Oaxaca to Morelia: 6 Best Ways to Travel [2024]

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Wondering how to get from Oaxaca to Morelia?

Most people would immediately think of taking 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 Morelia.

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

Ready to go? Let’s get right into it.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

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 getting from Oaxaca to Morelia, let’s look at why you should consider visiting Morelia in the first place.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

Why Should You Visit Morelia?

Morelia is a large city of over one million people and is the capital of the state of Michoacán, Mexico. It was founded in 1542 and is known for having some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in Mexico.

Its architectural beauty comes at least in part from the very distinctive rose-colored stone called cantera used in many of its buildings. The pink stone was quarried locally and was easily cut and shaped, and historically it was often used as a building material in the city as a result.

The imposing Morelia Cathedral is the best example of both the colonial architecture and the beauty of the cantera stone. The cathedral was constructed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and is a wonderful example of the Spanish baroque architectural style.

Another beautiful example of architecture in the city is the 18th century Morelia aqueduct. It runs for over a mile through the historic center and features 253 graceful arches and two square tower-like structures known as “water boxes”.

Beyond its architectural beauty, Morelia is also known as the food capital of Michoacán. Typical dishes that you can find in Morelia include uchepos, a type of very sweet, creamy tamales; corundas, which are cheesy triangular tamales; and gazpacho, which is a wild combination of chopped fruit, cheese and chili.

And if you want to explore a little farther afield, some of Michoacán’s “magic towns” (pueblos mágicos) like Pátzcuaro are within easy reach and make a great day trip from the city.

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

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

1. Rental Car To Morelia

A road trip from Oaxaca to Morelia 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 Morelia

Tip: Gas in Mexico will probably cost you around US$5 per gallon, and you’ll need about 9 to 10 gallons to get to Morelia.

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 Morelia when you arrive, you can expect to pay around US$525 plus gas.

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

What Is The Best Route From Oaxaca to Morelia?

The route from Oaxaca to Morelia starts by taking highway 90 north for 10 miles before it becomes highway 135D, which you’ll then follow for another 140 miles to a town called Cuacnopalan.

You then turn west along highway 150D for around 60 miles until you reach Arco Norte. Arco Norte will then take you in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 15D, which you’ll take west.

You follow highway 15D for another 90 miles until you take highway 43 south for the last 15 miles into Morelia.

What’s Great About Driving to Morelia?

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

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.

FAQs: Rental Car From Oaxaca to Morelia

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

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

A rental car that you pick up in Oaxaca and drop off the next day in Morelia will cost around US$525. 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, 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 Morelia?

The route from Oaxaca to Morelia starts by taking highway 90 and highway 135D north for around 150 miles to a town called Cuacnopalan, where you’ll turn west.

You stay on highway 150D for around 60 miles until you reach Arco Norte, which then takes you in a 150 mile arc around Mexico City until you reach highway 15D, which you’ll take west.

You follow highway 15D for another 90 miles until you take highway 43 south for the last 15 miles into Morelia.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 9 hours, depending on how often you want to stop.

What is the Distance From Oaxaca to Morelia?

The total distance is approximately 470 miles (757 km) from Oaxaca to Morelia.

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 Morelia 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, traveling with the doors locked and not driving unsafely.

What do I need to rent a car?

You’ll need to be at least 21 years old and you’ll need to have held your driver’s licence for at least a year before you rent a car.

You’ll also need to bring a credit card in your own name and your passport.

Will I have Any Liability?

If you book through DiscoverCars, the deductible on the included insurance is usually zero for damages to bodywork from a collision.

However, sometimes not all parts of the car are covered, so check the terms of the policy before you book and consider upgrading the insurance package for greater peace of mind.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

2. Bus To Morelia

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

Fast Facts: Bus From Oaxaca to Morelia

Where Can I Book A Bus From Oaxaca to Morelia?

In Mexico, different bus companies service different parts of the country.

