Cancún to Oaxaca: 5 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca?

Most people would immediately think of a commercial flight, but there are actually several options available to you.

The best way for you will depend on your budget, how long you’re going to spend in Mexico, and how quickly you need to be in Oaxaca.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca simply and safely in five fantastic different ways.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

Why Should You Visit Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is worth visiting for so many reasons!

It is known for its rich cultural heritage, its beautiful colors everywhere, and its wonderfully friendly people. There are breathtaking landscapes that will captivate you, and you’ll fall in love with its mouthwatering cuisine.

Oaxaca has a vibrant art scene, wonderful markets and highly-skilled brilliant artisans of many kinds. Each year it also holds unique traditional festivals such as Day of the Dead, La Guelaguetza, and Noche de Rábanos.

It has beautiful buildings that are centuries old and breathtaking ruins that are thousands of years old. If that isn’t enough, real wonders of the world like Hierve el Agua and the Tule Tree are just a short drive away from Oaxaca City.

And once you’ve explored the city, you can visit some of its magical towns and travel south to visit its idyllic Pacific coast and explore some of its little-known ocean paradises like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco.

You’ll struggle to find a region as richly diverse as Oaxaca. There are just so many things for you to do that you will wish you could stay longer!

Before we jump into the route from Cancún to Oaxaca, let’s quickly look at all of the reasons to visit Cancún in the first place.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

Why Should You Visit Cancún?

If you’re wondering if Cancún should be on your list of places to visit in Mexico at all, I think the answer is definitely yes. It’s often referred to as the “Mexican Las Vegas”, and the description is accurate in that you’ll have a huge range of experiences to choose from.

For beach-lovers, Cancún is right on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean.  It has miles of beaches where you can swim, snorkel, surf and do just about any other water sport you can think of.  

If you’re more interested in Mexican and Mayan culture, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the best places to experience it.  Chichén Itzá is just a few hours away and there are also several other archaeological sites within Cancún itself.

And if you’re travelling with a family, Cancún is perfect.  There are a huge amount of family-friendly activities including adventure parks that your kids will absolutely love.   

If you’re a Mexico purist, you might find the cultural attractions of places like Oaxaca more to your liking.  But if you’re looking for sheer number of things to do, especially with children, I think Cancún is pretty close to unbeatable in Mexico.

So let’s look at how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

1. Fly to Oaxaca

If you think even briefly about how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest and most convenient option.

This is the case even when you add the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly.

For those same reasons, it’s also one of the more expensive options.

Fast Facts: Flying From Cancún To Oaxaca

Where Do I Book A Flight To Oaxaca?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. They will be able to show you the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from downtown Cancún.

I’ve set these out in detail below for you.

1. Rental Car

If you have a rental car already, you can usually drop it off at Cancún Airport before you fly.

All reputable providers have kiosks at the airport, and you’ll just need to make sure that you return it to the designated parking area for rental cars.

Tip: If you didn’t book the car at the airport, you’ll need to check with your provider that you can drop it off at the airport and you may need to pay an additional one-way fee.

2. Private Transfer

Your hotel should be able to arrange a private transfer to Cancún International Airport for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, I recommend using Viator, which has hundreds of different options.

Private transfers will start at around US$40 and will take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on where your hotel is located and the time of day that you need to travel.

Tip: Check whether the transfer is shared with other passengers. If the driver needs to collect other passengers, the trip will be longer and you’ll need to allow more time.

3. Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Cancún, especially if you’re staying at a large hotel. I recommend that you ask the front desk to book you a taxi before you check out, and it will be waiting for you as soon as you’ve settled up.

There’s nothing to stop you hailing your own taxi, although I think letting the hotel arrange it is better so that you focus on getting packed and ready to travel.

If you do hail a taxi on the street, you’ll need to agree the fare with the driver before you go, but you can expect it to be around US$40 to US$50, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. Uber

Uber is available in Cancún. If you don’t already have the Uber app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver using Uber.

