Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Merida Airport (MID Airport)
Wondering, What’s the closest airport to Merida Mexico?
The closest Merida airport is actually in Merida! That’s right, Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport, better known as Merida International Airport (code: MID), is located in southern Merida.
It is only about 25-35 minutes from Downtown Merida, and 40-50 minutes from North Merida. The best, safest and most hassle way to get from the airport to your hotel is this Private Merida Airport Shuttle.
Beyond your MID Airport transportation options, in this article you’re going to learn all about Merida Airport in Mexico so you can navigate it like a pro when you travel to Merida.
How do I know this? I lived in Merida for years, and have been to the Merida Airport many times, and I’m about to share all my knowledge with you.
Ready to discover everything you need to know about Merida Airport? Let’s get to it ✈️
Merida Airport Guide
Where is Merida Airport located?
Merida International Airport (formerly known as Merida Rejon Airport) is located in the southern part of the city.
📍merida airport map
South Merida is not the best area of town, so you won’t want to stay here. However, it’s not far from Downtown Merida or North Merida by car, which are both nice areas in Merida.
- Merida Airport to Downtown Distance: 5 miles (8 km) | 25 minutes
- Merida Airport to North Merida Distance: 13 miles (20 km) | 40 minutes
Merida Airport Guide
Where to stay in Merida Mexico?
Centro Historico (Downtown or Historic City Center) and North Merida are the two most popular and best Merida neighborhoods for visitors.
North Merida is a bit more posh, but Centro Historico is where you’ll find all the colorful colonial buildings and Instagram-worthy Merida sites.
I lived Downtown and love all its colors, walkability and local charm — so I’m clearly biased! If you ask me the best place to stay in Merida, I will say Centro, near Paseo Montejo.
For suggestions on the best places to stay in Merida, check out these related Merida blogs:
Merida Airport Guide
Merida Airport Transportation
As someone who lived in Merida for years, if there’s one thing my adopted city lacks — it’s good public transportation. However, that is changing thanks to the Va y Ven Merida buses.
If you’re wondering about taking public transportation to Merida Airport or public transportation from Merida Airport, there are really no good options (yet).
If you’re renting a car in Merida, the airport is the best place to get one because it has the biggest selection.
Your next best option is to book this Merida Airport Private Shuttle (which is only about $20 USD one way) or use Uber or taxi Merida airport — which I don’t recommend; keep reading to see why.
Best Merida Airport Transfers
Merida Airport Guide
Is there Uber in Merida Airport?
No — While there is Uber in Merida, they won’t pick you up curbside at the airport because it’s illegal for Merida Uber drivers to do airport pickups.
If you want to use Uber at Merida Airport, you will have to walk out to the main road, completely off airport property, for a legal pick-up (📍 here). The walk takes about 5-7 minutes.
Once you reach the road, you can call Uber from there, and you’ll likely see others doing the same. While it’s a short walk, remember that it usually feels like it’s 95°F (35°F) in Merida, so it’s not enjoyable.
This is why I always recommend booking this Merida Airport Transportation Service.
They don’t cost much more than Uber Merida Airport rides, and you won’t have to worry about walking yourself and your luggage out to the main road for the pick-up — the company will meet you inside the airport.
Merida Airport Guide
Can Uber drop off at Merida Airport?
Yes — It’s completely legal for Uber to drop you off at the airport, but not pick you up.
Is there Lyft in Merida Mexico?
No — But there is Uber, DiDi, InDriver and plenty of taxis in Merida available day and night.
Merida Airport Guide
Merida Airport Taxis: A Word of Warning
Personally, I don’t use Merida taxis and generally avoid Mexico taxis unless there are no other options.
The reason for this is most Mexico cabs don’t use meters, so you either know the fare zone prices, or you don’t — and you just have to pay what you’re told.
👉 Book your Merida Airport Shuttle now, and avoid the hassle of using the poorly-rated Merida Airport taxis.
Now, if you’re a local, you know the prices. If you’re just visiting, there’s no way you’d know.
While many taxi drivers are honest people, some also just aren’t, and for those, scamming tourists isn’t uncommon (in Mexico and most other places in the world).
Merida Airport Guide
How much is a taxi from Merida Airport to Centro (Downtown)?
Officially, it should be no more than $315 pesos (about $17 USD) to downtown, but this will depend on how honest of a taxi driver you get.
Personally, I haven’t had much luck getting one, so I reommend this Merida Airport Shuttle.
(For the record, I’m not saying all Merida cab drivers are dishonest; just that price gouging tourists isn’t uncommon).
Once, when I needed to take a Merida airport taxi to my home in Downtown Merida, which was just 20 minutes away, the taxi driver told me it would be $1,000 pesos ($50 USD).
This was THREE TIMES the actual price, and he was hoping I didn’t know any better — but I did.
Unfortunately, I had no choice but to use a taxi on this trip, but it was so annoying to know how bad I was being ripped off.
If you want to save yourself the hassle and haggle and start your Merida vacation off on the right foot, book your Merida Airport Shuttle now. After my ordeal, this is what I do not.
