Merida to Palenque tickets

	Price range US$ 59-US$ 65
	Ride Duration Range 8h 25m-8h 45m
	Earliest Departure 13:30
	Latest Departure 14:30
	Most Popular Operator ADO Primera

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

About the ride from Merida to Palenque

Merida is a top spot on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Not only is the city filled with gorgeous colonial architecture and splashes of color, but it's also an excellent place to base yourself to see nearby Mayan ruins and cenotes.

To delve deeper into the Mayan culture, Palenque should be your next stop if you can tear yourself away from this fantastic metropolis.

And spoiler alert — this destination is just as awe-inspiring.

Palenque is often considered the gateway to some of Mexico's best Mayan ruins. Here, you can visit iconic archaeological sites, explore the verdant jungle, and sample some delicious local foods. Are your senses ready?

The distance between Merida and Palenque is approximately 333 miles (535 km).

To get to these mysterious ruins, you must travel southwest from the top of the Yucatan Peninsula. The main way to travel is by bus, which takes approximately 8.5 hours.

Whether you're keen to swap the city for the jungle or want to unravel Mexico's Mayan history, strap in and keep reading; you'll be a pro on the Merida to Palenque journey in minutes.

Five wondrous things to do and see in Palenque

Palenque is best known for its Mayan ruins. You should 100% stop and see these ancient sites — but there are some lesser-known gems you should explore, too.

Here are a few ways to fill your itinerary:

Discover the Palenque Ruins. The Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque transports you back to 500 to 700 AD. Renowned for its stunning Mayan architecture and exquisite craftsmanship, this site is a must-see and likely the highlight of your trip to Palenque.

Take a waterfall tour. Forests and thick jungles surround Palenque, and when you look a little closer, you'll find majestic waterfalls. Misol-Ha and Agua Azul are the main waterfalls, and they're best visited on a guided tour. There's no getting lost with a guide.

Get wild at Aluxes Eco Park. The Aluxes Eco Park is a popular stop while in Palenque. This sustainable area has 40 hectares of pristine jungle, native flora and fauna, and plenty of local animals.

Take a guided jungle walk. A jungle walk might be up your street (or trail) if you're interested in nature. Local guides offer mini-treks through the jungle, allowing you to see the wildlife up close and learn a thing or two along the way.

Enjoy the local food. Okay, Palenque isn't known as a foodie destination because the ruins take centerstage. However, there are a lot of small local spots to try affordable and authentic dishes.

Is Palenque, Mexico, safe?

Yes, it's safe for tourists to visit Palenque.

As with any city, you should stay in the tourist areas and secure your valuables. Petty thefts do occur, but they're rare. You should also avoid walking around late at night and in unlit areas.

If you're worried about getting lost, consider booking guided tours to the sites and waterfalls. These take the planning stress off your back and help you get from A to B without fuss. However, this isn't necessary if you don't want to.

How to get from Merida to Palenque

Buses are the primary way to bridge the gap between Merida and Palenque.

They arrive in around 8.5 hours. It's longer than other journeys, but many travel overnight, and it's a great way to skip booking a hostel for an evening.

Buses cost around $54 per person, not the cheapest you'll find in Mexico. However, the journey covers a considerable distance and takes a long time, and most buses come with comfortable amenities, so it's worth the trade-off.

Typical amenities on a bus to Palenque include A/C and WCs. If you pay a little more, you can get reclining seats in individual cabins, which makes for a more comfortable ride. You'll also get around 46 lbs (21 kg) of luggage.

Food and drinks aren't guaranteed. Bring your own to be safe.

Most, but not all, buses depart from Merida ADO Tame and arrive at Palenque Central de Autobuses ADO. Note these destinations when planning your hotels or onward travel.

Pro tip: Don't forget your earplugs and a sleep mask for the bus. Not everyone is on the same sleep schedule as you.

Details about the journey from Merida to Palenque

The ride from Merida to Palenque takes you south from the Yucatan Peninsula through the states of Campeche, Tabasco and Chiapas.

Most buses follow the highways, and some travel at night, limiting views on this route. Instead, you might want to focus on relaxing and getting some shut-eye before you arrive. Exploring is always better with a full eight hours.

The journey from Merida to Palenque is safe for travelers of all ages, demographics, and genders. This area of Mexico is very tourist-friendly, and plenty of visitors use the buses to zip between Mayan ruins.

English isn't always guaranteed, and the bus station staff might know some of the language basics. But if not, there is always Google Translate. Don't be afraid to ask for help or directions when in doubt.

The best time to travel from Merida to Palenque

The ideal time to travel from Merida to Palenque is from November to May, when temperatures range from 80 to 98°F (27 to 37°C), and the weather is hot, sunny, and dry. April and May are the hottest months, averaging 89 to 98°F (33 to 37°C).

From June to October, temperatures remain around 91°F (33°C), but these months see increased rainfall, peaking at 15 inches (400 mm) in June and 14 inches (360 mm) in October. The rain falls in short and heavy bursts rather than constant drizzle. But it can make sightseeing unpleasant. Bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket if you visit in these months.

Where to visit after Palenque?

Once you've explored Palenque, consider stopping by San Cristobal de las Casas. This city is also located in Chiapas and offers more stunning colonial architecture, craft markets, and mountainous views — perfect for a little highland city break.

Palenque to San Cristobal de las Casas takes eight to nine hours via bus.