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How to get from Mexico City to Oaxaca
Flights take about 1 h 15 and around 3–4 h door to door. ADO buses take about 6–7 h on comfortable first-class and luxury coaches. Driving takes about 6 h on toll motorways via Puebla.
Best option: Bus. ADO first-class buses are comfortable, frequent and reasonably priced, and go centre to centre.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus ADO and ADO GL/Platino buses from Mexico City (TAPO or other terminals) to Oaxaca | about 6–7 h | many a day, including overnight | about MXN 800–1,500 | Book online for better prices; buses are air-conditioned and can be cold. |
| flight Flights from Mexico City (AICM or AIFA) to Oaxaca International, with Aeroméxico, Volaris, Viva and others | about 1 h 15 in the air | several a day | about MXN 1,500–4,000 | Check which Mexico City airport your flight uses. |
| car Highway 150D to Puebla, then 135D to Oaxaca | about 6 h | fuel plus tolls of about MXN 800–1,000 | Avoid driving at night. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Overnight buses save a hotel night.
- ADO Platino offers more space and fewer seats.
- Oaxaca's bus terminal is near the city centre.
- Flights booked early can be cheaper than buses.
Common questions
How long is the bus?
About 6–7 hours on ADO and similar first-class buses. Departures run throughout the day and overnight from Mexico City terminals such as TAPO. Book online for better fares and seat selection. Traffic leaving Mexico City can add time.
Is flying worth it?
Flights take about 1 h 15, and total door-to-door time is around 3–4 hours. If you book early, flights can cost similar to luxury buses. Check which Mexico City airport you are using, as AIFA is far from the centre.
Is there a train?
No. There is no passenger train between Mexico City and Oaxaca. The Tren Interoceánico crosses the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the south of Oaxaca state but does not reach Oaxaca city, and the Tren Maya serves the Yucatán. Buses and flights are the main options.
Is it safe to drive?
The toll motorways via Puebla are the safest option and are well maintained. Avoid driving at night, and stick to toll roads (cuota) rather than free roads (libre). Fill up regularly, as stations are spaced out in mountain sections.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.