For the route from Oaxaca to Mexico City, ADO (Autobuses de Oriente), AU (Autobuses Unidos) and OCC (Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón) are the largest providers.

For the route from Mexico City to Morelia, the largest provider is Futura.

I recommend using ClickBus or 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 470 miles (757 km) from Oaxaca to Morelia through the mountains, 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 Morelia, you’ll be dropped off close to downtown Morelia.

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

FAQs: Taking The Bus From Oaxaca to Morelia

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

How Much Is The Bus From Oaxaca to Morelia?

Prices start at around US$65 per person per trip.

Which Buses Run From Oaxaca to Morelia?

For the route from Oaxaca to Mexico City, ADO (Autobuses de Oriente), AU (Autobuses Unidos) and OCC (Ómnibus Cristóbal Colón) are the largest providers.

For the route from Mexico City to Morelia, the largest provider is Futura.

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

Is There a direct Bus from Oaxaca to Morelia?

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

Most of the buses will stop in Mexico City, although you can also find buses that make a stop in Puebla if you would prefer to stop over there.

What is the Travel Time?

Travel time starts at around 11 hours, depending on the time of day you’re traveling, the provider you use and the layover time between connecting buses.

What is the Distance From Oaxaca to Morelia?

The bus route is approximately 470 miles (757 km) long.

Which Bus Stations Do I Use?

In Oaxaca, the pick-up point is Terminal ADO in the north-east of Oaxaca, just a short walk to the historic center.

In Mexico City, you’ll usually be dropped off at Central de Autobuses del Norte in the north of the city. The connecting bus to Oaxaca usually departs from TAPO, just to the east of the city, but you can easily reach it with a quick ride on the Metro.

The stop next to Central de Autobuses del Norte is called Autobuses del Norte on Línea 5, and the stop next to TAPO is called San Lázaro on Línea B. You’ll need to change lines at Oceanía.

In Morelia, the drop-off point is Terminal de Autobuses, Morelia, just a few miles north-west of the historic center.

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 Morelia

3. Carshare To Morelia

Another option you can use to get from Oaxaca to Morelia is a carshare.

Car-sharing is very popular in Mexico and it’s a great cheap way to travel while getting to know new people.

Fast Facts: Carshare From Oaxaca to Morelia

Where Can You Book A Carshare From Oaxaca to Morelia?

The easiest way to find a reputable carshare service is on BlaBlaCar.

There are different options available and you can choose a ride with a verified driver with lots of positive reviews.

What’s Great About A Carshare?

Although you won’t be able to take full control like you could with a rental car, there are some benefits of using a carshare rather than driving yourself.

1. Cheap Way to Travel

Car-sharing is often much cheaper than any other option.

Similar to Uber, the car-sharing model is unregulated and costs are lower as a result.

2. Easy to Organize

Arranging a car-share is very easy through online platforms like BlaBlaCar.

You’ll be able to see the pick-up and drop-off points at the time of booking and you’ll then pay when you’re picked up.

3. No Responsibility for the Vehicle

Similar to the other options where you’re being chauffeured, you won’t be responsible for what happens to the car while you’re on the road.

You’ll only be responsible for paying the agreed price and your liability ends there.

FAQs: Carshare From Oaxaca to Morelia

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

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

A carshare starts at around 700 Mexican pesos (US$35) per trip for one person. If you book with a larger group, the price per person will usually go down.

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

What is the Route From Oaxaca to Morelia?

The route from Oaxaca to Morelia by carshare will follow the same route as you would take if you rented a car.

What is the Travel Time?

You’ll be driving for around 9 hours.

What is the Distance From Oaxaca to Morelia?

The total distance is approximately 470 miles (757 km) from Oaxaca to Morelia.

Are The Carshare Cars Comfortable?

Drivers with good reviews will have comfortable vehicles. Contact the driver ahead of agreeing to a carshare ride to confirm.

Is It Safe To Travel By Carshare?

Yes, but you should be aware that some people may try to use the platforms to run scams.

