How to get around Palenque
Colectivos run from the center to the ruins and waterfalls; taxis cover the rest. ADO buses connect Villahermosa, San Cristóbal and the Yucatán; Tren Maya has a Palenque station.
Ways to get around Palenque
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Colectivo van to the ruins | About MXN 25–40 | From the center; runs until late afternoon |
| Local taxi | About MXN 50–100 | Agree fare first; set rates from the station |
| ADO bus | About MXN 200–700 | Villahermosa 2.5 h; San Cristóbal 5–6 h; Campeche 5 h |
| Tren Maya | Varies by route and class | Palenque station outside town; book on the official site |
Taxis in Palenque
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No reliable ride apps; use taxis with agreed prices or colectivos. Book tours through your lodging to avoid unlicensed sellers.
Arriving in Palenque
Villahermosa Carlos Rovirosa (VSA)
About 150 km: ADO bus from Villahermosa terminal, about 2.5 h; a private taxi costs far more.
Palenque International (PQM)
Small airport; Mexicana has flown to Mexico City AIFA, but schedules change, so check before booking.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentals are scarce and not recommended; potholes, trucks and unlit roads add risk. Use colectivos or tours.
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences are valid. Mexican liability insurance is required; a foreign-plated car beyond the border zone needs an import permit.
- Onward travel in Mexico: First-class buses (ADO, ETN, Primera Plus) are comfortable and the usual way between cities. Budget airlines cover long hops cheaply; the Tren Maya links Yucatán Peninsula towns.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Palenque?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No reliable ride apps; use taxis with agreed prices or colectivos. Book tours through your lodging to avoid unlicensed sellers.
What's the best way to get around Palenque?
Colectivos run from the center to the ruins and waterfalls; taxis cover the rest. ADO buses connect Villahermosa, San Cristóbal and the Yucatán; Tren Maya has a Palenque station.
How do I get from the airport to Palenque?
About 150 km: ADO bus from Villahermosa terminal, about 2.5 h; a private taxi costs far more.
Is Palenque walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Palenque
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Sources
- ADO
- ETN
- Volaris
- Viva Aerobus
- INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia)
- Tren Maya
- US State Department: Mexico Travel Advisory
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.