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How to get to Campeche, Mexico? (by plane, bus, car)

Planning a trip to Campeche? Discover how to get to this captivating city by bus, plane, car, and start planning your unforgettable journey to this beautiful city.


If you’re planning a trip to Campeche and wondering how to get there, let me tell you about the options available. As a Mexican, I loved being able to visit this city full of history and known as the city of bastions. Some of these modes of transportation will accommodate your preferences, whether you’re carrying a lot of luggage, how many travelers are with you, you can choose the one that suits you best.

Where is Campeche located?

San Francisco de Campeche (or Campeche) is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, in the Campeche state, on the east coast of Mexico, bathed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If you are in Mexico City, or CDMX, it is approximately 1,151 kilometers away, think twice if you have the idea of embarking on the journey on a road trip.

Heading south, about 175 kilometers away, you will reach Mérida, a vibrant city full of culture and Mayan traditions.

If you are eager to explore more archaeological sites, you can head to Edzna, about 52 kilometers from Campeche, where you will find impressive Mayan ruins.

Another nearby option is Ciudad del Carmen, about 206 kilometers from the state capital, famous for its beaches and port atmosphere.

Campeche letters

How to get to Campeche with a rental car?

How to get from Merida to Campeche City by car?

If you are coming from Mérida, take the Coastal Highway of the Gulf O (180 O) towards Campeche.

The distance between the two cities is 175 km, and by car it will take you approximately 2 hours to get there.

🤩 Car rental at the best price here

How to go from Cancun to Campeche by car?

If you are coming from Cancun, take Federal Highway 180 D towards Mérida and then follow the instructions from the Mérida to Campeche route.

The distance between the two cities following this route is about 477 kilometers, and the journey takes a little over 5 hours.

🤩 Car rental at the best price here

Campeche

How to go from Mexico City to Campeche by car?

If you are coming from Mexico City, the route will be over a thousand kilometers and will take a little over 15 hours.

To go from Mexico City to Campeche by car, follow these instructions:

  1. Start your route by taking the Mexico – Puebla/Mexico 150D Toll Road and then Mexico 145D towards Minatitlan-Mundo Nuevo/Mexico 180D in Teapa. Take the exit towards Villahermosa/Mexico 180D from Minatitlan-Mundo Nuevo/Mexico 180D. This part of the trip will take you approximately 6 hours and 59 minutes, and you will travel a distance of 598 kilometers.
  2. Continue on the Coatzacoalcos – Villahermosa until you reach Tabasco. This will take you about 1 hour and 37 minutes, covering about 139 kilometers.
  3. Then, turn slightly right towards the Lib. de Villahermosa (signposted towards Mexico 180 Toll/Ciudad del Carmen). Continue on the toll road for 17 minutes, covering 21.4 kilometers.
  4. Continue following Mexico 180 E, Cd del Carmen – Champoton and Coastal Highway of the Gulf E/Mexico 180 E until you reach Villa Madero-Campeche/Mexico 180D in Campeche. This stretch will take you approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, covering a distance of 329 kilometers.
  5. To finish, keep leaving to continue on Villa Madero-Campeche/Mexico 180D, following the signs to Campeche/Federal Highway 180/Seybaplaya (toll road).

Remember that distances and times may vary depending on traffic and road conditions, so it is always advisable to consult maps or navigation apps for the most up-to-date information.

🤩 Car rental at the best price here

Jaguar Campeche

How to get to Campeche by bus?

How to go from Mexico City to Campeche by bus?

From Mexico City, you can take ADO at the TAPO terminal, and it takes between 18 and 20 hours to arrive, the price is around 1700 pesos.

How to go from Merida to Campeche by bus?

To make this trip from Merida, you can take the bus from the CAME Terminal in Mérida with the ADO company, and it takes between 2 and a half hours to arrive, the ticket costs around 330 pesos.

How to get from Cancun to Campeche by bus?

From Cancun, take the bus with the ADO company, and it will take between 7 and a half to 8 hours and 45. The ticket will cost you between 950 and 1000 pesos.

🤩 Book your bus tickets here

How to go from the ADO bus station in Campeche to the Plaza de la Independencia?

The ADO Terminal is about 3 and a half kilometers from the Plaza de la Independencia, the main square of the city from where the trams depart to explore the city. Also, a few blocks away, you can visit the famous Calle 59.

By car, you will arrive in about 10 minutes and walking will take you about 40 minutes, although the route will only be just under 3 kilometers, this is because in the center of Campeche there are many one-way streets.