The app works the same as it does in the US, so you’ll pay up front using a credit card and the driver will then pick you up. The app will send you the details of the driver and the vehicle picking you up ahead of its arrival.

An Uber from Cancún to the airport should cost you around US$40, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

One thing to be aware of is that Uber drivers aren’t allowed on hotel properties of a lot of hotels. This is because there have been cases of local taxi drivers attacking Uber drivers and damaging their vehicles. The violence is due to Uber disrupting the unionised taxi industry, even though a 2023 court ruled that Uber is allowed to operate in the city.

The end result is that you can still take an Uber, but the driver will need to pick you up on the street rather than on hotel property.

Important: there have been cases of violence against Uber drivers by local taxi drivers. While this isn’t directed at passengers, you should bear it in mind when you’re using Uber in Cancún.

5. Public Bus

According to the Mexican government, Cancún had a population of 934,189 at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a great public bus network to help you move around.

ADO runs a service to and from the airport, which you can catch at the downtown ADO bus station in Cancún. You can take one of the local bus routes to reach the station.

The bus station is on Avenida Uxmal and once you board, it will take around 30 minutes to reach the airport. A one way trip will cost US$8 per person.

What’s Great About Flying?

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. Faster Trip Time

Flight time from Cancún to Oaxaca is just 2 hours, which is a huge time saving compared with the minimum 27 hour long bus trip.

If you’re short on time, every hour you lose travelling is time that you could spend exploring Oaxaca City. I’d definitely recommend flying over driving or taking the bus if you’ve only got a few days in Mexico.

2. Great Views From The Plane

Even after years of flying, I still like to stare out the window of a plane at the city as we’re taking off and getting ready to land.

Flying will also give you the chance to see the forests, mountains and sprawling valleys of Mexico from above as you head south-west away from Cancún.

3. safest Way To Travel

Air travel is one of the safest forms of travel in the world, and this holds true in Mexico.

Since 1919, Mexico has only had 158 air travel deaths in total, an average of about 1.5 people per year. In 2022, there were around 107 million air passengers in Mexico.

That puts your chances of dying on a flight to Oaxaca at about 1 in 71 million. By comparison, the WHO suggests based on 2019 data on Mexican road deaths that the odds of dying per year were 1 in 7,813.

That means that you are more than 9,000 times safer flying than taking the bus!

How to Get From Cancún To Oaxaca

FAQs: Flying To Oaxaca

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca City by air.

But if I haven’t answered your question yet, take a look at the FAQs and their responses below.

How Much Is A Commercial Flight To Oaxaca?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season, but are typically around US$50 from Cancún. Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Cancún?

Volaris flies direct from Cancún to Oaxaca. VivaAerobus and AeroMexico also fly via Mexico City.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight is around 2 hours, depending on the flight that you take.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Cancún to Oaxaca is approximately 700 miles (around 1129 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) in Oaxaca de Juárez when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Oaxaca Airport To The City Center?

Oaxaca Airport is 5.8 miles (10km) south of the Oaxaca de Juárez city center.

How Can I Get From Oaxaca Airport To The City Center?

You can get a taxi, a private shuttle, the colectivo or the public bus to the city.

A taxi will cost around US$25 (MX$400), a private shuttle around US$50 (MX$800), the colectivo will cost around US$5 (MX$100), and the bus will cost around US$1 (MX$10).

Check our my related article on Oaxaca Airport if you want more detail on this.

Can I Rent A Car At Oaxaca Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

2. Private Jet to Oaxaca

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Cancún to Oaxaca.

And yes, it is monstrously expensive, but can’t be beaten for comfort and convenience.

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Cancún to Oaxaca

Where Can I Book A Private Jet To Oaxaca?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend taking a look at AlbaJet, which sets out various options for the Cancún to Oaxaca route.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Cancún International Airport (CUN) from Cancún.

The options and prices are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying privately as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a private jet below.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Oaxaca than in a private jet.

If you want to feel like a rockstar when you arrive, there’s no better way to do it.

