Car Rental at Merida Airport

Airport travel guide

The capital of the state of Yucatán, Merida is an interesting off-the-beaten-track destination. Notable for its colonial architecture and distinct Mayan culture, Merida can also serve as a base for exploring the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula with its beautiful beaches, tropical forests, and ancient sites. These are four of the most interesting attractions in and around Merida:

• Architecture. Merida is home to a large number of notable colonial buildings, making the architecture one of the highlights of the city. These include the San Ildefonso Cathedral (Merida Cathedral), which is the oldest church in Mexico, the 16th century Montejo Palace (Museo Casa Monotejo), and the much more recent, but equally eye-pleasing Governor’s Palace (Palacio de Gobierno).  Many of the city’s architectural landmarks can be found in and around the Plaza Grande, the main square of Merida.
• Museums. Merida’s buildings are not only nice to look at, many of them also host interesting museums. These include the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Merida Mayan World Museum), Museo Fernando García Ponce Contemporary Art Museum (MUSAY), Palacio de la Música (Yucatán Music Museum) and Regional Anthropology Museum (Museo Palacio Canton). Some of the museums have bilingual exhibitions, and occasionally English guides are available — you should inquire about their availability at the entrance.
• Chichen Itza. Located only about a 90-minute drive southwest of Merida is Chichen Itza, one of the most famous Mayan sites in Mexico, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site’s highlights include the Pyramid of Kukulcan or El Castillo, the Interior Temple, and the Jaguar Temple. Magnificent sites like this one show how the Mayan culture survived in the area. You can explore it further in the small villages surrounding Chichen Itza, like Piste and Valladolid.
• Mayan heritage and revival architecture. The Mayan people, who still inhabit the region, were responsible for coming up with some absolutely stunning constructions. While nothing beats seeing the real thing (more on that below), the uncovering of their pyramids and fortresses also inspired the birth of Mayan Revival architecture in the 20th century, with many new buildings purposefully created to resemble the Mayan originals. Merida is one of the centers of the movement, with Kukulkanob in the Americas Park being the most notable, but far from the only, example.

Top international routes

• Mexico City
• Guadalajara
• Monterrey
• Miami
• Villahermosa
• Toluca
• Cancun
• Havana
• Houston
• Acapulco

Main airlines

VivaAerobus, MAYAir, TAR, Volaris, Aeromexico Connect, and Interjet

Terminals

The single passenger terminal serves all domestic and international flights.

Location

Merida Airport is about 11 km (6.8 mi) southeast of the center of Merida, the capital of Yucatán State. Uman-Merida/México 261 and Calle 59 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $13 per day
• Medium cars - from $14 per day
• Large cars - from $13 per day
• Premium cars - from $35 per day
• SUVs - from $21 per day
• Station wagons - from $26 per day
• Vans - from $52 per day

Car rental desks

Some are located in the waiting area, while others are located outside the airport terminal. The exact location of your car rental supplier's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher. Merida Airport (MID) is on the smaller side, so don’t worry, you’ll have no problem finding your car rental desk.

Services and facilities

Although the airport is quite small, you’ll find a few restaurants, snack bars, coffee shops, and a bakery. There are many kinds of shops, including a duty-free outlet. You’ll also find ATMs, a currency exchange, a lounge, luggage wrapping services, and tourism information centers. Unfortunately, there is no facility to store luggage.

Nearest gas station

La Gas-Umán gas station, located at 97392, Av Internacional 85, can be reached in about six minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near Merida Airport and on the way to the city.

Popular one-way rentals

• Cancun (320 km / 199 mi). The party capital of Mexico is known for its stunning beaches and crazy nightlife, and offers both in abundance. But with a rental car, you can do even more, like visiting the nearby tropical jungle or exploring the less-crowded coastal spots outside the city.
• Playa del Carmen (305 km / 189 mi). Also a beach destination, but with a more relaxed vibe, Playa del Carmen offers an idyllic holiday in the Caribbean. There are plenty of opportunities to dive, snorkel, or just enjoy the sun and sea.
• Campeche (169 km / 105 mi). Although not as popular as some other Mexican holiday destinations, the city of Campeche has plenty to offer. Travelers love its colorful and well-preserved city center — which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — impressive botanical gardens, and the nearby ruins left by the Mayan civilization.
• Chetumal (400 km / 248 mi). Located right on the border with neighboring Belize, the city of Chetumal has its fair share of interesting attractions. These include the Museum of Mayan Culture, Fine Arts Cultural Center, diving opportunities in the nearby Caribbean reefs, and a number of well-preserved archaeological sites.