Cancun to Merida tickets

About the ride from Cancun to Merida 

Switch up the vibe of your Mexican adventure by leaving Cancun's luscious beaches behind and heading westward to discover the gorgeous city of Merida.

Located 303 kilometers (188 miles) away, international and local tourists adore Merida's vibrant atmosphere.

Whether you take a quick flight or hop in a car or a bus to reach the state of Yucatan's capital, you will soon fall in love with the bountiful culture on offer.

What is Merida like?

Visitors to Mexico often flock to its coastlines to luxuriate on the paradisiacal beaches; however, too many miss out on discovering the cultural treasure troves hidden in the cities further inland.

Merida is one of these destinations that you should add to your itinerary. It's a wonderful city to discover on foot, meandering through architecture that blends colonial and Mexican influences. 

You'll soon see why people nicknamed the city the cultural capital of the Yucatan peninsula. 

It is populated by vast, bustling plazas bordered by colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Maya temples.

Once you've worn out your feet exploring the city, use Merida as a launching pad to discover the region's many Maya ruins and natural beauty spots.

Unforgettable activities in Merida

There may not be beaches in Merida, but you'll find plenty to do here. Keep these top attractions in mind when planning your trip:

1. Take a walking tour or follow your feet: Spend a morning or afternoon just meandering through the city's streets to discover the array of pastel-colored 19th-century houses scattered throughout. Some crumbling art nouveau mansions bear signs of decay, while others gleam with the evidence of recent restoration. 

2. Visit the Plaza Grande: The city's main square bustles with life throughout the day but erupts with it in the evening. Come on a Monday to see the city's weekly music dance show. The local community gathers to watch dancers in traditional costumes put on a show.

3. Explore the Museo Regional de Antropologia: The museum houses a vast collection of Maya historical relics, giving visitors a tiny glimpse of the rich history that defines this magnificent country. The museum resides in a 20th-century mansion marked by Doric and Ionic columns and a sweeping grand staircase carved in white marble, adding a sense of grandeur to the history on display.

4. Book a day trip to see the Las Coloradas Pink Lagoon: If you want to see a fantastical landscape, look no further than this wondrous lagoon with pastel pink waters. Book a tour to streamline the excursion because it's a trek to get there.

5. Explore the Maya ruins of Uxmal: You can't come to Merida without visiting these spectacular ruins. Coordinate your adventure with a visit to the nearby Puuc Biocultural State Reserve and stop at the Kankirixche Cenote for a swim on the way home.

How do I get from Cancun to Merida?

Choose between taking a car, a bus, or a flight to travel from Cancun to Merida.

By car: The most comfortable option

If you want to travel in style and privately, book a private air-conditioned car transfer to complete your trip from Cancun to Merida. 

Private car transfers take 3.5-4 hours to reach Merida. 

The cheapest option is $312 per car.

You can select pick-up from any hotel in Cancun or the Cancun Airport (CUN). Services drop passengers off at their hotel in Merida or Merida International Airport (MID).

Possible amenities for a private car transfer include:

English speaking staff

Room for three to four passengers. 

A luggage allowance of one 25 kg (55 lbs) bag and one handbag per passenger

Meet and greet at the airport.

By bus: The most affordable way 

If you want to save money for your adventures in Merida, hop on an air-conditioned bus and sacrifice a little luxury.

All buses offer numerous services throughout the day, meaning you'll have no problem finding a bus that fits your schedule.

Possible bus amenities include:

WC

Reclining seats

WiFi

Charger sockets

A luggage allowance of one cabin bag and one handbag with a maximum combined weight of 25 kg (55 lbs)

The service will arrive in Merida in three to five hours. A single ticket for this service costs around $35 and increases with more amenities.

The service usually departs from ADO Centro Cancun. It drops off at various spots, so check your ticket carefully and arrive at least 15 minutes early to catch the bus.

By private flight: The quickest method

The speediest option is to take a flight to reach Merida. You'll spend less than thirty minutes in the air to reach your destination. 

But that efficiency will cost you. It costs $2226 to take this private flight. It can accommodate up to five passengers.

Flights Cancun operates this flight. You set the departure time. The service departs from Cancun Airport and arrives at Merida Airport.

Amenities include:

Air-conditioning

English speaking staff

Water provided 

A luggage allowance of one 13 kg (28 lbs) checked luggage and one 5 kg (11 lbs) cabin bag.

The best things about the ride from Cancun to Merida 

As you wave farewell to Cancun's gorgeous coastline and beaches, take a nap to pass the first part of the journey. None of the views will rival the ones you just left behind.

However, look up when you get closer to Merida to see the luscious greenery of the nearby Cenote Ring Geohydrological State Reserve. As the buildings of Merida's skyline edge into view, you'll soon see why travelers adore this beautiful city.

When is the best time to visit Merida?

The best time to visit Merida is during Mexico's high season, between December and April. These months bring dry and balmy weather perfect for sightseeing. They also bring slightly higher prices and more crowds, but seeing the city at its best makes it all worth it. 

In this weather, you'll be able to soak up the city's atmosphere by following your feet to discover live music, vibrant plazas, and delicious eateries with terrace views over the city.

Visit in December to see the city explode with a festive Christmas spirit. 

In January, the city celebrates its founding with multiple events throughout the month. 

Carnaval lovers should come in February to see the dancers and floats take over the streets.

In March, visit the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Dzibilchaltun to see serpent formations and glowing temple doors only visible around the spring equinox.

You should avoid booking a visit in September because the city experiences heavy rains and tropical storms.

How many days should I spend in Merida?

You should spend three to four days in Merida to make the most of this magical city. A few days give you enough time to see all the top sites in the town, including spending half a day discovering the delights of the food scene.

However, if you want to go on some day trips to nearby sites, extend your trip for a week to soak up more of the culture without rushing.

Where should I go after Merida?

If you want to continue excavating more of Mexico's historical treasures, immerse yourself in the Maya ruins of Coba or check Valladolid's colonial history and architecture.

But if the ocean is calling your name again, head to Isla Holbox (via Chiquila) for another taste of Mexico's tranquil beachside atmosphere.