The shuttle is approx. $40 USD for round-trip service with a professional company that treats customers well.
They will also pick you up at the airport and drive you right to your hotel for door-to-door service.
Merida Airport Guide
Is there a Merida Airport bus?
Yes — There are the Va y Ven Merida Airport Buses.
However, these buses only have limited stops around town, so you may have to take an Uber or taxi to one those, and then take the bus to Merida Airport.
For this reason, it might be more convenient to just Uber directly.
Now, if you do want to take the bus to Merida Airport, there are Va y Ven stops on the Ruta Aeropuerto (Airport Route) at places including Paseo 60 Mall and the Merida ADO bus terminal in Downtown.
If you’re near one of those places, the bus is really inexpensive at only $12 pesos per ride (less than $1 USD).
However, the usual cost to take Uber from Downtown Merida to the airport is usually only $100 pesos.
Merida Airport Guide
What airlines fly to Merida Airport?
There are quite a few airlines that fly to Merida Airport Yucatan Mexico, including Aeroméxico, American, Mayair, United, Volaris and WestJet.
Aeroméxico and Volaris are two of the biggest Mexican airline companies, and Mayair is a small charter plane that does the Merida to Cancun flight.
What most people traveling to Merida have to do is connect through one of the larger airports in Mexico.
Most connecting flights come through Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX), but there are some via Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, Oaxaca, Tuxtla Gutierrez and Veracruz.
You can also fly to Cancun International Airport (code: CUN), which is about four hours from Merida.
If you plan to do that, visit Cancun to Merida Transport Options for more info on the best way to get to Merida from Cancun.
Merida Airport Guide
What U.S. cities fly direct to Merida?
When coming from the U.S., the options for direct flights to Merida are limited. For now, the only Merida direct flights from the U.S. are out of Miami (American Eagle), Houston (United Airlines) and Dallas/Fort Worth (American Eagle).
Merida Airport International Flights
🇨🇦 Looking for Canada to Merida flights? There’s a WestJet flight out of Toronto-Pearson, but it only operates during the high season, from about October to April.
🇬🇹 Traveling to Guatemala after Mexico? There are direct flights from Merida to Guatemala City and Flores on TAG Airlines.
🇨🇺 Traveling to Cuba after Mexico? There is a direct flight from Merida to Havana Cuba on VivaAerobus.
Merida Airport Guide
Can I fly from Cancun to Merida?
Yes — If you’ve been wondering, What’s the fastest way to get from Cancun to Merida?, it’s the MAYAir flight.
This short flight is only about 45 minutes, versus a four-hour drive. There’s only one flight each day, so you’ll have to see if it works with your Merida itinerary.
- ✈️ MAYAir Cancun to Merida flight: Monday-Friday, 8:20 pm
- ✈️ Merida to Cancun flight: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am
- ✈️ Average MAYAir flight cost: $200 USD
- ✈️ How to book MAYAir tickets: Visit their website, https://go.skimresources.com?id=172087X1664748&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alternativeairlines.com%2Fmayair
- ✈️ Cancun to Merida flight time: Approx. 45 minutes
Besides MayaAir, you can also take a flight on Magnicharters. However, their Cancun to Merida flight is seasonal, so it’s only offered half the year from about October to March during the busy season in Mexico.
Merida Airport Guide
Merida Airport Car Rental
Wondering, What’s the best place to rent a car in Merida?
If you definitely want or need to rent a car in Merida Mexico, the airport in Merida Mexico is the best place to do so.
The majority of Merida car rental company offices are located just outside of the airport, about two minutes away by car or a 10-minute walk.
Some car rental companies have kiosks right by the exit doors, so you can ask someone to call a shuttle for you to the rental car offices.
If you rent from a smaller company, you may have to call for the shuttle; if you don’t have Mexico service on your phone, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card.
Ready to book your Merida car rental?
I recommend and personally use Discover Cars. They search both international and local companies so you always get the best rates, and offer FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your reservation.
I also always get their Full Coverage Policy — which is usually less than $10 USD per day.
With this, you’re insured for up to $58,000 MXN pesos (about $3,300 USD) to cover any damage to the car.
Merida Airport: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Merida airport open?
Yes — In fact, it never closed to flights from any of its normal destinations.
What airport do you fly into for Merida Mexico?
Merida International Airport, located in Merida, is the best option. The Merida airport code is MID.
It is open 24 hours a day and has both domestic and international flights — though as a smaller airport, flights are sometimes limited.
For this reason, some choose to fly to Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). Check out this article, Cancun to Merida: Your 6 Best Transportation Options, if you plan to fly into CUN Airport.
What airlines fly to Merida Airport?
American Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet, Aeroméxico, Mayair, Volaris and TAG Airlines all have flights to Merida Yucatan.
Merida Airport Guide
How far is Cancun Airport from Merida?
- Cancun Airport to Merida Distance: 191 miles (308 km)
- Cancun Airport to Merida Time: About 4 hours in normal traffic
If you’re wondering how to get to Merida Mexico from Cancun, the best, easiest and safest option is to book this private shuttle with Cancun Airport Transportation.
