Merida to Cancun Travel Guide: Buses, Taxis, Tips & more


A photo of the picturesque Cancun Beach in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

Trying to find your way back to Cancun from Merida and Uxmal but unsure where to start? Look no further! I have created a comprehensive travel guide to walk you through the best options for traveling between Merida and Cancun. Whether you are planning a short day trip to Merida or need to find your way to the Cancun airport to head home, this guide provides all the details and tips you need for a smooth and relaxing journey!

Tip: This can, of course, also be reversed to go from Cancun to Merida!

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Merida to Cancun

A photo of the ADO red bus, the best form of transport to travel from Merida to Cancun, or visa versa.

STEP 1: Choose Your Mode of Transport

Cancun is 300 KM (186.4 miles) from Merida. The average travel time varies from 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the mode of transport and destination within Cancun.

Option #1: Private Taxi

  • A private taxi is always an option but can be pricey, especially for longer distances like the trip from Merida to Cancun or vice versa. I have not traveled by private taxi on this route. If this is the option you want to take, I suggest scheduling one and agreeing on a price beforehand!

Option #2: Rental Car

  • Renting a car is always an option for those who prefer to travel on their own time and be in control of stops along the way. You will be crossing state lines when traveling from Merida to Cancun, so you will likely be stopped at police checks for your passport. Be sure to have it with you. Knowing the speed limits and road rules is vital. There are many speed trackers and police stops throughout Yucatan that target tourists more so than residents.

  • I recommend searching on Rentalcars.com since they compare all rental site prices available.

Option #3: ADO Bus

  • The best option to travel from Merida to Cancun is by bus with the largest bus company in the Yucatan Peninsula, ADO. I find ADO to have the cheapest and easiest options for travel throughout the Peninsula. It is also the bus with fewer stops and the most direct routes to your destination. Bonus! They play movies throughout your ride, although most are in Spanish, but it is still something fun to occupy your time.

  • There are many direct routes from Merida to Cancun and the Cancun Airport each day. Buses start departing at 1:00 in the morning, with the last of the day leaving at 11:57 at night. Prices vary depending on the day of the week, the time of day, and when you choose to purchase the ticket, but they can fall anywhere from 300-800 pesos.

  • You can either ride the regular red ADO bus or the ADO “Conecta.” If you are looking for the cheapest, most efficient option, you can choose the ADO Conecta, a shared van that is said to be faster than the bus, having a more direct route. This option will populate in your search alongside the regular ADO bus options. I am not entirely sure you can take larger suitcases on the Conecta, so if you have larger bags, I recommend opting for the ADO bus to be safe. Another option you might see is the ADO Platino, which is said to be an upgraded, more eco-friendly option.

  • The location of the Merida ADO station is here.

  • The location of the Cancun ADO station is here. There are also options to go directly to each airport terminal.

Tips for using the ADO website

Directions for the ADO website

After searching your route on the ADO website, click “ver detalle” (see details)

and a bottom section should show (see photo as an example). Click “ver mapa,” and your screen should look like the next photo…

P.S. If you have suitcases, make sure the small suitcase icon is shown (I have circled this in pink)–not all buses have suitcase space.

The Map for each bus route on the ADO site.

This image shows the second screen that will pop up after clicking “ver mapa.

  • Salida: This is your origin or where you are getting the bus from.

  • Llegada: This is your destination.

  • The duration of your bus can be found above the purple box.

  • Stops along your route can be found under the purple box.

Tip: Be sure to download your ticket to your phone incase the service is spotty.

Since you already have your ticket, go through the front doors, past the ticket terminal, and into the waiting area. Television screens above the doorway display bus routes and lane numbers as they arrive. If you are unsure or it is nearing your departure time, ask the ADO workers for assistance.

HOW LONG IS THE BUS?

  • The bus ride is around 4 hours 30 minutes. Don’t forget there is a time change! Merida is one hour behind Cancun.

WHERE DOES BAGGAGE GO?

  • Larger bags, suitcases, and any bag with wheels must go under the bus. I always locked my suitcases and bags with a built-in combination lock (thank you TUMI) or with a mini padlock between zippers.

  • All my valuables, including money, were in my backpack, which I kept near my feet throughout the bus ride. The bus was air-conditioned with cozy seats, adjustable shades, TV screens showing a movie (we had a few movies I was not familiar with playing in Spanish), and a bathroom at the back.

  • They will tag your bag and hand you a matching receipt before placing your bag underneath the bus. You will need this ticket to retrieve your bag once in Cancun.

Pro Tip: Not everyone sits in their assigned seats, so try to get on the bus early! Sit further from the bathroom if possible… :)

IS THE BUS SAFE?

  • I have traveled numerous bus routes across the Yucatan Peninsula without any moments of uncertainty or nervousness. I often noticed solo young female travelers on my buses, which speaks volumes. However, I recommend extra caution as you should when traveling anywhere. Avoid riding buses at night or arriving after dark at your destination. If you are a heavy sleeper, it is best not to nap on the bus. Follow basic safety rules like keeping money discreet and avoiding conflicts with strangers.

STEP 2: ARRIVE IN Cancun & TRANSFER TO ACCOMMODATION

The Mexican Flag, blowing in the breeze.

Congrats you have made it from Merida to Cancun!

The ADO bus will either drop you at the official Cancun ADO station here, or at the Cancun Airport terminal you specified when purchasing your ticket. 

If you are arriving at the Cancun ADO station in town, taxis will be awaiting your arrival out front to take you to your accommodation. Be sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting into a taxi. My accommodation was close to the bus station, so I walked to my accommodation. 

If you are staying in the hotel zone and want a cheaper option to reach your accommodation, you can use the public bus R1. You can download the MOOVIT App onto your phone to locate the bus stop closest to you. I have never waited more than 10 minutes for one. The price is 12 pesos. If you have large suitcases or multiple/large bags, I do not recommend riding the bus due to lack of space.

Note: Transportation throughout the Yucatán Peninsula is on its way to becoming more accessible with the new Tren Maya Railway. Head here for more information and to stay up to date on which routes are open now!


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