How to get from Merida to Palenque
Why visit Palenque?
Palenque is a top destination in Mexico for archaeology and Mayan history lovers. There’s really not much to see in Palenque town, but its jungles are another story. Palenque’s real attraction lies in the archaeological ruins hidden within the rainforest, just 20 minutes outside of town.
The whole complex has an Indiana Jones feel to it. Its structures are impressive, but they are unfortunately not as well-preserved as Chichen Itza. Still, some people actually prefer the ruins in Palenque because you’re able to climb on them, literally taking the experience to whole new heights.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Merida to Palenque?
There are 2 ways to travel the 530 kilometre (329 miles) distance from Merida to Palenque. You can choose between the bus and flight. The journey takes 3 hours 45 minutes to 9 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 1,140 MXN ($64).
Where to stay in Palenque?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Palenque at the bottom of this page.
Merida to Palenque by Bus
Despite the long travel time of 8 hours 40 minutes to 9 hours, we still think the bus is the better way to get from Merida to Palenque. If you take an overnight bus, you can save a night on accommodation, sleep for the most part of the trip, and wake up in Palenque.
Step 1: City Centre to Merida Bus Terminal
Buses from Merida to Palenque depart from the main bus station called Merida Unica Bus Station in the city centre, within walking distance of many hostels and hotels.
You can also take a taxi with fares from 70 MXN ($3.90).
Step 2: Merida to Palenque by Bus
Buses from Merida to Palenque depart several times a day. Because the journey takes 8h 25m - 8h 45m, we recommend taking a night bus. Note that the buses only come with reclining seats, not sleeper beds. Still comfortable, but may not be suitable for some travellers.
ADO is Mexico’s most popular bus company, offering comfortable, air-conditioned buses with reclining seats and onboard restrooms. For this route, you can book ADO Primera Clase. See our Mexico Bus Guide for the differences between ADO’s bus types.
A bus ticket costs 1,000 MXN ($56).
Step 3: Palenque Bus Terminal to City Centre
Once you arrive in Palenque, the bus will drop you off at Palenque Central Bus Station. From here, it’s a 10-minute walk to the main square.
If you’re staying outside of town, or just don’t want to walk around with all your luggage, you can take a taxi with rates starting from 70 MXN ($3.90).
Merida to Palenque by Flight
When flying from Merida to Palenque, the furthest you can go by air is Villahermosa. From there, you’ll need to continue your journey to Palenque by land — it’s around 145 km southeast and takes about 2 hours by bus.
A heads-up: flights on this route only operate three times a week.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Merida Airport
Flights depart from Merida Airport, which is 10 km southwest of the city. To get there from the city centre, you can take a taxi, Uber, or a private transfer.
Taxi rates from the tourist area start at 320 MXN ($17.90), depending on the location of your hotel. Uber is a cheaper alternative at 110 MXN ($6.20).
You can also pre-book your private transfer via BookAway for 460 MXN ($26).
Step 2: Merida to Villahermosa by Flight
Direct flights from Merida to Villahermosa Airport are available only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 16:10 — with Viva Aerobus as the sole airline operating this route.
Airfares start from 1,070 MXN ($60) and the flight journey takes 1h 10m.
IMPORTANT: Fewer flights are available from May onwards. You could book an indirect one, but it’s not ideal. The journey takes over 7 hours, including a 2-hour airport wait. That’s even longer than a direct bus!
Step 3: Villahermosa Airport to Palenque by Bus
To get to Palenque from Villahermosa Airport, the cheapest option is to take a direct bus. The bus departs from the terminal right outside of the airport and takes you straight to Palenque city centre.
This bus service is provided by ADO Aeropuerto, a sub-branch of ADO that specialises in airport transfers at affordable rates. They have several departures throughout the day, but there are only three trips that you can take after an early evening flight to Villahermosa. All buses have AC, reclining seats and a toilet.
A bus ticket costs 350 MXN ($19.60) and you will arrive in Palenque after 2h 10m. Tickets are available for online booking via ClickBus.
The bus from Villahermosa will drop you off at Palenque Central Bus Station. There are a number of accommodation options within a short walking distance from the bus station. If you’d rather take a taxi, fares start from 70 MXN ($3.90).
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from Villahermosa Airport to Palenque. They’re quite expensive though, with rates from 3,930 MXN ($220) if you book via BookAway.
Best places to stay in Palenque
Hotel Chan-Kah Resort Village - Treating Yourself
If you’re looking to treat yourself, Chan Kah Resort is one of the best places to do that in Palenque. You can give yourself the gift of relaxation without the expensive price tag. Plus, you can speed up the relaxation process with a delightful massage at the onsite spa facilities, or by enjoying a drink at their bar.
Possibly the best part, as you splash around in the lagoon-style pools, you’ll be able to hear the monkeys cry in the jungle trees all around you. Alternatively, you can enjoy the jungle symphony whilst enjoying dinner in one of the two restaurants.
- Bungalow-style rooms
- Situated within the jungle
- Spa facilities
- Large swimming pools
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Hotel Chablis Palenque - Mid Range
The central courtyard of the hotel truly feels like a magical oasis, with its palm trees and thriving greenery. And you’ll find not only a swimming pool, but also a hot tub. You won’t ever want to leave, and don’t have to, with their on-site restaurant that serves both delicious international and local dishes.
Located a short walk from the bus station, you won’t need to be dragging your luggage all around town. It’s location also makes your visit to Palenque ruins easy and convenient.
- 15 minutes from Palenque ruins
- Close to the bus station
- On-site restaurant
- Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Cabañas Bambután - Budget Friendly
When you think of Palenque, the ruins surrounded by jungle immediately come to mind. Staying at Cabanas Bambutan is the perfect way to experience Palenque, surrounded by nothing but nature and wildlife.
Their bamboo-style buildings help you to feel connected to nature, whilst still providing ultimate comfort and a good nights sleep. Enjoy a drink at their onsite bar or chill out in the lush gardens.
- Unique accommodation
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Onsite bar
- Surrounded by nature
Double rooms start from $15-40 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Merida to Palenque. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Merida to Palenque
What is the distance from Merida to Palenque?
The distance from Merida to Palenque is 530 kilometre (329 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Merida to Palenque?
The fastest way to get from Merida to Palenque is by flight and takes 3 hours 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Merida to Palenque?
The cheapest way to get from Merida to Palenque is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,140 MXN ($64).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Faye is a writer and full-time mom. She loves planning trips to the beach, tasting new cuisines and discovering gems in the Philippines. But if she had to choose, London is her favourite place in the world and she can't wait to travel there again with her hubby and baby!
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
