Getting There & Away: Campeche

Air Travel

Campeche International Airport (CPE), officially Ing. Alberto Acuñan Ongay International Airport, serves as the most direct access point to Campeche city. It is a smaller facility a short drive from the city center. Mérida International Airport (MID), in the neighboring state of Yucatán, sits about 2.5 hours north. Mérida's airport is larger, with more domestic and international flights, making it a good alternative if you plan to combine Campeche with other northern Yucatán destinations.

CPE is mainly for domestic airlines. Aeromexico Connect and Volaris offer daily flights connecting Campeche to Mexico City. Mérida (MID) hosts more airlines and routes, including Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus for domestic flights, and direct international flights from Houston, Miami, Atlanta, and Dallas/Fort Worth.

Flight Details & Transfers

No direct international flights to CPE. Travelers typically connect through Mexico City (MEX).
Flights to CPE operate year-round. Prices typically increase during Mexico's high season (November-February).
CPE facilities are basic. Mérida (MID) offers more dining, shops, and car rental options.
From CPE: Taxis outside the terminal (fixed fares). From MID: ADO buses to Mérida city center, then to Campeche.

Campeche CPE

Direct access, smaller airport, mainly domestic flights.

Mérida MID

Larger hub, wider selection of domestic and international flights.

Seasonal Pricing

Expect higher flight prices during high season (Nov-Feb).

Airport Transfers

From CPE

Taxis readily available directly outside the terminal.
Fares to city center are typically fixed. Confirm with driver before ride.
Car rental agencies have desks at the airport if picking up a vehicle.

From MID

ADO buses frequent from Mérida airport to Mérida city center.
From Mérida's main terminal, direct ADO buses head to Campeche.
Private transfers are bookable for direct, comfortable service.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

Departure taxes for international flights are typically part of airfare.

Airport Departure

Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights from CPE.

Bus Terminal

Arrive 30-45 minutes before bus departure from ADO terminal.

FMM Card

Surrender the departure portion of your FMM card upon leaving Mexico.

Land Transportation

Bus Travel with ADO

ADO is the main and recommended long-distance bus company across the Yucatán Peninsula and much of Mexico.

Service Quality & Network

ADO coaches offer comfortable, air-conditioned services with various classes (regular, GL, Platino).
Extensive network connects Campeche with Mérida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Palenque, Villahermosa, and Mexico City.
Tickets can be purchased online via the ADO website/app, at terminals, or OXXO stores.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Requirements & Tips

Valid driver's license from home country. International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly suggested.
Major credit card (not debit) for security deposit. Minimum age 21 or 25 with fees.
Mandatory Mexican liability car insurance. DiscoverCars.com is an option for rentals.

Road Safety & Hazards

Considerations

Major highways are generally well-maintained toll roads ("cuota") or free roads ("libre").
"Topes" (speed bumps) are common and often poorly marked; approach with caution.
Driving at night outside major cities is generally not recommended due to unlit roads and hazards.

Other Land Transport

Other modes of land travel may be relevant, depending on your itinerary.

Additional Options

Currently no passenger train services. Tren Maya is under construction.
Border Crossing: Standard immigration at official land borders (Belize, Guatemala), FMM card stamping.
Road safety in Campeche state is generally good. Keep doors locked, avoid visible valuables.

Important Travel Links

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.
Skyscanner for flight comparisons.
DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.

IVisa for consumer visa application service.
VisaHQ for direct visa and passport services.
Insubuy for medical and travel coverage.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Sea and river transportation options for arrival in Campeche city are limited for general tourism.

Options & Procedures

Campeche city does not feature a major international cruise port or regular passenger ferry services.
Smaller cruise lines may occasionally include Campeche as a port of call, docking at the industrial port.
Immigration procedures for cruise arrivals are handled onboard or at the port by local authorities.

River Transport & Connections

River transportation serves local natural attractions but not inter-city travel to Campeche.

Details & Access

No significant river transportation for arrival in Campeche city.
The city is coastal, not on a major navigable river for passenger transport.
From small port facilities, taxi services are the main option for reaching Campeche city center.

Limited Ferry Service

Campeche has no regular passenger ferry connections.

No Navigable Rivers

River transport is for local tours, not inter-city travel.

Occasional Cruises

Some smaller cruise lines may include Campeche as a port of call.

Travel Insight:

For most travelers, air and long-distance bus travel remain the most viable ways to arrive in and depart from Campeche.

Getting There & Away