The shuttle offers door-to-door service from Merida Airport to Cancun, and the best part is you don’t have to do the driving. Cancun Airport Transportation is a well-rated company with great customer service.
Of course, you have other options if you want a more DIY option for Cancun to Merida Airport travel. For this, check out all your Cancun to Merida Transportation Options in the linked article.
This article tells you everything you need to know about how to get to Merida from Cancun by private transport, rental car, bus and flight.
Merida Airport Guide
What’s the best way to get from Merida Airport to Downtown Merida?
The two best ways to get from Merida Airport to Downtown Merida are via private shuttle and driving yourself in Merida airport car rentals.
1. Private Shuttle from Merida Airport
The best way is to book this private Merida Airport shuttle in advance of your arrival.
For visitors, especially those who aren’t confident or comfortable speaking Spanish, having your transportation handled is a nice perk — especially after a long day of traveling.
2. Merida Airport Car Rental
If you’re just staying in Merida itself, don’t get a rental car because Downtown Merida (Centro Historico) is walkable.
Now, if you’re planning to take a few Merida day trips to the Mayan ruins, beaches, cenotes, or nearby cities of Valladolid, Campeche and Izamal — book a car!
🚙 Ready to book your Merida car rental?
I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search both international and local companies so you always get the best rates, and also have FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your reservation.
I also always get their Full Coverage Policy — which is usually less than $10 USD per day — and covers you for up to $58,000 pesos (about $3,300 USD) in the event there is any damage to your rental car.
3. Merida Airport Bus
In 2023, Merida really upped its public transportation system with the Va y Ven Buses (which means Come and Go in Spanish).
These air-conditioned buses have comfy seats and provide an inexpensive way to get around Merida, though the routes are still a bit limited from the airport.
The Ruta Aeropuerto (Airport Bus Route) only makes a few stops in key places, so unless you’re staying in those areas, you will likely need to take a taxi or Uber from the bus stop to your hotel.
Merida Airport Guide
How many terminals does Merida airport have?
One — The airport in Merida is on the smaller side, and there is only one terminal. You’ll access Merida Airport departures and Merida Airport arrivals from the same area.
Within the terminal, there are Gate A, Gate B, and Gate C. Most domestic flights leave from Gate A, while Gate B is for international flights. Gate C is the newest of the three, with the nicest amenities.
The great part about smaller airports is they aren’t ever very hectic.
If you’re wondering How early should I arrive to Merida Airport for my flight? — 75 to 90 minutes should suffice. For international flights, I do 75 minutes with a carry-on, and 90 minutes with a checked bag.
As a smaller airport, it also tends to receive smaller aircraft and smaller airlines.
✈️ Merida Airport Fun Fact: The most common planes that fly to Merida are Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, though they can also accommodate airplanes as large as a Boeing 747 and Boeing 777.
Merida Airport Guide
Is there parking at Merida Airport?
Yes — There is ample parking right outside the main entrance doors in front of the airport.
You will need to pay for Merida airport parking in cash, but if you don’t have any pesos on you, there are a few ATMs at Mérida Airport.
Merida Airport Guide
Are there restaurants in Merida Airport?
Yes — There are a few places to eat in Merida Airport; some at the entrance and some within the terminals.
In years past, the only Merida Airport restaurant was Johnny Rockets; however, after the Merida Airport renovation and expansion, there are now several places to eat in Merida Airport.
There are also a few shops here to get Merida souvenirs, as well as a convenience store to pick up a bottle of water and some snacks.
On the second floor, you’ll find Hacienda Montejo, which serves traditional Yucatan foods and has a bar if you want a preflight mezcal, tequila or beer 🍻
There are also some kiosks with grab-and-go food and coffee on the second floor, and a Tere Cazola, which is a popular Merida bakery chain.
Merida Airport Guide
Why are flights to Merida so expensive?
As a regional airport with limited flight options and only a few major airlines that fly to Merida, this often means higher price tags on flights to MID Airport.
As someone who lived in Merida for years, I know it’s not always easy to find cheap flights to Merida Mexico. Personally, I’ve got the best deals when using Skyscanner and Kayak to find cheap Merida flights.
If this is your first time in Merida, you’re in for a real treat, as there are so many great things to do in Merida Mexico. However, you just have to get past the high prices to fly to Merida airport 🤪
Merida Airport Guide
Do I need to wear a mask in Merida Airport?
No — You do not have to wear your mask in the airport, and there are no longer social distancing measures in place.
Merida Airport Guide
My Final Thoughts on Traveling Through Merida Airport in Yucatan, Mexico
The Merida Airport is small and easy to manage. If you’re a first-time Merida traveler or doing Mexico solo travel, you have nothing to worry about, as it’s also a very safe airport.
Actually, Merida is the safest city in Mexico, in case you didn’t know!
The most stress-free, hassle-free and easiest way to get from Merida Airport to Downtown Merida is via this private shuttle company — which is usually about $40 USD for round trip service (though rates can vary).
As someone who lives in Merida, I always recommend the shuttle to anyone who’s not renting a car in Merida.