Oaxaca de Juárez Flights

The journey into the mountains above the city takes about 30-40 minutes. Buy your ticket from the Hotel Meson de Angel on Mina (near corner of Diaz Ordaz). It costs 20 pesos. Buses leave from the hotel car park every 30 minutes or so (with exception of lunchtime break) from 9am until about 3pm. Return ticket is timed - in effect you get 2 and a half hours, with approx 2 hours at the ruins. This is sufficient for a fairly relaxed amble round the site but you may want to miss your bus and take another one. This is OK but priority for getting on the bus is given to those with the corrrect time (so wouldn;t risk leaving it for the last bus - its a very very long and steep walk back!).

Buses are the cheapest way to go in Oaxaca. When I was last there it was $2.50 (in pesos, that is) for the newer buses and $2.00 for the older (though not much different) buses. Great price, in my book! However, the buses don't run all night, so if you're out past 10:00 (I think) you'll have to catch a taxi.

The best way to go to Oaxaca is by bus. You will generally get there by night (so you'll miss the sight of the highest mexican mountain on left hand, 1h30 before arriving at Oaxaca.)
You may get to the first class station in Mexico, ADO Gran Lujo is a little bit expensive but really good service and no trap ! arriving at Oaxaca trust the official taxi drivers with red and white cars, they 'won't cheat you too bad' ;-)
Use the second class station if you want to travel in Oaxaca or to Chiapas. This station is on the othe sideof the city : from the zocalo just walk west and then go down the periferico to the left. Ask for the estacion de camiones de segunda clase. Prices are very affordable and interesting. A good company is Estrella del Valle, depending on your destination. Just try to speak castellano, and nobody will cheat you. Anyway don't have a wealthy appearance (camera in the bag, normal ropes, ...) and everything will be alright.

México has an extensive system of long-distance buses run by private companies licensed to operate on national highways. They are generally modern, comfortable and reliable, and many are equipped with video
systems. First-class buses make fewer stops but are not necessarily more comfortable than second class. Some deluxe buses on major routes feature food and beverage service. It is not advisable to travel on buses at night.




Highway conditions are good. Avoid excessive speed and, if possible, do not drive at night. Livestock can appear on roads at any time. Construction sites, abandoned vehicles, or other obstacles are often unmarked or poorly marked. Be prepared for sudden stops. For emergencies dial '060.

We travelled to Oaxaca by charter bus, as we were in a group of students.
We used the public buses some, but mostly we walked.

Take the buses or taxis. They go everywhere and are fairly cheap. Who knows, you maybe sitting next to a chicken on the bus!

There are buses to many destinations within Mexico. I had the chance of using to such buses. One was the overnight bus from Veracruz and the other was an overnight bus to San Cristobal. The overnight bus from Veracruz to Oaxaca was uneventful. However, the overnight bus from Oaxaca to San Cristobal de las Casas was a bit shaky. It was totally safe, don't get me wrong, but the road goes through several curves and mountains. It takes about 12 hours to reach San Cristobal de las Casas.

My hotel recommended the van service (23 pesos) from the airport. A cab would have cost around $10 US (110 pesos). The van service is located right next to the door as you exit Oaxaca's airport terminal. You can also arrange to have the van service take you back to the airport - be sure to schedule a least a day in advance. (same-day van service cost 93 pesos)