Tucked between the soaring heights of the Sierra Madre mountains and the azure-blue Pacific Ocean is a charming little town named Huatulco. You can get from Oaxaca City to Huatulco by bus, private transfer, shared shuttle, rental car, flight, and taxi!
Placed on Mexico’s Oaxaca coast, Huatulco is a laid-back beach town where you can find various ways to relax.
With endless stretches of white sand and some of the most beautiful waters in Mexico, it’s not hard to see why Huatulco is one of the most popular destinations in the country.
There are plenty of things to do here to keep you from packing up your sun cream and heading elsewhere! Soak up the sun on pristine beaches or take a boat tour of the marine life-filled lagoon and bays.
Whether you fancy a bit of leisurely shopping, taking an excursion, or testing your nerves on a white water rafting trip down one of the rugged canyons near Huatulco’s mountainous interior, there’s no shortage of things to do, like this Waterfalls and Coffee Plantation Tour!
If you’re traveling along the Oaxacan coastline, read on and discover how you can get to this beautiful little town, Huatulco!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Oaxaca City to Huatulco and the best ways to travel around Mexico.
How far is Huatulco from Oaxaca City?
The distance from Oaxaca City to Huatulco is 147 miles or 236.8 kilometers. It can take up to eight hours to get there, but it all depends on the transportation method you choose.
Transportation Options from Oaxaca City to Huatulco
The following table outlines all transportation options from Oaxaca City to Huatulco:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ADO Bus from Oaxaca City to Huatulco | 7 hours 55 minutes | USD 43 |
| OCC Bus from Oaxaca City to Huatulco | 7 hours 55 minutes | USD 43-USD 51 |
| Private Transfer from Oaxaca City to Huatulco | 6 hours | USD 309-USD 449 |
| Flight from Oaxaca City to Huatulco | 30-45 minutes | USD 271 |
| Taxi from Oaxaca City to Huatulco | 6 hours | ~USD 200 |
| Rental Car | 6 hours | USD 50 |
Getting to Huatulco from Oaxaca City
1. ADO Luxury Bus from Oaxaca City to Huatulco
Journey Duration: 7 hours 55 minutes
The first and most economical option to travel from Oaxaca City to Huatulco is to take the ADO Luxury Bus!
This journey via bus is the longest between the two destinations, but it is the most economical alternative and well worth the price!
Your bus will drop you off at the station ADO Bahias de Huatulco, about 20 minutes from the beaches in Huatulco.
Oaxaca City to Huatulco ADO Bus Schedule:
- 08:30 AM to 04:25 PM: ADO Luxury Bus to Huatulco from Oaxaca City
Total price: USD 43
2. OCC Coach Bus from Oaxaca City to Huatulco
Journey Duration: 7 hours 55 minutes
There is another bus option to choose from when traveling from Oaxaca City to Huatulco – The overnight OCC Coach Bus.
Besides the daytime route offered by ADO, the bus company OCC provides an overnight route which is recommended since it is a long journey, and you don’t want to lose a day of traveling!
The buses are comfortable and well-equipped, so you can travel the whole night while getting some sleep. This way, you have the entire day ahead to explore the Oaxacan coastline!
The cost of the tickets is USD 43 to USD 51, depending on which departure time you choose.
Take a look at the schedule and book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss your trip!
Oaxaca City to Huatulco OCC Bus Schedule:
- 10:30 PM to 06:15 AM: OCC Coach Bus to Huatulco from Oaxaca City
Total price: USD 43
- 09:30 PM to 05:25 AM: OCC Coach Bus to Huatulco from Oaxaca City
Total price: USD 51
3. Private Transfer from Oaxaca City to Huatulco
Journey Duration: Custom Time
The easiest option to travel to Huatulco from Oaxaca City is to hire a private car or van to drive you to your destination!
This option provides great flexibility and allows you to organize your own time. Take breaks as requested, set your starting and final destination, and choose the best departure time for you!
When traveling with a group, this can be economical once you split the cost. The cost depends on the number of passengers, so plan and reserve ahead to get the best deal possible!
The drive takes about six to eight hours, the same as driving on your own- only you don’t have to worry about driving!
Prices for a private transfer from Oaxaca City to Huatulco:
- 1-4 passengers: USD 309
- 5-10 passengers: USD 449
4. Flights from Oaxaca City to Huatulco
Journey Duration: 30-45 minutes
Flying from Oaxaca to Huatulco is the quickest, most convenient, and most expensive option. But if spending for comfort and time isn’t a problem, then this is the option for you!
Only two companies are flying between the two destinations, AeroTucan and AeroVega. You’ll take a small 6-8 seat plane with both companies and arrive at the Huatulco Airport in about 30 to 40 minutes.
The flight will cost you about USD 275, depending on the time and the company you choose to fly with.
You can book an AeroTucan flight from Oaxaca to Huatulco online. Alternatively, you can also buy your tickets directly at Oaxaca International Airport, just a short cab ride from the city center.
Another option is to book tickets with AeroVega, by directly contacting the pilot Juan Vega since they do not have a website.
To check availability and make a booking, you can email [email protected] or WhatsApp at +52 9545880062. Rates for a one-way flight start at 2.500 MXN (around USD 125).
It’s also important to remember the luggage weight when traveling on these small planes. AeroTucan flights permit you to carry 33 pounds (15kg) – about 20 pounds less than large airlines.
Furthermore, remember that there is usually only one flight from Oaxaca to Huatulco per day, so make sure you book your flight in advance on the day you wish to travel.
5. Driving with Rental Car from Oaxaca City to Huatulco
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
The distance from Oaxaca City to Huatulco is about 150 miles, and it is a pretty long drive of about six to seven hours.
However, getting to Huatulco by car is also one of the fastest ways. And what’s a better way to explore this place than renting your vehicle and adventuring!
It is a bit of a windy and bumpy road, but the freedom you get by having your car makes up for all that trouble!
There are multiple companies in Oaxaca City where you can pick your rental. Head to RentalCars.com to see all available vehicles and get the best deal on your rental.
This option is inexpensive and will cost you around USD 50 per day.
6. Taxi from Oaxaca City to Huatulco
Journey Duration: ~6 hours
And lastly, you can take a cab to Huatulco from Oaxaca City, but keep this as a last choice, because with so many travel options to choose from you won’t need the inconvenience of this one.
Uber isn’t available in Oaxaca, but plenty of taxis are waiting outside the bus station and around town at any time of day.
Before hiring a cab, make sure to negotiate a price, see if splitting the cost with your group is convenient and cost-effective, and always carry pesos since most taxis won’t accept US dollars.
The price for such a long trip can be up to USD 200, so avoid this option unless you’re sharing the ride with someone and be cautious not to get ripped off.
Best day tours in Huatulco
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
The following widget shows some of the best tours in Huatulco, Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drive from Oaxaca City to Huatulco?
It isn’t a particularly dangerous drive to Huatulco from Oaxaca City, but be careful. There is not much traffic, but there are many hairpin turns, steep descents, and places where parts of the road have disappeared due to landslides.
What is the fastest way to get from Oaxaca City to Huatulco?
The fastest way to get from Oaxaca City to Huatulco is by taking a flight that takes around 30-45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Oaxaca City to Huatulco?
The cheapest transportation option from Oaxaca City to Huatulco is the ADO and OCC Coach Bus, which costs USD 43.
Where do you fly into to get to Huatulco?
The closest major airport to Huatulco, Mexico is Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX / MMBT). This airport is located 14 km from the center of Huatulco.
Is Huatulco safe?
With its small-town feel, travelers will find Huatulco a very safe and welcoming place to visit.
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