Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: 6 Best Transportation Options (2024)
Wondering how to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
After hearing horror stories of twisty mountain roads that induce motion sickness, this is one of the most asked questions of travelers.
Fortunately, there are multiple transportation options. But deciding which is the best way to travel from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido can be confusing.
The best way to get there for you (and from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca) will depend on the amount of time you have as well as your budget.
I live in Oaxaca City. I love to escape to the coast when I need some ocean time. It also means I stay up to date on traveling from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
The options include taking a direct flight, hiring a private driver, renting a car, traveling by overnight bus, and taking a shared minivan.
Plus, there’s an exciting update for 2024! The much anticipated new highway from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is scheduled to open on Feb 4th, 2024 which I cover below as well.
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How Do I Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
There are several ways to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. The right one for you will depend on your budget and schedule.
I’ve listed the main ways to travel from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido below with links to book or read more. Prices are estimated and subject to change.
- Take a Direct Flight – 45 min, 3485 pesos
- Book a Private Car From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido – 7 hours, $399+
- Rent a Car and Drive – 7 hours, $70/day plus expenses
- Overnight ADO Bus – 10 hours, 500-800 pesos
- Shared Minivan (Colectivo) – 8+ hours, 350 pesos
What Is the Easiest Way to Get to Puerto Escondido?
If you’re traveling from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, the easiest way to get there is to book a direct flight via AeroTucan or Aerovega. However, this is also the most expensive way to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca. You will also need to be aware of the luggage weight restriction.
Another easy way to get to Puerto Escondido is to hire a private driver. They will pick you up at your location and drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, allowing a stop or two along the way. With the new highway, this is the easiest way to get to Puerto Escondido in my opinion. The drive will now only take 3.5 hours without the windy mountain road.
Best Ways to Get From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
1. Hire a Private Car From Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido
In my opinion, the easiest way to travel is to hire a private driver from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. And it’s especially appealing now that the new highway is opening. This luxury option is great for a group since you can share the cost. Plus, who doesn’t love a road trip!
When you book this private car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, you can request your preferred pickup and drop-off location and time. The driver also takes the recommended route through the mountains via highway 175.
The price for up to three people in a private car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is $399 USD. If you are a larger group (up to 8) or require more luggage space, the cost is about $500 to travel together in a van.
The private car is equipped with air conditioner and Spotify (get your road trip playlist ready!) This transportation option also gives you more flexibility to choose your bathroom and food breaks along the way.
2. Take a Combi to Puerto Escondido
A combi (shared minivan) is the cheapest way to travel from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. And now that the new highway is opening, it’s also one of the easiest.
Several companies have announced this new route to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca beginning February 5, 2024. The cost is 350 pesos and the travel time will be about 3.5 hours. These minivans have a capacity of about 15 people with a space for luggage.
The opening of the new highway is one of the most talked about news items in Oaxaca right now. While this drive is not as beautiful as the old route (which I’ve included below), it still includes some beautiful scenery.
Staying in Puerto Escondido? Check out my favorite Puerto Escondido hostels.
3. Drive to Puerto Escondido From Oaxaca
If you prefer the freedom, you should rent a car and drive from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido yourself. And now that the new highway is opening, this is one of the best ways to get travel in a group (or from Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca).
On the new highway, the drive takes about 3.5 hours, versus 7 hours along a the older, windy mountain road of highway 175. And this transport option gives you the ultimate freedom to stop where you want along the way.
4. Via San Jose del Pacifico
Whether you decide to take a combi or rent a car and drive, traveling on the old highway through San Jose del Pacifico is still an option you should consider.
This small mountain town became popular among travelers because of its mushrooms of the magical variety. But whether you participate or not, it’s an amazing place to relax, disconnect, and recharge.
And if that sounds like your cup of tea, I highly recommend a temazcal ceremony while you’re there as the weather is perfect for it.
The other bonus is that the scenery along this curvy highway is incredibly beautiful, especially along the lush second half.
5. Take a Direct Flight Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
If you look at most flight searches, you’d think the only flights available have a layover in Mexico City. But, there are direct flights from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido if you know where to look.
