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Merida is the colonial capital of Yucatan state. Pastel mansions line its avenues, and cenotes and Maya ruins sit within easy reach. The city is 464 kilometres (288 miles) from Palenque. Flying is the quickest way to get from Palenque to Merida at 3h 40m. The bus takes far longer, around 8h 40m - 9h 35m, and costs $64 (1,110 MXN).
Distance from Palenque to Merida
Palenque and Merida are about 464 km (288 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 540 km by road. The quickest way to get from Palenque to Merida is by taking the flight, which takes around 3h 40m.
2 ways to travel from Palenque to Merida
There are two ways to travel from Palenque to Merida. The journey takes 3h 40m–8h 40m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $64 (1,110 MXN).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- City Centre→Palenque Bus Terminal10m
- Palenque→Merida8h 25m
- Merida Bus Terminal to the City Centre5m
3 legs — see itinerary
- Palenque→Villahermosa Airport2h 10m
- Villahermosa→Merida1h 5m
- Merida Airport→the City Centre25m
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Palenque to Merida by Bus
Step 1: City Centre to Palenque Bus Terminal
Buses from Palenque to Merida depart from Palenque Central Bus Station, which you can reach by foot from most hotels in the city centre.
If you’re carrying a lot of luggage or your hotel is a bit far from the station, you can also take a taxi with rates from $4 (70 MXN).
Step 2: Palenque to Merida by Bus
There are 4 bus departures every day from Palenque to Merida, allowing you to travel either in the morning or at night.
Because it’s an almost 9-hour bus journey, we recommend taking an overnight bus, preferably the last trip that departs at 22:00. This way, you can save a night on accommodation, sleep for the most part of the trip, and be well rested when you arrive in Merida.
ADO is Mexico’s most popular bus company, offering comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms. For this route, you can book Primera Clase. See our Mexico Bus Guide for the differences between ADO’s bus types.
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Step 3: Merida Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Buses arrive at Merida Unica Bus Station in the city centre. From here, it’s just a 15-minute walk to the main square, where you’ll find plenty of hotel options.
You can also take a taxi. A ride within the city centre should cost around $4 (70 MXN).
Palenque to Merida by Flight
Flying from Palenque to Merida is a good option if you are tight on time and wish to get to your destination quicker. Note that Palenque does not have an airport, which means you need to take a flight from Villahermosa, a town located 145 km northwest or 2 hours away by bus.
This option is quite limited because direct flights from Villahermosa to Merida only run three times a week — and even less frequently from April onwards.
If you plan ahead though, you may be able to fit a flight into your itinerary.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Palenque to Villahermosa Airport
A direct bus from Palenque to Villahermosa Airport departs several times a day from Palenque’s main bus terminal.
The bus service is provided by ADO Aeropuerto, a sub-branch of ADO, that specialises in airport transfers at affordable rates. Buses are equipped with AC, reclining seats and a toilet.
A ticket costs $20 (350 MXN) and the journey takes around 2h 10m. Online booking is available via ClickBus.
Bus tickets are available on ClickBus.
Booking Tip
Step 2: Villahermosa to Merida by Flight
Flights to Merida depart from Villahermosa International Airport. It’s important to note that direct flights depart only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 18:00. Make sure there is enough time between the arrival time of your bus from Palenque and the flight departure from Villahermosa.
The airline providing a direct flight between Merida and Villahermosa is VivaAerobus. You can also fly with AeroMexico, but you’ll have to make a layover in Mexico City. Airfares start from $62 (1,090 MXN).
TIP: Booking flights several weeks in advance will help you find better deals when travelling in Mexico.
Step 3: Merida Airport to the City Centre
Merida International Airport is 10 km southwest of the city centre. There is no public transport available from the airport, but you’ve got a few options to get into town: taxi, Uber, or private transfer.
Taxi rates start at $18 (320 MXN), depending on the location of your hotel. Uber is a cheaper alternative at $6.30 (110 MXN), but there’s a catch — it can’t pick you up inside the airport. You’ll need to walk 5-10 minutes to the road outside to catch your ride.
For a more comfortable option, a private car transfer is available on BookAway for around $24 (410 MXN).
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Merida?
Merida is the capital city of the Yucatan Peninsula and also the largest city in the region. It’s the perfect place to wander around narrow streets and admire the impressive colonial architecture on either side of you.
Merida also has the oldest cathedral in the Americas and is known as the region’s cultural capital. The city has gained this reputation thanks to its historic buildings and iconic museums, including the Mayan World Museum.
A favourite activity amongst travellers is hopping between restaurants to really get a taste of the delicious Yucatecan cuisine. On top of that, Merida will keep you busy for days exploring nearby Mayan archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Dzibilchaltun and Kabah.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Palenque to Merida, roughly 464 kilometres (288 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $64 (1,110 MXN). The quickest trip takes 3h 40m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Palenque to Merida?
The distance from Palenque to Merida is 464 kilometres (288 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Palenque to Merida?
The fastest way to get from Palenque to Merida is by flight and takes 3h 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Palenque to Merida?
The cheapest way to get from Palenque to Merida is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,110 MXN.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Travel Writer
A writer and full-time mom who loves planning beach trips. London is her favourite destination.
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