What to expect when visiting Oaxaca
Oaxaca (pronounced wah-haak-kah) is a city filled with colourful colonial streets, architecturally-beautiful churches, communal squares, archaeological sites, and welcoming people. It’s also famous for its stunning embroidery and textile crafts. And those are only a few of the reasons why it has landed itself on the UNESCO world heritage list.
Also called Oaxaca de Juárez, the city is well-known for its exciting food scene, offering several dishes that are unique to just the Oaxaca region. A tip when visiting Oaxaca: eat your heart out! One dish you can’t leave without trying is the stew-like Mole, best paired with the popular Mezcal — a strong upgrade from Tequila!
1 way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
The bus is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 597 kilometers (371 miles) from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca. The journey takes around 12 to 13 hours and costs start from 1,210 MXN ($63).Where to stay in Oaxaca?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Oaxaca at the bottom of this page.
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 taxi with rates from 40 MXN ($2.10). Taxi ride takes 10 minutes.
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 11h 30m - 12h 30m by bus. Ticket prices start from 1,120 MXN ($58).
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.
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 taxi ride that is 10 minutes long, with fares from 50 MXN ($2.60). You can easily find a taxi right outside the bus terminal.
Best places to stay in Oaxaca
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
Frequently Asked Questions about San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca
What is the distance from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca?
The distance from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca is 597 kilometers (371 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca?
The fastest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca is by bus and takes 12 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca?
The cheapest way to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,210 MXN ($63).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from San Cristobal de las Casas to Oaxaca. 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!
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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.
