Mexico San Cristobal de las Casas

How to get fromOaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas

Looking for the best way to get from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas? This post provides you with detailed information on how to travel to San Cristobal de las Casas. We help you choose the right transport provider and show you where to book your tickets.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: October 12, 2024

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What to expect when visiting San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal de las Casas is Mexico’s magic town — a nickname it gained for its vibrant bohemian vibe. Its well-preserved, colourful colonial houses give you the feeling of stepping back in time. There’s also a remarkable cultural and artisan scene that’s worth discovering.

Check out the artisan market for some of the most exquisite handmade textile and jewellery and the municipal market for unique flavours. Finish your days in one of the many bars and restaurants that line almost every street. One not-to-miss restaurant in San Cristobal de las Casas is La Vina de Bacco where you can get wine for under $1 plus free tapas!

1 way to get from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas

The bus is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 597 kilometers (371 miles) from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas. The journey takes around 12 to 13 hours and costs start from 1,270 MXN ($63).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

12-13h

From 1,270 MXN ($63)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas at the bottom of this page.

Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas by Bus

Duration: 12-13h

Costs: 1,270 MXN ($63)

Duration: 12-13h

Costs: 1,270 MXN ($63)

Although it’s quite a long bus journey from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas, it’s worth noting that all buses operate overnight. You can still save your daytime for exploring and you can even save one night on accommodation.

A good tip when riding buses in Mexico is to always wear warm clothes. They like to have the air-conditioning on full for the whole journey, so the bus can get pretty chilly!

Step 1: Oaxaca City Centre to Bus Station

Duration: 10 minutes

Costs: 50 MXN ($2.50)

Duration: 10 minutes

Costs: 50 MXN ($2.50)

Buses to San Cristobal depart every evening from the ADO Bus Terminal in Oaxaca City (also called Oaxaca de Juárez). You can get there on foot if your accommodation is nearby.

A more convenient option though would be to take a short taxi ride, about 10 minutes from the tourist area, and costs around 50 MXN ($2.50).

Step 2: Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas by Bus

Duration: 11h 30m - 12h 30m

Costs: 1,170 MXN ($58)

Duration: 11h 30m - 12h 30m

Costs: 1,170 MXN ($58)

There are three bus trips available from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas every night.

OCC, a sub-branch of Mexico’s most popular bus company ADO, operates the buses for this route. All vehicles are first class and include air conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet.

During the journey, the bus will make a number of stops where you’ll be able to stretch your legs and go to the toilet.

You can get a bus ticket for 1,170 MXN ($58).

Oaxaca Bus Station

Standard

San Cristobal de las Casas Bus Station

19:00

11h 50m

06:50

21:00

11h 25m

08:25

22:30

12h 15m

10:45

ADO

1,170 MXN ($58)

Get Your Tickets

Puerto Escondido

First Class

San Cristobal de las Casas

19:00

12h10m

07:10

21:00

12h10m

09:10

22:30

12h30m

11:00

OCC

1,320 MXN ($65)

Get Your Tickets

Oaxaca Bus Station

Standard

San Cristobal de las Casas Bus Station

20:30

11h 30m

08:00

ADO GL

1,460 MXN ($73)

Get Your Tickets

If you want to be ensured a seat on your desired date and time, buy your tickets online beforehand.

If you’d rather buy tickets at the terminal, make sure to get there at least 30 minutes before departure time. If tickets are already sold out, then you’ll have to wait for the next trip.

Step 3: San Cristóbal de las Casas Bus Station to the City Centre

Duration: 10 minutes

Costs: 40 MXN ($2)

Duration: 10 minutes

Costs: 40 MXN ($2)

The bus will drop you off at the Main Bus Terminal in San Cristóbal de las Casas. This station is near the city centre and it takes only 10 minutes to walk to the main square.

If your accommodation is further away, or you just prefer not to walk, there are taxis available outside the bus terminal with rates starting from 40 MXN ($2).

Best places to stay in San Cristobal de las Casas

Hotel Bo - Treating Yourself

Many people say that Hotel Bo is ‘one of the best places they have ever stayed in’. You’re certainly treating yourself if you decide to stay here. Alongside the stunning flower-filled gardens ideal for relaxing in, there are modern and cosy rooms, a gym and onsite restaurant.

The hotel’s restaurant treats guests to upmarket Mexican cuisine and international dishes in an beautifully-designed environment. Their exceptional breakfast is the perfect way to set you up for a day of exploring San Cristobal. Trust us, you won’t want to leave once you arrive at Hotel Bo.

Stunning and relaxing garden
Exceptional restaurant
Onsite gym
Large and modern rooms

Double rooms start from $80 per night

Check Available Rooms

Casa Lum - Treating Yourself

You couldn’t be more at the heart of San Cristobal than at Casa Lum. The popular walking street filled with restaurants and bars are literally on your doorstep.

Contemporary style and colonial architecture coexist in harmony at Casa Lum. This is clearly exhibited throughout it’s 8 rooms and delicious restaurant. Another thing we love about this place, they’re also a social and environmentally sustainable hotel.

Onsite, highly rated restaurant
Excellent location
Socially and environmentally responsible ethos
A intricately designed city oasis

Double rooms start from $80 per night

Check Available Rooms

Sereno Art Hotel - Mid Range

This 4 star hotel really does feel like it was designed by artists, with it’s spectacular wall art and intricate details. The decor is an interesting blend of urban and rustic pieces.

The courtyard is truly stunning, with fairy lights creating the appearance of a starry night sky. Another star of the hotel is it’s restaurant. Their food can’t be raved about enough!

Delicious food served in their onsite restaurant
Creative and stunning decor
Great location
Cosy and large rooms

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

Check Available Rooms

Posada del Abuelito - Budget Friendly

Posada del Abuelito is a friendly and colourful hostel situated inside one of San Cristobal’s stunning colonial buildings. The heart of the hostel is the perfect place to chill, surrounded by plants and hammocks.

Their delicious complimentary breakfast sets you up perfectly for a day of exploring the city. The communal kitchen also means you can dabble in a bit of cooking yourself. The best part? The hosts do an excellent job of making everyone feel at home.

Homely atmosphere
Great location
Delicious breakfast included
Rooms are bright and spotless

Double rooms between $15-$40 per night

Check Available Rooms

Puerta Vieja Hostel - Budget Friendly

We’re not quite sure how Puerta Vieja Hostel makes money, but we’re definitely not complaining. For just $9, you get both breakfast and dinner included in the price. On top of that, they even offer a free burger and cocktail night every Friday!

There’s plenty to keep you occupied within the hostel too. There’s table tennis, a TV lounge and a large garden for chilling in. The hostel is also only seconds away from San Cristobal’s main square. It’s the best place to meet other travellers in San Cristobal.

Free breakfast and dinner
TV lounge and table tennis
Great atmosphere
Close to the main square

Dorm rooms from $9 per night, including breakfast and dinner

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas

What is the distance from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas?

The distance from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas is 597 kilometers (371 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas?

The fastest way to get from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas is by bus and takes 12 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas?

The cheapest way to get from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,270 MXN ($63).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas. 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!

About the author(s)

Ela

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.

Maarten

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.

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