Getting around Mérida

Mérida on foot

Mérida walking tours

There are plenty of walking tour options in Mérida including the free tours provided by the Ayuntamiento. If you don’t manage to get onto a free tour, there are plenty of companies and individuals offering their services. Most walking tours begin on the Plaza Grande.

→ Check out one of the highly recommended Mérida walking tours

Colette’s view: I think that walking is the most enjoyable way to explore Mérida. With its colonial churches, grand mansions, vibrant public art, main plaza, and spontaneous street performances, the city offers something to discover around nearly every corner. La Plancha park, in particular, hosts free shows and cultural events that add even more magic to an evening wander.

Taxis and rideshares in Mérida

When it is hot, you are tired, or you just want to get around town quickly, rideshares are easy and inexpensive. The three rideshares available in Mérida are Uber, Didi and InDriver. You can also opt for a traditional local taxi.

🚕 Taxis

Taxis in Mérida offer convenience as they are generally easy to find and hail. Drivers usually know the city extremely well, and can get you to your destination quickly.

❌📲 A traditional taxi that you hail on the street could be a preference if you don’t feel comfortable using an app on your cell phone.

However, we do need to state that:

🗣️ You may find that your taxi driver does not speak English well and if you don’t speak Spanish it could get tricky (we highly recommend learning a few words of Spanish when you travel to Mexico, by the way).

💸 If you don’t have a language in common it’s easier to be ripped off (but remember, it is your responsibility to speak Spanish, not theirs to learn English for the convenience of foreigners). Fares can also be unpredictable as not all taxis have/use meters. Our view is that most drivers are honest and friendly but there will always be some who are not. You may find yourself being taken on a very long route just to bump up the fare even if there is a metre. So, always agree on a fare before you get in.

➕ You will need small denomination Mexican peso notes to pay for taxi rides. You can not pay in another currency and it’s unlikely the driver will have large amounts of change.

Uber

🚙 Uber is the best known and considered to be the most reliable rideshare in Mérida. If you want to use Uber while in Mérida, you’ll need to download the app.

📈 Although Uber is much cheaper in Mexico than in many other countries, the price can increase steeply with surge pricing during busy times.

💳 Uber does accept credit and debit cards via the app, but some drivers may cancel if you are not paying in cash, which can be frustrating. It has happened to me quite frequently so it can be worth ordering your Uber earlier than necessary if you are paying by card just in case drivers dump you for another fare who will pay cash.

With app based cabs you are given the price on the app, and you need to set your own preferences to either paying with card automatically via the app or paying the driver with cash.

As Uber drivers are security screened, and it has a tracking system built in, it may be a safer option for women traveling alone at night and it is English language friendly.

Didi

🚙 Didi is a more affordable app (that needs to be downloaded in advance). It can be up to 20% cheaper than Uber.

Like Uber, it does offer trip tracking and driver reviews which are great safety features, but personally, I have found the cars are often not as clean or in good condition as Uber cars. For short trips, that does not really matter much to me though. The app can be a bit glitchy at times and there are fewer drivers available.

💸 Didi also takes payment through card or cash.

InDriver

🚙 InDriver is a somewhat different app system as you can bid for your ride. You offer a price and then bid up or accept a driver’s counteroffer.

💸 This is a cash only service and there is a higher risk of unverified drivers.

Taxi costs

Most ride share services within the Centro Histórico area cost between 60 – 80 pesos. Trips to the northern part of the city can run 140-200 pesos, but do not be surprised to find short local rides for as little as 30 pesos. Expect to pay between 100 – 200 pesos for your average traditional taxi fare. Prices increase during peak hours.

And remember, if you’re using cash it must be Mexican pesos.

Tipping

Tipping is not expected by taxi drivers but it is appreciated. If your driver goes out of their way to help you with your luggage or is exceptionally friendly, consider tipping. Otherwise, do not feel obligated. With ride shares, you can always add a tip through the app.

Rideshares to/from the airport

✈️ Officially, rideshares cannot pick you up at the airport (see below for how people get around this) but they can drop you off when it’s time to leave. Be aware that scheduling rideshares in advance does not always work well so we recommend giving yourself a big enough margin of error in case you have to wait. Expect to pay about $150 – 200 pesos from Centro to the airport.

