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How to get from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is fast becoming a favourite destination along Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Why? It boasts a bohemian vibe and one of the longest continuous surf breaks in the world.
Whether you’re an experienced surfer or have never ridden a wave in your life, there’s a range of beaches to suit all skill sets. If surfing isn’t your thing, you can just relax on one of the stunning beaches, go kayaking or snorkelling.
The beach isn’t the only place to spend your time, there are several excursions available to mangrove forests and coffee farms that are scattered in the surrounding areas.
The town alone is a wonderful place to spend the day, hopping between the many great restaurants where you can try authentic local dishes or a variety of international cuisine. Puerto Escondido does have something to offer for everyone, from backpackers to couples on their honeymoon.
New to Puerto Escondido? Check out this compact Puerto Escondido guide to show you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Puerto Escondido!
2 ways to get from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
The best way to travel the 1,620km (1,006 miles) from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido is via a 2-hour flight with rates from 824 MXN ($38.50), already including airport transfers. The only alternative is an 18.5-hour bus ride, which costs 1,686 MXN ($81).
Taking a direct flight is hands down the best way to get from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido. The flight itself takes only a little over an hour, although you’ll need an additional 45 minutes or so to get to and from the airports.
Instinctively, we assume that flying will be much more expensive than the bus. However, if you book in advance, or you’re just lucky, you can often find direct flights at much cheaper rates than the bus.
The only thing to consider if you do decide to fly is to include a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
The other option to get from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido is the bus, however, 18.5 hours on a direct bus may be too long even for the most experienced of travellers. So unless there’s a specific reason why you want to take the bus, we recommend flying.
It’s also good to know that the road gets bumpy and windy after passing Oaxaca, so the ride can become unpleasant. It’s hard enough to get some sleep on a night bus, but coupled with these roads it verges on impossible.
PRO-TIP: If you prefer to travel overland, you can also split the journey by making a stop in Oaxaca. The city is certainly worth a visit and the journey from Mexico City to Oaxaca takes about 7 hours by bus. From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido takes another 7 hours by colectivo.
Itinerary from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
Flight
- Mexico City
- 45 minutes
- Mexico City Airport
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Puerto Escondido Airport
- 5 to 15 minutes
- P Escondido City Centre
Bus
- Mexico City
- 15 to 30 minutes
- Mexico City Bus Terminal
- 18 hours
- P Escondido Bus Terminal
- 5 minutes
- P Escondido City Centre
Mexico City to Puerto Escondido by Flight
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: From 824 MXN ($38.50)
Taking a flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido is a no-brainer. Total travel time when taking a flight is only around 2 hours, and that’s already including airport transfers. Also, if you book early, airfares are often less than half the cost of a bus ticket.
Step 1: City Centre to Mexico City Airport
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: 30 MXN ($1.50)
Mexico City Airport, or Benito Juarez International Airport, is easily accessible with public transportation, as well as with taxi or Uber. There are 4 ways you can get to the airport from the city centre: a 45-minute Metrobus, a 25-minute taxi/Uber, a 30-minute shared minivan, or a 50-minute Metro.
If you are staying in the city centre, line #4 on the Metrobus offers a good combination of budget and convenience. The closest station to the main square is called Republica de Argentina. A ticket to get to the airport costs 30 MXN ($1.50) and the bus stops in both Terminal 1 and 2 of the airport.
If you prefer a little more comfort, you can use Uber/taxi. Rates from the city centre to the airport start from 80 MXN ($4).
For more info on other transport options, check out our guide for Mexico City Airport.
Step 2: Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cost: 744 MXN ($35)
Flights from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido depart about 9x a day and flight time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Four airlines fly daily for this route: Aeromar, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and Aero Mexico. All of these airlines provide good quality service.
The most popular carrier is Aeromar, but you can find good deals with the other three airlines as well. To get the best rates it’s better to plan ahead and book some weeks in advance.
Step 3: Puerto Escondido Airport to the City Centre
Duration: 5 – 15 minutes
Cost: From 50 MXN ($2.40)
Puerto Escondido’s Airport is located within the city, just 5 minutes by car from the beach area and the town’s centre.
If your accommodation is nearby you can consider walking, but the best option may be to take a taxi right from outside Puerto Escondido Airport. Rates start from 50 MXN ($2.40), but increase depending on the distance.
Mexico City to Puerto Escondido by Bus
Duration: 18.5 hours
Cost: 1,686 MXN ($81)
Taking a bus from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido doesn’t make a lot of sense. Travel time takes about 18.5 hours and fares are double that of a direct flight, which takes just about 2 hours.
But if you prefer travelling by land, we highly recommend bringing a lot of water, some snacks as well as a good book or a fun playlist to make the journey more pleasant.
