How to get to Palenque

Located in the heart of the state of Chiapas, Palenque serves as a gateway to the mysterious world of the Maya, where majestic ruins are nestled amidst the lush greenery of the dense jungles of southern Mexico. When planning a trip to Palenque, you are choosing a journey to one of the country's most atmospheric archaeological parks, accessible by air as well as by scenic land and rail routes.

The fastest way to find yourself at the foot of the ancient pyramids is to travel by air via the Palenque International Airport (PQM), which receives flights from major hubs. As a popular alternative, many tourists choose to fly into neighbouring Villahermosa (VSA), located 114 km away, as this airport offers a wider network of scheduled routes.

You may also consider arrival options in Ciudad del Carmen or Tuxtla Gutiérrez. From there, the journey to the archaeological zone continues via ground transport, allowing you to witness more of the region's beauty.

With the launch of the massive Tren Maya ("Maya Train") project, rail travel has become one of the most exciting ways to reach the region. Palenque is a key station on this route, connecting the state of Chiapas with the tourist hubs of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Travelling on a modern train allows you to reach the city in comfort, enjoying views of tropical nature through panoramic windows. This is an excellent alternative to buses for those who value convenience and wish to experience a new chapter in the transport history of Mexico.

Bus services in this region are excellently developed, and a trip on a comfortable coach is a reliable choice. If you are heading from the city of Ciudad del Carmen, be prepared for a journey of about 317 km, which will take approximately 6.5 hours.

For those departing from the state capital, the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the road will be slightly longer — about 392 km. The travel time will be roughly 8 hours, allowing you to enjoy the changing landscapes from the bus window.

Travelling by car offers the freedom to make stops and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Chiapas state. The shortest and most convenient route leads from the city of Villahermosa: the distance of 144 km can be covered in just 2 hours, making this option ideal for a quick transfer.

A trip from Ciudad del Carmen will take about 4.5–5 hours (325 km), whilst the road from Tuxtla Gutiérrez will require about 5.5 hours of driving to cover a distance of 385 km.

A trip to Palenque is an immersion into a world of humid tropics and ancient history, so proper preparation will make your journey much more comfortable. Here are a few practical tips to help you avoid inconvenience and get the most enjoyment out of your visit.

1. Clothing and Footwear. The climate here is hot and very humid. Choose light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics and ensure you bring comfortable, non-slip shoes for walking around the ruins.
2. Transport. To move between the city and the archaeological zone, it is convenient to use local minibuses — colectivos, which run frequently and are inexpensive.
3. Finances. Always keep cash pesos with you. Cards are rarely accepted in small cafes and souvenir shops, and ATMs may not be operational.
4. Health. There are many insects in the jungle, so a high-quality repellent is a mandatory item in your backpack. Drink only bottled water.
5. Communication. The main language is Spanish. Knowing basic greeting phrases will help establish contact, as English is not understood everywhere.
6. Early Visit. Try to get to the archaeological zone by opening time (usually at 8:00 AM) to avoid the heat and tourist crowds.

By following these simple recommendations, you can focus on what matters most — the amazing atmosphere of the lost city. May your adventure be safe and full of vivid impressions!