Huatulco To Puerto Escondido: 6 Best Ways To Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

Even though they are only about 70 miles apart, it’s definitely worth planning your trip in advance. The last thing you want is to get an unpleasant surprise when you’re in-country and about to make the trip along the Oaxaca coastline.

The good news is that you’ve got a few options. You can rent a car, take the bus, get a private transfer or book a taxi, and you can even fly if you really want to.

I’ve set out below a comprehensive guide that has helped loads of people find out how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido cheaply, simply and safely.

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

Why Should You Visit Huatulco?

Huatulco, or Bahías de Huatulco as it is formally known, is a beautiful hidden gem on the Oaxacan coastline.

While Puerto Escondido is known to have great beaches for surfers, Huatulco is known for its many bays and secluded coves.

There are 36 beaches and nine bays in Huatulco in total, hence its name “Bays of Huatulco”. The colors of the waters are often a clear turquoise, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re looking at pictures of the Caribbean.

Huatulco is jam-packed with things to do. You can take a boat tour of the bays and visit one of the many great snorkelling beaches like those in Bahia San Agustin. You can also book a tour to go out and watch the local dolphins and whales.

Like Puerto Escondido, Huatulco has a laid-back atmosphere that seems to make your stress and worries just melt away. There are some great hotels in Huatulco where you can wind down with a cocktail between visits to the nearby beaches.

Huatulco is stunningly beautiful and offers you loads of options, depending on what you want to do. Whatever you’re keen on, you’ll have a wonderful time here.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

Why Should You Visit Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido is a must-see destination for your Mexico bucket-list.

If you love stunning beaches, awesome waves, and a relaxed vibe, you absolutely need to visit Puerto Escondido.

If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a coastal paradise tucked away in the beautiful state of Oaxaca, Mexico and is known for having some of the best beaches in Oaxaca.

There are great surfing beaches like Playa Zicatela, beaches with a more tranquil vibe like Playa Carrizalillo, and romantic beaches with sunsets you won’t forget like Playa Bacocho.

You don’t even need to love the beach to enjoy the lazy seaside atmosphere of Puerto Escondido.

Many of the best hotels in Puerto Escondido have fantastic sun-decks where you just can relax on a sun lounge by the pool.

And for nature-lovers, Puerto Escondido is a nesting ground for sea turtles. You can even participate in turtle releases, which is a heartwarming experience you won’t forget.

So let’s look at how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido and the different options available to you.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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1: Rental Car To Huatulco

A road trip from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido 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 Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

How Do I Find A Rental Car?

You can get a rental car in two places in Huatulco: at the airport, and La Crucecita.

At the airport, all of the rental booths are located in the arrivals hall at the airport. You’ll see directions to them when you arrive.

If you’d like to pick up your car in La Crucecita, there is a Europcar branch in the Plaza El Madero Shopping Centre on Calle Guamuchil, a few blocks to the east of the Zócalo.

You can use car rental websites to look for deals, just like when looking for flights. Try DiscoverCars.com to get you started.

What Is The Best Route From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The route from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido is an easy one as it follows highway 200 almost the entire way.

If you’re coming from Huatulco Airport, you’ll just need to head west on highway 200 when you exit the airport.

If you’re picking up your car at La Crucecita, you’ll need to first head north-west along Boulevard Chahue to highway 200 and then turn west.

In both cases, once you’re on highway 200, you follow it all the way into Puerto Escondido.

What’s Great About Renting A Car?

There are some great advantages of driving:

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 traveling 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 Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Rental Car From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido by rental car.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

A rental car that you pick up at Huatulco Airport and drop off the next day will cost about US$30 plus gas.

If you’re planning to give it back at Puerto Escondido Airport then you’ll also need to pay a one-way fee of around US$80 (MX$1,450).

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

What is the Route From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The route from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido follows highway 200 almost the whole way.

If you’re coming from Huatulco Airport, you’ll just need to head west on highway 200 when you exit the airport.

If you’re picking up your car at La Crucecita, you’ll need to first head north-west along Boulevard Chahue to highway 200 and then turn and head west towards Puerto Escondido.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

There are lots of places along the way like Mazunte and Puerto Ángel where you can stop and check out the beach and buy some great local food.

What is the Distance From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The total distance is approximately 71 miles (115km) from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido.

Where Do I Rent A Car In Huatulco?

Europcar, Keddy and Fox each have branches in the terminal at Huatulco Airport. You can also rent a car from the Europcar branch at La Crucecita.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

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

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

How is the road to Puerto escondido?

Highway 200 is well-maintained and very safe to travel.

However, the average speed limit is about 35 miles an hour, as the road passes through lots of small towns and villages.

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, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

Be aware that there are also speed humps on highway 200 when you pass through towns and villages, so make sure you keep an eye out for them.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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2: Private Transfer To Puerto Escondido

If you’re keen on a road trip from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido but aren’t so keen to do the driving, you can arrange a private transfer.

