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

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Wondering how to get from Oaxaca to Cancún?

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

Just because flying is quicker, doesn’t mean it is the option that you should take. 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.

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

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

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 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 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 Puebla more to your liking.  I think Cancún is great because it has something for everyone. In fact, if you’re looking for sheer number of things to do, especially with children, I think Cancún is unbeatable in Mexico.

Before we jump into the route from Oaxaca to Cancún, let’s quickly look at why you should visit Oaxaca in the first place.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

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!

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

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

1. Fly to Cancún

If you think even briefly about how to get from Oaxaca to Cancún, 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.

Fast Facts: Flying From Oaxaca to Cancún

Where Do I Book A Flight To Cancún?

I recommend that you use Expedia.com to book your flights. You can check flights using the Expedia search box below:

You’ll be able to see the best deals available on different dates and flying with different airlines.

How Do I Get From Downtown Oaxaca To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) from downtown Oaxaca.

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 Oaxaca 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 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 Oaxaca 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$50 and will take about 20 to 30 minutes, 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 Oaxaca. 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$15 to US$20, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

4. DiDi

Uber isn’t available in Oaxaca, but you can use the DiDi app instead. If you don’t already have the DiDi app installed on your phone, you’ll need to install it before you can call a driver.

If you haven’t used it before, the app works like Uber in the US. 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.

Lots of the taxi drivers use it, so don’t be surprised if it’s a taxi that arrives to pick you up.

A DiDi car from downtown Oaxaca to the airport should cost you around US$15 to US$20, depending on the location of your hotel and the time that you need to travel.

5. Public Bus

According to the Mexican government, Oaxaca de Juárez had a population of 270,955 at the end of 2020, so it’s not surprising that the city has a great public bus network to help you move around.

If you’re near the center of the city, there are a few different routes that you can take, depending on where your hotel is located. Route R36 run along Arteaga near the corner of Calle de Carlos María Bustamante, a few blocks south of Hotel Trébol Oaxaca.

If you want to get on a little further north, you can take route 26 on Xicoténcatl near the corner of Avenida de la Independencia, two blocks south of NaNa Vida Hotel Oaxaca.

In each case the bus will drop you off on highway 175 at the turn-off to the airport, and you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes over to the airport itself. The bus will cost you 8 Mexican pesos (US$0.50). Make sure you have Mexican pesos with you.

What’s Great About Flying?

Flying has a bunch of obvious advantages.

1. Faster Trip Time

Flight time from Oaxaca to Cancún 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 Cancún. 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 north-east away from Oaxaca.

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 Cancún at about 1 in 71 million. By comparison, the World Health Organisation 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 Oaxaca to Cancún

FAQs: Flying To Cancún

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Oaxaca to Cancún 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 Cancún?

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

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Oaxaca to Cancún?

Volaris flies direct from Oaxaca to Cancún. 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 Oaxaca to Cancún is approximately 700 miles (around 1129 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

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

How Far Is It From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

Cancún International Airport is about 12 miles (20 km) south of downtown Cancún.

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To My Hotel?

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

Taxi

A taxi will cost around US$40 to US$50 (MX$650 to MX$800) and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Private Transfer

If you’re staying in any of the major hotels, the concierge will be able to arrange an airport transfer service for you. If you want to arrange it yourself, check out your options on Viator. Prices start at around US$50 (MX$800).

Bus

There is also an ADO bus route that you can use that runs from the airport into downtown Cancún. It will drop you off at the ADO bus station in Avenida Uxmal and will cost around US$8 (MX$135).

If you’re staying at a hotel in the hotel zone, you’ll need to then take one of the local buses into the hotel zone. They stop right outside the bus station on Avenida Tulum. Route R-1 will take you into the hotel zone and will cost around US$0.50 (MX$12).

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International 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$70 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

2. Private Jet to Cancún

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

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

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Oaxaca to Cancún

Where Can I Book A Private Jet To Cancún?

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 Oaxaca to Cancún route.

How Do I Get From Oaxaca To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) from downtown Oaxaca.

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 Cancún 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 Oaxaca to Cancún

FAQs: Flying From Oaxaca to Cancún by Private Jet

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

How Much Is A Private Jet To Cancún?

If you want to fly privately to Cancún, 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 Cancún International Airport (CUN) from Oaxaca International Airport (OAX).

Which Airports Do I Use?

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

How Far Is It From Cancún International Airport To Downtown Cancún?

Cancún International Airport is about 12 miles (20 km) south of downtown Cancún.

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International 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$75 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

3. Helicopter to Cancún

If you would consider taking a private jet from Oaxaca to Cancún, 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 Cancún. On that basis, I definitely think it is an option that you should have on your list.

