We’ve heard it asked many times, “What’s the best way to get to and from Mérida?” You might already know about the large international airport in Cancun; about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive from Mérida. From Cancun, you can rent a car and drive to Mérida as the highways are safe and the route is simple. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus and not have to worry about navigating. Finally, while the buses are very comfortable and affordable, there’s another option. Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know About the Mérida Airport!
If you’re looking to travel to or from Mérida in the near future, we have everything you need to know in order to make your trip hassle free! From airport layout to some tips regarding covid-19 safety, we’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions about the Mérida airport.
This article is current as of January 20, 2022
Is the Mérida airport big?
The answer to this question is simply no, not at all. There is only one terminal; delightfully small and easy to navigate. It has a simple layout. As you enter, you will see two check-in areas: one to your left and the other to your right. The escalator to departure gates will be directly in front of you.
There are 2 departing areas and 2 arrival areas at Mérida airport. On the 2nd floor, there are departure lounges A and B. So, make a note when you check in as to whether you’re going left or right to get to your gate. Departure areas are small. Therefore, when you go past the security check in, there are not many options for purchasing snacks or drinks. But you can get yourself a bottle of water from a small shop before you board your flight.
As Mérida is not a big airport, you don’t need to arrive crazy early for your flight. A couple of hours before departure time for both domestic and international flights should be sufficient.
Are there places to eat, drink or buy souvenirs?
We’ll be honest. Due to its size, Mérida airport does not have a wide variety of eating establishments. Yet, there are still a couple of places to grab a coffee or a quick snack before you head off on your travels or while waiting for someone.
On the ground floow, there is a small cafe and a Johnny Rockets burger restaurant situated between arrival gates. We’ve never had the burgers but we do hear good things. It’s perfect if you want a fast snack while you’re waiting. There is another restaurant upstairs near departures where you can sit, eat and have a drink before your flight leaves. From here, you can see the planes arriving and departing.
You might notice the Tere Cazola on the left at the top of the escalator. Tere Cazola is a popular delicious bakery found all over Mérida. Many travelers purchase Tere Cazola baked goods as they are not found anywhere else in Mexico. You’ll be able to spot the sparkly purple cake boxes on your flight!
Similarly, there are a couple of shops which sell quite reasonably-priced souvenirs. There is an enticing little shop located at the top of the escalator, opposite Tere Cazola. This is perfect if you need to get something last-minute.
Which airlines fly to and from Mérida?
Currently, there are more domestic flights than international flights. Mérida airport is well connected to the rest of Mexico. However, the most common flights go to Mexico City.
The main Mexican airline for travel to and from the Mérida airport is Aeromexico. This is Mexico’s biggest and most reliable airline. They have many flights a day to Mexico City and prices are reasonable. It might be a little more expensive than some of the other budget airlines. From our experience, it’s definitely worth it. This airline is more reliable. Resulting in a more enjoyable experience.
Mexican budget airlines such as Interjet, Volaris and Viva Aerobus can take you to Mexico City and other cities across the country. For example, there are often flights to Monterrey, Tuxtla Gutierrrez and Guadalajara with occasional flights to smaller cities such as Oaxaca, Veracruz and even Tijuana.
The only direct flights from the United States are in and out of Houston or Miami. For Canada and Europe, some travelers stop in Mexico City or Cancun. Other airlines that operate are American Airlines, Delta, and Westjet.
What is parking like at the Mérida airport?
Fortunately, parking is nice and easy! The parking lot is directly in front of the terminal’s arrival and departure doors. You can use this lot for both short and long term parking. If you are dropping someone off or collecting someone from the airport, short term parking is affordable. However, you MUST have cash in order to pay for your ticket. There are a couple of ATMs inside the airport but to pay for parking, you need some coins as they only accept cash payments.
Note: there is not a lot of shade in the car park at Mérida airport. Our suggestion is to bring a windshield shade. These honestly will come in handy for parking wherever you are in Yucatan!
What’s the best way to travel from the airport into the city?
