How to Get to Puerto Escondido: Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Overland + By Plane

This is probably the #1 question I get about the Oaxaca coast – how do you get there? So I want to put together the best info I’ve gathered over many years about how to get to Puerto Escondido. This will mainly focus on the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, but I’ll also mention how to get here from Mexico City too.

After many visits to the coast, I’ve been on the several different overland routes, and flown in/out of Puerto Escondido and Huatulco. I’ll detail all these options below.

UPDATED 2024 to include new superhighway route.

Btw, this info also works on the reverse route – Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca.

If you aren’t sure where you want to stay on the coast yet, check out my Oaxaca coast guide for the best beaches in Oaxaca based on your travel style.

You can also check out my full guide of Puerto Escondido for the best things to do, eat, and where to stay.

And lots more links to other Oaxaca coast blog posts at the end of this post.

Find Your Puerto Escondido Airbnb or Hotel:

How to Get to Puerto Escondido: Method 1

Overland – Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: Fast New Super Highway

As of February 2024, I’m very happy to report the new super highway is finally open! This highway cuts through the mountains and makes the previous 7 hour windy trip take only 2.5 to 3 hours!

The new highway starts at Barranca Larga, about an hour south of Oaxaca city. It’s modern and easy to drive with a few tunnels and a couple bridges. HOWEVER, please keep in mind it’s not 100% finished. This mostly means that some of the hills on the side of the road haven’t yet been secured to avoid landslides. During rainy season this year, this caused many landslides on the highway and traffic was slowed, or at times not passable. However, we are hopeful that during this dry season in 2024-25 (over fall-winter-spring) they will be able to finish those details.

If you are driving or taking this route during the dry season, it should be fine. But drive with precaution and watch out for any signs of construction and slow down to avoid accidents.

This road can be driven if you are renting a car, or there are two modes of transport below you can choose.

Passenger Vans: Coatlanes: New Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Highway

These are 12-15 person modern passenger vans that make the trip between the Coatlanes station in the southern side of the Oaxaca centro, to the station in Zicatela, Puerto Escondido. This option is affordable at 300mxn and takes about 3 hours. The vans leave frequently during the day, but I’d recommend to buy your ticket at least the day before during busy periods.

ADO First Class Bus: New Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Highway

This is the other option, taking the ADO first class bus from the ADO station in Oaxaca to the ADO bus station in Puerto. These buses are large and modern. Costs are around 300-350mxn and take about 3 hours. You can check schedules and prices on their website or their app. Buy your tickets in advance during busy seasons.

Overland – Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido: Old Mountain Highway

I have done this route many times. Here are two things to keep in mind:

1. The drive is very, very windy. There is no direct highway, only curvy mountain roads that wind up and down switchbacks for 7 hours. If you are prone to car sickness, or think that sounds too uncomfortable, you’ll want to fly instead. It might be a good idea to bring dramamine.

1. There is the possibility of running into a bloqueo. A bloqueo is a road blockade that happens pretty often in Oaxaca state when locals are protesting. This means that cars, busses, shuttles, etc won’t be able to get through until the blockade lets up. There is no real way to predict these, and no way to tell how long they last. I, unfortunately, got stuck in a pretty tough one on this route several years ago. I ended up having to stay the night, walk a really long way with my baggage, and feel confused and frustrated when I couldn’t get info about what I should do. It’s not likely that this will happen, but it’s a possibility. From my experience, blockades tend to be at their height around May, but could happen any time of year.

If you aren’t bothered by the two things above – congrats, you are an adventurous traveler! For me, I really don’t mind this route – it’s very affordable, and was my go to for how to get to Puerto Escondido for several few years before the new fast highway was finished.

This route is also a great way to explore small traditional pueblos along the way (like beautiful mountain town San Jose del Pacifico), and see dramatic and varied geography.

How to Get to Puerto Escondido Overland –

There are many shuttle companies that do this Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido route. Most are 12-15 passenger vans. My favorite company I’ve found drives sprinters, and I find them to be a little bit more comfortable. This company has always been reliable for me, and I think the drivers are good (which really makes all the difference in comfort).

Service Express
Arista 116

You can see a photo of their schedule and costs below as of January 2019. Current cost is 235MXN from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. This is subject to change, of course. If you are traveling during a busy time, I’d recommend going to the station at least the day before to buy your ticket from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido. You can also choose your seat, and sitting near the front is usually much more comfortable!

This will drop you off at the Terminal Turistica Municipal bus station in Puerto Escondido where you can catch a taxi to your hotel.

Total Trip Length: approximately 7:30 hours, though this varies.

How to Get to Puerto Escondido: Method 2

Flight – Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido

There are two small airlines, AeroTucan and AeroVega that make this route that lasts about 30-35 minutes.

AeroTucan actually has a website where you can search and book tickets.

Prices are currently around 2550MXN one way. This will vary depending on season and day. You can book and pay online.

I took an AeroTucan flight from Oaxaca city to Huatulco, but this is the same plane and very similar flight that they run into Puerto Escondido.

Keep in mind that these are very small planes with one pilot and a single propeller. You should be comfortable with this type of travel.

The views from the windows are absolutely spectacular and you arrive to the coast very quickly.

If you want more details about this flight, I found this blog post helpful with first hand experience and photos. (Note: the AeroTucan website has been updated and you can book online now)

AeroVega:

AeroVega is an even smaller plane, and a small business run by the pilot himself. You can make a reservation by calling or messaging below and paying him in cash. He speaks English.

At the time of this blog in March 2019, he is charging 2100MXN one way.

You can call or send a Whatsapp message: +529545880062

I found this blog post super helpful for info about the flight and pictures. I also contacted the airline to double check current prices and contact info.

If you have any questions or doubts about this Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido flight, you could pop into any travel agency in Oaxaca city to ask questions, or ask your hotel/host to make the phone call for you.

Total Trip Length : about 35 minutes

How to Get to Puerto Escondido from Mexico City

This is a very easy option if you are starting your trip in Mexico City – you have many low-cost domestic carriers to choose from, as well as Aeromexico.

Low-cost Domestic Airlines from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido:

Interjet

Aeromar

VivaAerobus

Find your flight deal to Puerto Escondido below:

If you book ahead you can often find great deals.

Total Trip Length: about 1 1/2 hours.

More Oaxaca Coast Guides:

Complete Oaxaca beach guide, choose the best beach for your travel style.

1 Week Oaxaca coast itinerary

Puerto Escondido, Zicatela and La Punta Travel Guide

TRANSPORTATION

How to Get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca.

How to Get to Mazunte, San Agustinillo, and Zipolite from Oaxaca.

How to Get from Puerto Escondido to Mazunte/San Agustinillo.

HOTELS & AIRBNBS

San Agustinillo & Mazunte Hotels:

• Monte Uzulu – beautifully curated design hotel
• Zazil – boutique hotel with stunning view
• Bianni Beuu – ocean view large rental home for groups in Estacahuite

Puerto Escondido Hotels:

• Casas Maria Matilda – architect designed rental homes
• Casa del la Tierra – eco-friendly luxury tree house
• Casa Baba – La Punta boutique hotel with pool
• Blater – beachfront hotel with rooftop pool
• Villasol – hotel and beach club
• Casitas by the Sea – design lovers rental home

Huatulco Hotel:

• Villas Fa-Sol – oceanfront boutique hotel

OAXACA CITY

And tons of Oaxaca city posts here.

Find Your Puerto Escondido Airbnb or Hotel:

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What to Pack for Puerto Escondido