It’s more expensive than renting a car and driving yourself, but it lets you relax and enjoy the scenery or even catch up on some sleep.

Fast Facts: Private Transfer From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

Where Can You Book A Private Transfer From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The easiest way to find a reputable private transfer service is by using a platform like Viator or Guatego.

If you would prefer to meet your driver in person before booking, speak to your hotel and ask for a recommendation and then go and visit them at their offices in Huatulco.

What’s Great About A Private Transfer?

Although it is more expensive than a rental car, there are some benefits of getting a private driver rather than driving yourself.

1. No Need To Focus On The Road

The best thing about being chauffeured is that you don’t need to worry about driving.

Watching the road for up to two hours can be tiring and it means that you won’t be able to completely relax until you reach Puerto Escondido.

2. Great For Groups

A private transfer is great if you’re traveling as a group.

You get to share the cost and just focus on having fun and let the driver bring you to Puerto Escondido.

3. Capped risk

The other big benefit of having a private driver is that you don’t bear the risk of having an accident and damaging the car.

Your insurance would likely cover any damage, but having a driver just avoids the risk altogether.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Private Transfer From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido by private transfer.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

A private transfer starts at around US$170 per trip for a group of up to 4.

Most services cap the number of passengers, so make sure you check this before you book.

What is the Route From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The route from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido by private transfer will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for at least 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The total distance is approximately 71 miles (115km) from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido.

Are The Private transfer Cars Comfortable?

Yes, the private transfer services offered on Viator or Guatego use comfortable modern vehicles.

Is It Safe To Travel By Private Transfer?

If you travel with a reputable provider such as those arranged via Viator or Guatego, you will be perfectly safe traveling by private transfer.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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3: Taxi To Puerto Escondido

Another great option to mention is the good old taxi.

While not quite as comfortable as a private transfer, once you agree the price with the driver, it’s one of the best options if you haven’t planned in advance.

Fast Facts: Taxi From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

Where Can You Book A Taxi From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

If you want to book a taxi, the best way to do it is to ask your hotel to book one for you. It’s especially helpful if your Spanish isn’t great, as they can confirm the pick-up time and price and there’ll be no misunderstandings.

If you’d prefer to hail a taxi on the street for whatever reason, there’s nothing stopping you and it’s perfectly safe to do so. You’ll just need to confirm the price upfront.

Bear in mind that your taxi probably won’t have air conditioning. If you’re looking for a little more comfort, a private transfer might be a better bet.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Taxi From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

I’ve set out below some frequently asked questions and answers about how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido by taxi.

How Much Does It Cost To Drive From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

You’ll need to negotiate your fare, and you should always do this upfront.

You can expect to pay anywhere from US$60 – US$90, depending on how much the driver wants the fare.

What is the Route From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The route from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido should be the same as you would take if you rented a car or booked a private transfer.

However, you should confirm the route with the driver before you set off.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The total distance is approximately 71 miles (115km) from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido.

Are The Taxis Comfortable?

Taxis aren’t made for long distance passenger travel like a bus or a plane, and they’re unlikely to have air conditioning.

If you’re looking for more comfort, you might be better served renting your own car or arranging a private transfer.

Is It Safe To Travel By Taxi?

Yes, you will be safe enough traveling by taxi from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido. This is particularly the case if you are traveling in a group.

If possible, I’d recommend asking your hotel to book the taxi, as they’ll have a record of the booking, which the driver will know. I would also recommend that sole female travelers avoid taking the taxi at night.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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4: Bus To Puerto Escondido

If you want a more scenic experience from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido, the bus is a great option for you.

Fast Facts: Bus From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

Where Can I Book A Bus From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The two biggest providers of standard bus routes from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido are ADO and OCC (Omnibús Cristobal Colón).

There are multiple trips a day every day. Check out fare comparison sites like Busbud or Guatego to see availability.

What’s Great About Taking The Bus?

While it clearly isn’t as freewheeling as renting your own car, there are still some positives to taking the bus.

1. The Bus Is Cheaper

For a relatively short journey like Huatulco to Puerto Escondido, the bus is great value.

It’s cheaper than renting a car (especially if you have to pay the one-way fee) and still provides a comfortable trip that arrives in a reasonable timeframe.

2. Buses Take Their Time

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

As you wind through the 71 miles to Puerto Escondido, you’ll get to soak in the natural beauty of Mexico’s southern countryside.

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

If you take the bus from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido, you’ll be dropped off close to the beach in the heart of Puerto Escondido.

When you’re dropped off, if you’re staying at the beach, you can walk the few blocks to your hotel or take a short taxi ride.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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

How Much Is The Bus From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

Prices are typically around US$20 (MX$360).

Which Buses Run From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

ADO and OCC (Omnibús Cristobal Colón) are the two largest operators in Oaxaca.

