You can technically catch a taxi from Cancun airport to Merida, but it shouldn't be your first choice, considering the trip can cost upwards of $250. This price can be evenâgaspâhigher depending on when you travel to Merida and when you get to the airport.
It is about 193 miles (309 km) âas the crow fliesâ from Cancun to Merida, and although, in theory, this trip should only take about an hour, most flights offered take more than 10 hours. This is because most planes will fly from Cancun Airport to Mexico City before flying to Merida.
There are buses from Cancun Airport to Merida. You can take an ADO bus if you want an affordable trip, but you should note that traveling by bus is the slowest way to get between the two places. For example, an average bus trip with ADO can take more than five hours and have multiple stops.
How long it takes to drive from Cancun Airport to Merida depends on whether you plan sightseeing in places like Chichen Itza, Cenote Yokdzonot, and Valladolid. If you do not plan on stopping anywhere and will be driving with a private car service like Daytrip, the trip will take a little over three hours.
Cancun Airport is the second busiest in Mexico, only surpassed by Mexico City Airport, which is probably why you ended up here on your way to Merida. Once at Cancun Airport, you'll need to arrange transportation to Merida, which is about 192 miles (309 km) from Merida. Although there are several travel options, it's best to travel by car from Cancun Airport to Merida with a private car service like Daytrip.
For years, Daytrip has been offering trips between Cancun Airport and Merida with professional English-speaking drivers and a well-maintained fleet of luxuriously comfortable cars. Unlike other forms of transportation, such as a shuttle bus, train, or ordinary bus, Daytrip guarantees reliable, safe, and prompt door-to-door services.
With us, you'll also have an enjoyable journey to Merida, stopping at a few of the best places along the way and exploring the sights. For example, you can peek through the dome-shaped Cenotes Kin-Ha, walk the beautiful Ek Balam, a well-preserved Mayan city, or take a short tour of Chichen Itza. After you finish sightseeing during the car trip, we will drop you off in Merida.
Then, you can begin your adventure by meandering along Calle 60, grabbing a bite to eat at one of the bars and restaurants, or taking a few photos of the city's stately mansions and colonial-style architecture. But this is just the tip of the 'Merida' iceberg. There's so much more to see and do!
About Merida
Merida is the largest city in the Yucatan peninsula near the Gulf of Mexico and has a history dating back over 400 years, with the Mayan history in the city dating back even further. Since the city has such a rich and long history, remaining occupied for most of it, many historians believe Merida to be the oldest continuously occupied city in the Americas. Today, it has a distinctive blend of ancient Maya civilization and Spanish conquistador's traditions.
Since Merida is centrally located within the Yucatan Peninsula, it is a convenient base point for travelers who want to complete day trips to some of the region's nature reserves, UNESCO-listed archeological sites, and treasured places like Izamal and Valladolid. The city is also well known for being culturally wealthy.
Like other colonial cities, Merida features some of the most spectacular cathedrals and broad central plazas. It's also one of the most colorful cities in Mexico, with its sherbet pink, periwinkle, vibrant peach, and mint green facades throughout the city. No matter where you walk in Merida, you'll come across a colorful building, whether it is a boutique hotel, restaurant, home, or tomb at a local cemetery.
If there is one thing this city doesn't lack, itâs well-preserved 16th-century mansions. Head over to Zocalo Square to see some of the best mansions in the city. Travelers can also spend hours walking the streets and taking in the many sites, such as museums, Catholic churches, open-air markets, lively restaurants housing fiestas, friendly bars, parks, and giant kissing chairs.
From Cancun Airport to Merida: travel tips
Following a few travel tips could mean the difference between having a great or mediocre experience. Below, find a few of our best tips to ensure your trip from Cancun Airport to Merida is memorable for the right reasons.
### Pack summer essentials
One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when traveling from Cancun Airport to Merida and around the town itself is forgetting to pack summer essentials. If you're planning to travel during the summer, you'll need to pack sunscreen first and foremost, as it is incredibly hot during the summer months. Next on your list should be bottled water and sunburn relief. It's also worth packing mosquito repellant as the summer is rife with mosquitos in Merida.
### Book early and budget more
Since Mexico is one of the most popular travel destinations year round â especially for budget travelers â it's important to book accommodations, car services like Daytrip, accommodation, restaurants, and local transportation in advance. The earlier you book, the less expensive your trip will be.
In addition, you should also budget more if you're planning to visit during peak season. Although Mexico is inexpensive for the most part, it can get pricey during holiday seasons like Christmas, Easter, and New Year. So keep this in mind.
### Carry coins and small bills
Of course, most shops, restaurants, attractions, and hotels accept credit and debit cards but many prefer cash since Mexico remains a predominantly cash economy. So, if you plan to stop and sightsee along the way with Daytrip, carrying coins and small bills might be an excellent idea. With small bills and coins, there is a greater chance you won't be turned away and will get changed.
