How to get from Merdia to Uxmal, Mexico – Best Routes & Prices (2026)
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
⚡ Quick Answer
You can get from Merida to Uxmal by Autobuses Sur bus ($3–$8, 1–1.5h, 6 daily departures), colectivo route via Muna (~$14, 2h+), organized day tour ($65–$140 per person, full day), taxi round trip (~$115), or rental car ($35–$45/day, 1h 15min). The guided tour is the most popular choice as it includes transport, expert guide, and often visits to Kabah ruins and a cenote. Taking the bus is the cheapest option but the return schedule from Uxmal is unreliable.
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Distance from Merida to Uxmal
The distance from Merida to Uxmal is approximately 83 kilometers (52 miles) via Highway 261 through Umán, Muna, and Santa Elena. By car, the drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The Autobuses Sur bus takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Puuc-style Mayan architecture in Mexico.
Unlike routes like Cancun to Tulum, there is no ADO first-class bus to Uxmal. The Autobuses Sur second-class bus is the only public transport option. Guided tours are much more practical because the return bus from Uxmal to Merida is notoriously unreliable, sometimes showing up late or not at all.
Comparison Table: Merida to Uxmal Transport Options
| Method | Travel Time | Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Day Tour | Full day (8–10h) | $65 – $140 | Most travelers, stress-free, expert guide |
| Autobuses Sur Bus | 1h – 1h 30min | $3 – $8 | Budget travelers, adventurous spirits |
| Colectivo Route (via Muna) | 2h+ each way | ~$14 | Ultra-budget, Spanish speakers |
| Rental Car | 1h 15min | $35 – $45/day + gas | Puuc Route exploration, groups |
| Taxi Round Trip | 1h 15min each way | ~$115 | Small groups who want flexibility |
1. Guided Day Tour from Merida to Uxmal
Travel time: Full day (8–10h)
An organized tour is the most practical and popular way to visit Uxmal from Merida. Tours typically include hotel pickup in central Merida, round-trip transport in an air-conditioned van, a guided tour of Uxmal with an expert bilingual guide, and often a visit to Kabah ruins, the Choco-Story chocolate museum, and a cenote swim. Some tours also include a traditional Yucatecan lunch.
Group tours start at $65 to $75 per person. Private tours offer more flexibility starting at $280 for up to 4 people ($70 per person). Tours depart around 8:00 to 8:30 AM and return by 3:00 to 5:00 PM depending on the itinerary. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead during high season (December through March).
We recommend the guided tour over the bus for one key reason: the return bus from Uxmal to Merida is unreliable. Travelers report the bus arriving late, at unpredictable times, or not at all. A tour guarantees your ride home. You also get expert archaeological interpretation of the complex Puuc-style carvings and the history of the rain god Chaac.
💡 Pro tip: Ask your hostel or hotel for tour recommendations. Many have partnerships with local operators and can get discounted rates. Combining ADO transport to Uxmal ($8) with an on-site guide ($30 to $40 for 2 hours) creates a hybrid experience at about $60 to $80 total, close to tour prices but with your own schedule.
2. Autobuses Sur Bus from Merida to Uxmal
Travel time: 1h – 1h 30min
The cheapest way to get from Merida to Uxmal is the Autobuses Sur bus, a second-class service. Note: this is NOT an ADO first-class bus. Autobuses Sur departs from Terminal C of the ADO Centro TAME station on Calle 69 (#554) in Merida. Departures run approximately 6 times daily, with early buses at 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 9:00 AM being the most useful for sightseeing.
Tickets cost 50 to 140 MXN ($3 to $8) one-way and must be purchased at the station in cash (no online booking, no cards). You will receive an AhorroBUS rechargeable card with your fare loaded. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to buy your ticket, find Terminal C, and show your card and receipt to the security guard. Seats are not assigned so arrive early since the bus fills up and latecomers sometimes sit on the entry steps.
