Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
Leaving from...
Going to...
What to expect when visiting 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. Many experienced surfers flock to Zicatela Beach, and 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 coastal town’s welcoming bohemian vibe 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 Puerto Escondido!
3 ways to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
There are three ways to travel the distance of 256 km (159 miles) from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: by bus (10h 25m - 10h 35m), colectivo (7 hours) and flight (1 hour 10 minutes). The journey takes between 1h 10m - 10h 35m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 250 MXN ($15.10) for the colectivo.Where to stay in Puerto Escondido?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Puerto Escondido at the bottom of this page.
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 2 most popular are Villa del Pacifico and Service Express. These 2 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 ($15.10) 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 ($3).
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 ($39), 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 ($3).
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.
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, 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 ($15.10).
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 2,500 MXN ($150).
Booking with Aerotucan
Aerotucan offers 1 departure a day, usually in the mornings, and it costs around 3,300 MXN ($200). 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 aerovegapto@hotmail.com or message them on WhatsApp +529545880062. The pilot speaks English, and his rates are often cheaper than Aerotucan, starting from around 2,500 MXN ($150).
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 ($3).
Our favourite places to stay in Puerto Escondido
Villas Carrizalillo - Treating Yourself
Villas Carrizalillo are the epitome of luxury. Every detail of this hotel – from the pool to the rooms – will make you want to say wow. The hotel views should be enough to convince you to stay here. It 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. It’s one of the most popular hotels in Puerto Escondido, so make sure to book in advance.
- Some of the best views in Puerto Escondido
- Private staircase to Playa Carrizalillo
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $90 per night
Casa de Olas Boutique Hotel - Mid Range
Casa de Olas is one of those hotels you see on Instagram and instantly want to stay in. It’s stunning and has all the facilities you could ever need — a dreamy swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts, bar and tropical gardens.
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.
- Relaxing swimming pool
- Bicycles for rent
- Fitness centre and tennis courts
- Incredible breakfast included
Double rooms between $50-$90 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 friendly community amongst the guests, something often lacking in hotels.
If you are not here to work, you can spend the day lounging around the pool 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. You’ll never want to leave this place!
- Refreshing swimming pool
- Co-working space
- Communal kitchen
- Close to bars, restaurants and Carrizalillo beach
Double rooms between $50-$90 per night
Casa de la Gente Nube - Budget Friendly
Casa de la Gente Nube is only a 5 minute walk from the beach. It’s so close, you can see it from your private balcony! And if you are very lucky, you can even see whales whilst eating your breakfast on the balcony during Puerto Escondido’s whale season (Dec-Feb).
Every room is spacious and brightly coloured, perfectly matching Puerto Escondido’s vibrant vibe. The hosts will start your day right with their friendly smiles and delicious breakfast. Puerto Escondido accommodation isn’t the cheapest, so Casa de la Gente Nube is a real steal.
- Incredible sea views
- 5 minutes from Zicatela beach
- Friendly and welcoming hosts
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms between $15-$50 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
What is the distance from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
The distance from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is 256 km (159 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
The fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is by flight and takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
The cheapest way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is by colectivo with ticket costs starting from 250 MXN ($15.10).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. 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!
Puerto Escondido Travel Guides
The Ultimate Puerto Escondido Travel Guide
14 Best Things to do in Puerto Escondido
Routes from Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas
Puerto Escondido to Mexico City
Most popular routes in Mexico
Cancun to Chichen Itza (and back)
Was this post helpful?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 4.9 / 5. Vote count: 9
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post didn't meet your expectations.
Your feedback is very valueable to us
What was missing in this post? (TIP: If you want us to reply to your feedback, you can leave your email in this text box.)
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.
- Explore more
- Puerto Escondido travel guides
- Routes from Puerto Escondido
- Most popular routes in Mexico