If you need transport from the airport to your destination in Mérida, you can take a taxi. These are always parked outside the terminal ready to head into Mérida. Due to federal laws, these are specific airport taxis and tend to have slightly higher prices. You can expect to pay $180 to $200 pesos to travel into Centro. If you are going further north, expect $220 to $240. Understandably, outside the Pereferico will be even higher.
Many travelers prefer to use Uber or other taxi services. However, due to federal laws once again, Ubers are cannot come directly to the airport terminal. So you will need to walk a short distance away in order to find your transport. We do not advise this option.
Another option is to book private transport in advance. There are a number of reliable companies which offer these services. However, be careful that the company has correct permits required to be able to pick you up from the terminal. You can check when booking or use a service such as Concierge Mérida. They can take away all the potential hassle!
Is it easy to rent a car at the airport?
There are a number of car rental agencies located just a minute from the airport building. They are conveniently close so that you don’t have to travel far in order to get your car. There are many car rental companies to choose from including all the familiar names such as Europcar, Hertz, Avis and more. Additionally, there are help desks and rental company counters inside the airport so that, on arrival, someone can point you in the right direction.
We highly recommend Mayan Drive Rental Car. Mario Ortega and his team will take exceptional care of you. They offer low rates, perks, include insurance (very, very important) and pick up and delivery service.
If you are expecting a pick-up service then your driver will be waiting for you with a sign and the vehicle will be located outside the exit, less than a minute’s walk from the actual arrival gate. Nothing is far away at Mérida airport.
What is the Mérida airport like during covid?
Are you thinking of traveling to or from Mérida any time soon? Over the past 18 months, travel has been far from normal. There are many extra items to take into consideration and preparing for a trip can be more stressful than usual.
When the pandemic first started to spread across the globe in early 2020, Mérida airport saw an immediate decline in traffic. But rest assured, slowly but surely, things are picking up again. In particular, flights to Houston and Miami are proving popular. This is due to demand for easily accessible covid vaccines in the USA. So since April, flights coming in and out of Mérida have been near capacity including those to and from Mexico City.
We’re here to tell you that we’ve done it. Yep, we’ve had the covid tests and we’ve dealt with all the anxieties and stress that comes with it. Let us share a couple of tips and hopefully put your minds at ease for your future travels in and out of Mérida.
Our tips if you’re nervous about your journey during the pandemic:
- The Mérida airport itself is very much as normal. Notably, it might seem a bit quieter depending on the time of day of your flight. The biggest difference you’ll notice is that you must still wear a mask in all public areas. If you’re coming from colder climates then make sure to be prepared for wearing a mask in 30 degree heat on your arrival.
- Another noticeable difference is that many seats are taped off throughout the airport. You still cannot sit directly next to people due to social distancing. A small tip is to arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight. This way, you can have one of the few seats now available in the waiting areas.
- You must have your temperature taken (as with all other establishments in Mérida) when you enter the airport for departure BUT not upon arrival. This is not time-consuming so don’t worry about arriving at the airport any earlier than normal.
- If you’re concerned about hygiene, bring your own supply of hand gel or disinfectant but remember to only have a small bottle. In our opinion, you can never have too much hand gel (except when you’re on a plane and you can legally only take 100ml).
- DQ Medica has a convenient location for antigen tests right by Gate B. You’ll receive your results in 30 minutes or less. They are open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm every day of the week. The cost is approximately $500 mx (subject to change at any time).
- You will need an antigen test within 24 hours of your flight to the U.S. You DO NOT need an antigen test to enter Mexico.
- Upon checking in at the ticket counter, you will need to show proof of your negative test.
Final Thoughts on 7 Things You Need to Know About the Mérida Airport
We know it can be a bit nerve-wracking if you’re traveling to a new place. But rest assured, Mérida airport is delightfully small. It’s definitely easy enough for even the most anxious and nervous of travelers. We wish you safe travels, particularly during this tumultuous time. Happy traveling!
