How to get from Cancun to Merida, Mexico

You can get from Cancun to Merida by ADO Bus, private transfer, rental car, taxi, or Uber.

The cheapest and most popular option is the ADO Bus, which costs only USD 35. The journey takes around 4.5 hours.

The fastest way is by private transfer or taxi/Uber. Traveling by car is the quickest alternative, and prices for these options start at around USD 250.

Traveling through Mexico has equipped me with invaluable insights, so rest assured, I’m here to offer you a detailed guide on all the best travel options.

Transportation Options

The following table outlines all transportation options:

How far is Merida from Cancun?

The distance from Cancun to Merida is about 320 kilometers or 199 miles by car.

Getting to Merida from Cancun

1. Our recommendation: ADO Bus

Journey Duration: ~4 hours 45 minutes

One of the best, wallet-friendly ways to make the trip is by hopping on an ADO Coach Bus!

ADO is the leading bus company in Mexico, offering excellent service at affordable prices, so it’s always my number-one choice!

They offer a fleet of standard coach buses with commendable service, ensuring comfort throughout your journey.

With ticket prices starting at a mere 35 USD, these buses provide an economical and convenient travel alternative between Cancun and Merida.

However, the price can vary and cost up to USD 59, depending on your departure time.

This is a popular travel route; therefore, ADO Bus offers twenty daily connections between Cancun and Merida!

Their schedule is quite accommodating. ADO offers numerous departures daily, offering flexibility to choose a time slot that best suits your travel plans!

The buses depart from Cancun’s ADO bus station and arrive at the Central Bus Station ADO terminal in Merida.

Depending on the number of stops, your journey can take 3.5 hours to slightly more than 4 hours.

ADO Bus Schedule:

The table below displays the ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Price
04:00am	07:50am	3 h 50 m	$35
05:00pm	08:30pm	3h 30m	$40
06:00pm	09:30pm	3h 30m	$40
10:00am	02:10pm	4h 10m	$41
01:00pm	04:42pm	3h 42m	$41
02:00pm	06:10pm	4h 10m	$41
04:00pm	08:10pm	4h 10m	$41
10:00pm	10:45pm	45m	$42
01:07am	04:30am	3h 23m	$42
02:00am	05:30am	3h 30m	$42
06:15am	09:35am	3h 20m	$42
08:00am	11:52am	3h 52m	$42
09:00am	12:30pm	3h 30m	$42
11:00am	02:30pm	3h 30m	$42
12:37pm	03:52pm	3h 15m	$42
07:30am	10:37am	3h 7m	$59

2. Private Transfer

Journey Duration: 4 hours

If you are traveling in a group and want to be more flexible regarding the departure time, a private transfer may be the best option!

WAYAK, a Mexican company that has been in business for 13 years, offers private transfers for up to four passengers for about USD 380.

3. Rental Car

Journey Duration: 4 hours

A rental car is an excellent option for traveling independently to Merida. The distance is about 320 kilometers or 199 miles, and the drive takes around four and a half hours.

Here’s some information to help you on your journey:

1. Distance and Route: The distance is approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) via the most common route. You’ll primarily use the Federal Highway 180 (Carretera Federal 180) for this journey.
2. Driving Time: The drive typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. It’s a relatively straightforward and well-maintained route.
3. Rental Car: You can rent a car at Cancun International Airport or Cancun. Many rental agencies have offices at the airport for convenience. Book your rental car in advance to secure the type of vehicle you prefer.
4. Road Conditions: The highway is generally in good condition. However, be cautious of occasional speed bumps (topes) and other traffic control measures, especially when passing through smaller towns.
5. Fuel: Gas stations are readily available along the route. Filling up your tank before leaving Cancun is an excellent idea to ensure you have enough fuel for the journey.
6. Tolls: There are toll booths along the highway, so be prepared to pay tolls. Make sure to carry some local currency (Mexican pesos), as tolls are usually not payable by credit card.
7. Safety: While the drive is relatively safe, following traffic rules and driving cautiously is essential, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Mexican road conditions. Avoid driving at night if possible.
8. Navigation: GPS or a smartphone navigation app can be beneficial for staying on the correct route and finding your way around Merida once you arrive.
9. Insurance: Ensure that your rental car has adequate insurance coverage. You should also check if your personal insurance or credit card offers coverage for rental cars.
10. Local Regulations: Before driving, familiarize yourself with Mexican traffic laws and regulations, such as speed limits and seat belt requirements.
11. Scenic Stops: There are several exciting places to stop along the way, such as the city of Valladolid or the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Plan your stops to explore these attractions.

Remember that road conditions and regulations may change, so checking for updates before your trip is advisable.

4. Uber or Taxi

Journey Duration: 4 hours

Uber is available in Mexico, and this trip costs around 5.200 Mexican Pesos (about USD 250) outside peak times.

Note, however, that the price can increase drastically due to traffic.

5. Flight

Currently, no direct flights are offered between Cancun and Merida. All connections have a stopover in Mexico City, which makes this travel option uninteresting.

Best day tours in Merida, Mexico

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

Frequently Asked Questions