How to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
Before you travel to Oaxaca, it’s important to get to grips with how to say it. It’s pronounced as wah-hah-kah.
Oaxaca is a beautiful colonial city located in the Mexican state of the same name, Oaxaca. It’s famous for its interesting cultural blend and architecture, but even more so for its incredible food scene.
One dish you definitely have to try is Mole. It’s a stew-like dish made with Mexican chillies, spices, and the secret ingredient, chocolate. Mezcal is also a popular drink here, similar to Tequila and perfect to wash down your Mole!
Also called Oaxaca de Juárez, this city boasts of textile traditions that involve weaving and embroidery. It’s also a great gateway point for a day trip to Monte Alban Archaeological Ruins, Hierve el Agua Waterfalls, and the Tule Tree, one of the oldest trees in the world.
New to Oaxaca? Our compact Oaxaca guide shows you the best areas to stay, restaurants you don’t want to miss, and many more tips for your visit to Oaxaca!
2 ways to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
The best way to travel the 597 km (370 miles) from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca is a 13-hour bus with rates from 1,210 MXN ($64). Alternatively, you can take an indirect flight that costs around 3,080 MXN ($160).
As far as land transportation goes, the bus is the only feasible option. You can maybe find a taxi or private transfer to take you up for a long ride. However, given the distance, fares will surely be quite expensive.
Why we don’t recommend taking a flight from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
You may be wondering if there are any flights available. Technically, there is, but it won’t be a direct flight from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca.
As San Cristobal de las Casas doesn’t have its own airport, you’ll first have to take a 1.5-hour minivan to Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport. This is the nearest airport where you can catch a flight to Oaxaca. The minivan ride costs around 930 MXN ($49).
The flight takes around 4 hours with fares from 2,150 MXN ($110). With the bus fare, combined costs start from 3,080 MXN ($160). This is about thrice the total cost of the direct bus from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca.
Concluding, with a flight, you’ll have to spend much more money for an indirect route. The travel time would be around 5.5 hours, but this does not include yet the transfer time and waiting time at the airport.
Although 5.5 hours is still shorter than a 13-hour bus journey, you have to count up the extra transfer time. Due to these transfers, you won’t get much rest for the entire journey and that’s why we don’t think it’s worth the extra hassle and money compared to the direct bus.
Itinerary from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
Bus
- San Cristobal de las Casas City Centre
- 10 minutes
- San Cristobal Bus Terminal
- 12.5 hours
- Oaxaca Bus Terminal
- 10 minutes
- Oaxaca City Centre
San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca by Bus
Taking the bus from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca is a long journey, but it isn’t that bad when you travel overnight. With the night bus, you’ll still get to use your daytime for exploring, and you can save a night on accommodation.
Step 1: San Cristobal City Centre to Bus Terminal
Buses from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca depart from ADO Express Bus Terminal. This terminal is a 5-minute walk from Plaza 31 de Marzo in the city centre.
If your hotel is located a bit farther away, you can take a 10-minute taxi with rates from 40 MXN ($2.10).
Step 2: San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca by Bus
There are two bus companies that operate the San Cristobal to Oaxaca route. ADO, Mexico’s leading bus company, offers one trip every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday. Meanwhile, its sub-branch OCC has multiple daily trips.
The journey from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca takes more or less 12.5 hours by bus. Ticket prices start from 1,120 MXN ($59).
Since this is a long-distance bus ride, we suggest taking any of the night trips. This way, you’ll save a night on accommodation and arrive at Oaxaca in the morning, ready for the day ahead!
All buses are first class and include AC, reclining seats, and a toilet. There will also be a few stops along the way to allow you to use the toilet and stretch your legs.
Bus schedules from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
Tickets are available at the bus station, so you’ll want to get there at least 30 minutes before the bus departure. If tickets are already sold out for your desired time, you’ll have to wait for the next trip.
For this route, we suggest booking your tickets online in advance via BookAway to secure your seat.
Step 3: Oaxaca Bus Terminal to City Centre
You will be dropped off at the main station, Central de Autobuses de Oaxaca, about 1 km north of the city centre.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a 20-minute walk to the city centre. An alternative is a 10-minute taxi with fares from 50 MXN ($2.60). You can easily find a taxi right outside the bus terminal.
Our favourite places to stay in Oaxaca City
Ayook - Treating yourself
Located within the stunning historic centre, Ayook is housed within the remnants of an 18th century house, but with a modern twist. It’s interior boasts a warm and cosy feel, thanks to the impressive wooden features and perfectly placed lighting. After just a glimpse at the hotel’s pictures, you’re guaranteed to want to stay here! You’ll feel like you’re staying in the height of luxury, without paying the price for it. The granduer continues with the à la carte breakfast served every morning. The beds are huge, with memory foam pillows, perfect for starfishing all night long.
- Delicious à la carte breakfast
- Traditional Oaxacan-style interior
- Great location
- Private patio with every room
Double rooms start from $80 per night
La Casa Carlota - Treating yourself
Set within a historical colonial building, the La Casa Carlota's interior and design creates a unique blend of the new and the old. The large roof terrace gives you the chance to sit back and admire the beauty of Oaxaca. From here you can see all of the best sites in Oaxaca as they're only a few minutes walk from the hotel.
At the heart of the hotel is an open courtyard. The perfect place to enjoy your complimentary breakfast each morning before adventuring through the city. An added bonus, all of the rooms have their own patio, offering you some privacy and a personal place to relax.
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Large roof terrace
- Private patio with every room
- Amazing breakfast included
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Azul Cielo Hostel - Mid range
Three words to best describe Azul Cielo are bohemian, cosy and colourful. It’s a social place with plenty of areas to meet other like-minded travellers. You get the best of borth worlds here — a friendly atmosphere and the tranquility of your own private room. Plus there are plenty of places around the hotel to hide yourself away and relax.
Every room is uniquely decorated, boasting their own style and atmosphere. Make sure to pick the one that suits your vibe the most. Once you've enjoyed a rejuvenating sleep, you can start your day off with a delicious complimentary breakfast served by the friendly staff.
- Friendly atmosphere
- Great outdoor spaces
- Excellent location
- Great breakfast included
Double rooms between $40-$80 per night
Casa EL Mundo - Budget friendly
Situated only steps away from Downtown Oaxaca, the cathedral and the flea market, you’ll be able to see all of this from Casa El Mundo’s rooftop terrace. The Mezcal they serve at the rooftop bar is to-die-for, and if you can’t get enough, they even do a Mezcal tour.
The hosts welcome you like one of the family, offering tips on all of the best places to visit in Oaxaca. Every corner of the hotel is clean and bursting with colour no matter where you look. This is an unforgettable place to stay.
- Rooftop terrace
- Mezcal tour
- Friendly hosts
- Bright and colourful rooms
Double rooms between $15-$40 per night
About the author(s)
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.
