How to get from Mexico City to Oaxaca

Mexico City to Oaxaca is a classic Mexico route: quick flights, comfy overnight ADO coaches, and a scenic self-drive through Puebla and the mountains. Pick what fits your time, budget, and luggage—then follow the step-by-steps and map links below.

At A Glance (Mexico City to Oaxaca)

Mode	Duration	Best For
✈️ Flight (MEX/TLC → OAX)	~1h20 flight + 30–60m city transfers	Fastest overall
🏷️ Cost: ~MXN 800–2,800 one-way (seasonal) » compare fares | alt. search
🚌 ADO Coach (Day/Night)	~6.5–8.5h (direct)	Good value, no airports
🏷️ Cost: ~MXN 600–1,350 one-way (GL/Platino often higher). Official: » ADO
🚘 Self-Drive (Car Rental)	~6–7.5h (traffic/roadworks dependent)	Flexibility & scenic stops
🏷️ Cost: ~MXN 800–1,600/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals | alt. options
🚐 Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door)	~6.5–8h (route/pace)	Families, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~MXN 7,500–14,000 per vehicle » request quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly MEX→OAX; ideal for short trips or early/late arrivals.
• Best Value + Comfortable: ADO coaches (GL/Platino) with recliners and overnight schedules.
• Most Scenic/Flexible: Self-drive via Puebla and mountain passes—stop for roadside eats and viewpoints.
• Door-to-Door Ease: Private car/driver, especially with kids/elderly or multiple suitcases.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Peak/holiday demand: Book flights and ADO seats early—compare flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check coach times on ADO.
• Local rides: In CDMX and Oaxaca, Uber/DiDi work well for station/airport transfers. For fixed long-distance pricing, try GetTransfer.
• Luggage storage: Sightseeing pre-departure? Use Radical Storage Mexico City or Radical Storage Oaxaca.
• Tolls & mountain roads: Self-drivers should keep cash/card for tolls (peajes) and be cautious on curves; avoid night driving if tired.
• Tours & activities: Plan Oaxaca day trips (Monte Albán, mezcal, weaving villages) on GetYourGuide or Klook.

🚌 Option #1 — ADO Coach (Day/Night, Good Value)

Comfortable Frequent Budget-friendly

• Overview: Direct ADO, ADO GL, and ADO Platino buses connect Mexico City with Oaxaca City. Most departures leave from TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente); some from Terminal de Autobuses del Sur (Taxqueña). Reclining seats, A/C, toilets; Platino adds wider seats and fewer stops.
• How to book (with price): ~MXN 600–1,350 one-way depending on class/date. Reserve on the official site ADO or buy at the terminal (arrive early on holidays).
• Pros: City-center to city-center, runs day and overnight. Cons: Curvy sections may bother motion-sensitive travelers—bring meds.

Step-by-step: ADO Coach

1. Choose your terminal (TAPO is the main hub; Terminal Sur (Taxqueña) has select runs). Pick class: ADO (standard), GL (roomier), or Platino (premium).
2. Buy your ticket on ADO or at terminal counters; select a night departure if you want to sleep en route.
3. Get to the terminal by Metro/Uber/DiDi; arrive 30–45 minutes early to find your sala and platform (anden).
4. Board, keep your bag tag, and ride ~6.5–8.5 hours. In Oaxaca, you’ll arrive at ADO Oaxaca (Central de Autobuses) near downtown.
5. Continue 5–15 minutes by Uber/DiDi/taxi to your hotel around Centro/Macedonio Alcalá.

Getting to the main embarking points (TAPO / Terminal Sur / Oaxaca ADO)

• TAPO (CDMX): East of the center; Metro Line 1 (San Lázaro) or Uber/DiDi.
• Terminal Sur (Taxqueña, CDMX): Metro Line 2 to Taxqueña; short walk to long-distance gates.
• ADO Oaxaca (arrival): A few minutes by car to Centro; ATMs and taxis on site.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight (MEX/TLC → OAX) — Fastest

Fastest Many daily flights Airport transfers

• Overview: Nonstop flights connect Mexico City (MEX) and sometimes Toluca (TLC) to Oaxaca (OAX). OAX is ~10–25 minutes from Centro by taxi/Uber.
• How to book (with price): ~MXN 800–2,800 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Official airport info: AICM (MEX) and OAX.
• Pros: 75–85 minutes in the air; frequent departures. Cons: Security/boarding time; baggage fees on some fares.

