Mexico San Cristobal de las Casas

How to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas

Travel the 619 kilometres (385 miles) distance from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas with the best transport options available. We’ll guide you through the duration, cost, and comfort of each option — and show you where to book your tickets.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: April 20, 2025

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Why visit 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!

How to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas?

The bus is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 619 kilometres (385 miles) from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas. The journey takes around 13 to 14 hours, and ticket prices start from 1,180 MXN ($64).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

13-14h

From 1,180 MXN ($64)

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.

Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas by Bus

Duration: 13-14h

Costs: 1,180 MXN ($64)

Duration: 13-14h

Costs: 1,180 MXN ($64)

Most buses from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas travel overnight, so even though the trip takes 13 to 14 hours, you won’t lose much daytime. Plus, you’ll save a night on accommodation.

Two bus companies operate on this route: OCC and ADO GL.

ADO GL is the more premium option, offering spacious seats, extra legroom, individual reading lights, and separate toilets for men and women. You’ll also get a complimentary drink when you board.

OCC, a sub-brand of ADO, provides a simpler service. Buses come with air conditioning, reclining seats and a standard onboard restroom.

Since it’s a long journey, the bus will make a few stops for food and bathroom breaks. That means you can stretch your legs every few hours (if you’re not asleep).

We recommend taking the ADO GL bus — the extra comfort is well worth the price.

Departure and arrival stations

In Puerto Escondido, buses depart from ADO Bus Terminal, just a few blocks from the main beach and the city centre. You can get there on foot or by taxi.

Buses will drop you off at Terminal San Cristobal de las Casas, close to the city centre. From here, it takes around 15 minutes to walk to the main square.

If your accommodation is further away, there are taxis available outside the bus terminal with rates from 40 MXN ($2.20).

Bus Schedule from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas

Puerto Escondido Bus Station

Standard

San Cristobal de las Casas Bus Station

11:30

13h 55m

01:25

20:00

13h 45m

09:45

21:30

13h 45m

11:15

OCC

1,180 MXN ($64)

Get Your Tickets

Puerto Escondido Bus Station

Standard

San Cristobal de las Casas Bus Station

18:30

12h 45m

07:15

ADO GL

1,410 MXN ($76)

Get Your Tickets

Since departures are limited, it is best to book your tickets in advance. Bus fares from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas start from 1,180 MXN ($64).

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

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Puerto Escondido 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!

Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas

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

The distance from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas is 619 kilometres (385 miles).

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

The fastest way to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas is by bus and takes 13 hours.

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

The cheapest way to get from Puerto Escondido to San Cristobal de las Casas is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,180 MXN ($64).

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.