Va-y-Ven (Come and Go) Bus Service in the Yucatan

Va-y-Ven Bus

While visiting Merida we often use Uber and/or Didi for our major mode of transportation.  However, there are times we love to take the Va-y-Ven bus service.  It’s fast, convenient and most of all cheap; average cost is around $12 pesos (one way). 

 

Senior citizens (age 60 in Mexico) and students get discounted rates, but you will need a special card (check the Wikipedia page for details).  They have several routes and continue to expand as the need arises.

But what I like most about the Va-y-Ven bus system is that there is no physical money exchanged, it’s all done using a smart card.  For a one-time fee of $25.00 pesos, in addition to whatever amount you want to pre-load your smart card with (we put $200 pesos on each of our smart cards, to start out), you can purchase a smart card  in advance from OXXO, Dunosusa, Willys  or one of the other vendors mentioned on their website.  

Each time you get on the bus and scan your smart card, a digital reader will display the balance on your smart card.  When it’s time to recharge your smart card (at one of the locations mentioned above), there is no additional fee.  But please be mindful.  I have seen plenty of people refused entry onto the bus because their smart card did not have enough funds. And, to save time once you enter the bus, make sure you know how to use the smart card reader.

Here's a quick video…it’s simple. 

Oh, and remember to download their App so you’ll have all their route and schedule information right at your fingertips.  

Happy Riding. 

Back and front of Smart cards