Step-by-step: Flight MEX/TLC → OAX

1. Pick your airport: MEX (most flights) or TLC (handy for Toluca/West CDMX). Compare fares on Booking.com or Trip.com.
2. Reach the airport by Metrobus/Metro or Uber/DiDi; arrive 2 hours before departure for domestic flights.
3. Fly ~1h20. On landing at OAX, follow signs for taxis/Uber or arrange a hotel pickup.
4. Ride 10–25 minutes to Centro or your hotel; check in and explore the Zócalo by foot.

Getting to the main embarking points (MEX/TLC & OAX)

• MEX (CDMX): Metro/Metrobus reach Terminals 1–2; plentiful rideshare/taxis.
• TLC (Toluca): Best if staying in the west metro; check ground transport hours.
• OAX (Oaxaca): Fixed-rate taxis and rideshares; several ATMs inside.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive (Scenic & Flexible)

Freedom Scenic Tolls & curves

• Overview: Drive the toll highway via Puebla and mountainous sections to Oaxaca. Good pavement; some winding stretches approaching Oaxaca.
• How to book (with price): ~MXN 800–1,600/day for a compact + fuel/tolls. Compare agencies on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Leave when you like; stop in Puebla/Cholula for food and views. Cons: Tolls, parking in historic centers, curvy mountain driving—avoid when fatigued.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car at MEX or a CDMX downtown depot; confirm insurance and toll payment method (cash/card).
2. Set navigation to Oaxaca Centro with a stop in Puebla/Cholula if you want a break.
3. Follow toll roads toward Puebla, then continue south through mountain passes; plan fuel/snack stops every 2–3 hours.
4. Arrive and park at your hotel/garage; many Centro hotels offer valet or nearby lots.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Centro)

• CDMX pickups: Airport counters have long hours; downtown offices may close Sundays.
• In Oaxaca: Narrow one-way streets in Centro—use your hotel’s instructions for the garage/valet.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door)

Hassle-free Great with kids/gear Higher cost

• Overview: A driver picks you up at your hotel/apartment or at MEX/TLC and drives straight to your Oaxaca address with rest stops as needed.
• How to book (with price): ~MXN 7,500–14,000 per vehicle depending on size/date. Get fixed quotes on GetTransfer. For local airport/hotel legs in each city, use Uber/DiDi.
• Pros: No stations/airports; custom timing and stops. Cons: Cost vs. bus/flight; same road/traffic conditions as self-drive.

Step-by-step: Private Car/Driver

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and luggage count on GetTransfer.
2. Confirm what’s included (tolls, waiting time, child seats) and share your live location on pickup day.
3. Ride ~6.5–8 hours with planned rest/meal stops; arrive at your exact Oaxaca address.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)

• CDMX pickup: Any hotel/airport/home; drivers often monitor flights.
• Oaxaca drop: Centro/airport/hotel—your choice; confirm one-way vs. round-trip pricing.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Mexico City to Oaxaca)

Is the bus comfortable enough for overnight?
ADO GL/Platino have wide recliners, A/C, and fewer stops—popular with travelers who want to sleep and arrive early.

Which Mexico City bus terminal should I choose?
Most Oaxaca departures use TAPO; some leave from Terminal Sur (Taxqueña). Pick whichever is closer and matches your preferred class/time.

How far is Oaxaca airport from the center?
About 8–10 km; expect 10–25 minutes by taxi/Uber depending on traffic.

Is driving safe?
Highways are in good shape, with tolls and mountain curves. Avoid drowsy night driving; keep to daylight if you’re not used to mountain roads.

Where should I stay in Oaxaca?
Centro Histórico puts you near the Zócalo and Santo Domingo. Compare options on Booking.com (Oaxaca).

What about tours once I arrive?
Book Monte Albán, Hierve el Agua, and mezcal routes on GetYourGuide or Klook.