This is probably the #1 question I get about the Oaxaca coast – how do you get there? So I want to put together the best info I’ve gathered over the last few years about how to get to Puerto Escondido. This will mainly focus on the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, but I’ll also mention how to get here from Mexico City too.
After many visits to the coast, I’ve been on the couple different overland routes, and flown in/out of Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. I’ll detail all these options below. There isn’t a lot of information about how to get to Puerto Escondido so hopefully this will help!
Btw, this info also works on the reverse route – Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca.
Love Mexican food? Join our Oaxaca retreat + food experience – Milpa + Mesa below.
If you aren’t sure where you want to stay on the coast yet, check out my Oaxaca coast guide for the best beaches in Oaxaca based on your travel style.
You can also check out my full guide of Puerto Escondido for the best things to do, eat, and where to stay.
And lots more links to other Oaxaca coast blog posts at the end of this post.
Find Your Puerto Escondido Airbnb or Hotel:
How to Get to Puerto Escondido: Method 1
Overland – Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
I have done this route many times. Here are two things to keep in mind:
- The drive is very, very windy. There is no direct highway, only curvy mountain roads that wind up and down switchbacks for 7 hours. If you are prone to car sickness, or think that sounds too uncomfortable, you’ll want to fly instead. It might be a good idea to bring dramamine.
- There is the possibility of running into a bloqueo. A bloqueo is a road blockade that happens pretty often in Oaxaca state when locals are protesting. This means that cars, busses, shuttles, etc won’t be able to get through until the blockade lets up. There is no real way to predict these, and no way to tell how long they last. I, unfortunately, got stuck in a pretty tough one on this route a couple of years ago. I ended up having to stay the night, walk a really long way with my baggage, and feel confused and frustrated when I couldn’t get info about what I should do. It’s not likely that this will happen, but it’s a possibility. From my experience, blockades tend to be at their height around May, but could happen any time of year.
If you aren’t bothered by the two things above – congrats, you are an adventurous traveler! For me, I really don’t mind this route – it’s very affordable, and has been my go to for how to get to Puerto Escondido for the last few years.
How to Get to Puerto Escondido Overland –
There are many shuttle companies that do this Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido route. Most are 12-15 passenger vans. My favorite company I’ve found drives sprinters, and I find them to be a little bit more comfortable. This company has always been reliable for me, and I think the drivers are good (which really makes all the difference in comfort).
Service Express
Arista 116
You can see a photo of their schedule and costs below as of January 2019. Current cost is 235MXN from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. This is subject to change, of course. If you are traveling during a busy time, I’d recommend going to the station at least the day before to buy your ticket from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. You can also choose your seat, and sitting near the front is usually much more comfortable!
This will drop you off at the Terminal Turistica Municipal bus station in Puerto Escondido where you can catch a taxi to your hotel.
Total Trip Length: approximately 7:30 hours, though this varies.
Long Bus Ride – Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
One other overland option from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is the much longer ADO bus. This takes a longer route around the mountains, so avoids the switch backs, but takes 10-12 hours. This isn’t my go-to choice, but if you don’t mind a very long bus ride, you can check the schedule and prices here.
Total Trip Length: 10-12 hours
How to Get to Puerto Escondido: Method 2
Flight – Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
There are two small airlines, AeroTucan and AeroVega that make this route that lasts about 30-35 minutes.
AeroTucan actually has a website where you can search and book tickets.
Prices are currently around 2550MXN one way. This will vary depending on season and day. You can book and pay online.
I took an AeroTucan flight from Oaxaca city to Huatulco, but this is the same plane and very similar flight that they run into Puerto Escondido.
Keep in mind that these are very small planes with one pilot and a single propeller. You should be comfortable with this type of travel.
The views from the windows are absolutely spectacular and you arrive to the coast very quickly.
If you want more details about this flight, I found this blog post helpful with first hand experience and photos. (Note: the AeroTucan website has been updated and you can book online now)
AeroVega:
AeroVega is an even smaller plane, and a small business run by the pilot himself. You can make a reservation by calling or messaging below and paying him in cash. He speaks English.
At the time of this blog in March 2019, he is charging 2100MXN one way.
You can call or send a Whatsapp message: +529545880062
I found this blog post super helpful for info about the flight and pictures. I also contacted the airline to double check current prices and contact info.
If you have any questions or doubts about this Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight, you could pop into any travel agency in Oaxaca city to ask questions, or ask your hotel/host to make the phone call for you.
Total Trip Length door to door: about 1 hour
How to Get to Puerto Escondido from Mexico City
https://fave.co/2Ywp5YRThis is a very easy option if you are starting your trip in Mexico City – you have many low-cost domestic carriers to choose from, as well as Aeromexico.
Low-cost Domestic Airlines from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido:
Find your flight deal to Puerto Escondido below:
If you book ahead you can often find great deals.
Total Trip Length: about 1 1/2 hours.
More Oaxaca Coast Guides:
Complete Oaxaca beach guide, choose the best beach for your travel style.
Transportation:
How to Get to Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Zipolite from Oaxaca.
How to Get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte/San Agustinillo.
Hotels + Airbnbs:
Boutique Hotel in San Agustinillo.
Hotel and Beach Club in Puerto Escondido.
Design Lover’s Airbnb in Punta Pajaros, near Casa Wabi.
Oaxaca city:
And tons of Oaxaca city posts here.
Find Your Puerto Escondido Airbnb or Hotel:
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Jayme
This is very helpful so thank you. The direct flights to Puerto Escondido are quite expensive so driving does seem like a good alternative.
Would you suggest renting a car? If so is there a drop off rental location in Puerto Escondido?
Gracias!
Susan
So sorry, never saw this notification. Flight prices fluctuate throughout the year and based on holidays. You can rent a car, but I don’t believe there is a one-way drop off option as there aren’t any big rental chains on the coast that I know of. You would likely need to drive the car round trip.