Skip to Content

Why Visit Merida?

Mérida, the capital city of Mexico’s Yucatán state, is celebrated for its rich Mayan heritage, colonial architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Known as the “White City” due to its pristine, white-painted buildings.

Mérida’s landscapes feature grand plazas like the Plaza Grande, beautifully preserved colonial homes in its historic district, and nearby archaeological sites such as Uxmal. Its history is deeply rooted in Mayan civilization, with Spanish colonial influences. Mérida is renowned for its cultural festivals, including the vibrant Hanal Pixán (Day of the Dead) celebrations, and its cuisine featuring Yucatecan specialties like cochinita pibil and papadzules.

By air
Find a Flight Browse Flights

Browse Expedia.com’s robust inventory of international and domestic flight deals! We may be compensated when you book after clicking on one of our links.

How to Reach Merida by Air

Flying is the most common and efficient way to reach Mérida, with Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID) serving as the primary international gateway.

Here’s how to get to Mérida by air:

  • From the U.S. and Canada: Travelers from the United States and Canada can find direct flights to Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport. Depart from major cities like Miami, Houston, or Mexico City and choose airlines like American Airlines, United, or Aeroméxico. Flight durations can vary based on your departure location but typically range from 2 to 4 hours.
  • From Europe: If you’re traveling from Europe, you may need to make a stopover in major European hubs like Madrid, Paris, or Amsterdam before reaching Mérida. Airlines like Iberia, Air France, and KLM offer flights to Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport with varying flight durations, typically ranging from 12 to 16 hours.
  • From Asia: Travelers from Asia can catch connecting flights to Mérida via major North American hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, or Mexico City. Consider airlines like American Airlines or Aeroméxico for connecting to Mexico. Flight durations can vary, with typical total travel times ranging from 18 to 24 hours or more.
  • From South America: Mérida is accessible from various South American locations, with airlines offering connecting flights from cities like Bogotá, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires. Flight durations depend on your departure location and route but can range from 7 to 12 hours or more.
How Long Is the Flight to Merida?

The average flight time to Merida, Mexico, can vary depending on the departure city, airline, and route. Here are approximate flight times from some of the most common origins:

  • Mexico City, Mexico: Around 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Miami, USA: Approximately 2 hours
  • Houston, USA: About 2.5 hours
  • Los Angeles, USA: Around 4.5 hours (usually with a stopover)
  • New York, USA: Approximately 5 hours (usually with a stopover)
  • Toronto, Canada: About 4 to 5 hours (usually with a stopover)
  • Madrid, Spain: Around 10 hours (usually with a stopover)
  • London, UK: Approximately 11 to 12 hours (usually with a stopover)

These are estimated times and actual flight durations may vary based on the specific route, stopovers, and other factors. Direct flights might not be available from all locations, necessitating connections through major hubs.

Find a Flight Browse Flights

Browse Expedia.com’s robust inventory of international and domestic flight deals! We may be compensated when you book after clicking on one of our links.

By road
How to Reach Merida by Road

If you’re traveling to Mérida by road, you can drive to the city via well-maintained highways. Mérida is accessible by car from other Mexican cities, and road trips can be a scenic way to reach the city.

By water
How to Reach Merida by Water

Mérida is not directly accessible by sea, as it is located inland. However, there are nearby coastal towns and cities in the Yucatán Peninsula, such as Progreso, where cruise ships may dock. Travelers can visit Mérida as part of their shore excursions when the cruise ship stops in Progreso.

AI Disclaimer Disclaimer: This page was created with help from AI | Reviewed by: Andrew Helling, Editor-in-Chief