How to Get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque

A private transfer is a comfortable way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Palenque — especially if you're travelling in a group or with kids.

There are two possible routes: one via Villahermosa and another via Ocosingo. The Ocosingo road is shorter and cheaper, but we won’t get tired of saying it — go with the Villahermosa route. It’s the safer, more reliable choice and makes a lot more sense if you want a smooth journey.

Take the safer route via Villahermosa

The Villahermosa route takes about and uses toll roads that are well-maintained, smooth and free of sharp curves or speed bumps. It's a much calmer ride — perfect if you're prone to motion sickness or just want a worry-free trip.

We recommend booking with Taxi Seguro San Cristobal, a trusted local company offering private transfers via Villahermosa for . Taxis are standard 4-seater sedans, and payment is made in cash directly to the driver on the day of travel.

For safety reasons, departures must be no later than 9:00 am, because the driver needs to return to San Cristobal before dark.

Why we don’t recommend the Ocosingo route

The Ocosingo road is shorter — around 5 to 6 hours — and cheaper, with standard fares from [price 3,500 MXN] to [price 5,200 MXN]. But the route passes through remote areas that have experienced roadblocks and security issues in recent years.

Some drivers know how to handle these situations and choose the safest paths, but there’s still a level of risk. Take this route only if you’re very familiar with the area or absolutely need to save time and money.

If you decide to take the Ocosingo route, you can book a transfer through platforms like BookAway or Wayak. Keep in mind that these booking portals only offer the Ocosingo route and don’t cover the safer Villahermosa option. Make sure to book with a trusted provider and travel only during daylight hours.

Safety tips when travelling via Ocosingo

• Pick a trusted taxi company. We don’t advise just hailing a taxi from the street. Pick one that receives good reviews or ask your hotel’s staff to help you find a trusted ride.
• Ask if they’re travelling in a convoy. Many tour operators choose to travel in a convoy when taking on the Ocosingo route. Make sure that your taxi driver plans to join one. If he doesn’t, find another taxi.
• Secure your valuables. Hide all gadgets and anything flashy (especially jewellery!).
• Separate a few 100-peso bills ([price 100 MXN]) from the rest of your cash. This way, you can easily pay for roadblocks without showing all your money. A wallet full of cash can be very tempting for the hungry locals.
• Look brave, not fierce. One wrong look can piss off the locals. Try to look calm and confident, but be careful not to seem annoyed, aggressive, or even scared.
• Travel during the day. No taxi will want to travel at night anyway. That would be like asking for trouble.