Check out fare comparison sites like Busbud or Guatego to check availability.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time is 2 – 2.5 hours.

What is the Distance From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

The bus route is approximately 71 miles (115km) from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

You’ll board your bus at the ADO Bus Terminal in La Crucecita in Huatulco.

In Puerto Escondido, you’ll arrive at the ADO Terminal on highway 200, which is at the south end of the city center on Avenida Oaxaca.

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 basis precautions.

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

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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5: Private Jet to Puerto Escondido

Before you ask, yes, you can absolutely get a private jet from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido.

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

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

Where Can I Book A Private Jet From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

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 Huatulco to Puerto Escondido route.

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

Most of the advantages of flying commercially (more details below) apply to flying privately as well.

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

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Huatulco 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 traveling 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 Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Flying From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido by Private Jet

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

How Much Is A Private Jet From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

If you want to fly privately to Puerto Escondido, you’re looking at around US$4,000 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$20,000 for a larger jet seating up to 14 people.

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

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time on a private jet is around 20 minutes.

The overall travel time will probably be a little quicker though, because you’ll 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 70 miles (about 115 km) from Puerto Escondido Airport to Huatulco Airport.

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Huatulco International Airport in Huatulco to depart and you’ll land at Puerto Escondido International Airport when you arrive in Puerto Escondido.

How Far Is It From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

Puerto Escondido International Airport is very close to the city center, about 3 miles from Playa Zicatela.

How Can I Get From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

Your best bet is to take a taxi to your hotel. Puerto Escondido Airport is very close to the city, so the taxi should only cost you around US$10.

You can also arrange a private shuttle or rent a car at the airport.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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6: Commercial Flight to Puerto Escondido

You can also fly commercially from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido, although there are no direct flights. That means that you’ll have to fly via Mexico City or Oaxaca.

On that basis, I wouldn’t recommend this unless absolutely necessary.

Fast Facts: Flying From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

Where Do I Book A Flight From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

This depends on whether you’re planning to fly via Mexico City or Oaxaca.

Flying Via Mexico city

If you want to fly via Mexico City, you can use a comparison site like SkyScanner.com to find a flight.

Each flight will take 90 minutes with a layover in Mexico City of at least an hour, often longer.

Flying Via Oaxaca

If you are planning to change in Oaxaca, your best bet is to book with Aerotucán. They’re a very small airline, but they’re the only one that flies non-stop from Oaxaca to Huatulco.

They fly once per day, so you’ll need to book well in advance. You’ll also need to stay in Oaxaca at least one night, because the fight to Puerto Escondido departs before you flight from Huatulco arrives.

Their website isn’t great, so your best bet is calling them (and you may need someone who can speak Spanish to help you).

Their contact details are below:

What’s Great About Flying?

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. 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 lay of the land around Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, as well as the mountains on the way to and from Oaxaca.

2. 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. By comparison, there were around 107 million air passengers in Mexico in 2022 alone.

That puts your chances of dying on a flight 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!

3. You Can Explore During The Layover

Even though the flying will require you to have a layover, you could use this to your advantage and do day-trip into the city.

Both Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport and Mexico City International Airport are very close to the city center.

If you plan your flights carefully, you may be able to spend a half-day exploring between hopping between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido!

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

FAQs: Flying From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido 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 From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season, but are typically around US$400 (MX$7,000).

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido?

There are four airlines servicing the route from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido. These are Volaris, Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus and Aerotucán.

What is the Flight Time?

If you fly with Aerotucán via Oaxaca, the flight time will be 45 minutes to Oaxaca and then back to Puerto Escondido.

If you fly via Mexico City first, your flights will each be 90 minutes long, and you’ll have a layover of at least an hour.

What is the Flight Distance?

If you fly via Oaxaca, the flight distance is approximately 160 miles in each direction.

If you fly via Mexico City, it will be 280 miles from Puerto Escondido to Mexico City, and then 310 miles from Mexico City to Huatulco.

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (HUX) when you depart Huatulco and Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) when you arrive in Puerto Escondido .

Depending on your airline, you’ll fly via Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport in Oaxaca or via Mexico City International Airport in Mexico City.

How Far Is It From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

Puerto Escondido International Airport is very close to the city center, about 3 miles from Playa Zicatela.

How Can I Get From Puerto Escondido Airport To The City Center?

Your best bet is to take a taxi to your hotel. Puerto Escondido Airport is very close to the city, so the taxi should only cost you around US$10.

You can also arrange a private shuttle or rent a car at the airport.

How to Get From Huatulco to Puerto Escondido

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Final Thoughts

So, you now know how to get from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido using various methods. Traveling from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido is an experience you won’t quickly forget.

You’ll get to see the beautiful Mexican countryside, especially as you inland toward the mountain ranges and past the national park just after leaving Huatulco.

Your options to get there are many, and all of them viable. Choose the one that most takes your fancy, and have an amazing time in Puerto Escondido!