How to get from Cancun Airport to Merida
Merida has a Caribbean atmosphere, a tropical climate, and a friendly vibe, so it's unsurprising that it's a popular holiday destination. But how does one get from Cancun Airport to Merida? We'll tell you one thing: It's not by train. Unlike in other parts of the world, Mexico doesn't have a modern train route in this area.
But fear notâwe've got you covered. If you want to learn the different transportation options available to determine the best way you can get between these two placesâkeep reading.
### From Cancun Airport to Merida by bus
For many people, the most affordable way to travel from Cancun Airport is by bus, with tickets averaging $28. A few bus lines operate trips from the airport to Merida, but the best one is typically ADO. The ADO bus line offers reasonably priced tickets and is far more comfortable than many European and US buses.
Unfortunately, the ADO website is in Spanish and only accepts Mexican credit or debit cards for ticket purchasing. So, buying a ticket from a third-party website or at a station is important if you are interested in booking an ADO bus that departs every hour daily. You can, however, consult the website to check bus schedules.
You should also note that the buses rarely offer direct trips. A trip taking about four hours will involve at least two stops.
### From Cancun Airport to Merida by shuttle
There are a few shuttle buses offering trips from Cancun Airport to Merida. Although these shuttle buses are often easy to book, fast, and stress-free, they can be incredibly expensive, so most people choose to use a private car transfer service like Daytrip.
Shuttle buses from Cancun Airport to Merida are also often crowded with numerous passengers and close quarters. You should also be prepared for multiple stops along the way as the shuttle fetches more people.
On average, a shuttle bus costs between $111 and $331, and the trip length is about three hours and 40 minutes, depending on the stops.
### From Cancun Airport to Merida by private car service
The fastest and most reliable way to travel from Cancun Airport to Merida with minimal stress is by private car service Daytrip. With Daytrip, you can quickly get between the two cities in just over three hours, making it the top choice for anyone visiting Merida on a day trip.
In addition, if you have a few sightseeing destinations on the agenda, Daytrip can accommodate your travel stop needs. Our English-speaking professional drivers know the region and can even give you a few pro travel tips and insights about the places you want to visit.
Moreover, Daytrip isn't as expensive as flying or taking a shuttle bus. Our door-to-door service starts as low as $80 per seat, leaving you with more money to explore Merida when you get there!
### From Cancun Airport to Merida by flight
Unfortunately, there is no direct flight from Cancun Airport to Merida. If you want to take a flight, you must first fly from Cancun Airport to Mexico City and then from Mexico City to Merida. This roundabout trip often takes more than 10 hours and can cost as much as $700 per person. Yikes!
Things to do when you get to Merida
Merida might not be as well known as some of Mexico's other cities, but this doesn't mean it's a destination worth skipping over. In fact, those traveling from Cancun Airport to Merida would be surprised to learn about everything that can be seen and done in this spectacular city with its richly storied past, tasty local cuisine, and beautiful architecture.
### Centro Historico
If you visit Merida, you'll undoubtedly pass by the Centro Historico, otherwise known as the Merida Downtown City Center or Historic Center. While visiting, don't forget to snap a few pictures of the many colorful homes and breathtaking colonial architecture after enjoying a film at one of the vintage cinemas. You also shouldn't forget about trying some of the delicious street food you can take with you to eat at one of the nearby pretty parks.
### Merida Cathedral
The San Ildefonso Cathedral, also called the Merida Cathedral, was built in the 16th century from 1561 to 1598. It might not be nearly as ornate as the cathedrals in Europe, but it is worth visiting, considering it is one of the oldest cathedrals still existing in the entire Americas Continent and the biggest church in the city.
But that's not the only reason it's worth visiting. This beautiful cathedral offers visitors an impressive video mapping display on the side of it every Friday beginning at 8 PM. This video display tells the story of Merida and the Yucatan and is fascinating to watch, even if you don't understand Spanish.
### Mayan World Museum of Merida
Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity or can afford a trip to the Mayan Ruins near Merida. Luckily, visiting the Mayan World Museum of Merida is the next best thing. This museum houses some of the most beautiful pieces of Mayan art and artifacts. In fact, it houses the largest collection of both in Merida. So, if you love history and want to learn more about the Mayans and how they lived, aim to spend a few hours in the museum.
When is the best time to visit Merida?
Summer is one of the most popular seasons for people to travel from Cancun Airport to Merida, but is it the best time to visit this unique city? Although the summer months of April to September offer sunny weather, it can be unbearably hot and humid, especially if you love to explore a city on foot.
That's why we recommend planning your Merida trip between December and March when the weather is a little cooler and less unpredictable. In addition, if your main reason for visiting Merida is to attend the Hanal Pixan festivalâotherwise known as the Mayan Day of the Deadâyou'll want to visit from late October until early November.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
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
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
Valladolid
Filled with colorful colonial houses, simply wandering this laid-back city is a delight. Quiet ColorsÂ
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
Cenote Yokdzonot
Roots and vines from the verdant jungle hang into the brilliant blue waters of this sinkhole. The Hanging HoleÂ
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