The bus drops you at a roadside stop about a 10-minute walk from the Uxmal entrance. Look for the green and yellow Sur bus. The return is the major challenge: buses from Uxmal back to Merida are scheduled around 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, but travelers report them arriving late, at random times, or being replaced by colectivo vans. You can only buy a one-way ticket at the station. The return must be paid in cash directly to the driver (approximately 95 MXN).
If you miss the return bus, your fallback is to take a taxi from Uxmal to Muna ($15 to $20) and catch a colectivo from Muna back to Merida (50 MXN, 1 hour). The Choco-Story chocolate museum across the road from Uxmal can call you a taxi if needed.
💡 Pro tip: The return bus is the biggest risk with this option. If you take the 8:00 AM bus, you arrive around 9:30 AM and must wait until 3:00 PM or later to return. That gives you far more time than the 2 to 3 hours most visitors need. Consider visiting Uxmal in the morning and taking a taxi to Muna ($15) for a colectivo back to Merida if the return bus does not appear by 3:15 PM.
3. Colectivo Route from Merida to Uxmal via Muna
Travel time: 2h+ each way
There is no direct colectivo from Merida to Uxmal. You need to take a two-stage route through the town of Muna. First, take a colectivo from Parque San Juan near the Pemex station in Merida to Muna (approximately 50 MXN, every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 AM). In Muna, hire a taxi to drive you to Uxmal (approximately 150 MXN one-way, 20 minutes).
For the return, arrange a pickup time with your Muna taxi driver. Total round-trip cost is approximately 250 to 300 MXN ($14 to $17). This option is slower and more complex than the bus but gives you more control over your return timing since you are not dependent on the unreliable Sur bus.
💡 Pro tip: This route works best if you speak some Spanish for negotiating the taxi in Muna. Agree on a round-trip price with the Muna taxi driver before heading to Uxmal, including a specific pickup time. Most drivers will quote 300 MXN ($17) for the round trip.
4. Rental Car from Merida to Uxmal
Travel time: 1h 15min
Renting a car is the best option for independent travelers who want to explore the full Puuc Route, including Kabah (25 km past Uxmal), Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna. The drive from Merida to Uxmal takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Highway 261 through Umán and Muna. Parking at Uxmal costs 116 MXN.
Rental agencies are available in central Merida and at Merida Airport, with daily rates starting around $35 to $45 for economy vehicles. Uber works in Merida for getting to and from the rental agency. Mexican car insurance is mandatory. The road is well-maintained but passes through small towns with topes (speed bumps). For groups of 2 or more, a rental car is often the most cost-effective option and eliminates all return transport uncertainty. You can compare rental car prices for Merida.
💡 Pro tip: The ideal rental car itinerary: Leave Merida by 7:00 AM, arrive at Uxmal at 8:15 AM when the site opens (before tour buses at 10:00 AM), spend 2 to 3 hours at the ruins, then drive 25 minutes to Kabah (free entrance, almost no visitors), and return to Merida for a late lunch. Total: 6 to 7 hours, $35 to $50 all-in for a couple.
5. Taxi Round Trip from Merida to Uxmal
Travel time: 1h 15min each way
You can negotiate a round-trip taxi from Merida to Uxmal for approximately 2,000 MXN ($115). The driver takes you to the ruins, waits while you explore (typically 2 to 3 hours), and brings you back. This solves the return transport problem that plagues the bus option. Most hotels in Merida can arrange a taxi for you.
Uber works from Merida to Uxmal but there is no Uber at Uxmal for the return, so a one-way Uber ride leaves you stranded without guaranteed transport home. For groups of 3 to 4, the per-person cost of a taxi round trip ($29 to $38) is comparable to a guided tour but without the guide. You can compare private transfer options from Merida to Uxmal for confirmed pricing.
💡 Pro tip: If you take an Uber from Merida to Uxmal, negotiate directly with the driver (outside the app) to wait and return you. Many drivers are happy to do this for a flat rate. Alternatively, bring the driver’s WhatsApp number and call when you are ready to leave.
Best Value and Recommendations
Best for most travelers: Guided tour ($65–$140). Includes transport, expert guide, and guaranteed return. Often adds Kabah ruins, Choco-Story museum, and a cenote swim. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead in high season.