2. Convenience

If you need to travel urgently on short notice, flying on a private jet is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Special Occasions

If you’re travelling as a group for a wedding or for a stag or hens night, a private jet is a great way to ensure that everyone arrives at the same time.

With a large group, the prices per person aren’t quite so eye-watering, although your wallet will still take a good beating.

How to Get From Cancún to OaxacA

FAQs: Flying From Cancún to Oaxaca by Private Jet

If you still have questions about how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca by private jet, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Private Jet To Oaxaca?

If you want to fly privately to Oaxaca, you’re looking at around US$13,200 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$40,000 for a larger jet seating up to 16 people.

Extremely glamorous and wonderfully convenient, but not for those of us with weak wallets.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a private jet is around 2 hours.

You’ll also get through security faster and will be able to board and get off more quickly than on a commercial flight.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance is approximately 700 miles (1129 km) to Oaxaca Airport (OAX) from Cancún International Airport (CUN).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) in Oaxaca de Juárez when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Oaxaca Airport To The City Center?

Oaxaca Airport is 5.8 miles (10km) south of the Oaxaca de Juárez city center.

How Can I Get From Oaxaca Airport To The City Center?

You can get a taxi, a private shuttle, the colectivo or the public bus to the city.

A taxi will cost around US$25 (MX$400), a private shuttle around US$50 (MX$800), the colectivo will cost around US$5 (MX$100), and the bus will cost around US$1 (MX$10).

My related article on Oaxaca Airport has more detail on this.

Can I Rent A Car At Oaxaca Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún To Oaxaca

3. Helicopter to Oaxaca

If you would consider taking a private jet from Cancún to Oaxaca, a similar option is to take a helicopter. Helicopter taxi services are definitely the transport of the future, so if you can afford it, why not start now?

While a helicopter is slower than a private jet and not as luxurious due to the limited space, you’ll have much more time to sightsee on your way to Oaxaca. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Cancún to Oaxaca

Where Can I Book A Helicopter To Oaxaca?

There are a few different sites that you can take a look at.

I recommend starting with Patriot Aviation or Meicer Aviación, each of which can offer you a personalized quote on request for the Cancún to Oaxaca route.

How Do I Get From Cancún To The Airport?

In most cases, you’ll take off from Cancún International Airport (CUN) in Cancún when you’re flying by helicopter.

The options and prices for getting from downtown Cancún to the airport are all the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying By Helicopter?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially apply to flying by helicopter as well.

I’ve added a few specific ones that are unique to flying with a helicopter below.

1. Better For Sightseeing

While flying by helicopter is much faster than travelling by land in a car or a bus, it is still a lot slower than flying commercially or privately.

That might be a downside if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re not, you’ll have a much better opportunity to enjoy the scenery as you fly.

Basically, because you’ll be flying lower and slower, you’ll see more for longer.

2. Convenience

As with a private jet, if you want to travel quickly, a helicopter flight is extremely convenient.

You can usually book a window during which your pilot will be available, and you can arrive and fly at any time in that window.

3. Better if You Fear Flying

It might sound like an odd thing to say, but if you’re keen to fly yet have a fear of flying, a helicopter flight is likely to be a better bet than a flight on a jet.

Helicopters take off vertically so there’s no dramatic acceleration that bothers many people when flying. They also fly lower and don’t use pressurised cabins, which means that you won’t have the discomfort from the change in pressure like you do in a plane.

All in all, a helicopter flight is a “lighter” version of flying, if you like. So if you’re not really keen on flying but need to travel quickly, this is a great option for you.

How to Get From Cancún to OaxacA

FAQs: Flying From Cancún to Oaxaca By Helicopter

If you still have questions about how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca by helicopter, take a look at the FAQs and responses below.

How Much Is A Helicopter To Oaxaca?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Oaxaca, you’re looking at around US$12,000 for a helicopter seating six to eight.

The price will go up for the larger, heavier models that require more crew members to pilot them.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time on a helicopter will be around 7 – 8 hours in total.

