Overview Compare Colectivo Bus Flight To Stay
How to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is fast becoming a well-known surfing location within Central America. Its famous Mexican Pipeline is one of the longest continuous surf breaks in the world.
Situated on the Pacific Coast of Oaxaca State, Puerto Escondido’s ocean offers some awesome waves for both experienced and beginner surfers. Whilst the most experienced surfers flock to Zicatela Beach, those still learning can spend their days trying to ride a wave at La Punta.
If surfing isn’t your thing, you can relax on the golden-sand beaches, soak up the vibrant nightlife or explore the surrounding areas. The welcoming bohemian vibe in Puerto Escondido will quickly make you forget about all your pre-holiday stress and live every day in the moment. Exactly the reason why it‘s so hard to leave this place.
New to Puerto Escondido? Our compact Puerto Escondido guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss and many more tips for your visit to Puerto Escondido!
3 ways to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
To cover the 256 km (159 miles) distance from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, you can take a 7-hour colectivo, a 10.5-hour bus, or a 1-hour-10-minute flight (including transfers). Rates range from 250 MXN ($14.00) to 2 MXN ($155.00).
Colectivos are the cheapest option and are slightly nippier than the bus along curvy and bumpy roads. This means that you’ll get to Puerto Escondido a bit faster than when taking the normal bus. However, the time you save does come with a small compromise. You’ll have less space in between seats and it may not work for you if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage.
A more comfortable alternative is to take a bus. The bus offers more legroom and avoids the smaller (and bumpy) roads. But that also means that the bus takes a longer route, so travel time can take up to 10.5 hours – 3.5 hours longer than taking a colectivo. On the plus side, all buses operate overnight, so you can save valuable daytime as well as a night on accommodation.
A flight from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is scenic but also quite expensive. You’ll get to enjoy some spectacular views of the mountains and beaches on the way, but you’ll have to splash a lot more cash, from 2 MXN ($155.00) per person (including transfers). That’s because only small planes cover this route, and they can carry only 6 to 15 passengers.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido by Colectivo
Colectivos are sprinter-type minivans that take the most direct route from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
This might sound like the best option, but keep in mind the Colectivos don’t take the regular route. Instead, you’ll be traversing winding roads that are also a bit bumpy.
If you are prone to motion sickness, it might be better to take the bus or at least take some medication before departure. Also, do note that Mexican bus drivers don’t seem to know what a speed limit is!
Which Colectivo company to travel with?
There are a number of Colectivo companies covering the route from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, but the two most popular are Villa del Pacífico and Service Express. These two Colectivo companies offer many departures throughout the day, once or twice every hour, meaning you won’t have to wait long for the next one or worry about tickets running out.
Unfortunately, there’s no option to book online. This means the only way to buy tickets for the Colectivo is from the ticket office at each bus stop. The average price is 250 MXN ($14.00) but can vary a bit depending on demand.
Colectivo schedules from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
During the ride, you will get at least one 30-minute stop to use the toilet and eat. Not only is this a good time to fill up your empty stomach, but also a great opportunity to stretch your legs!
Departure and arrival station
Both Villa del Pacífico and Service Express offer a similar standard of quality and each one has its own departure point in Oaxaca. Villa del Pacifico departs from Galeana St., while Service Express leave from their terminal along Calle de M. Arista. The two are about 1.5 km away from each other.
No matter which company you book with, the Colectivo will drop you off at the central bus station, also known as ‘Terminal TUR’ in Puerto Escondido. It’s pretty basic, so it’s unlikely you’ll find any authorised taxis waiting outside.
Fortunately, Terminal TUR is located close to the city centre and the main beach. This means you may be able to walk to your accommodation. If it’s too far, you can walk towards the ADO station, 100 meters down Avenida Costera road, and take a taxi from there. Taxi rates start at around 50 MXN ($2.80).
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido by Bus
Buses are more comfortable than the colectivo. Not only do the buses avoid bumpy roads, but they also have more space to stretch your legs as well as a toilet onboard.
The only disadvantage is that it’s going to be a long journey. Travel time by bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is around 10.5 hours. That’s 3.5 hours more than when you take a colectivo.
On the plus side, you’ll be travelling with OCC Bus, which offers first-class buses with AC and reclining seats at affordable rates. There are three overnight bus trips available daily and they arrive in Puerto Escondido the next morning. This means you can save some money on accommodation and spend your daytime on more important things.
A bus ticket costs 640 MXN ($36.00), but may be more expensive during the high season (December to April).
Bus schedule from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
For guaranteed seats on your desired date and time, we highly recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. If you prefer to buy tickets at the bus station, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses going from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido depart from the main bus station in Oaxaca. Depending on your hotel’s location in Oaxaca City, the bus terminal can be within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.
In Puerto Escondido, the bus will drop you off at ADO’s bus terminal near the city centre and just a couple of blocks from the main beach. You can walk to most accommodations. If yours is too far, the most convenient option is to take a taxi from right outside the bus station. Taxi rates start from 50 MXN ($2.80).
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido by Flight
Flying from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is the fastest option but also the most expensive. Also, note that big commercial airlines don’t operate direct flights for this route. Prepare to take a small plane operated by either Aerotucan or Aerovega.
We want to remind you that short-haul flights are more polluting for the environment than the bus or colectivo. If you choose to fly, consider making a compensation for the emissions.
Step 1: City Centre to Oaxaca Airport
All flights from Oaxaca to Mexico City depart from Oaxaca International Airport, which you can find about 8 km south of Oaxaca City. You can get there by taxi in around 25 minutes. Taxi fares start from 250 MXN ($14.00).
Step 2: Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido by Flight
Only small single-propeller planes fly direct from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. If you’re not comfortable with this type of aircraft, it’s better to look into the road options or make a layover.
Rates for one-way flights start from 2 MXN ($140.00).
Booking with Aerotucan
Aerotucan offers 1 departure a day, usually in the mornings, and it costs around 3 MXN ($185.00). You can buy tickets online through the Aerotucan website. You can also book directly at their ticket counter at Oaxaca City Airport, but we don’t recommend doing that on the same day of your trip because tickets are most probably sold out.
Booking with Aerovega
Online information about Aerovega is almost non-existent because it is a small airline. The pilot, Don Vega, does most of the duties including the booking. Although a small company, Aerovega and Don Vega get great reviews.
To check availability and prices, you’ll need to send an email to [email protected] or message them on WhatsApp +529545880062. The pilot speaks English, and his rates are often cheaper than Aerotucan, starting from around 2 MXN ($140.00).
Indirect option with a layover in Mexico City
Looking for a bigger aircraft? You can consider doing a layover in Mexico City, but this will make the flight duration to at least 6 hours, excluding airport transfers. If you want to look into this option, you can check flights on Skyscanner.
Step 3: Puerto Escondido Airport to City Centre
Puerto Escondido’s International 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 if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it’s best to take a taxi right from outside the airport. Rates start from 50 MXN ($2.80).
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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.