Cheapest option: Autobuses Sur bus ($3–$8). Budget-friendly but the return bus is unreliable. Only for adventurous travelers comfortable with potential transport uncertainty.
Best for independent exploration: Rental car ($35–$45/day). Lets you arrive before the crowds, explore the full Puuc Route (Kabah, Sayil, Labna), and return whenever you want. Best value for groups of 2+.
Best for small groups: Taxi round trip (~$115). Guaranteed return with a waiting driver. Split among 3 to 4 people, it is comparable to a tour but on your own schedule.
Budget hybrid: Bus to Uxmal ($8) + on-site guide ($35). Costs $60 to $80 total with entrance fee. Guide-quality interpretation at budget prices, but still requires dealing with the unreliable return bus.
Practical Tips for This Route
Entrance fee: Uxmal costs approximately 533 MXN ($28) for international visitors, paid at the entrance. Separate federal and state fees may apply. Bring cash in small denominations. Card readers at the entrance can be unreliable.
Sun protection: Uxmal is extremely hot with very little shade. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and at least 1 liter of water per person. The site has limited shade structures and the Pyramid of the Magician reflects intense heat. Plan to arrive early (8:00 AM opening) before peak temperatures.
Choco-Story Museum: The chocolate museum is directly across the road from the Uxmal entrance. It is a good place to wait for the return bus. Staff can also call a taxi to Muna for you if the bus does not arrive.
Puuc Route: If driving, continue past Uxmal to visit Kabah (25 min, often free entrance), Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna. These smaller Puuc-style ruins see very few visitors and are fascinating. The full Puuc Route loop takes 4 to 5 hours from Uxmal.
No Uber at Uxmal: While Uber works in Merida, there are no Uber drivers at Uxmal. Do not rely on Uber for the return trip. Use a tour, taxi round trip, or rental car instead.
Best Time to Travel from Merida to Uxmal
Arrive at Uxmal as close to the 8:00 AM opening as possible. Tour buses from Merida arrive around 10:00 AM, and by 11:00 AM the site is crowded and very hot. The early morning light is also best for photography of the Pyramid of the Magician. Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the site thoroughly.
The dry season (November through April) is the most comfortable time to visit. The rainy season (May through October) brings afternoon thunderstorms but fewer crowds. During Semana Santa, Uxmal is busy with Mexican families (free entrance for nationals on Sundays). Prices and schedules were last verified in April 2026.
Best Day Tours in Uxmal
Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Puuc-style Mayan architecture. Here are some of the best-rated tours from Merida.
🎯 Which Option is Right for You?
Want a stress-free experience with expert guide? Book a guided tour ($65 to $140) with guaranteed return transport. Traveling on a tight budget? Take the Autobuses Sur bus for $3 to $8, but be prepared for an unreliable return schedule. Want total freedom? Rent a car and explore the full Puuc Route (Uxmal + Kabah + Sayil). Small group wanting flexibility? Negotiate a taxi round trip for ~$115 split among your group.
FAQ: Merida to Uxmal
How do I get from Merida to Uxmal?
You can travel by guided day tour ($65-$140, full day, most popular), Autobuses Sur bus ($3-$8, 1-1.5h, 6 daily), colectivo route via Muna (~$14, 2+ hours), rental car ($35-$45/day, 1h 15min), or taxi round trip (~$115). The guided tour is the most practical option because the return bus from Uxmal is unreliable.
How much does the bus from Merida to Uxmal cost?
The Autobuses Sur bus costs 50 to 140 MXN ($3 to $8) one-way. This is NOT an ADO first-class bus. Tickets must be purchased in cash at the ADO TAME station (Terminal C) in Merida. Online booking is not available. Return tickets are paid directly to the driver in cash (approximately 95 MXN).
What time does the bus leave Merida for Uxmal?
Autobuses Sur departs approximately 6 times daily from Terminal C of the ADO TAME station (Calle 69 #554). Early morning departures at 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 9:00 AM are the most useful for day trips. Schedules change seasonally so verify times at the station the day before.