Public buses in Mérida

Until very recently most of Mérida’s buses were well past their prime, but this has changed dramatically in the last few years. The new fleet is modern, comfortable, and makes navigating the city even easier.

Branded as Va y Ven, the new buses are bright, modern, and importantly, air conditioned.

The important stuff

💸 The fare is only 12 pesos and you can pay with your contactless credit or debit card or any other contactless payment tech you have! It’s also easy to download the Va y Ven app and receive a virtual payment card instantly.

🚏 There are day and night routes so you will always find a bus when you need one. You can even find the stops and plan your route on Google Maps.

🚍 Tourist bus tours

Like most big cities around the world, there is a tourist bus tour available in Mérida. It’s a decent way to get your bearings when you first arrive.

→ Read more about the Mérida tourist bus options

Colectivos (shared vans)

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to travel like a local, look out for colectivos. These shared vans or minibuses do not follow strict timetables and can be tricky to navigate for first-timers. Locals swear by them for affordability and efficiency, but tourists often shy away due to language barriers and lack of signage. They are an easy and cheap (20 – 60 pesos) way to get to areas on the outskirts of the city or to other towns and cities close by. They also operate to local beach towns, archaeological sites and some of the smaller pueblos that aren’t on main bus routes.

If you do not speak decent Spanish and you want to try using a colectivo, you may want to travel with someone who does. Local people are very friendly and helpful and if you ask, they will be happy to tell you where to find the nearest bus stop, but many will not be English speakers. Colectivos can be very crowded during busy times so try to avoid using them at times when people are likely to be traveling to and from work.

Bicycles

🚲 Mérida has been gradually improving its cycling infrastructure, especially in central areas. Paseo de Montejo features a dedicated bike lane, making it one of the safest and most scenic routes in town. The newly renovated La Plancha park also offers wide, shaded paths ideal for casual cycling.

On Sunday mornings, the city closes off part of Paseo de Montejo for BiciRuta, which is a weekly (nationwide) event to encourage people to cycle, skate, and even walk the dog. It is also a great place to people watch.

While Mérida is mostly flat and pleasant to bike around, cycling safety varies. Main roads can be busy and lack bike lanes, so tourists are advised to stick to designated routes and quieter neighbourhoods such as Santa Ana, Itzimná, and García Ginerés.

🪖 Always wear a helmet, avoid rush hour, and watch out for uneven sidewalks, topes & surprise potholes. Unfortunately, drivers in Mérida are often not very cycle friendly, so never assume that speed limits, stop signs or marked crossings will be respected.

Renting a bike

Renting bicycles is a fun, affordable, and a great option for exploring Mérida when it is not too hot. Several private rental companies operate in and around Centro and along Paseo Montejo, offering hourly or daily rentals. These places often include helmets, locks, and route suggestions to help you get started.

The city has also introduced En Bici, a government-sponsored bike share program. Stations are located near parks, Paseo de Montejo, and major public transport hubs.

The important stuff

📲 You will have to register and get an En Bici card to rent the bikes and then you will find the bikes through the app.

💸 The card allows you to unlock and return bikes at any official docking station and the cost varies from free for the first 45 minutes to 100 pesos for a full day.

This system is best for short rides and errands as the bikes are not really comfortable enough for a long ride. Lots of these bikes were available when the programme was launched, but I have noticed that they are becoming harder to track down. It seems that bikes are not being replaced when they ‘go missing’. But they are still here if you look for them and a great deal.

🚲 Bike tours

It’s possible to take a bike tour of Mérida as well as walking or bus tours. The tours focus on the historic centre and generally include some sort of refreshement.

→ Read more about taking a bike tour around Mérida

Electric carriage ‘vs’ Horse & cart

Until recently I wouldn’t have recommended the carriage rides around Mérida because I don’t think the horses are well enough looked after. However, there are a few electric carriages (pictured above) you can take now, which are a good, ethical alternative.

Rental cars

If you are planning to travel further than Mérida or even just love taking day trips without booking tours, you may wish to hire a car. All of the major international car hire firms can be found at the Mérida international airport as well as in the city centre.

