Oaxaca is the trip everyone adds to Mexico City. Getting there is an hour or six, depending on your priorities.
The ways#
| Time | Feel | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~1h in the air; 3–4h door to door | Efficient | Days to weeks ahead; cheap early |
| ADO bus | 6–7h from TAPO | Comfortable in top classes; the view | Days ahead; weeks for festivals |
| Overnight bus | ~7h, sleep through | Saves a hotel night | Same |
| Drive | ~5.5h on toll roads | Beautiful, tiring | Daylight only |
| Train | None |
Flying#
Several daily from the main airport and some from AIFA (check which; AIFA is far north of the city). Budget carriers are cheap weeks out and expensive the day before. Oaxaca's airport is 20 minutes from the centre by shared van or taxi.
The bus#
ADO from the TAPO terminal (San Lázaro metro). Platino or GL class for the wide seats; the ordinary class is fine and cheaper. Through Puebla, then the Sierra Mixteca: dry mountains, cactus, the occasional village. Overnight services leave late and arrive at dawn. Oaxaca's bus station is a short taxi from the centre.
Driving#
The toll road via Puebla, about five and a half hours plus stops, in daylight. Scenic; the tolls add up. Day trips from Mexico City covers Puebla as the halfway stop.
When it's hard#
Day of the Dead (late October to 2 November) and the Guelaguetza (the last two Mondays of July): flights, buses and Oaxaca hotels sell out weeks ahead. Oaxaca for Day of the Dead, Mexico City in October, in July.
In Oaxaca#
Oaxaca travel guide. Mezcal, mole, Monte Albán, the markets, Hierve el Agua.
Arrive knowing someone#
Post your Oaxaca dates on Roavi Community before the bus leaves: travellers arriving the same days appear together, and Local Friends in Oaxaca reply. Rent a Local Friend in Mexico City explains how Local Friends work in Mexico; travel buddy in Mexico for sharing the bus.
Heading to Oaxaca? Post your dates and arrive knowing someone.
Post your tripFrequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Mexico City to Oaxaca?
About an hour in the air, from the main airport (AICM) or the newer AIFA north of the city, with several flights a day on the main carriers and the budget airlines. Add the usual two hours for airports; door to door it still beats the bus.How long is the bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca?
Six to seven hours on ADO from the TAPO terminal (east of the centre, on the metro), with departures through the day and overnight. The top classes (ADO Platino, GL) have wide reclining seats, Wi-Fi and few stops. Comfortable and much cheaper than flying at short notice.Can you drive from Mexico City to Oaxaca?
Yes, about five and a half hours on the toll highway through Puebla and the Sierra, longer with stops. A scenic drive; use the toll roads, drive in daylight, and expect tolls to add up. There's no passenger train.Which is better, flying or the bus to Oaxaca?
Flying for a short trip or if fares are low; the bus for budget, a dislike of airports, or the overnight to save a hotel night. For Day of the Dead and the Guelaguetza both sell out; book weeks ahead whichever you choose.