Is the return bus from Uxmal reliable?
No. The return bus from Uxmal to Merida is notoriously unreliable. Scheduled returns around 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM may arrive late, at unpredictable times, or sometimes not at all. Some travelers report a colectivo van showing up instead. If the bus does not appear, take a taxi to Muna ($15) and catch a colectivo back to Merida.
How long does it take to get from Merida to Uxmal?
By car, the drive takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Highway 261. The Autobuses Sur bus takes 1 to 1.5 hours. Guided tours typically spend 8 to 10 hours total including travel, guided visit, and additional stops at Kabah and cenotes.
Is Uxmal worth visiting compared to Chichen Itza?
Absolutely. Many travelers prefer Uxmal to Chichen Itza. Uxmal has far fewer crowds, more impressive architectural detail (Puuc-style carved stone mosaics), and a more intimate atmosphere. You can explore at your own pace without being herded by vendors. Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to AD 700.
How much is the entrance fee to Uxmal?
International visitors pay approximately 533 MXN ($28) total. This may be split into separate federal and state fees at different windows. Bring cash in small denominations as card readers can be unreliable. Mexican nationals pay a reduced rate. Sundays are free for Mexicans.
Can I take an Uber from Merida to Uxmal?
You can take an Uber from Merida to Uxmal (the app works in Merida), but there are no Uber drivers at Uxmal for the return trip. This leaves you stranded without guaranteed transport home. If you do use Uber, negotiate directly with the driver to wait and return you, or plan an alternative return via taxi to Muna.
Is there a guided tour from Merida to Uxmal?
Yes, many operators run daily tours from Merida. Group tours cost $65 to $140 per person and typically include hotel pickup, guided visit to Uxmal, Kabah ruins, the Choco-Story chocolate museum, a cenote swim, and lunch. Private tours start at $280 for up to 4 people. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead during high season.
Should I rent a car to visit Uxmal?
A rental car is the best option for independent travelers, especially groups of 2 or more. It eliminates return transport uncertainty, lets you arrive before 8 AM crowds, and enables exploration of the full Puuc Route (Kabah, Sayil, Labna). Daily rates start at $35 to $45. The drive is straightforward on Highway 261.
What should I bring to Uxmal?
Bring a hat or cap, strong sunscreen, at least 1 liter of water per person, comfortable walking shoes, and cash for entrance fees. Uxmal is extremely hot with very little shade. The Pyramid of the Magician reflects intense heat. A portable fan or misting spray can help during peak midday temperatures.
Can I visit Kabah on the same trip as Uxmal?
Yes. Kabah is just 25 km (20 minutes) past Uxmal on the same highway. If you have a rental car, Kabah is an easy add-on with often free entrance and almost no visitors. Many guided tours include Kabah as part of their itinerary. The Codz-Pop palace at Kabah with its wall of 250 Chaac masks is one of the Yucatan’s most impressive structures.
How long do I need at Uxmal?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours at Uxmal. This is enough time to see the Pyramid of the Magician, the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Governor’s Palace, and the Ball Court. If you hire a guide on-site ($30 to $40 for 2 hours), budget 2.5 hours minimum. Photography enthusiasts may want 3 to 4 hours for the best light.
What is the best time of day to visit Uxmal?
Arrive at 8:00 AM when the site opens. Tour buses from Merida arrive around 10:00 AM, and by 11:00 AM the site is crowded and extremely hot. Early morning also provides the best light for photographing the Pyramid of the Magician. Most visitors leave by early afternoon.
More Routes from Merida
Exploring more of the Yucatan Peninsula? Check out these related route guides:
Merida to Chichen Itza – Day trip to the New Wonder of the World
Merida to Progreso – Beach day trip on the Gulf coast
Cancun to Merida – Getting to Merida from Cancun
Merida to Tulum – Cross the peninsula to the Caribbean coast
Merida to Playa del Carmen – Riviera Maya from the Yucatan capital
Ready to book your transport from Merida to Uxmal? Compare all Merida to Uxmal transport options to find the best deal for your trip.
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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.
