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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Tabasco And Chiapas, Mexico

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Palenque

While Palenque has its own small airport, most international travelers connect through larger hubs.

Airport Options

  • Palenque International Airport (PQM): Approximately 5 km from town. Limited domestic flights, mainly from Mexico City (Aeromexico Connect).
  • Villahermosa International Airport (VSA): About 140 km (2.5-3 hour drive). Larger, with more frequent domestic connections.
  • Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport (TGZ): About 250 km (5-6 hour drive). Largest in Chiapas, widest flight options.

Flight Planning & Transfers

No direct international flights operate to PQM, VSA, or TGZ. International travelers typically fly into a major Mexican international airport (like Mexico City or Cancun) and then connect domestically.

Travel Notes

  • Price Fluctuations: Prices for domestic flights increase during peak tourist seasons. Booking in advance secures better rates. Look for deals on Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.
  • PQM Transfers: Taxis are available for a 15-20 minute ride to Palenque town.
  • VSA Transfers: ADO buses connect the airport to Villahermosa's main bus terminal, then to Palenque.
  • TGZ Transfers: Shared colectivos or private taxis to Tuxtla Gutiérrez's central bus terminal, then ADO buses to Palenque (often via San Cristóbal de las Casas).

PQM Facilities

As a small airport, PQM offers basic facilities with minimal food and amenities.

VSA & TGZ Facilities

These larger airports provide more comprehensive facilities, including diverse food options, car rental agencies, and ATMs.

Booking Advice

Pre-booking your ADO bus ticket to Palenque from Villahermosa or Tuxtla Gutiérrez saves time, especially during busy periods.

Land Transportation

Bus Travel: ADO

  • ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) is the dominant and reliable long-distance bus company.
  • Offers various classes: ADO Normal, ADO GL (Gran Lujo), and ADO Platino (highest class).
  • Frequent services from Villahermosa (2.5-3 hrs), San Cristóbal de las Casas (4-5 hrs), Tuxtla Gutiérrez (5-6 hrs), Campeche (3-4 hrs), Mérida (8-9 hrs), Cancun (overnight), Mexico City (long overnight).
  • Purchase tickets at the ADO bus terminal or online via ado.com.mx.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Valid national driver's license accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. Mexican car insurance is mandatory.
  • Main highways are generally paved. Rural roads can be unpaved, winding, and poorly maintained.
  • "Topes" (speed bumps) are common and often unmarked. Avoid driving at night outside major cities.
  • GPS navigation can be challenging in remote regions. Check DiscoverCars.com for rental options.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Ferry services and cruise ports do not apply to Palenque. The city is inland and lacks direct sea access.

River Transportation

The Usumacinta River, east of Palenque, is a transportation artery for remote Maya sites like Yaxchilan. Local lanchas (motorized canoes) transport visitors from Frontera Corozal to the site.

Border Crossings

The river route via Frontera Corozal also serves as an unofficial border crossing into Guatemala (to Bethel, and onward to Flores/Tikal), often part of organized tour packages.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures Bus

Mexico's FMM tourist card fee is almost always included in your international airfare. If you entered by land and paid a separate FMM fee, retain the receipt.

Bus Departure Details

  • ADO Terminal: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.
  • Present your ticket to staff. Luggage may be tagged and loaded into the cargo hold.
  • Generally, no specific exit fees from Palenque itself; your bus ticket covers terminal fees.

Departure Procedures Flight

Plan ample time for airport transfers from Palenque, depending on which airport you depart from.

Airport Departure Details

  • Palenque International Airport (PQM): Arrive 1 to 1.5 hours before your domestic flight.
  • Villahermosa (VSA) or Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ): Allow several hours for transfer (2.5-3 hrs to VSA, 5-6 hrs to TGZ).
  • Once at VSA or TGZ, follow standard airport procedures: arrive 2-3 hours before your domestic flight.

Airport & Station Facilities

Palenque Bus Terminal

A relatively basic facility with ticket counters, waiting areas, and often a small convenience store or snack vendor.

Palenque International Airport PQM

A compact airport with minimal amenities; do not anticipate extensive dining or shopping options.

VSA & TGZ Airports

These airports offer more comprehensive amenities including wider selections of food/beverage outlets, duty-free shops, ATMs, and car rental return services.

Departure Reminder

Reconfirm your bus or flight schedule the day before departure. This practice keeps you informed about any last-minute changes.