You can get from Zipolite to Oaxaca City by bus, shared shuttle + bus, private transfer, or rental car.
The cheapest option is by shared shuttle, which costs USD 30 and takes about 8.5 hours.
The fastest way to travel is by private transfer or rental car, which takes about 7 hours.
Quick Answer:
The cheapest way to get from Zipolite to Oaxaca City is by Lineas Unidas shuttle (USD 30, approx. 8.5 hours). For convenience, the most popular option is the shared shuttle + OCC bus combo (USD 109, approx. 11–13 hours). The fastest way is by private transfer or rental car (around 7 hours).
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Transportation Options
The following table outlines all transportation options:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Shuttle | 8.5 hrs | $30 |
| Shuttle + Bus | 11-13 hrs | $109 |
| Private Transfer | ~7 hrs | $554 to 832 |
| Rental Car | ~7 hrs | – |
How far is Oaxaca City from Zipolite?
The distance fromZipolite to Oaxaca City is 161 miles or 259 kilometers. It takes 6 to 8 hours to get from Zipolite to Oaxaca City by car.
Getting to Oaxaca City from Zipolite
1. Shared Shuttle
Journey Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
One of the most practical and least expensive ways is to take shared shuttle by Lineas Unidas.
This is the most convenient mode of transportation, especially for tourists on a tight budget, as there are no stops or detours necessary, and the trip lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes.
Shuttle tickets from Lineas Unidas are available for about USD 30. They also provide overnight departures so you can arrive in Oaxaca City without wasting a day and enjoy the sun as soon as it rises!
Lineas Unidas Shuttle:
Below is the current Lineas Unidas shuttle schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:45am | 05:00pm | 7h 15m | $30 |  |
| 11:00am | 08:00pm | 9h | $30 | |
| 01:45pm | 10:30pm | 8h 45m | $30 | |
| 11:00pm | 06:00 AM | 7h | $30 | |
2. Shared Shuttle and Coach Bus via Pochutla
Journey Duration: 11-13 hours
And while you could get your bus and shuttle tickets separately and arrange your long road trip, we have a better solution to take care of your entire journey!
OCC Coach Bus and Travel Mazunte Shuttle combine their services to make your trip between Zipolite and Oaxaca City easier!
They offer a combined shuttle + coach bus ticket for only USD 109, which covers the trip from Zipolite to Pochutla and the long bus ride from Pochutla to Oaxaca City!
The total trip takes about 11-13 hours, but the roads are less dangerous, and the tickets are affordable! Additionally, this service also includes hotel pickup from Zipolite!
The buses are very comfortable and well-equipped, and they occasionally stop so you can get some fresh air and a chance to stretch your legs. You can also board an overnight bus so that you don’t have to travel for a whole day and can get some rest during the journey.
You don’t need to stress about finding a last-minute means of transportation to travel to Oaxaca City because the shuttle and bus schedules are planned and coordinated.
Since this is one of the most popular options, we advise checking the schedules and making early reservations!
Mazunte Travel Shuttle and OCC Coach Bus Schedule:
Below is the current Mazunte Travel shuttle and OCC bus schedule with departure times, trip durations, and prices.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30am | 06:15pm | 10h 15m | $109 | |
| 03:00pm | 02:00am | 11h | $109 | |
| 07:45pm | 08:00am | 12h 15m | $109 | |
3. Private Transfer
Journey Duration: Custom Time
If you want to get from Zipolite to Oaxaca City directly, quickly, and in the comfort of your vehicle, consider booking a private transfer!
If you’re traveling in a group, private shuttle transport is the most practical method to travel.
With this service, a professional driver will pick you up from your Zipolite accommodation and transport you in a comfortable and well-equipped minivan. You will not be required to make any transfers along the way.
However, you must schedule your private transfer in advance, and the cost will vary depending on the number of people you have.
This is only advised for larger groups or families because it is more pricey than all the other options. However, the price for one person dramatically drops once you get a group together and divide the cost, making it well worth it!
Additionally, a private transfer gives you the flexibility and independence to plan your route, choose your pickup and drop-off locations, and set your arrival and departure times! The whole trip should take about 7-8 hours.
This is the best choice to save time, travel comfortably, and splurge on your holiday!
Prices for a private transfer:
- 1-4 passengers: USD 554
- 5-10 passengers: USD 832
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~7 hours
Those seeking a little adventure will find this an economical and practical travel method. With complete control over your trip planning, you can select an affordable car rental and explore along the way!
Additionally, rental cars provide you the freedom and opportunity to go throughout Oaxaca City and beyond, enabling you to see surrounding attractions. So why not explore a different side of Mexico by taking a beautiful road trip through Oaxaca?
However, while renting a car and driving to Oaxaca City is possible, it is not suggested for people not accustomed to driving on small, twisting mountain roads.
So, if you still choose to go this way and are confident in your driving skills, make this journey during the day to be completely safe.
Best day tours in Oaxaca City
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Uber in Zipolite?
No, there is no Uber available in Zipolite.
Where is Zipolite Beach?
On the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca’s coast, halfway between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, is the beach village of Playa Zipolite, which is part of the municipality of San Pedro Pochutla.
Is there a direct bus?
No, there are no direct buses. In fact, no buses depart from Zipolite, and to catch one, you must travel to Pochutla first. However, shared van shuttles go directly from Zipolite to Oaxaca City, where Lineas Unidas operates.
What airport is closest to Zipolite?
Huatulco (HUX) Airport is 30.1 kilometers away and is the nearest airport to Zipolite.
Sharing helpful info? Please feel free to cite this guide:
Universal Traveller — How to Get from Zipolite to Oaxaca City
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