Step 1: Getting to the bus station in Mexico City
Duration: 15 – 30 minutes
Cost: From 6 MXN ($0.30)
There are a number of different bus terminals in Mexico City, but to travel to Puerto Escondido, you will be departing from Terminal de Autobuses de Oriente. Commonly known as TAPO, this bus station is located 6km east of downtown Mexico City. You can easily access it by public transport or taxi/Uber.
With public transport, you can choose to take either the Metrobus or the Metro for just 6 MXN ($0.30).
Not sure about the difference? The Metro is a train that goes underground, whilst the Metrobus is a big bus that has its own lane on the roads and has set stops so it’s normally faster than regular buses. To decide which one is best, check whether your accommodation is near a Metrobus stop or a Metro station.
To get to TAPO Station by Metro, you need to use line #1. If you’re using the Metrobus, you’ll need to use bus line #4, which comes from the city centre. In both cases, you’ll need to get off at San Lazaro Station.
If you don’t want the hassle of finding your way to bus and train stations, then you might be better off taking a taxi or Uber for around 80 MXN ($4).
Step 2: Mexico City to Puerto Escondido by Bus
Duration: 18 hours
Cost: 1,630 MXN ($78)
The bus company operating from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido is OCC, a sub-branch of Mexico’s largest bus company ADO. It offers first-class buses with AC, reclining seats and a toilet.
Buses depart every afternoon at 17:45 and arrive the next morning around 11:45. You can get bus tickets for 1,630 MXN ($78).
Bus schedule from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido
| Bus Operator | Schedules | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCC | 17:45 – 11:45 (next day) | 18 hours | 1,630 MXN ($78) |
As there is only one bus trip available daily, it’s best to book your ride online beforehand. We recommend doing so via BookAway as it doesn’t add hidden charges, which is what often happens on other booking platforms.
Check Bus Tickets with BookAway
Step 3: Puerto Escondido Bus Terminal to the City Centre
Duration: 5 minutes
Cost: From 50 MXN ($2.40)
When you arrive in Puerto Escondido, the bus will drop you off at ADO’s bus terminal, which is very close to the city centre and just a couple of blocks from the main beach.
We recommend checking if your accommodation is nearby, as many of them are located within walking distance to the bus station.
If it’s not close, the most convenient option is to take a taxi from right outside of the bus terminal. The rate will depend on the distance but starts at around 50 MXN ($2.40).
Our favourite places to stay in Puerto Escondido
Villas Carrizalillo - Treating yourself
Villas Carrizalillo are the epitome of luxury. Each detail of the hotel - from the pool to the rooms - will make you want to say wow. The hotel views should be enough to convince anyone to stay here. The hotel overlooks one of the best beaches in the whole of Mexico! You even have your own private staircase down to Playa Carrizalillo.
All of the rooms are spacious, beautifully decorated and clean, with most of them offering balconies. You’ll also receive a delicious continental breakfast every morning and can enjoy the excellent food prepared in the hotel's restaurant at night.
- Some of the best views in Puerto Escondido
- Very close to Playa Carrizalillo
- Outdoor swimming pool
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel - Mid Range
Casa de Olas is one of those hotels you see on Instagram and you would instantly love to stay. It’s aesthetically beautiful and has all the facilities you could need, a pool, fitness centre, bar and garden.
There’s so many peaceful spots to just hang out in, that you’ll leave the hotel completely relaxed and rejuvenated. It’s the little touches that make this place special like the yoga classes, free breakfast and friendly staff. The rooms are spacious, modern and all include a private bathroom.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bicycles for rent
- Good working spaces
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Casa Losodeli & Coworking - Mid Range
Whether you’re a digital nomad or not, Casa Losodeli is a great choice in Puerto Escondido. It’s a beautiful hostel that creates a welcoming community feel amongst the guests, something often lacking in hotels.
If you are not here to work, you can spend the day lounging around the pool in the shade below one of the many mango trees. Casa Losodeli also has a well-equipped communal kitchen, although there are plenty of restaurants and bars only steps away. If you’ve seen what’s on offer you may not want to cook anymore...
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Co-working space
- Communal kitchen
- Close to bars, restaurants and Carrizalillo beach
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Casa de la Gente Nube - Budget Friendly
Casa de la Gente Nube is only a 5 minute walk from the sea. You can even see it from your balcony! And if you are very lucky, you can even see whales whilst eating your breakfast from the balcony during Puerto Escondido’s whale season (Dec-Feb).
Each room is open and brightly coloured, perfectly matching Puerto Escondido’s vibrant vibe. The hosts will deliver you a great start of the day with their friendly smiles and delicious breakfast. Puerto Escondido accommodation isn’t the cheapest, so Casa de la Gente Nube is a real steal.
- Great sea view
- 5 minutes from Zicatela beach
- Friendly and welcoming hosts
- Clean and bright rooms with private bathrooms
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
