Your driver will meet you at your address in Merida.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
Trip
Youâll travel in comfort for 3 h 20 min.
Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly
Drop-off
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Cancun.
Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage
In total
315 km3 h 20 min
Questions & Answers about Traveling from Merida to Cancun
Is there a direct bus from Merida to Cancun airport?
Yes, there are direct buses from Merida to Cancun Airport (CUN) daily. However, they take between 6 and 10 hours. For a better use of your time and to avoid missing your flight, we recommend using Daytrip's private car service. You can leave according to your own schedule and youâll be at the airport in a mere 4.5 hours.
The bus ride from Merida to Cancun can take between 6 and 10 hours. There are multiple departures per day from many different companies. If you'd like to get to Cancun faster, hire a private car, especially if you are trying to catch a flight out of Cancun Airport (CUN).
A flight from Merida to Cancun takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, there are few direct commercial options available. Most flights will require a transfer in another city. Instead of flying, consider ground transportation instead for a better experience in less time.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries theyâre visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
In Mexico, you canât go too far without stumbling upon an ancient archeological wonder. A car trip from Merida to Cancun is the perfect opportunity to see these testaments to the Mayan Empireâs might before reaching beach paradise.
When you ride with Daytrip, your English-speaking driver will pick you up in Merida, take care of your luggage, and whisk you away to Cancun. The ride will take place mostly on Highway 180D and goes right through the lush forests of the Yucatan.
Along the way, you can talk about local culture and stop at some of the best, most enriching sites the Yucatan has to offer. This way, you can get all the freedom and flexibility of a rental car without worrying about returning the car or finding parking. From legendary cenotes to the iconic Chichen Itza, you'll find the drive from Merida to Cancun is the perfect opportunity to explore the Yucatan area.
One of the best stops is Izamal, an over 2,000-year-old town best known for its bright yellow buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was an ancient Mayan city before being overtaken by the Spanish during the colonization period. The bright yellow color is attributed to a 1993 visit by the Catholic Pope John Paul II, as they wanted to honor the Vaticanâs colors for his visit. It is also home to the third-largest pyramid in Mexico, the Kinich Kakmo Pyramid.
And, of course, you can't pass up Chichen Itza. A little further south of Izamal, it has another important Mayan astrological site, El Castillo. This famous site has structures such as the Temple of the Warriors and the Great Ballcourt, which are of Mayan cultural and religious significance. The pyramids are placed in important positions in the solar and lunar calendar and are crowded almost every day of the year, so visit as early in the day as possible.
After you've seen all the sites you wanted to visit along the way, your driver will deliver you right to your accommodation in Cancun and unload your luggage, so your relaxing beach holiday begins as soon as you step out of the car.
About Cancun
Cancun, located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, has evolved from a sparsely populated area into a renowned tourist destination. The region was inhabited by the Mayans from approximately 2000 BCE until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Known for their expertise in astronomy, architecture, and trade, the Mayans left behind impressive cities and temples across the Yucatan Peninsula, including renowned sites such as Chichen Itza and Ek Balam. However, the arrival of the Spanish brought disease and violence, leading to a decline in the Mayan population and leaving the region relatively remote and depopulated for centuries.
Cancun's transformation began in the 1960s when the Mexican government started ambitious plans to develop a world-class resort destination. With its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, Cancun was poised to become a tropical paradise. After significant investment in infrastructure, Cancun saw rapid growth and development. It now attracts millions of visitors all year round.
Today, Cancun is a bustling metropolis offering modern amenities and a vibrant atmosphere. It is the life of the party among the Yucatan Peninsula cities. Its lively nightlife, diverse culinary scene, and a plethora of outdoor recreational activities cater to travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Despite its modernization, Cancun remains deeply connected to its Mayan heritage. You can explore archaeological sites and savor authentic Mayan cuisine. Additionally, nature reserves showcase the area's biodiversity a short distance from the busy city streets.
From Merida to Cancun: Travel tips
Smooth sailing isnât just for all the ocean activities youâll do in Cancun! Make sure your vacation is set up for success by following these travel tips for your trip from Merida to Cancun.
Plan ahead for fun (and transportation)
Some spontaneity is healthy for a good vacation, but donât leave everything to chance! Many of Cancunâs excursions and activities sell out days or weeks ahead in the dry season. Donât arrive in Cancun just to learn the jet skis, snorkels, and private tours are booked already!
The same goes for your transportation. Closer towns like Tulum and Playa may have more options to get to Cancun, but Merida is further away and options are fewer. If you will be flying out of the Cancun Airport (CUN), find a trustworthy shuttle or private driver that can take you right to your terminal, such as Daytrip.
Pack your cabin bag wisely
Essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, some pesos, and a water bottle should be close at hand for your trip. Donât be that person who is late because you were digging around in the trunk for your camera!
How to get from Merida to Cancun
The journey from Merida to Cancun will take you across the north of Mexicoâs Yucatan peninsula. It will take you approximately 4.5 hours without stopping and youâll cover a distance of around 200 miles (320 kilometers). If you're trying to figure out how to make the trip, public options are available, but it is recommended to go with a private transportation service for the best experience.
Traveling with a private driver through Mexico is flexible, safe, and convenient. Daytrip has strict service standards, so you're guaranteed a safe and comfortable experience in a modern vehicle. Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door service, with the option to add childrenâs car seats, handicapped accessibility, and space for all your luggage.
Your driver speaks both English and Spanish and knows the local roads and driving customs. Personalize every aspect of your travel experience, from the pickup time to sightseeing stops at beautiful cenotes and the remains of the great Mayan Empire.
