How to get from Oaxaca to Mexico City

Why visit 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.

There are 3 ways to travel the 462 kilometers (287 miles) from Oaxaca to Mexico City. You can choose between the bus, private transport and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight with tickets starting at 2,480 MXN (€115).

Taking a direct flight from Oaxaca to Mexico City is the fastest option. 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.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

All flights from Oaxaca to Mexico City depart from Oaxaca International Airport, about 8 km south of the city.

The fastest and most comfortable option is to take a taxi for around 250 MXN (€11.40). Travel time is about 25 minutes.

Flights from Oaxaca to Mexico City are available daily from 05:50 to 19:00. Flight time is approximately 1 hour.

Three airlines cover this route: AeroMexico, Viva Aerobus and Volaris.

If you’re after comfort and flexibility, AeroMexico is your best bet. They’re a bigger airline, offering five or more departures a day and excellent service — but expect to pay a bit more.

If you’re watching your budget, Viva Aerobus and Volaris are great options. They each offer one direct flight daily and usually offer the lowest fares.

PRO TIP: The earlier you book, the better your chances of snagging a great deal! Airfares typically start at around 2,200 MXN (€100), but with early booking, prices can drop as low as 910 MXN (€42).

Your flight arrives at Benito Juarez Airport (MEX), about 10 km east of Mexico City. From here, you have two main options to reach your hotel: Metrobus or a private transfer.

We recommend taking the Metrobus because it’s both cheap and convenient. Take Line #4 and you can get straight to the city centre in around 45 minutes. If you’re aiming for Mexico City’s main square, commonly called Zocalo, then you can get off at the nearest bus stop, which is Republica de Argentina.

A Metrobus ticket costs 30 MXN (€1.40). You will find the buses at Entrance 7 of Terminal 1 and Entrance 2 of Terminal 2.

If you prefer a private ride, you can hail an Uber with rates from 110 MXN (€5), but note that they sometimes take a while to arrive. Alternatively, you can book your private transfer in advance — a 3-seater car costs 640 MXN (€29) on BookAway.

Why we don’t recommend taking the Metro from Mexico City Airport

Although the Metro is the cheapest option at 5 MXN (€0.20), it is not ideal if you have luggage. Large bags are not allowed, and the trains can get extremely crowded, especially during peak hours. Plus, no direct line goes to the city centre, so you may need to make multiple transfers.

You can check our Mexico City Airport page for a more detailed guide.

Several buses run daily on the Oaxaca to Mexico City route, with a travel time of around 7 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes.

If you’re looking to save a night on accommodation, you’ll find plenty of overnight bus options.

Different bus companies in Oaxaca have separate departure points, so it’s important to check where your bus leaves from before your trip.

• ADO, ADO GL and ADO Platino depart from Central de Autobuses de Oaxaca in the city centre.
• AU has two departure points:
  • Terminal Periferico, near the tourist area
  • Terminal Santa Rosa, about 5 km northwest of the city centre

The best way to reach any of these stations is by taxi, with fares starting from 50 MXN (€2.30). If you’re staying near Terminal Periférico, you can walk — it’s just a 15-minute stroll from Oaxaca’s main square.

The main bus company for the Oaxaca–Mexico City route is ADO, Mexico’s most popular bus operator. They offer reliable service and comfortable buses. Aside from their standard ADO buses, ADO’s sub-brands also operate on this route:

• AU – the cheapest option, but basic and doesn’t have a toilet on board.
• ADO GL – a step up from the standard 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. ADO GL and ADO Platino offer extra perks like separate toilets for men and women, coffee onboard and charging ports.

With multiple departures daily, you have the flexibility to choose a schedule that suits you. Bus ticket prices from Oaxaca to Mexico City start from and travel time is around 6h 40m - 7h 50m.

In Mexico City, buses arrive at Terminal de Autobuses de Oriente or TAPO. It’s about 6 km east of downtown Mexico City, between the city centre and the airport.

For a cheap and easy option, take the Metrobus for 6 MXN (€0.30). Board at San Lazaro Station, right in front of TAPO. Take Line #4 and you’ll reach the city centre in about 20 minutes.

The Metro is also a good choice if you’re travelling light. Take Metro Line #1 from Metro San Lazaro to the city centre. A ticket costs 5 MXN (€0.20).

If you’re travelling at night or with lots of luggage, an Uber takes 15-20 minutes, with fares from 120 MXN (€5.50).

A private transfer from Oaxaca to Mexico City is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 6 hours to 6 hours 30 minutes, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Prices for private transfer start at for a 3-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each.

Private Transport options from Oaxaca to Mexico City