Zipolite is well connected with Oaxaca. You can get from Oaxaca to Zipolite by bus, shared shuttle, private transfer, or rental car.
Playa Zipolite, located on the southern coast of Oaxaca state, is Mexico’s first and only legal nudist beach. A beach that exudes freedom and delight.
Due to its isolation, Playa Zipolite became popular with hippies in the 1970s and has retained the same ambiance and free lifestyle ever since!
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During the first week of February, the beach hosts the annual Festival Nudista Zipolite, where tourists flock to visit!
The golden sandy beach is about a mile long, lined with hotels, shops, palm trees, and backed by sea cliffs!
Its name has meaning- “beach of the dead,” which could refer to the dangerous currents just offshore, or it could refer to an ancient Zapotec custom of burying their dead at sea.
Today, Playa Zipolite is a modern but relaxed beach, where you can find camping facilities and simple hotel accommodations along the shore! This is why Zipolite is popular among backpackers and hippies who stay in rustic cabins or camp in tent shelters!
It is very laid back and attracts many visitors, particularly those looking for an authentic Mexican experience!
Traveling between Oaxaca and Zipolite is easy, and you can choose between a coach bus, private transfer, and rental car!
Check our guide for the best options to travel from Oaxaca to Zipolite and the best ways to travel around Mexico.
How far is Zipolite from Oaxaca?
The distance from Oaxaca to Zipolite is 161.4 miles or 259.8 kilometers. The journey takes 6-11 hours, depending on which route you take and the method of transport you choose.
Transportation Options from Oaxaca to Zipolite
The following table outlines all transportation options from Oaxaca to Zipolite:
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle from Oaxaca to Zipolite | 8 hours 30 minutes | USD 30 |
| Bus from Oaxaca to Pochutla + Shared Shuttle to Zipolite | 11 hours | USD 67 |
| OCC Bus to Pochutla | 10 hours 15 minutes | USD 47 |
| Private Transfer from Oaxaca to Zipolite | Custom Time | USD 165-USD 832 |
| Rental Car | 6-8 hours | – |
Getting to Zipolite from Oaxaca
1. Shared Shuttle from Oaxaca to Zipolite
Journey Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
The first and cheapest option for traveling from Oaxaca City to Zipolite is by taking the shared shuttle.
Lineas Unidas offers the cheapest ticket, and the ride takes about 8 hours. They also have overnight buses, so you don’t waste a day and catch the sun from early in the morning once you arrive in Zipolite!
Buses are usually fully booked, so save your seat online before traveling from Oaxaca City to Zipolite!
Oaxaca to Playa Ziplote Lineas Unidas Shuttle Schedule:
- 11:30 PM to 08:00 AM: Shuttle to Playa Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 30
- 06:30 PM to 03:00 AM: Shuttle to Playa Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 30
- 11:00 AM to 07:30 PM: Shuttle to Playa Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 30
- 09:00 AM to 05:30 PM: Shuttle to Playa Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 30
- 05:00 AM to 01:30 PM: Shuttle to Playa Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 30
Get your shuttle ticket from Oaxaca City to Zipolite now!
2. OCC Bus from Oaxaca to Pochutla
Journey Duration: 10 hours 15 minutes
OCC coach buses is another operator. Their buses are well-equipped with bathrooms, TVs, and reclining seats.
OCC, however, does not travel all the way to Playa Zipolite. You will need to get off the bus in Pochutla. From Pochutla you can continue by colectivo or taxi to Playa Zipolite.
Oaxaca to Pochutla OCC Coach Bus Schedule:
- 11:15 PM to 08:25 AM: Coach Bus to Pochutla from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 47
- 10:30 PM to 07:45 AM: Coach Bus to Pochutla from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 47
- 08:30 AM to 06:15 PM: Coach Bus to Pochutla from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 47
Get your bus ticket from Oaxaca City to Pochutla now!
3. OCC Bus from Oaxaca to Pochutla + Shared Shuttle to Playa Zipolite
Journey Duration: 11 hours
Alternatively, you can book this combo that includes an OCC bus ticket from Oaxaca to Pochutla + a shared shuttle from Pochutla to your accommodation in Playa Zipolite.
Oaxaca to Playa Zipolite Coach Bus + Shuttle Schedule:
- 11:15 PM to 09:10 AM: Coach Bus + Shared Shuttle to Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 67
- 10:30 PM to 08:30 AM: Coach Bus + Shared Shuttle to Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 67
- 08:30 AM to 07:00 PM: Coach Bus + Shared Shuttle to Zipolite from Oaxaca
Total price: USD 67
Get your bus + shuttle ticket from Oaxaca City to Zipolite now!
4. Private Transfer from Oaxaca to Zipolite
Journey Duration: Custom Time
Private shuttle transfers are the most convenient way to get from Oaxaca City to Zipolite.
However, you must book your private transfer in advance, and the price depends on the number of passengers.
This is more expensive than all the other options, and that’s why it’s only recommended for larger groups or families.
Once you have gathered a group and split the cost, the price for one person becomes very affordable and well worth it!
A private transfer also provides you with the flexibility and freedom to arrange your own journey, pick your departure and arrival time, and choose where you get picked up and dropped off.
If you want to splurge on a vacation, travel comfortably, and save time, this is the option for you!
Prices for a private transfer from Oaxaca to Zipolite:
- 1-4 passengers: USD 554
- 5-10 passengers: USD 832
Book your private transfer from Oaxaca City to Zipolite today!
5. Driving with Rental Car from Oaxaca to Zipolite
Journey Duration: 6-8 hours
The last option to get from Oaxaca City to Zipolite is to rent a car and drive yourself!
This is an affordable and convenient traveling method for those looking for a bit of adventure! You can find cheap car rentals in Oaxaca and explore along the way while having complete freedom over organizing your trip!
Rental cars also give the option and freedom to get around Zipolite and beyond, allowing you to visit nearby beach towns like Mazunte. So, why not take a scenic road trip through Oaxaca and see a different side of Mexico?
However, remember that while renting a car and driving yourself to Zipolite is an option, it is not recommended for those not used to driving on narrow, twisting mountain roads.
So, if you still decide to travel this way and are confident in your driving abilities, only attempt this drive during the daytime to avoid the hairpin turns.
Best day tours in Zipolite
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 Zipolite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Uber in Zipolite?
Uber is not available in Zipolite.
Where is Zipolite Beach?
Playa Zipolite is a beach community in the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla on the southern coast of Oaxaca state, Mexico, between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.
What is the cheapest way to get from Oaxaca to Zipolite?
The cheapest way to get from Oaxaca to Zipolite is with the Lineas Unidas coach bus, which costs USD 30 and takes 8 hours and 30 minutes.
What is the fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Zipolite?
The fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Zipolite is to drive with a rental car. Driving the distance between Oaxaca and Zipolite by car takes 6-8 hours.
Is there a direct bus between Oaxaca and Zipolite?
No, there is no direct bus from Oaxaca to Playa Zipolite. You can either take a direct shuttle from Oaxaca to Zipolite or a bus to Pochutla near Zipolite. From Pochutla you can continue by colectivo or taxi to Zipolite.
Can I drive from Oaxaca to Zipolite?
Yes, the driving distance between Oaxaca to Zipolite is 259.8 kilometers. It takes around 6-8 hours to drive from Oaxaca to Zipolite.
What airport is closest to Zipolite?
The nearest airport to Zipolite is Huatulco (HUX) Airport which is 30.1 kilometers away.