The most popular is to book a direct flight from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido via Aerotucán. This small airline has a daily flight from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido (and one daily return) for about 3500 pesos ($200 USD) each way.
Yes, you read that correctly. This is easily the most expensive option. The price does not seem to fluctuate much. And the flights are subject to selling out, especially in the high season.
Keep in mind – Your baggage is limited to 15 kg (33 lbs) on Aerotucan without incurring extra fees.
The other option is to book a Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido direct flight with Juan Vega who owns and operates Aerovega.
Similarly, he also offers just one flight per day at a cost of 3600 pesos per person each way. He speaks Spanish and English. You can contact him via Whatsapp (+52 954-588-0062).
While taking a direct flight is the fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, it is the most expensive. And even more so when you consider transportation costs to and from the airports.
6. Take a Night Bus to Puerto Escondido
The ADO bus, Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido takes the least curvy highway 190 through Salina Cruz and Huatulco.
The night bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido takes about 10 hours. So if you are able to sleep on buses, this may be the best transport option for you.
The cost is ranges from 500-800 pesos, since discounted tickets may be available to purchase 10 days or more in advance. The price is also determined by the class of the night bus.
Pro Tip – You should absolutely spring for the higher priced luxury night bus.
Is the Drive From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Safe?
If you are an experienced driver, the driving from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is generally safe. The two-lane road mountain road does require some skill. Let’s look at the two highways for driving from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
There are now three highways from Oaxaca City to the coast. The most direct route from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is via Highway 131. However, it’s notoriously difficult with lots of potholes, vomit-inducing turns, and sometimes landslides.
Instead, I recommend taking Highway 175. It traverses through the mountains and San Jose del Pacifico (which you should absolutely visit for a night or two if you have the time).
While this highway is also known for its sharp turns, it is a more manageable drive. It’s not as direct as the drive from Oaxaca to Huatulco but definitely worth taking this detour. There are beautiful views and glimpses of daily life through Oaxaca’s Sierra Sur mountains.
Once you arrive in Pochutla, turn onto highway 200 to drive about an hour more along the coast to Puerto Escondido.
If you’re traveling to Puerto Escondido, you’ll want to read these related posts
FAQ About Transportation From Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
How do I get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
To get from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, you can take a colectivo, flight, bus, rent a car, or hire a driver. Which one is best for you will depend on how much time you have as well as your budget. The colectivo is the budget transportation option. Taking a flight or hiring a private driver is the most expensive.
Are there direct flights from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
Yes, Aerotucán has direct flights from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido daily for 3300 pesos (about $150 USD) each way. There is one flight per day, leaving in the morning. Keep in mind, that these are small propeller planes. The price includes one bag up to 15 kg (33 pounds).
How long is bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
The ADO bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido takes about 10 hours. It is an overnight bus, so if you are able to sleep on transportation, this could be a good option for you. Always remember to keep your valuables with you. Ideally, keep them in your lap and definitely not overhead or on the floor.
How much is a bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
The ADO bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is about 700 pesos. You may be able to find cheaper tickets if you book 10 days or more in advance. These discounted seats are limited and are subject to selling out.
What airport serves Puerto Escondido?
The Puerto Escondido International Airport is the closest airport to the town of Puerto Escondido. It is a small airport with flights from Oaxaca, Mexico City, and other destinations within Mexico. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the airport to the center of Puerto Escondido.
How do I get from Puerto Escondido to the airport?
The best way to get from Puerto Escondido to the airport is to take a taxi. The drive from the center of town takes about 10 minutes.
How do I get from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido?
The easiest way to get from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido is to fly via a direct flight. If your schedule is flexible, you may be able to find an incredible deal on flights from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido.
Is Puerto Escondido worth visiting?
If you enjoy the beach, Puerto Escondido is definitely worth visiting. And even if you are not a big beach person, there are other outdoor activities in the mountains nearby.
How many days do you need in Puerto Escondido?
You should spend at least a few days in Puerto Escondido. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in addition to day trips and tours you can take. Plus, there are enough beaches that you could see a new one every day of the week.
