You can get from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido by bus, flight, private transfer, taxi, or even rent a car!
The cheapest option is by bus, which costs USD 48. The journey takes about 10.5 hours.
The most popular option is the ADO bus, which offers all travelers convenience and affordability.
The fastest way is by taking a flight, which takes only 40 minutes.
With this in-depth guide, I aim to lay out the most efficient transportation routes from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido with essential advice.
Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus | 10.5 hrs | $48 |
| OCC Bus | 10.5 hrs | $48 to 54 |
| Private Transfer | 6-7 hrs | $458 to 684 |
| Rental Car | 6-7 hrs | $40 to 50 |
| Taxi | 6-7 hrs | $200 |
| Flight | 40 min | $130 |
Getting to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City
1. ADO Bus
Journey Duration: 10 hours 35 minutes
The first and most commonly used option is to travel by ADO bus, which takes around ten to eleven hours.
Taking the bus takes so much longer than other alternatives since it cannot use the mountain roads due to its size, which means it can’t make some of the sharp turns, so it takes a more extended trip via a different route.
Opt for the bus if you’re prone to motion or car sickness.
Since it’s a luxury bus, you’ll have all the amenities to make your journey comfortable!
There is a bathroom on the bus, outlets for your gadgets, and recliner-style seats.
In short, taking the bus is much more affordable and convenient, especially when traveling solo — if you don’t mind sacrificing time.
ADO Luxury Bus Schedule
The table below displays the ADO bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30am | 07:05pm | 10h 35m | $48 |  |
2. OCC Bus
Journey Duration: 10 hours 30 minutes
Traveling overnight might be an excellent choice if you’d like to spend more time exploring during the day in this part of Mexico.
OCC coach buses offer air conditioning and bathrooms for a comfortable overnight excursion.
The bus ticket is one of the cheapest options available and well worth the price, especially if you are on a tight budget.
It takes a longer route and avoids winding roads, so if you are prone to motion sickness, this can be a cheaper, more accessible option!
Make sure to reserve your ticket well in advance because tickets sell out frequently, as this is a popular travel option among tourists.
OCC Coach Bus Schedule
The table below displays the OCC bus timetable, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30pm | 07:35am | 10h 35m | $54 | |
| 10:30pm | 08:55am | 10h 25m | $48 | |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Care for the ride and scenery? Traveling by private car is a great option, especially for large groups!
Catching a private car is the perfect option for exploring the mountainside jungle of Oaxaca and seeing a different side of the state.
You will probably be able to book a spacious car to have nothing but comfort despite the long journey and winding roads.
You will also be free to request stops en route, get snacks, take bathroom breaks, take pictures, or absorb all the beautiful scenery!
You’ll want to check availability and book a few days in advance, as it can get pretty busy during the high season.
Just make sure to get recommendations for a reliable driver, and you don’t have to worry about anything about your trip!
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1 to 4 passengers: USD 458
- 5 to 10 passengers: USD 684
4. Flight
Journey Duration: 40 minutes
Flying from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido is easy, though not as likely to be found on Expedia or Kayak.
A small plane makes the journey almost painless, so book a seat ASAP if you’re short on time and want to see as much as possible from this beautiful town!
If you want to take a direct flight, you can use Aerotucan. The average flight time is 40 minutes, costing about USD 271 for a one-way ticket.
The first option is to book your tickets online.
Alternatively, you can reserve your tickets at the airline counter, pay directly, book through a local agent, or call the airline.
You must provide your passenger information via email and pay for the flight in advance to reserve your seat.
Pack relatively light for this trip as there are limited luggage allowances, and the plane is tiny!
Alternatively, you can book a flight with Aerovega.
It is a tiny airline, and the pilot, Don Vega, runs the business almost entirely on his own.
To check availability and make a booking, you can email [email protected] or WhatsApp at +52 9545880062. Rates for a one-way flight start at 2,500 MXN (around USD 125).
5. Rental Car
Journey Duration: 6-7 hours
Traveling by rental car is a great way to explore the country on your schedule and get off the beaten track!
Driving from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido takes you through fantastic scenery and small towns you can explore on your own.
Making the journey yourself allows you great flexibility and luggage space, and it is also the fastest way to get to Puerto Escondido.
If you plan to drive yourself, try to leave early in the morning to arrive before sunset.
The two main routes are Highway 175 and Highway 131. Of the two highways, 131 (approx. 160 miles) is the faster route but not in as good of condition as 175 (approx. 196 miles).
It’s best to check for any road disruptions before you leave, as it can be challenging to change track once you’ve set off.
Oaxaca City offers a wide range of options for car rentals, including all the major brands. There can be wide variations in car rental prices based on the type of car, insurance coverage, and excess.
Also, make sure you check the rental agreement for hidden fees!
The price ranges from USD 40 to USD 50 per day. I have personally found Rentalcars.com to be reliable when renting cars, so I recommend you check them out when choosing your rental car!
Hit the road with your friends and discover the stunning Oaxacan coastline to Puerto Escondido!
6. Taxi
Journey Duration: 6-7 hours
Car travel is a comfortable journey, available 24/7, and a fast way to reach your destination.
However, it can be much more expensive and unsuitable for long distances.
The taxi journey takes about 6 to 7 hours, and the fare from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido is around 4000 MXN, or USD 200.
Prices and travel times are not fixed and will vary depending on traffic and the destination.
So, unless you have no other choice, try to avoid this one and opt for a better alternative.
Best day tours in Puerto Escondido
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus?
Yes, a direct bus departs from Oaxaca and arrives in Puerto Escondido. Multiple buses depart daily and operate every day. Travel time is about 10 hours.
Where do I catch the bus from?
Buses from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido depart from Oaxaca Station.
Is it better to take a bus or fly?
Traveling from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is most accessible by plane, which takes 35 minutes and costs between USD 60 and USD 250. Alternatively, you can take the bus, which is cheaper but takes more than 10 hours.
How long is the flight?
The shortest journey is 35 minutes by direct flight.
Which airlines fly from Oaxaca Airport to Puerto Escondido Airport?
This route is served by Aerotucan airlines and Aerovega.
Can I drive?
Yes, the driving distance is 258 kilometers. Puerto Escondido can be reached in approximately 7 hours by car from Oaxaca City.
How much is a taxi?
Taxi travel from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido takes about 7 hours, and the fare is about 4000 MXN (around USD 200).
How do you get around Puerto Escondido?
Taxis and local public transportation are likely your best modes of transportation in Puerto Escondido. It will cost you around 40-50 pesos (USD2-2.50) to get from the airport to town, or around 70 pesos (USD 3.50) if you go to Punta Zicatela. A taxi ride only costs 30-35 pesos (USD 1.50-2) in town.
Where do you fly into Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido (PXM) Airport is the closest airport to Puerto Escondido, located 1.7 km away. There are also airports in nearby towns, such as Huatulco (HUX) (88.3 km) and Oaxaca (OAX) (131.3 km).
Is there Uber in Oaxaca, Mexico?
Oaxaca doesn’t have Uber, and only one taxi company serves the airport. It’s good that the set fares to get into town are affordable, and booking a cab is straightforward. Walk to the taxi counter near the exit if getting out of the airport and give the driver your destination.
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