Merida Airport: Everything You Need to Know About MID [2023]
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 minutes from Downtown Merida, and 40 minutes from North Merida.
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 live in Merida, 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?
Merida International Airport (formerly known as Merida Rejon Airport) is located in the south part of the city. This 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.
- 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 live in 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:
- Best Boutique Hotels in Merida
- Best Haciendas in Merida
- Best Hotels in Merida
- Best Merida Airbnbs (and VRBOs)
Merida Airport Guide
Merida Airport Covid Testing
Wondering, Can I get a Covid test at Merida Airport?
Yes — There is a testing area at Gate B maintained by DQ Médica Integral. They have rapid Covid tests (antigen tests, not PCR tests), with results in 30 minutes, for $500 MXN pesos ($25 USD, though prices can change).
The Merida rapid Covid test area at the airport is open daily, from about 6am-9pm. If you prefer to take a Covid test in Merida before you get to the airport, here is a list of the best places in Merida to get a rapid Covid test.
😷 Merida Airport During Covid
It’s mostly back to business as usual at Merida Airport. You will have to wear your mask at all times inside the airport, except when eating or drinking.
As a social distancing measure, every other seat in the waiting area is taped off, so no two people can sit right next to one another.
I have been to Merida Airport during Covid-19 a few times now. There have been times when they have taken my temperature at the entrance, and others when they haven’t. If they are taking temperatures, it only takes a second, so it’s not a big deal either way.
Merida Airport Guide
Merida Airport Car Rental
If you definitely want or need to rent a car in Merida Mexico, the Merida Airport 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 10-minutes walking.
Some 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. I also always get their full coverage insurance — which is usually less than $10 USD per day.
Merida Airport Guide
Merida Airport Transportation
As someone who lives in Merida, if there’s one thing my adopted city lacks — it’s good public transportation. If you’re wondering about taking public transportation to Merida Airport, or public transportation from Merida Airport, there’s really no good options.
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 a Merida Airport Private Shuttle (which is only $20 USD one way), or use Uber or a taxi — which I don’t recommend; keep reading to see why.
🚌 best Merida Airport transfers
Merida Airport Guide
Is there Uber in Merida Airport?
Sort of — There is Uber in Merida, however, they sometimes won’t pick you up curbside at the airport.
Technically, it’s illegal for Merida Uber drivers to do airport pickups, but some do it anyway. Others make you walk out to the main road, off airport property, for a legal pick-up.
For this reason, I always recommend booking a Merida Airport Transportation Service.
They don’t cost much more than Uber, 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.
Also, if your Spanish isn’t so great, you might have a hard time communicating with the Uber driver to coordinate an off-site pick up. In this case, walk out to the main road, completely exiting the airport, then call the Uber so they can find you by location.
🚙 Can Uber drop off at Merida airport?
Yes — It’s completely legal for Uber to drop you off at the airport.
🚙 Is there LYFT in Merida Mexico?
No — But there is Uber, DiDi, InDriver and taxis.
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).
🚕 How much is a taxi from Merida Airport to centro (Downtown)?
Officially, it should be no more than $300 pesos ($15 USD) — but this will depend on how honest of a taxi driver you get. (Personally, I haven’t had much luck getting one.)
Once when Uber wouldn’t pick me up at the airport, I asked a taxi driver to drive me to my home in Downtown Merida, just 20-minutes away. He told me $1,000 pesos ($50USD), which is 3 times the actual price, hoping I didn’t know any better but I did.
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. It’s just $40USD for round trip service with a professional company that treats customers well.
Merida Airport Guide
What Airlines Fly to Merida Airport?
There are quite a few airlines that fly to Merida Airport, 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. 🇨🇺 Traveling on to Cuba after Mexico? There’s a direct flight from Merida to Cuba.
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: 6 Best Transportation 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 (on American Eagle) and Houston (on United Airlines). American Eagle also has a seasonal Dallas/Fort Worth flight, but only in winter.
🇨🇦 Looking for Canada to Merida flights? There’s a WestJet flight out of Toronto, but it only operates during the high season, from about October to April.
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, 8:20pm
- ✈️ Merida to Cancun flight: Monday-Friday, 7:30am
- ✈️ Average MAYAir flight cost: $200 USD
- ✈️ How to book MAYAir tickets: Visit their website, mayair.com.mx
- ✈️ Cancun to Merida flight time: Approx. 45 minutes
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 airport code is MID.
It is open 24 hours a day, and has both domestic and international flights — though as a smaller airport, fights are sometimes limited. For this reason, some choose to fly to Cancun International Airport (code: CUN).
🚙 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 interested in traveling to Merida this way, head to Cancun to Merida: 6 Best Transportation Options. This article tella you everything you need to know about how to get to Merida from Cancun by private transport, rental car, bus and flight.
What’s the best way to get from Merida Airport to Downtown Merida?
1. Private Shuttle from Merida Airport
The best way is to book a 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 personally use, Discover Cars. They search both international and local companies so you always get the best rates. I also always get their full coverage insurance — which is usually less than $10 USD per day.
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. Within the terminal, there’s Gate A and Gate B. Most domestic flights leave from Gate A, while Gate B is for international flights.
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.
✈️ Merida Airport Fun Fact: The most common planes that fly to Merida are Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, though it can also accommodate airplanes as large as a Boeing 747 and Boeing 777.
As a smaller airport, it also tends to receive smaller aircrafts and smaller airlines.
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 parking in cash, but if you don’t have any pesos on you, there are a few ATMs at Mérida Airport.
Are there restaurants in Merida Airport?
Yes — But only two: Johnny Rockets and Hacienda Montejo.
Johnny Rockets is a U.S. diner-style chain serving burgers and fries, and you’ll see it on the first floor just behind the ticket counters.
There are also a few shops here to get Merida souvenirs, 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
Do I need a negative Covid test to travel to Merida?
No — You do not need to arrive in Mexico with a negative Covid test. This includes travel to Merida, and anywhere in Mexico, and arrivals via land, sea or air. In short, no one needs to arrive in Merida with proof of a negative Coronavirus test.
👩⚕️ Do I need a negative Covid test to travel back to the U.S.?
No — As of June 26, 2022, the CDC announced travelers no longer need a negative Covid test to return to the United States from any other country.
Travelers from other countries who still need to show proof of a negative test can get a Covid test at Merida Airport, or in one of these Merida Covid testing centers.
👩⚕️ Do I Need a Vaccine Card for Mexico travel?
No — The Mexican government is not requiring proof of a Covid vaccine to visit Mexico, and you won’t need to show any proof of vaccination to visit Merida or anywhere in Mexico.
Merida Airport Guide
Why are flights to Merida so expensive?
As someone who lives in Merida, I feel you! It’s not always easy to find cheap flights to Merida Mexico.
Since it’s a regional airport, with limited flight options and only a few major airlines that fly to Merida, that often means higher price tags.
Personally, I use Skyscanner and Kayak to find cheap Merida flights.
When you’re ready to book your flights to Merida, you can use the search tool below ⤵ If this is your first time in Merida, you’re in for a real treat, as there’s so many great things to do in Merida Mexico.
Merida Airport Guide
Final Thoughts: 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 private shuttle — which is less than $40 USD for round trip service!
As someone who lives in Merida, I always recommend the shuttle to anyone who’s not renting a car in Merida.
Merida Travel Planning Guide
Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?
100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
Can you drink the water in Merida?
No — You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)
Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?
Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)
Will my phone work in Merida?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)
What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?
For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb! (Read more)
What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa upon arrival.