It was a warm morning in Mérida, and after a few days exploring the colonial beauty of the city, I decided to venture out to Campeche. The trip was planned around the idea of experiencing another part of the Yucatán Peninsula, known for its charming old town and colorful coastal vibe. But to get there, I had to figure out how to travel from Mérida to Campeche, a journey that could either take me by road or air.
Opting for a flight seemed like the most time-efficient choice, but as someone who’s always on the lookout for the best travel deals, the next question became: “How do I choose the best flight from Mérida to Campeche?” This blog post is a breakdown of my experience in booking a flight, including the options I considered, where I booked my tickets, and what I learned along the way.
1. Why Fly from Mérida to Campeche?
Mérida to Campeche is a relatively short journey, about 170 kilometers (105 miles). The distance makes the flight an unusual option, since traveling by bus or car would take about 2.5 to 3 hours. But for those who prefer convenience or are short on time, flying can shave off a considerable amount of travel time—depending on the airline and flight schedules.
Additionally, this flight was an excellent opportunity for me to experience the convenience of small regional airports in Mexico. Mérida’s airport, Manuel Crescencio Rejón International, is a major hub in the region, and Campeche’s Ing. Alberto Acuña Ongay International Airport, although smaller, serves as a key connection point for those exploring the area.
2. Flight Options: Direct or Connecting?
The first decision I faced when searching for flights was whether to book a direct flight or a connecting one. Given the relatively short distance, I hoped to find a direct flight between the two cities. The good news is that there are indeed direct flights available, but they’re limited in terms of frequency.
While most major airlines operate regional flights in Mexico, the options for direct flights from Mérida to Campeche were primarily with Aeromar, a smaller regional carrier offering convenient short-haul flights. However, I also noticed that some airlines, like Interjet and VivaAerobus, didn’t fly this exact route but offered connections through Mexico City or Cancún. Connecting flights might take longer, but they were often cheaper and more flexible with schedules.
I ultimately decided to go for the direct flight option. With the decision made, it was time to dive into the booking process.
3. Where to Book Your Flight
When booking a flight from Mérida to Campeche, there are several online platforms where you can easily compare options and prices. I tend to use a mix of the following:
- Skyscanner
Skyscanner is always my first stop. It’s a great tool for comparing prices across different airlines and booking platforms. The interface is easy to navigate, and I was able to quickly see that Aeromar had the most consistent direct flights. - Google Flights
Google Flights gives a very clean layout for understanding flight prices and schedules. What I particularly like is the ability to track price fluctuations and get notified when there are discounts or offers for a specific route. - Directly Through Airline Websites
After narrowing down my options, I often book directly through the airline’s website. Not only does it sometimes provide better customer service, but you also avoid paying extra fees that booking platforms might charge.
For my trip from Mérida to Campeche, I chose to book directly through Aeromar’s website. They offered the most convenient flight time, and booking was straightforward. I also appreciate that smaller airlines like Aeromar often don’t have the same hefty baggage fees as larger carriers, which worked well for me since I had a medium-sized suitcase.
4. Booking the Flight: Timing and Prices
I booked my flight about a week in advance. While last-minute deals are sometimes available, booking early gave me a much better chance of securing a seat at a reasonable price. The flight I chose was in the morning, which would give me ample time to explore Campeche after arriving.
I noticed that flight prices were quite variable depending on the day of the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays were the most affordable days to fly. The closer I got to the weekend, the more expensive the flights became, likely due to higher demand.
One important thing to remember when booking flights in Mexico is that you often need to pay close attention to the baggage policies. Many low-cost airlines, like VivaAerobus and Interjet, charge separately for carry-on and checked luggage. Aeromar, on the other hand, had a generous luggage allowance, which helped me avoid any surprise fees.
5. Airport Experience in Mérida
On the day of the flight, I made my way to Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport, about a 20-minute taxi ride from the center of Mérida. The airport is relatively small but well-equipped. It’s not as busy as airports in larger cities, which made for a smooth check-in process. I arrived about an hour before my flight, which gave me plenty of time to go through security and grab a coffee before boarding.
One thing I noticed about this airport compared to larger international airports was how intimate the experience felt. There were only a few gates, and the security lines moved quickly. There wasn’t a lot of hustle and bustle, which I appreciated. After all, sometimes traveling can feel like a bit of a race, so having a quieter, more relaxed experience was welcome.
6. The Flight to Campeche: Quick and Smooth
The flight from Mérida to Campeche was just under an hour. I boarded a small Aeromar propeller plane, which was surprisingly comfortable for such a short journey. It wasn’t a full flight, so I had a row to myself, which made the experience even more pleasant.
The views of the Yucatán Peninsula were beautiful as we flew over the lush landscape and the coast. We flew relatively low, which meant I could see towns and villages that I would otherwise have missed on the road.
The flight attendants were friendly and offered light refreshments. There was something nice about this kind of short-haul flight—simple, efficient, and easy.
7. Arriving in Campeche
Landing at Ing. Alberto Acuña Ongay International Airport was straightforward. This small airport feels more like a regional hub, with just a few airlines operating. The baggage claim area was quick, and before I knew it, I was in a taxi heading to my accommodation in Campeche.
What struck me about this airport is how much it reflected the laid-back vibe of the city. It wasn’t a major transport hub with large crowds; instead, it was relaxed and easygoing, making it the perfect introduction to Campeche itself.
8. Alternatives to Flying: Is It Worth It?
While flying from Mérida to Campeche can be convenient, especially if you’re short on time, the alternative options are worth considering if you’re not in a rush. A bus ride or renting a car would be a much cheaper option, especially if you’re not carrying much luggage. The journey by car or bus can be scenic, and I did see some travelers enjoying the road trip. However, for me, the flight saved time and energy.
If you have a few days and want to take your time, the bus or driving option would give you the opportunity to enjoy the rural beauty of the Yucatán Peninsula. But if you’re pressed for time and want to maximize your experience in Campeche, flying is certainly the way to go.
9. Final Thoughts on Choosing a Flight from Mérida to Campeche
For me, the flight from Mérida to Campeche was an efficient way to travel, allowing me to spend more time exploring the city and less time on the road. While it may not be the most common choice for travelers, it certainly offers a fast, comfortable, and convenient option—especially if you’re flying with a smaller regional airline like Aeromar.
One of the key lessons I took away from this experience was the importance of booking flights in advance and being flexible with dates. The Yucatán Peninsula is a beautiful region with a lot to offer, and flying between Mérida and Campeche made it all the more accessible.
