Transportation in Merida, Mexico

Travel

Nov 14

Similar to living in the United States of America, you’ve got a lot of options for how to get around in Merida, Mexico. While some people choose to road trip and drive their own vehicle to Mexico, I decided to leave my always-breaking-down car in the driveway of my parent’s house. As you plan your next trip or long term stay to Mexico, here’s what you need to know about transportation here from someone’s who’s experiencing it right now.

What forms of transportation are available in Merida, Mexico?

There are no limits to the types of transportation available to you. I should know, because when I arrived I walked everywhere. I saw people driving right passed me in small cars whose brands are made in Mexico and large SUVs from America. There’s even a Porche dealership a few blocks from where I live, close to Paseo de Montejo. What I see here more than in the USA are people with motorcycles and scooters. For every one car that passed me as I walk the streets of Merida, I see about 5 motorcyclist. Any time I order food from UberEats or Rappi, the delivery person is on a motorcycle.

Why are motorcycles so popular in Mexico?

Mexico’s motorcycle market is the 8th largest in the world, and continues to grow largely because of Italika, a Mexican manufacturing company. I also wonder if it has something to do with how narrow the streets are here. It makes sense to have smaller transportation to navigate los calles aqui.

Renting a Car

The process of renting a car is very easy, but unfortunately you will likely encounter significantly higher prices than locals. This process of foreigners paying more than locals is known in Mexico and other Latin countries as the gringo tax. In some cases, you’ll pay up to 50% or more than locals. For example, I wanted to rent a car to go to the beach when my best friend came to visit me. I was quoted $60 USD to rent a vehicle for one day. But the person who referred me to this company said the price they pay is $30 USD. The reason for the difference? My friend who referred me has a Mexican friend who called to secure the rental car.

When you rent a car here, you’ll need your driver’s license and passport. The company will make copies of your documentation and immediately return them to you. You can pay with cash (in pesos) or credit card. Before you return the vehicle, don’t forget to fill up the gas tank.

Renting a Bike

If you’re looking to create your own guided tour of Merida or want to join the weekly biciruta event, you can rent a bicycle for about $30 MXN pesos per day (~ $2 USD). You’ll have to leave your identification card which you’ll get back when you return the bicycle. There are hundreds of bikes to choose from of varying colors and sizes. There’s also bikes with carts to pull your children and include them in the adventure. You can keep the bike all day, but you must return it before the center closes the same night you rent.

Bikes to rent in Merida, Mexico in front of Palacio G. Canton building

Is there ride share in Mexico?

Merida, Mexico has local taxies, Uber and Didi which is a Mexican ride share company. Because of the gringo tax I mentioned earlier, I avoid local taxies. When I first moved here I used Uber a lot because it’s what I was used to using in Texas. However, I noticed Uber could take up to 15 minutes to connect me to a driver while Didi took 5-8 minutes. One thing I appreciate about ride share is no one cares if you bring your pet with you. When I need to go places with my dog, Max Galito, I bring a towel to cover the driver’s seat and keep my dog leashed.

What’s the best way to get around?

It depends on your budget, where you’re trying to go and your level of patience. There is a robust bus system in Merida, the newest called Va-y-Ven. There’s also the Autoprogreso that takes you to Progreso beach, which is 45 minutes away, and is only about $20 pesos (equivalent to $1 USD). My first month here I walked almost everywhere. It helped me learn my neighborhood and the streets of the city, was my way to guarantee some exercise each day, and I was able to stumble across cafes and stores I otherwise would have missed if I was in a car.

In my opinion, if I can bike or walk to my destination that’s my first choice. But if I’m going to dinner with friends or know I’ll have a few bags to pack after shopping at the mall, then I prefer grabbing a Didi. Especially because the weather here gets very hot.

What are your biggest concerns about transportation in Mexico?

I have no concerns about safety when using Uber or Didi in Merida, Mexico. If you want to hear more about my thoughts on whether or not Mexico is safe, check out my short video. The only thing that concerns me is the cars here are very old. I’ve been picked up by vehicles that looked like they wouldn’t make it to the destination, but I’m always grateful they do.

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