What to expect when visiting Mexico City
Mexico City is a destination that will keep any type of traveller entertained for days on end. Interesting history, rich culture, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife are just a few of the many things Mexico City has to offer.
A fun fact, with over 150 museums, Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world. When you’re museumed-out, there are plenty of other things to do in Mexico City. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore Frida Kahlo’s house, or take a boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco.
3 ways to get from Oaxaca to Mexico City
There are 3 ways to travel the distance of 462 kilometers (287 miles) from Oaxaca to Mexico City by bus (6 hours 55 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes), private Transport (6 hours to 6 hours 30 minutes) and flight (2 hours 10 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 2 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €18.80 for the bus.Where to stay in Mexico City?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Mexico City at the bottom of this page.
Oaxaca to Mexico City by Bus
There are several buses departing every day from Oaxaca to Mexico City, with the journey taking 6 hours 55 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes. The good thing is that most of these are overnight buses, which means you’ll get to save day time as well as one night on accommodation.
Step 1: Getting to the bus station in Oaxaca
Different bus companies have varying departure points in Oaxaca. So it’s important to know beforehand which bus company you’re travelling with.
- ADO, ADO GL and ADO Platino depart from Central de Autobuses de Oaxaca in the city centre.
- AU has 2 departure points. One is Terminal Periferico, which is also located near the tourist area.
- The other AU bus station is at Terminal Santa Rosa, situated some 5 km northwest of the city centre.
The best way to get to any of the 3 bus stations is to take a taxi. Rates start from 50 MXN (€2.40). If you’re staying close to Terminal Periférico, you’ll be able to walk because it’s just 15 minutes from Oaxaca’s main square.
Step 2: Oaxaca to Mexico City
The main company covering the Oaxaca-Mexico City route is Mexico’s most popular bus company, ADO. It offers good service and comfortable bus trips. Besides the main ADO buses, some of ADO’s sub-branches also operate on this route, including:
- AU – the cheapest option, basic and doesn’t have a toilet on board.
- ADO GL – an upgraded version of the basic ADO buses.
- ADO Platino – a luxury bus offering comfortable seats, individual screens, snacks and Wi-Fi. It’s the most expensive, but it also gets good reviews.
All of these buses come with AC and comfy seats. The ADO GL and ADO Platino buses offer additional perks like separate toilets for men and women, coffee onboard and charging ports.
Another bus operator available is Dolphins Autobuses, which offers competitive rates and could be an alternative to ADO depending on your preferred travel time and distance from your hotel (as they depart from a different station).
There are a good number of bus trips you can choose from daily so you can be flexible with your schedule. Bus ticket prices from Oaxaca to Mexico City start from €16.10 and travel time is more or less 6h 30m - 7h 45m.
We highly recommend booking your ticket at least a day before for guaranteed seats on your target travel dates — especially if you’re travelling around big holidays like Christmas, Easter and the Day of the Dead.
If you prefer to buy tickets at the bus station, try your best to get there around 30 minutes prior to your desired travel time. Otherwise, tickets may be sold out and you’ll have to wait for the next trip.
Step 3: Mexico City Bus Terminal to the City Centre
In Mexico City, you’ll be dropped off at Terminal de Autobuses de Oriente or TAPO. It’s located about 10 km east of downtown Mexico City, between the city centre and the airport.
The great thing about this bus station is that it’s the closest to the city centre and the 20-minute taxi/Uber ride costs only around 70 MXN (€3.30).
You can also get to the city centre by Metrobus for just 6 MXN (€0.30). You’ll need to board the Metrobus at San Lazaro Station, right in front of TAPO Bus Terminal. Take line #4 and you’ll reach the city centre in about 20 minutes.
We highly recommend booking your ticket at least a day before for guaranteed seats on your target travel dates — especially if you’re travelling around big holidays like Christmas, Easter and the Day of the Dead.
If you prefer to buy tickets at the bus station, try your best to get there around 30 minutes prior to your desired travel time. Otherwise, tickets may be sold out and you’ll have to wait for the next trip.
Oaxaca to Mexico City by Flight
Taking a direct flight from Oaxaca to Mexico City is a lot quicker. Getting to the airport from Oaxaca city centre takes about 30 minutes, followed by the 1-hour flight to Mexico City, and then another 45 minutes from Mexico City Airport to the centre. Total travel time is around 2 hours 10 minutes.
If you’re worried about the cost, taking a flight between the two cities is also not that more expensive than the bus when you book your tickets early.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: City Centre to Oaxaca Airport
All flights from Oaxaca to Mexico City depart from Oaxaca International Airport, located about 8 km south of the city. It takes around 25 minutes to get there by car.
The fastest and most comfortable option is to take a taxi for around 250 MXN (€11.80).
Step 2: Oaxaca to Mexico City
Flights from Oaxaca to Mexico City are available daily from 06:40 to 20:00. Flight time is approximately 1 hour.