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Oaxaca to Cancún

Where Can I Book A Helicopter To Cancún?

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 Oaxaca to Cancún route.

How Do I Get From Downtown Oaxaca To The Airport?

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

The options and prices for getting from downtown Oaxaca 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 Oaxaca to Cancún

FAQs: Flying From Oaxaca to Cancún By Helicopter

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

How Much Is A Helicopter To Cancún?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Cancún, 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) from Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) to 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 Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) in Oaxaca de Juárez to depart and you’ll use Cancún International Airport (CUN) when you arrive.

How Far Is It From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

Cancún International Airport is about 12 miles (20 km) south of downtown Cancún.

How Can I Get From Cancún International Airport To The City Center?

The options are the same as for a commercial flight, which I’ve set out in detail in the section above.

Can I Rent A Car At Cancún International 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$75 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

4. Bus To Cancún

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

Fast Facts: Bus From Oaxaca to Cancún

Where Can I Book A Bus From Oaxaca to Cancún?

The two biggest providers of bus routes from Oaxaca to Cancún 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 Oaxaca to Cancún through the mountains, valleys and forests, 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 Oaxaca to Cancún, you’ll be dropped off in downtown Cancún rather than at an airport outside the city.

When you get off the bus, if you’re staying in the hotel zone, you can take a short taxi ride or take the public bus to your hotel.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Oaxaca to Cancún

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

How Much Is The Bus From Oaxaca to Cancún?

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

Which Buses Run From Oaxaca to Cancún?

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 Oaxaca to Cancún?

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

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

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

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

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Oaxaca, you’ll depart from Terminal ADO in Barrio Jalatlaco, which is a few blocks north-east of Parque El Llano.

In Cancún, the drop-off point is ADO Terminal on Avenida Uxmal for all services.

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 Oaxaca to Cancún

5. Rental Car To Cancún

A road trip from Oaxaca to Cancún 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 Oaxaca to Cancún

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 Cancún.

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 Cancún when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$1,200 plus gas.

If you’re planning on driving the car back to Oaxaca at some point, then you’ll pay around US$30 per day plus gas.

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

What Is The Best Route From Oaxaca to Cancún?

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

You’ll set off east on highway 190 for just a few miles and then turn onto highway 175, which heads up into the Sierra Norte mountains. You’ll follow that for about 160 miles until you reach highway 1450, where you’ll turn east towards Villahermosa.

In a town another 50 miles or so further on, highway 1450 becomes highway 1800. From there on, it is sometimes called highway 1800 and sometimes highway 180, but in any case, you keep following that through Villahermosa, then Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche and Merida.

From Merida, you’ll continue on the same highway across the Yucatán Peninsula for the last 190 miles until you reach Cancún.

What’s Great About Driving to Cancún?

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

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 Oaxaca to Cancún

FAQs: Rental Car From Oaxaca to Cancún

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

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

A rental car that you pick up in Oaxaca and drop off the next day in Cancún 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 Oaxaca at some point, then the rate is much cheaper (around US$30 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 Oaxaca to Cancún?

The route from Oaxaca to Cancún starts off heading west on highway 190 before turning onto highway 175 to go through the mountains into Veracruz.

From there you take highway 1450, which becomes highway 1800 and which will take you the rest of the way through Villahermosa, Campeche and Merida before finally bringing you to Cancún.

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 Ciudad del Carmen and Merida, where you rest for a few hours or try some amazing local food.

What is the Distance From Oaxaca to Cancún?

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

Where Do I Rent A Car In Oaxaca?

There are only a few places to rent a car in Oaxaca. In downtown Oaxaca, there are Europcar and Alamo branches on Mariano Matamoros, about three blocks north of the Zócalo.

There are a few more options at Oaxaca International Airport, including Hertz. If you’re driving one way, it will be a lot cheaper to rent it at the airport.

Are The Rental Cars Comfortable?

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

The car rental providers in Oaxaca 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 Oaxaca to Cancún

What Are The Best Things To Do In Cancún?

Cancún 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!

The city is located right on the Caribbean Sea with miles of pristine beaches with beautiful turquoise waters where you can swim, snorkel or just enjoy the sun under a palapa. There’s also a huge reef nearby that is perfect for scuba-diving.

Just off the coast, you can take a ferry or go on a sailing trip to nearby Isla Mujeres to swim with whale sharks or sea turtles. You can also venture farther afield to the idyllic Isla Contoy and Isla Holbox if you want to visit the more remote islands.