Calle 59 Campeche

How to get to Campeche by plane?

The Ingeniero Alberto Acuña Ongay International Airport or Campeche International Airport (IATA code: CPE) is about 9 kilometers from the city and, if there is not much traffic, it will take you about 15 minutes to reach the center.

In our case, as we arrived by plane, we took a taxi to get from the airport to our hotel in the center, and it cost us 200 pesos.

Most flights will arrive from Mexico City, flying with the airlines: Aeromexico, Volaris, and Viva Aerobus.

Looking for a flight ?
Book your tickets at the best price here!

Campeche airport

How to go to Campeche on a tour?

Another very comfortable option to get to Campeche is to take a tour or excursion! Many of these tours offer transportation and pick-up service, which will make the whole journey easier for you and allow you to enjoy to the fullest without worries.

Also, taking a tour from another city to Campeche will give you the opportunity to explore all its rich cultural heritage and make the most of your time. With so many interesting things to see and do, adding this day trip to your travel itinerary will be an excellent idea.

From Mérida, you can take a one-day tour to discover the walled city.

Calle 59 Campeche

Frequently Asked Questions about the city of Campeche

How long does it take to get to Campeche by bus from Merida?

The travel time by bus to Campeche may vary depending on the city of origin. For example, from Mérida, the bus journey can take about two and a half hours.

What is the best way to get to the historic center of Campeche?

The best way to get to the historic center of Campeche is by taking a taxi. The historic center is nearby of the bus terminal, so you can walk from there. If you are traveling on an organized tour, you may be dropped off directly in the historic center.

What are the most recommended tourist attractions in Campeche?

In Campeche, we recommend visiting the historic center and the walled city, which has beautiful streets and colonial buildings. You can also visit the archaeological site of Edzna, which is located near the city, or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Calakmul which is a bit farther away. Other places of interest include Independence Square, Calle 59, the Wall, and the Museum of Mayan Architecture.

When does the first bus from Cancun depart, with arrival in Campeche?

The first bus to Campeche departs early in the morning, at 4:07 AM, from the Cancun downtown terminal.

When does the last bus from Mexico City depart, with arrival in Campeche?

The last bus to Campeche departs in the evening at 11:59 PM from the TAPO bus station.

Can I book my bus ticket to Campeche online?

Yes, there is the option to book your bus ticket to Campeche online, either on the ADO website, on online travel agencies, you can find the links right here.

 How can I travel to Campeche, Mexico?

You can reach Campeche by plane, bus, or car. There aren’t direct flights to Campeche Airport, so you will need to change planes at Mexico City. Also, you can drive or take a bus from other cities in Mexico.

Do I need a visa for Mexico to visit Campeche?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa for stays less than 180 days. Make sure to check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

How can I book Campeche tours?

You can book Campeche tours through local tour operators or online platforms. Make sure to choose tours that cover the must-see attractions in Campeche.

Is renting a car in Mexico a practical option for exploring Campeche?

Renting a car in Mexico can be a convenient option for exploring Campeche and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Just make sure to have valid insurance and follow local driving regulations.

How can I ensure a smooth travel experience to Campeche?

To ensure a smooth travel experience to Campeche, consider getting travel insurance, staying hydrated, and familiarizing yourself with local customs and emergency contacts. Additionally, follow safety guidelines to avoid getting sick during your trip.

Calle 59 Campeche

Conclusion

To sum up, these options for getting to Campeche. As you can see, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re up for a high-flying adventure, a scenic road trip, or a relaxing bus ride. Each journey is as unique as you are!

Now, speaking from my own experience, flying into Campeche was a breeze, super comfy and hassle-free. But hey, don’t let that stop you from trying out other ways, like hopping on a bus, hitting the road in a rented car, or even joining an exciting tour! It’s all about embracing new experiences, right? And trust me, no matter how you get there, the thrill of arriving in Campeche is unbeatable.

So, whether you’re all about the laid-back vibes of flying, the freedom of driving, the convenience of a guided tour, or the budget-friendly bus option, rest assured, you’ll find the perfect way to reach Campeche! 

If you’re eager for more awesome travel tips and guides to explore Mexico, check out our complete guide – it’s packed with everything you need for an epic adventure!

Campeche manhole

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Olga Grijalva

Olga is a traveler and travel content creator with 17 years of experience. Her goal is to share useful information to help you plan your adventures. She has visited more than 40 countries and is excited to share her experience with you.