Merida to Palenque

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How to get from Merida to Palenque

If you’re interested in Mayan history and archaeological ruins, you will love Palenque.

The Palenque Archaeological Complex is the second most visited in the country and dates back to 226 B.C. Another great thing about the ruins is that they’re only 15 minutes outside of town.

The Palenque ruins are set amongst the jungle, giving the whole complex an Indiana Jones feel to it. Although the structures are impressive, they are unfortunately not as well-preserved as Chichen Itza. Still, some people actually prefer Palenque’s ruins because you’re able to climb on them, literally taking the experience to whole new heights.

After an archaeological adventure, you can visit some waterfalls and lagoons, the perfect place to relax and provide a welcome relief from the heat. Some of our favourites are the impressive Misol-Ha waterfall, the stunning Agua Azul waterfalls and Catazaja Lagoons.

New to Palenque? Our compact Palenque guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Palenque!

2 ways to get from Merida to Palenque

Transport Mode	Duration	Costs		Availability
Bus	9 hours	1,030 MXN ($54)		Check Bus Tickets
Flight + Bus	5.5 hours	1,385 MXN ($73)		Check Flights

The main way to travel the 530 km (329 miles) from Merida to Palenque is a 9-hour bus that costs 1,030 MXN ($54). Alternatively, you can take a 5.5-hour flight (including a 2-hour bus and waiting time at the airport) with combined rates from 1,385 MXN ($73).

The bus is hands down the easiest way to get from Merida to Palenque. Direct buses are available 3x a day and if you take a night bus, you can save not only on daytime but also a night in accommodation.

If you want to avoid sitting on a bus for 9 hours, you can also take a flight. However, there is no airport in Palenque so you can only take a flight to Villahermosa and then take a bus or private transfer from there to Palenque. Also, direct flights from Merida to Villahermosa are only available on Mondays and Fridays.

So that’s a 1-hour flight, 2-hour bus, and if you add the airport transfers and waiting time for your flight, travel time will take around 5.5 hours. Given the schedules and the number of transfers, we think that it will be much more comfortable and convenient to take a direct bus from Merida to Palenque.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.

Itinerary from Merida to Palenque

Merida to Palenque by Bus

Duration: 9 hours

Cost: 1,030 MXN ($54)

Duration: 9 hours

Cost: 1,030 MXN ($54)

Despite the long 9-hour journey, we still think the bus is the better way to get from Merida to Palenque. You can just sit back, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up in Palenque.

Step 1: City Centre to Merida Bus Terminal

Duration: 5 minutes

Cost: 50 MXN ($2.60)

Duration: 5 minutes

Cost: 50 MXN ($2.60)

Buses from Merida to Palenque depart from the main bus station called CAME. This station is conveniently located in the city centre and within walking distance of many hostels and hotels.

It’s faster and easier to get to the bus terminal by taxi with fares from 50 MXN ($2.60).

Step 2: Merida to Palenque by Bus

Duration: 8hrs 50m

Cost: 920 MXN ($48.50)

Duration: 8hrs 50m

Cost: 920 MXN ($48.50)

Buses from Merida to Palenque depart three times a day, with one departure in the morning and two in the evening. Because the journey takes almost 9 hours, 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, Mexico’s largest bus company, operates the buses for this route. ADO is known for its great service, with buses equipped with AC, reclining seats and a toilet.

The bus journey from Merida to Palenque takes almost 9 hours, including a few stops for food and bathroom breaks. A bus ticket costs 920 MXN ($48.50).

Bus schedule from Merida to Palenque

Bus Operator	Schedules	Costs
ADO	08:30 – 17:20 14:00 – 22:50 22:00 – 06:50 23:30 – 08:20	920 MXN ($48.50) Check Bus Tickets

Night buses do tend to sell out quickly, especially on weekends, so it is better to book ahead online. We recommend doing so via BookAway because they do not add any hidden fees.

If you prefer to buy your tickets at the bus station, make sure to get there at least 30 minutes before departure time.

Step 2: Palenque Bus Terminal to City Centre

Duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Cost: 60 MXN ($3.10)

Duration: 5 – 10 minutes

Cost: 60 MXN ($3.10)

Once you arrive in Palenque, the bus will drop you off at the Central Bus Terminal, where you’ll find the main square just a 10-minute walk away.

If you’re staying outside of town, or just don’t want to walk around with all your luggage, the best option is to take a taxi with rates starting from 60 MXN ($3.10).

Merida to Palenque by Flight

Duration: 5.5 hours (incl. waiting time for flight)

Cost: 1,385 MXN ($73)

Duration: 5.5 hours (incl. waiting time for flight)

Cost: 1,385 MXN ($73)

When taking a flight from Merida to Palenque, you can only fly up to Villahermosa. From here, you’ll have to travel another 145 km southeast by land to Palenque.

Step 1: City Centre to Merida Airport

Duration: 20 minutes

Cost: 200 MXN ($10.50)

Duration: 20 minutes

Cost: 200 MXN ($10.50)

Flights depart from Merida Airport, located 10 km southwest of the city and only accessible by taxi.

Taxi rates from the tourist area to Merida Airport range from 200 MXN ($10.50) and 250 MXN ($13), depending on the location of your hotel.

Step 2: Merida to Villahermosa by Flight

Duration: 1hr 10m

Cost: 835 MXN ($44)

Duration: 1hr 10m

Cost: 835 MXN ($44)

Again, from Merida, the nearest airport to Palenque that you can fly to is Villahermosa Airport. However, it’s important to keep in mind that direct flights from Merida to Villahermosa depart only on Mondays and Fridays.

Viva Aerobus is the only airline offering direct flights for this route. If their flight departures don’t fit your schedule, the only alternative is an indirect flight with a layover in Mexico City.

However, taking an indirect flight doesn’t make sense because it will take at least 4.5 hours. Your total travel time will then take about 7 hours plus a 2-hour waiting time at the airport – longer than a direct bus.

Ticket prices for a direct flight from Merida to Villahermosa start from 835 MXN ($44) and the journey takes a little over an hour.

Check Flights with Skyscanner

TIP: Book your flights from Merida to Villahermosa a few weeks in advance to get better deals!

Step 3: Villahermosa Airport to Palenque by Bus

Duration: 2hrs 10m

Cost: 350 MXN ($18.50)

Duration: 2hrs 10m

Cost: 350 MXN ($18.50)

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 two 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 and you will arrive in Palenque after a little over 2 hours.

Bus schedule from Villahermosa to Palenque

Bus Operator	Schedules	Costs
ADO Aeropuerto	19:50-22:00 20:50-23:00	350 MXN ($18.50) Check Bus Tickets

Bus trips are limited, so we highly recommend that you book your ride beforehand. ClickBus is a reliable booking platform that also often offers discounted bus rates when you book in advance.

Bus arrival in Palenque

The bus from Villahermosa will drop you off at the central bus terminal in Palenque. There are a number of accommodation options within a short walking distance from the bus station.

If you’re staying outside of town, or just don’t want to walk around with all your luggage, the best option is to take a taxi with rates starting from 60 MXN ($3.10).

Alternative option: Private transfer from Villahermosa to Palenque

If for some reason you missed the bus from Villahermosa to Palenque, your only alternative is to take a private transfer. They’re quite expensive though with rates from 4,250 MXN ($225).

A cheaper option if you have the extra time is to just spend the night in Villahermosa and then take the bus the next day.

Our favourite 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

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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

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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

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