If you’re traveling with children, Cancún has lots of different adventure parks where you can swim in natural pools, slide down enormous water slides and can even go ziplining over the tops of the trees. They’re definitely some of the best things to do in Cancún with kids.

For couples, there are lots of great waterside restaurants like Rosa Negra and Taboo that serve great food and are perfect for a romantic evening. Cancún is also known for its nightlife and there are lots of great nightclubs like CoCo Bongo and Dady O where you can dance away into the wee hours of the morning.

If you were thinking that there isn’t much Mexican culture in Cancún, that’s not the case at all. If you’re interested in the Mayan civilization, the ruined city of Chichén Itzá is just a few hours drive from Cancún. While you’re there, you can visit one of the 10,000 cenotes for a swim in a unique location.

And if you don’t want to travel that far, Cancún itself is home to the site of several ruins including El Rey and El Meco. There is also a Mayan museum that you can visit in the hotel zone to learn more about the fascinating Mayan civilization.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Cancún?

When you make it to Cancún, the next obvious question will be where do you stay?

Well, you’re in luck because Cancún has an huge array of places to stay for you to choose from. In fact, there’s an entire area of Cancún called the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), which has some of the most amazing hotels in Mexico.

I’d suggest starting by looking at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, the Riu Palace Kukulkan and Temptation Cancun Resort. All of those are all-inclusive hotels, so even though the rates might seem a little high, you can get quite a bit of bang for your buck.

There are also some great hostels like the well-known Selina Cancún Laguna, which offers a fantastic location at a reasonable price.

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

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

When is the Best Time to Visit Cancún?

I think it’s fair to say that there is no truly bad time to visit Cancún.

There’s very little difference in average temperature across the year. It goes down to 75°F (24°C) in January and up to 85°F (30°C) in August, so whenever you visit, you can count on nice warm weather.

There are two distinct seasons, though, due to its tropical location. June to October is the rainy season, and it’s also the hottest part of the year. December to April is the dry season, and those are also the coolest months.

The best time to visit will depend a little on what you’re looking for. I’ve outlined this below.

Dry Season: December to April

This is the tourist high season. The cooler weather and the Christmas and New Year holidays initially drive up the tourist numbers. In March, US college kids then pour into Cancún to party away during Spring Break.

This is definitely the best time to visit Cancún if you’re looking to party or if you’re looking for the coolest weather. Bear in mind that because of the high demand from tourists, flights and hotel costs are at their highest.

Rainy Season: June to October

June to October is the tourist low season and if you’re looking to travel on a budget, this is the best time. Hotel prices are off their peak, and crowds are smaller, save for the tourists taking advantage of the balmy evenings during July and August.

This is also breeding season for whale sharks and sea turtles in the waters off Isla Mujeres and you, so if you’re keen to do some snorkelling or scuba-diving, this is the time to do it.

Shoulder Seasons: April to May & October to November

If you’re not keen on visiting during the rainy season but don’t want to have to pay the higher prices during the dry season, you can visit during what are known as the shoulder seasons.

The shoulder seasons are basically the two bridges between the two seasons. During this period, you can often still get a great deal on flights and hotels, but have the advantage of fewer tourists and great weather.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

What Should I Pack To Go To Cancún?

Cancún has warm days all year round, with cool nights during the dry season. There isn’t really much temperature change throughout the day, so you won’t need to worry about wearing layers.

If you travel during the rainy season, you can also expect to have very humid days. After a heavy rain, it isn’t uncommon for the humidity to reach over 80%, which is another reason to only wear airy, light clothing.

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’re going to travel in the rainy season, you should add a few more of everything, because you’ll probably want to change your clothes more often if there’s high humidity. You should also bring or buy an umbrella.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

Where Are The Best Cancún Beaches?

If you decide to visit Cancún, you’ll soon realise that it has no shortage of amazing beaches.

The most popular beach is without a doubt Playa Delfines. It’s in the southern part of the “7”-shaped hotel zone, just south of Iberostar Selection Cancún. Playa Delfines is patrolled by lifeguards who set out flags, so as long as you swim between the flags, you’ll be safe enough.

If you’re looking for more sheltered beaches, you can also try Playa Caracol, Playa Langosta and Playa Tortugas. Those are all located at the top part of the hotel zone and the waters are usually more peaceful because Isla Mujeres acts as a barrier against strong waves and currents.

Playa Gaviota Azul is situated on the corner of the 7-shape, and is also sheltered by a rocky pier, making it another great option to swim.

In addition to the beaches in the hotel zone, there are also lots of others like Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres as well as other beaches further south towards Puerto Morelos.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Cancún

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for travelling from Oaxaca to Cancún 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 Cancún.

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