A great beachfront location and access to the Caribbean make Cancun the official party capital of Mexico. However, Cancun offers so much more than just beaches! Check out our guide for the best options to travel from Merida to Cancun.
Located on the southeast coast of Mexico and close to the city of Merida, Cancun is a paradise for beach lovers and people looking for a party.
It’s a resort destination known for its beautiful beaches, delicious Mexican food, and an overall good time.
In addition to partying on the beach with your friends, there are plenty of things to do in Cancun besides exploring the oceanfront properties.
With unique offerings such as ancient Mayan archeology, endless shopping, excellent cuisine thanks to local influences and international celebrity chefs, and live entertainment like salsa dancing and concert venues — there is something for everyone!
Explore all your option and book an activity to get the best out of Cancun!
Cancun is rich in culture, history, and diversity. With an international airport, nightly celebrations, and access to the Caribbean Sea to cool down, there is no wonder why Cancun consistently draws in tourists, independent travelers, and beach lovers with a thirst for sweeter things in life!
So, are you ready to visit this Mexican city?
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Merida to Cancun.
How far is Merida from Cancun?
The distance from Merida to Cancun is 188.3 miles or 303 kilometers. It takes anywhere from 4 to 5 hours to reach, depending on your transport type.
Transportation Options from Merida to Cancun
The following table outlines all transportation options from Merida to Cancun:
Method | Travel time | Price |
---|---|---|
Bus from Merida to Cancun | 4-6 hours | USD 40-USD 65 |
Shared Shuttle from Merida to Cancun | 3 hours 30 minutes | – |
Private Transfer from Merida to Cancun | 4 hours | – |
Flight from Merida to Cancun | 1 hour | – |
Rental Car | 4 hours | – |
Getting to Cancun from Merida
1. Shared Shuttle from Merida to Cancun
Journey Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
One option you can always take to travel to Cancun is a Shared Van Shuttle. They are an affordable and convenient type of transport!
The easiest way to travel around South Mexico is by shuttle vans provided by Wayak.
GuateGo
On GuateGo, you can check all available transportation options from Merida to Cancun. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.
2. Coach Bus from Merida to Cancun
Journey Duration: 4 – 6 hours
The bus is one of the best transportation options available from Merida to Cancun. Compared to buses in Europe and the United States, buses in Mexico are affordable and often a lot more comfortable.
The best buses to choose from are those operated by ADO. As Mexico’s leading bus company, ADO’s standard buses already provide excellent service.
The cost of a bus ticket to Cancun from Merida starts at USD 40. Depending on how many stops the bus makes, the trip can take anywhere from 4 hours and 10 minutes to 6 hours.
Several departures of the regular ADO coach bus from Merida to Cancun are scheduled each day.
Merida to Cancun ADO Bus Schedule
- 06:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 07:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 09:00 AM to 02:00 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 10:00 AM to 03:50 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 12:00 PM to 05:00 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 02:00 PM to 06:55 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 03:00 PM to 08:00 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 05:30 PM to 10:20 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 06:00 PM to 11:05 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 07:00 PM to 12:57 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 09:30 PM to 02:30 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 11:50 PM to 04:10 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 12:05 AM to 04:10 AM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 40
- 01:00 PM to 05:10 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 42
- 04:00 PM to 08:20 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 42
- 07:37 AM to 01:45 PM: Coach Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 59
3. Luxury Bus from Merida to Cancun
Journey Duration: 4 hours 20 minutes
In addition to the Coach Bus service, ADO offers more luxurious travel options. ADO’s Platino (Executive Bus) is its most luxurious bus option, offering fares starting at USD 65.
Platino Bus is obviously a higher-cost option from Merida to Cancun, but you get leather seats, blankets, food, etc., comparable to a first-class flight.
Merida to Cancun ADO Luxury Bus Schedule
- 07:00 AM to 11:30 AM: Luxury Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 65
- 07:10 AM to 11:30 AM: Luxury Bus to Cancun
Total price: USD 65

4. Private Transfer from Merida to Cancun
Journey Duration: Custom Time
It’s a good deal for small groups or families because the cost is the same whether there are 2 or 9 people, so you can gather a group and split the price!
5. Merida to Cancun Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour
It’s also an option to fly to Cancun from Merida rather than go by land. There is only one airport serving Merida: Manuel Crecencio Rejon Airport.
The flight cost from Merida to Cancun varies depending on the travel dates, season, and local holidays.
However, flying from Merida to Cancun is significantly more expensive, and you do not get to save as much time as you might think when you realize that you must be at the airport in advance and the bus leaves near your destination.
This trip also includes traveling to the airport near the cities first, which requires extra time.
You can, of course, choose this option if you prefer to travel this way!

6. Driving with Rental Car
Journey Duration: 4 hours
Car rental companies in Merida offer a wide selection of vehicles you can rent to drive to Cancun, Mexico.
This is an excellent option for travelers who like to travel at their own pace or anyone planning a Yucatan road trip. Having your car provides more freedom in exploring the area.
With a couple of stops, you can drive from Merida to Cancun in 4 to 5 hours (or 3 hours and 30 minutes with no stops).
Renting a medium car costs around 10 to 25 dollars daily, while an SUV can cost up to 40 dollars daily.
Book your rental car on Rentacars.com in advance for the best rates!

Best day tours in Cancun, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Cancun, Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merida Mexico expensive?
Merida, Mexico, estimates the monthly cost of living at 471$ (9,887MXN) for a single person without rent. There is a 66.33% difference in the cost of living between Merida and New York. There is an average rent reduction of 89.17% in Merida compared to New York.
Does Merida have hurricanes?
There is a possibility of hurricanes coming from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean affecting Merida. Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause adverse weather throughout Mérida and its surroundings, even though they do not directly affect the city.
Does Mérida, Mexico, have an international airport?
Yes, it does! International Airport Manuel Crescencio Rejón, formerly known as Mérida-Rejón Airport (IATA: MID, ICAO: MMMD) serves the Mexican city of Mérida, Yucatán.