You won’t be able to fly that in one journey, because the maximum range of most helicopters is around 400 miles. You’ll need to either stop and refuel at Villahermosa or split up your trip into two or more flights.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance is approximately 700 miles (1129 km) to Oaxaca Airport (OAX) from Cancún International Airport (CUN).

As mentioned above, that’s too far for a helicopter to fly in one journey, so you’ll need to stop and refuel at Villahermosa or split your trip into two or more flights.

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll fly out of Cancún International Airport (CUN) to depart and you’ll use Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) in Oaxaca de Juárez when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Oaxaca Airport To The City Center?

Oaxaca Airport is 5.8 miles (10km) south of the Oaxaca de Juárez city center.

How Can I Get From Oaxaca Airport To The City Center?

You can get a taxi, a private shuttle, the colectivo or the public bus to the city.

A taxi will cost around US$25 (MX$400), a private shuttle around US$50 (MX$800), the colectivo will cost around US$5 (MX$100), and the bus will cost around US$1 (MX$10).

My related article on Oaxaca Airport has more detail on this.

Can I Rent A Car At Oaxaca Airport?

Yes, Europcar and other major providers have kiosks at the airport.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. You can expect to pay around US$30 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Cancún To Oaxaca

4. Bus To Oaxaca

If you can’t or don’t want to fly and don’t want to drive yourself from Cancún to Oaxaca, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Cancún to Oaxaca

Where Can I Book A Bus From Cancún to Oaxaca?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Cancún to Oaxaca are ADO (Autobuses de Oriente) and OCC (Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón).

I recommend using Busbud to find the best deal.

Tip: there’s no WiFi in the bus, so download anything you need at the hotel. You might also want to bring a neck pillow to help you sleep and Benadryl or Dramamine if you get carsick.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

Okay, so it’s not a private jet and never will be. Still, there are some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

Taking the bus will usually work out a little cheaper than flying.

That’s especially the case if you are planning to take a taxi to and from the airport each time.

2. Buses Take Their Time

It might seem like a strange thing to say, but buses are a bit like slow-food.

As you travel the approximately 900 miles (1,450 km) from Cancún to Oaxaca through the forests, mountains and valleys, you’ll get to soak in the diverse natural beauty of Mexico.

3. You’ll be Dropped Off In The City Center

If you take the bus from Cancún to Oaxaca, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Oaxaca rather than at an airport outside the city.

The terminal where you’ll be dropped off in Oaxaca is not far from the Templo de Santo Domingo. When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the historic center, you can walk the few blocks to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.

How to Get From Cancún to OaxacA

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Cancún to Oaxaca

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca by bus.

How Much Is The Bus From Cancún to Oaxaca?

Prices start at around US$150 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Cancún to Oaxaca?

ADO and OCC are the two largest operators.

I recommend using Busbud to check availability for your dates and to find the best deal.

Is There a direct Bus from Cancún to Oaxaca?

No, there is no bus service that can take you the whole way from Cancún to Oaxaca without a stop in between.

The ADO routes from Cancún to Oaxaca all go via Veracruz and for most of them you’ll need to change at either Merida, Campeche or Villahermosa, depending on the trip. With some ADO services, you need to change in Puebla or Mexico City.

On the OCC routes, you’ll need to change buses in Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Chiapas and then travel into Oaxaca from the south.

The minimum travel time is about the same with both options.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time is around 27 to 28 hours, depending on the time of day you’re travelling and the provider you use.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Oaxaca?

The bus route is approximately 900 miles (1,450 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Cancún, the pick-up point is ADO Terminal for all services.

When you arrive in Oaxaca, you’ll use the ADO Terminal in Barrio Jalatlaco, which is a few blocks north-east of Parque El Llano.

Are The Buses Comfortable?

The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the seats are comfortable semi-recliners.

There is no WiFi, though, so download everything you need before you leave the hotel.

Is It Safe To Travel By Bus?

You will be perfectly safe provided you take basic precautions.

Most importantly, keep your belongings with you at all times and keep your valuables out of sight.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

5. Rental Car To Oaxaca

A road trip from Cancún to Oaxaca is a great option that offers the freedom to explore at your own pace.