There are 3 airlines covering this route; AeroMexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris.
In terms of service, AeroMexico is a bigger airline and offers 3 or more departures a day with superior service, but this usually comes at a higher price. Viva Aerobus and Volaris offer only one departure a day each but are the most affordable options.
Keep in mind that the earlier you book your tickets, the higher the chance of getting a low price. Airfares generally start from 800 MXN (€38). Good deals await when you book early, though. Rates can go as low as 640 MXN (€30).
Step 3: Mexico City Airport to the City Centre
There are a few airports in Mexico City, but you will arrive at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), about 15 km east of the city centre. It’s easily accessible by many different public transport options: a 45-minute bus, a 25-minute taxi/Uber, a 30-minute shared minivan, and a 50-minute Metro.
The MetroBus offers the most value for money. Take line #4, which departs right outside of Terminals 1 and 2. The rate is just 30 MXN (€1.40) and it takes about 45 minutes to reach Republica de Argentina, the closest stop to the main square Zocalo.
The most convenient option is a 20-minute taxi or Uber. Taxis are prepaid via the taxi counter at the airport. Rates depend on your destination, but prices start from 300 MXN (€14.20). If you have internet access, Uber is a cheaper alternative with fares from 200 MXN (€9.40).
You can check our Mexico City Airport page for more detailed information on how to get to the city from the airport.
Oaxaca to Mexico City by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Oaxaca to Mexico City.
Rates start from €410 for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about €135 per person.
Travel time is around 6 hours to 6 hours 30 minutes.
Private Transport options from Oaxaca to Mexico City
Best places to stay in Mexico City
Casa Emilia - Treating Yourself
Staying at Casa Emilia will make you feel like you’re staying in a cosy jungle retreat, rather than in a massive metropolitan city. All of the spaces around the hotel are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury, which it certainly achieves. You can relax on the terrace, in access hall or in the hotel’s sunroom.
Two of our favourite experiences at the hotel are the delicious breakfast and the huge, comfy beds offering a great night’s sleep. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.
- Incredible breakfast
- Cosy jungle design
- Bike rental available
- Excellent location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Casa Pancha - Treating Yourself
Located in the neighbourhood of Condesa, Casa Pancha mirrors the atmosphere of the area. The hotel’s culture is certainly one of its selling points, offering simplicity, originality, community and connection.
With a mixture of dorms and private rooms, it’s an easy place to meet people whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel is bright and natural throughout, with both a backyard and a balcony area to relax in. The staff are super friendly here and their love for the hotel quickly spreads through the space.
- Dorms and private rooms available
- Private garden and balcony
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Stanza Hotel - Mid Range
If there’s any neighbourhood that you want to stay in Mexico City, La Roma should definitely be up there. And that’s where Stanza Hotel is located. It puts you close to the tree-lined streets that are brimming with hip cafes and bars.
The hotel rooms are clean and modern, offering everything that you could ask for. The beds are also huge and super comfy. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel one night for dinner, the onsite restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-Mexican fusion food.
- Great location
- Clean and modern rooms
- Onsite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant
- Helpful, English-speaking staff
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Casa Indigo - Budget Friendly
This place gets booked out fast (we’re talking months in advance)! The location is perfect and it’s super affordable. Casa Indigo is close to the historic centre, plus the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated.
The host, Salvador, will make your stay unforgettable with his friendliness and warm welcome. On top of all of that, you can enjoy a large roof terrace offering stunning views over Mexico City.
- Great location
- Huge roof terrace
- Friendly host
- Fully equipped kitchen
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Oaxaca to Mexico City
What are the top sights in Mexico City?
Mexico City is unlike many of the country’s popular destinations that are known for their beaches and turquoise waters. In Mexico’s vibrant capital, it’s all about history and culture.
The main square called Zocalo is on top of our list of sites to visit, along with the city’s many parks like Chapultepec (one of the largest in the whole country). For art and architecture, visit the Palace of Fine Arts. If you’re interested in ancient ruins, you will find the Teotihuacan archaeological complex just an hour away from the city.
What are the best things to do in Mexico City?
There are lots of things to do in Mexico City — whether you’re travelling with children or with your special someone.
Start it off with a walking tour around the historic centre. Some organisations even offer this for free (yes, no hidden fees at all)! Visit one (or more!) of its 150 museums. Take a boat tour on the canals of Xochimilco. And our favourite, go on a DIY taco tour! You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to taquerias in the city.
Got questions? Check out our guide for the 14 Best Things to do in Mexico City.
When is the best time to go to Mexico City?
The high season in Mexico City is from March to May — when the average temperature is (24°C) during the day and (7°C) at night. That’s great weather to comfortably walk around its busy streets. But that also means a great number of people will be exploring the city, too.
Hotels can get fully booked early. So book your accommodations well in advance.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Oaxaca to Mexico City. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
