You can get from Merida to Chichen Itza by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
The cheapest option to travel from Merida to Chichen Itza is by ADO bus, which costs USD 14. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The most popular option is the ADO bus, which provides affordability and convenience.
The fastest way to travel to Chichen Itza from Merida is by private transfer, rental car, or taxi. Traveling by car takes about 1.5 hours.
Traveling across Mexico has been rewarding, and I’ve collected some valuable pointers along the way.
In this guide, I’ll share all the travel modes from Merida to Chichen Itza and toss in some simple tips to help make your Mexican adventure effortless and enjoyable!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Merida to Chichen Itza.
Transportation Options from Merida to Chichen Itza
The following table outlines all transportation options from Merida to Chichen Itza:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus from Merida to Chichen Itza | ~1.5 hr | $14 |
| Shared Shuttle from Merida to Chichen Itza | ~1.5 hr | – |
| Private Transfer from Merida to Chichen Itza | ~1.5 hr | – |
| Taxi from Merida to Chichen Itza | ~1.5 hr | – |
| Rental Car | ~1.5 hr | – |
How far is Merida to Chichen Itza?
The distance from Merida to Chichen Itza is 72 miles or 116 kilometers.
Getting to Chichen Itza from Merida
1. ADO Bus from Merida to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
The most economical option to travel from Merida to Chichen Itza is by ADO bus.
A one-way ticket on these buses costs only USD 14, making them the most popular option among travelers!
All ADO buses have air conditioning, reclinable seats, bathrooms, and TVs. They make the trip to Chichen Itza in only 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The buses depart from the ADO station in Merida and take you directly to the historical site. However, there are only three daily departures, so booking your bus tickets in advance is recommended!
Merida to Chichen Itza ADO Bus Schedule
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable for trips from Merida to Chichen Itza, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:15am | 09:00am | 1h 45m | $14 |  |
| 09:30am | 11:15am | 1h 45m | $14 | |
| 12:00pm | 01:45pm | 1h 45m | $14 | |
2. Shared Van Shuttle
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Alternatively, you can opt for a shared shuttle from Merida to Chichen Itza.
Since this is a popular tourist site, many travel agencies and tour operators in Merida offer daily shared van shuttles from Merida to Chichen Itza. Therefore, you should have no trouble finding a reliable agency to take you there!
You can probably also make a reservation for a shuttle at your hotel reception, so it’s best to check for availability in advance!
Shared shuttles are less crowded than the buses, but also slightly more expensive. The service and experience is similar to that of the bus, so it’s up to you to decide on your preferred mode of transport.
3. Private Transfer from Merida to Chichen Itza
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
A private transfer to Valladolid might be the best option if you prefer more comfort and flexibility but do not want to drive independently.
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Merida at your preferred time, and for an additional charge, it is often also possible to make stops on the way.
This is a good choice for groups or families since the price becomes very affordable once the vehicle costs are split among the group.
You can find many reliable travel agencies in Merida that provide this service, and make a reservation in advance!
4. Driving with a Rental Car
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Traveling by rental car from Merida to Chichen Itza is an excellent option to visit the famous Mayan on a day trip.
With a drive time of under two hours, returning to Merida on the same day is possible.
Tip: Instead of traveling back to Merida on the same day, we recommend staying at least one night in the nearby town of Valladolid. Valladolid has beautiful, tiny cobblestone streets, cute cafés, and many good restaurants. It is also a good starting point to check out a few more cenotes.
6. Uber or Taxi
Journey Duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes
You can also take a taxi or Uber to Chichen Itza. This is usually a last-minute option for travelers, and I suggest you keep it as a last choice.
Other alternatives are much more convenient, but if you have no other choice, it’s possible to hail a taxi at an affordable price.
Just make sure to negotiate the price before departure, and ask for a reliable taxi company from a local or your hotel.
Best day tours in Chichen Itzá, Mexico
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Chichen Itzá, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Merida to Chichen Itza?
The cheapest way to get from Merida to Chichen Itza is by ADO bus, which costs USD 14.
What is the fastest way to get from Merida to Chichen Itza?
The fastest way to get from Merida to Chichen Itza is by car. You can opt for a private transfer, rental car, or taxi, and reach your destination in about 1.5 hours.
Can you drive from Merida to Chichen Itza?
Yes! The drive from Merida to Chichen Itza takes about 1.5 hours and it’s the fastest way to reach the site.
How can I get from Merida to Chichen Itza?
You can get from Merida to Chichen Itza by ADO bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, rental car, or taxi.
More Routes from Merida
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
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