From Merida to Cancun via bus
The cheapest way to get from Merida to Cancun is by bus. There are multiple daily departures from Merida's bus terminal to Cancun, and some buses will even take you straight to the Cancun Airport (CUN). A one-way bus ticket typically costs between $20 to $30 USD and the journey can take between 6 and 10 hours. The trip is all on modern and frequently-traveled highways, however, it does take a long time. For this route, book a private car from a trusted transportation service like Daytrip for the best and safest experience.
From Merida to Cancun via the Maya Train
The Maya Train project aims to build a train infrastructure network between major cities and tourism hotspots. However, it is unreliable and expensive. Tickets for the train cost almost the same as a private driver, so even after the operational issues are worked out, definitely opt for a private driver if you're traveling in a group.
Things to do when you get to Cancun
Cancunâs resort-style layout means you will have tons of options for activities and excursions right at your fingertips. The most important thing to remember is that for a lot of these activities, you will need to book ahead of time, especially during the peak travel season. Donât let your trip from Merida to Cancun be dampened by finding out all the best activities are sold out!
Dive into the underwater world in Cancun
The ocean might cover 70% of the worldâs surface, but very little of it has been explored or mapped. The sea around Cancun holds natural wonders, such as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the world's second-largest coral reef system. It stretches 620 miles along the Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is labeled as a critically endangered ecosystem by experts and is home to manatees and other endangered species.
With a guide, you can snorkel and dive to see reefs teeming with over 65 species of stony coral and 500 fish species. If you are visiting in July or August, you may even see Whale Sharks, which migrate to the Great Mayan Reef during the summer. Despite their intimidating name, they are not a threat to humans. For many visitors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime event and sheds light on the mysteries of the ocean.
Experience Cancun's nightlife
Cancunâs warm, tropical climate makes for the perfect place to keep the party going after dark. Grab a drink at one of the Hotel Zoneâs discos, nightclubs, and bars where you can dance the night away with live music and DJ performances. Just keep your belongings secure in crowded areas, and be mindful of your surroundings for a safe night.
Unwind and rejuvenate in Cancun
Sometimes, the best plan on vacation is no plan! Once youâve done it all in Cancun youâll want to relax. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage, a pedicure, and a good book by the pool while you surrender to the serenity of this tropical oasis. For an added layer of tranquility, challenge yourself to a digital detox and put the phone away for the day.
When is the best time to visit Cancun
Cancun is a popular travel destination all year round thanks to its warm, tropical climate. Like most tropical destinations, Cancun has two seasons: dry and rainy. The best time to visit depends entirely on your preferences and budget.
Cancunâs dry season
Dry season is from November through April and is the most popular time to visit Cancun. You can expect abundant sunshine, balmy temperatures, and very little rain. You can also expect higher prices and more people. If you need endless sunny days and the most activity options at any cost, this is the time to visit.
Cancunâs rainy season
If youâd like quieter coastlines and milder climates, consider a visit during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October. While still warm and popular the rainy season does have periods of heavy rain. Outdoor excursions may be canceled due to weather conditions, but if you want to surf, swells are larger in the winter.
Visit these sights on the way
Izamal
This charming yellow city was built atop a Mayan city with monuments so massive, the Spanish treated them as hills. It Was All YellowÂ
Cenote Yokdzonot
Roots and vines from the verdant jungle hang into the brilliant blue waters of this sinkhole. The Hanging HoleÂ
Chichen Itza
The mightiest Mayan city in the Yucatan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing marriage of Mayan and Toltec cultures. Mayan MagicÂ
Valladolid
Filled with colorful colonial houses, simply wandering this laid-back city is a delight. Quiet ColorsÂ
Ek Balam
This ancient Mayan city bears some of the most intricate ornamentation in the Yucatan, including a king's tomb with a jaguar-mouth as its entrance. Enter the JaguarÂ
Cenotes Kin-Ha
A small hole in the ground opens up into a beautifully illuminated cave where you can swim and dive. Sun and WaterÂ
âI used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.â
âWe were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, weâd especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Daydream20046758137
âWe absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. Itâs worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. Itâs 5 star rating is well deserved.â
âWe traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortableâ
âGonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.â
âWe were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.â
âUsed the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.â
âUsed Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.â
âWe did not know what to expect with this trip and booked from Australia. We were initially looking for an easy way to travel from Granada to Malaga. We decided not to waste the opportunity to see something additional on our way. Miguel certainly exceeded our expectations. His English was excellent (unfortunately we speak very little Spanish), and he was very friendly and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the regions as we passed through and also discussing some of the local ways. Miguel took us to Antequera as planned and ensured we were able to easily get our tickets to the attractions without any sense of rushing us. We were picked up and dropped off punctually and really enjoyed our trip. Hopefully we will return to Spain and we can use this service again sometime.â
âWe used the service twice while in Thailand. Extremely prompt and efficient customer service. Best rate being offered in Chiang Mai for the travels. Polite, punctual, professional and English speaking drivers. Clean, comfortable vehicles. Being a regular visitor to Thailand, this was hands down the best service. Most pleased with the company. I hope it sustains the excellence of service that was rendered to us.â
Reviewed by Tripadvisor
traveler Omar
Good to know
Children
If youâre traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Tips
Gratuity isnât included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Luggage
Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm
Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If youâre traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Payment methods
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Donât worry if you donât know your exact address at the time of booking - youâll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select âReturnâ when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.
For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.
Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select âOne Wayâ or âReturnâ to change the type of trip you need. Itâs a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you donât see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!
Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