There’s nothing quite like the open road.

Fast Facts: Rental Car From Cancún to Oaxaca

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 18 to 20 gallons to get to Oaxaca.

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

I recommend using DiscoverCars to book the best deal available ahead of your arrival. Assuming you’re driving one way and dropping off your car in Oaxaca when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$1,200 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Cancún, then you’ll pay around US$100 per day plus gas.

Tip: If you’re driving one-way, you’ll have to drop the car off at Oaxaca Airport, as the downtown branches don’t accept one-way drop-offs.

What Is The Best Route From Cancún to Oaxaca?

Despite being a long drive, the route from Cancún to Oaxaca is quite straightforward.

You’ll set off west on highway 180 and stay on it as you pass through Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa.

About 15 miles after you cross the border from Tabasco into Veracruz, you’ll take highway 1800 further east until a town called Minatitlán, where it becomes highway 1450.

Around 90 miles after you leave Minatitlán, you’ll need to turn south on highway 175, which will take you into the Sierra Norte mountains. From there, you follow highway 175 into Oaxaca.

What’s Great About Driving to Oaxaca?

There are some great advantages to renting a car and driving to Oaxaca.

1. Freedom

Of all of the options, driving literally and figuratively puts you in the driver’s seat.

You get to choose every aspect of your journey, from departure time to the speed you travel to how often and where you stop.

2. Privacy

One of the best things about driving is that you don’t have to share your journey unless you want to.

If you’re travelling as a family, driving also means that you can have your familial privacy whilst you travel.

3. Convenience

Driving is the ultimate convenience. All you’ll need to do is book the car and pick it up whenever you’re ready to go.

This is particularly helpful if you have a family and it might take a little longer than expected to get everyone ready.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

FAQs: Rental Car From Cancún to Oaxaca

We’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Cancún to Oaxaca by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Cancún to Oaxaca?

A rental car that you pick up in Cancún and drop off the next day in Oaxaca will cost around US$1,200. The price is high because it includes a one-way fee. Gas is on top of that.

If you’re driving it back to Cancún, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$100 per day) and you’ll just pay the daily rate and the gas.

Most providers don’t charge you per mile travelled, but make sure you check before you sign on the dotted line.

What is the Route From Cancún to Oaxaca?

The route from Cancún to Oaxaca starts off heading west on highway 180 before turning onto highway 1800 shortly after crossing from Tabasco into Veracruz.

At a town called Minatitlán, highway 1800 becomes highway 1450. From there, you continue for another 90 miles or so before turning south on highway 175 for the run through the Sierra Norte mountains into Oaxaca.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 21 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

There are some great places to stop along the way, including Merida, Campeche, Ciudad del Carmen and Villahermosa, where you rest for a few hours or try some amazing local food.

What is the Distance From Cancún to Oaxaca?

The total distance is approximately 900 miles (1,450 km) from Cancún to Oaxaca.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Cancún?

There are several places in downtown Cancún where you can rent a car. There are Hertz branches on Avenida Xcaret, Avenida Yaxchilán and in the Plaza Las Americas.

You can also rent a car at Cancún International Airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

The short answer is yes, you will be able to rent a comfortable modern vehicle in Cancún. However, the level of luxury that you enjoy depends very much on your budget.

The car rental providers in Cancún have a range of vehicles that you can choose from, ranging from compacts up to luxury limousines.

Is It Safe To Travel By Car?

Yes, it is safe to travel by car provided you take basis precautions such as wearing your seatbelts, travelling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

What Are The Best Things To Do In Oaxaca?

Oaxaca City is loaded with brilliant things to do. Your problem won’t be finding things to occupy your time. Your problem will be fitting them all into your trip!

There are beautiful churches such as the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad and Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. These buildings both date back to the 17th century, whilst Oaxaca and Mexico more generally were under the rule of the Spanish.