The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you get full insurance coverage. You do not want to have an accident in Mérida and discover you are not covered. The penalties are very serious.

→ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to renting a car and driving in Yucatán

🚘 Check rental car prices & availability now

Getting around with pets

If you are travelling with a pet, it is advisable to arrange a private transfer when you first arrive at the airport. While Uber now offers some pet friendly options, you may find it hard to book one and taxi drivers may be reluctant to accept you with a pet, especially one that is not in a carrier. Public buses will not allow your furry family member to join you.

We really recommend renting a car if you’re travelling with a pet (and yes, there are some pet-friendly agencies)

→ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to renting & driving in Yucatán

→ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to exploring Mérida with pets

Exploring further afield

If you want to explore further afield and you are using Mérida as a base, you have 4 options:

🚌 Intercity buses

Hopping on a bus is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get around. Whether you are in the mood for some of the neighbouring colonial cities, ancient archaeological sites, or just a quick escape to the beach, Mérida’s bus system is pretty comprehensive.

→ You can check timetables in Spanish on the ADO website or use BusBud for English (I recommend booking via BusBud as from personal experience I can tell you there will be fewer problems)

ADO

ADO is known for its dependable service to many of the region’s most popular destinations.

🧭 The main ADO bus station in Mérida is Terminal TAME, located on Calle 69 between 68 and 70 in Centro.

💺 ADO buses are super comfortable with air conditioning, reclining seats, restrooms, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. You can purchase tickets online or at the terminal.

Oriente and Noreste bus lines

If you are on a tighter budget or you want to explore other areas not covered by ADO, check out the Oriente and Noreste bus lines. These second-class buses may not have all the luxuries of an ADO bus, but they provide a more local experience.

🧭 Oriente’s terminal is located on Calle 50 at the corner with 65, while Noreste’s is on Calle 67 between 50 and 52.

You don’t need to book in advance for these. You just show up at the terminal or pay the driver directly before departure.

Oriente and Noreste buses can take you to smaller beach towns like Celestún or Sisal for 60 – 160 pesos. These services also have routes to smaller cities such as Izamal, Ticul, and even Chichén Itzá.

Auto Progreso

Auto Progreso, is the quickest way to visit Progreso by bus.

🧭 Their terminal is located on Calle 62 #524 between 65 and 67 in Centro. Buses to Progreso depart every ten minutes and take just under an hour to get there for around $50 pesos. It’s a favorite among both locals and tourists who want to enjoy a beach day without renting a car. Auto Progreso also offers tours to other nearby attractions like Dzibilchaltún and several cenotes.

🚘 Renting a car

Nothing beats the freedom of having a car when you’re on vacation. No silly timetables or routes to stick to, the possibility to say, “ah screw it let’s go to the beach” or, “turn left… I said turn left, you fool” at the drop of a hat. Renting a car lets you get into the pueblos without the worry of using public transport too.

→ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to renting a car

→ Check rental prices now

🚝 Tren Maya

The Tren Maya does not run as frequently as the buses but it’s still a good option for exploring the peninsula. From Mérida, the train makes it easy to get to Izamal and Valladolid. While the train does stop near Chichén Itzá, it’s important to know that from the station you will still need to grab a taxi or shuttle to get to the actual site.

🧭 The Teya Mérida station is located just outside of Mérida. The best way to get there is to catch the IE-TRAM, route 901, which leaves from La Plancha.  It costs 45 pesos and takes about 40 minutes, leaving every one to two hours depending on the time of day.  

💻 It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance, but you can also purchase tickets at the station. Prices vary depending on your route and the class of service and tickets are more expensive for international visitors than they are for locals. A trip to Valladolid for a tourist starts at about 500 pesos.

💺 The trains are modern and comfortable, with air conditioning, assigned seating, and onboard amenities.

→ Read the full MexicoCassie guide to booking & travelling on the Tren Maya

👣 Guided tours

And, of course, if you don’t feel like braving public transport or renting a car, you can always book a guided tour or three. There are some excellent options available to you whether you imagine yourself checking out cenotes, ruins, visiting the pink salt lakes or heading into the ría to check out the flamingos.

→ We always use GetYourGuide or Viator when booking our own trips and recommend you do the same.