Mérida passenger terminal reports high traffic during 2026 vacation season

The José Antonio Paredes Passenger Terminal in Mérida, Venezuela, reported significant passenger movement during the 2026 vacation season, which ran from July 15 to September 13.

Reports indicate that over 180,000 users transited through the terminal's boarding and disembarking areas. This figure includes approximately 61,029 arrivals and 40,465 departures according to one report, while another summary notes the high volume of travelers consolidating the Andean region as a preferred destination for Venezuelan families.

To manage the influx, more than 5,000 to 6,500 transport units, including buses and interurban collectives, provided regular service. Major national destinations included Caracas, San Cristóbal, Maracaibo, Barquisimeto, and Valencia, alongside local routes to El Vigía, Tovar, Nueva Bolivia, and the Páramo zone. The operation was supported by various security forces and local authorities to ensure safety and fare compliance.