Oaxaca is also famous for its amazing food. You can try tlayudas, memelas and other fantastic street foods at places like the Zócalo or local markets such as the Mercado Benito Juárez, Mercado de Artesanias or Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

Mezcal lovers will be in heaven. There are amazing mezcalerías on almost every corner selling the best mezcal in the world produced locally using traditional artisanal production methods.

And that’s just the city itself. Once you leave the city limits, the rest of the state has tons to offer you, including the ancient ruins, incredible magic towns, and beautiful beaches.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Oaxaca?

When you make it to Oaxaca, the next obvious question will be where do you stay? Well, you’re in luck because Oaxaca has an amazing array of places to stay for you to choose from. Whatever your heart desires, you’ll find it in Oaxaca.

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel, start by looking at Quinta Real, Casa Santo Origen and the Grand Fiesta Americana.

If a boutique hotel is more your thing, then check out NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique, Casa Antonieta Oaxaca and Hotel Parador de Alcalá Oaxaca.

There are also some great hostels like the well-known Selina Oaxaca.

If you want to look at longer lists of curated options, take a look at my article on the best hotels in Oaxaca.

You can also check prices and availability at Booking.com or Expedia.com.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

When is the Best Time to Visit Oaxaca?

Oaxaca has a subtropical high-altitude climate, meaning that it typically has warms day and then cools off in the evenings.

There is also a dry season and a rainy season, with the rainy season lasting from June through to September.

The best time to visit Oaxaca therefore depends a little or your personal preference, but in my opinion, late October is the best time to visit Oaxaca. The days are warm, the nights are cool, and the city is lively. You’ll also be able to see the Día de los Muertos festival, which is arguably better in Oaxaca that anywhere else in Mexico.

The downside, though, is that prices are expensive and the city is full of tourists doing exactly the same thing as you!

If you’re interested in finding out more about your options here, check out my related article on the best time to visit Oaxaca.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

What Should I Pack To Go To Oaxaca?

Oaxaca has warm days all year, with cool nights that become cold in the winter months of December through to February.

The temperature fluctuates during the day from around 49°F (10°C) to 85°F (30°C). Local Oaxacans deal with this by wearing layers.

You put your sweater or jacket on in the morning and then take it off a few hours later when the sun has warmed everything up.

If you travel during the rainy season from June to September, you can also expect to have very humid days. After a heavy rain, it isn’t uncommon for the humidity to reach over 80%.

So, what should you pack? Whenever you travel, you should bring (or buy shortly after you arrive) a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a sun-hat, lot of light clothes for the day, and a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings.

If you travel in the winter months, you probably want to add a scarf to that list and opt for the slightly warmer jacket.

If you’re going to travel in the rainy season (which can be a great way to spare your wallet!) you should include a few extra articles of clothing (because you can expect to get a bit sweaty) and a fold-up umbrella.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

Where Are The Best Oaxaca Beaches?

If you decide to visit Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, Oaxaca has no shortage of amazing beaches.

Playa Mazunte and Playa Zipolite are laid-back beach towns and Playa Zipolite even has a clothing optional area if that is your thing!

Playa La Entrega in Huatulco is known for its clear waters and coral reefs, making it a great spot for snorkeling and swimming.

If you’re looking for a place to surf, Playa Zicatela in Puerto Escondido is known for big sets, but if you’re looking for something in Puerto Escondido that is more relaxed, you can visit the sheltered cove of Playa Carrizalillo.

You can get a direct flight to Puerto Escondido or Huatulco from Oaxaca International Airport. Daily direct flights are available.

Check out my related article on Oaxaca’s best beaches if you’re interested in finding out more.

How to Get From Cancún to Oaxaca

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for travelling from Cancún to Oaxaca beyond just taking a commercial flight.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with doing that, and it’s frankly probably your best bet most of the time. But I think it’s helpful to understand the other options so that you don’t miss out on a great experience you wish you’d had.

No matter how you travel, you’ll get to see the diverse beauty of Mexico as you fly over the forests and mountain ranges on your way to Oaxaca.

Your options to get from Cancún to Oaxaca are many, and all of them are great. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Oaxaca!