How to Get to Progreso. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Mérida International Airport MID

The closest major airport serving Progreso is Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport (MID). It is in Mérida, about 45-60 minutes (40 km/25 miles) south of Progreso. This airport is the main air gateway for the Yucatán Peninsula.

Airlines and Routes

Domestic Airlines: Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus from major Mexican cities.
International Airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, WestJet, VivaAerobus.
Direct flights from major US cities (Houston, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, LA, Chicago) and Toronto.

Seasonal Flights and Airport Facilities

Flight availability and prices fluctuate with the seasons. Book tickets well in advance for high season travel.

Seasonal & Facilities

High Season (Dec-Feb, Easter): More frequent and expensive flights. Book 3-6 months ahead.
Shoulder Season (Mar-May, Nov): Slightly lower prices, good availability.
Low Season (Jun-Oct): Fewer direct flights, lower prices. Hurricane season risk.

Taxi Transfers

Authorized airport taxis are available. Purchase tickets inside the airport. Expect MXN 450-600 to Progreso.

Ride-sharing & Car Rental

Uber/Didi in Mérida, pick up outside terminal. Car rentals at MID for flexibility.

Private Shuttles

Pre-book online for door-to-door service. Cost-effective for groups.

Flight Booking Resources

Flight Deal Services

Dollar Flight Club: Finds cheap flights.
Skyscanner: A popular flight search engine.
Book flights well in advance for best rates, especially during high season.
Confirm specific airline policies and services.

Car Rental Services

DiscoverCars.com: For comparing rental car options.
Understand Mexican insurance requirements, which can be a significant cost.
Renting a car Offers flexibility for exploring the region.
Always purchase local liability insurance at minimum.

Airport Facilities

General Amenities

Mérida Airport (MID) features ATMs, currency exchange, and car rental agencies.

Shopping & Dining

Duty-free shops, a variety of restaurants and cafes are present for passengers.

Comfort & Navigation

A VIP lounge is available. The airport is compact and easy to navigate.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Land transport offers flexible ways to reach Progreso from within Mexico.

ADO & Autoprogreso

ADO (Autobuses de Oriente): Mexico's largest bus company. Connects major cities to Mérida.
Autoprogreso: Local bus company with frequent service between Mérida and Progreso (every 10-15 mins).
Travel Time: Mérida to Progreso takes about 45 mins - 1 hour by bus.

Self-Driving Considerations

Road conditions are generally good.

Requirements & Safety

Valid driver's license (International Driving Permit recommended).
Mexican car insurance is mandatory; rental agencies provide this at extra cost.
Road Conditions: Highway 261 (Mérida-Progreso) is modern and well-maintained. Watch for speed bumps.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads in the Yucatán Peninsula are generally safer and better maintained. Be mindful of local driving specifics.

Driving Safely

Beware of speed bumps ("topes"), sometimes poorly marked.
Driving at night on rural roads is not recommended (wildlife, poor lighting).
Police checkpoints are common but generally routine.

Sea Arrivals Cruise Ships

Progreso is a significant port for cruise ships, with a long pier to accommodate large liners.

Cruise Port Information

Puerto de Altura (High-Rise Port) has an exceptionally long pier.
No regular passenger ferry services to other major destinations.
Shuttle buses transport cruise passengers from the pier to the terminal and city center.

Departure Information

Exit Fees: Tourism tax (DNI) typically in airline tickets. Confirm if any fees are due.
Air Travel (Mérida MID): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
Bus Travel (Progreso): Arrive at terminal 15-20 minutes before departure.

Cruise Ship: Follow cruise line's specific disembarkation instructions and timing.
Mérida Airport (MID): Offers check-in, security, gates, shops, food, and a VIP lounge.
Autoprogreso Terminal (Progreso): Basic terminal with ticket counters and waiting area.

Local Transportation

Public Transportation

Progreso has a simple public transportation system mainly featuring city buses and colectivos (shared vans).

Routes & Fares

Buses (Autoprogreso): Main terminal downtown, near Calle 80 and Calle 31. Frequent Mérida service.
Colectivos: Shared vans on fixed routes, picking up/dropping off along main roads.
Fares: Buses MXN 25-40 to Mérida. Colectivos MXN 8-15 for local rides. Pay drivers cash for colectivos.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis offer a convenient alternative, and ride-sharing is growing in availability.

Taxi & App Services

Taxis: White or yellow. Hail on street or find at stands (main square, bus terminal, Malecón).
Fares: Always agree on fare before starting. Short rides MXN 50-100. To Mérida MXN 300-450. Cash payment.
Ride-sharing: Uber & Didi are popular in Mérida; availability in Progreso can vary.

Walking Routes

Malecón and downtown are pedestrian-friendly for exploring shops, restaurants, and the market.

Cycling Safety

Malecón has dedicated bike lanes. Cycling on side streets is suitable. Always be traffic aware.

No-Go Areas

No specific "no-go" areas exist. Avoid poorly lit or deserted streets at night.

Rental Options

Car Rental

Renting a car offers freedom to explore the wider region at your own pace.

Procedures & Requirements

Valid driver's license (IDP recommended). Minimum age 21 or 25, with potential surcharges.
Major credit card for rental and security deposit.
Mexican car insurance is mandatory. Purchase local liability insurance at a minimum.

Motorcycle & Bicycle Rentals

Explore Progreso by bike for a relaxed pace. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are limited.

Options & Considerations

Motorcycle/Scooter: Limited availability. Not recommended for long-distance travel due to safety.
Bicycle: Rental shops along the Malecón. Ideal for exploring the Malecón and nearby streets.
Bike Sharing: Progreso lacks a formal bike-sharing program.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Laws

Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits in km/h. Right on red generally allowed after stop, unless signed otherwise.

Road Conditions

Main highway to Mérida is excellent. Progreso roads can be narrow, with potholes. Beware of speed bumps ("topes"), often unmarked.

Parking

Street parking limited at Malecón and downtown. Look for designated lots ("estacionamiento"). Note "Estacionamiento Prohibido" signs.

Local Transport Note

Progreso lacks metro, tram, cable cars, funiculars, or unique local transports. The city relies on standard road-based vehicles and walking.

How to Get to Progreso