You should be able to easily avoid this by choosing drivers who have verified profiles and lots of positive reviews.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

4. Fly to Morelia

It’s possible to fly from Oaxaca to Morelia, it won’t surprise you that flying is the quickest option.

This is the case even when you add the time it takes to get to the airport before you fly and to get a connecting flight in Mexico City.

Fast Facts: Flying From Oaxaca to Morelia

Where Do I Book A Flight To Morelia?

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

You’l 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.

FAQs: Flying To Morelia

I’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about how to get from Oaxaca to Morelia flying commercially.

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 Morelia?

Commercial flights fluctuate from season to season and it depends on how far ahead you book, but prices typically start at around US$200 from Oaxaca to Morelia.

Check out Expedia.com for the best deals available.

Which Commercial Airlines Fly From Morelia?

You’ll need to get a connecting flight in Mexico City.

Volaris, VivaAerobus and AeroMexico fly directly from Oaxaca to Mexico City and AeroMexico fly direct from Mexico City to Morelia.

What is the Flight Time?

Flight time is on a commercial flight starts at around 2 hour 30 minutes, plus layover and transfer time in Mexico City.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Oaxaca to Morelia is approximately 344 miles (around 553 km).

The actual distance flown will be much longer, as you’ll need to fly to Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City to get a connecting flight from Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) to Morelia International Airport (MLM).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) to depart and you’ll use Morelia International Airport (MLM) in Morelia when you arrive.

In Mexico City, you’ll arrive at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), just a few miles to the east of the city. Unless you want to spend the night in Mexico City, you’ll need to take your connecting flight from Felipe Angeles International Airport (NLU) in the north of Mexico City.

How Can I Get From Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX) To Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU)?

Mexico City is a huge city with a well-developed transportation system. You can get a taxi, an Uber, or the public bus to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU) after you land.

Taxi

You’ll be able to get a taxi from the airport. A taxi will cost around US$35 to US$40 and you can get one in front of the airport when you exit.

Uber

Uber is also available in Mexico City and works the same as it does in the US. Uber is usually a little cheaper than a taxi, and you can expect to pay around US$30 to US$35 to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU).

Public Transport

To get from Benito Juárez International Airport to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU), you can take Metrobús line 4 from the terminal 1 and terminal 2 buildings to Terminal Aérea on Metro line 5 (the yellow line).

From there you can take the yellow line one stop farther along to Oceanía, where you’ll need to change to the Metro line B (the narrow green line). You can then take that up to Ciudad Azteca and then take the Mexibús line 1 to Felipe Ángeles International Airport (NLU).

To help you plan your trip, you can find a map of the CDMX Metro and Metrobús lines here.

Traveling on the Metro or on a Metrobús is simple enough, although you’ll need to buy a rechargeable travel card (tarjeta de movilidad integrada), which you can get in a Metro station, many Metrobús stations, or in newstands around the city. They cost 10 Mexican pesos.

Once you have the card, you use it to tap in when you board a train or a bus, and you can use it to pay for others too if you’re traveling as a group. When you run low on credit, you can recharge the card at machines available at the Metro or Metrobús stations.

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

Morelia International Airport (formally known as General Francisco Mujica International Airport) is about 19 miles (31 km) to the north-east of the historic center of Morelia.

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

Morelia doesn’t have a metro system, but it does have an extensive public transportation system of colectivo buses.

In addition to the 70 or so colectivo routes that criss-cross the city, you can also take a taxi, a private transfer, or an Uber to the city.

Colectivo

The cheapest mode of transport from the airport to Morelia’s historic center is the colectivo.

You can get a colectivo outside the airport and prices start at 165 Mexican pesos (US$10) per person.

Taxi

You’ll also be able to get a taxi from the airport. A taxi to Morelia starts at 335 Mexican pesos (US$20).

Uber

Uber is also available in Morelia and works the same as it does in the US.

Uber is usually a little cheaper than a taxi, and you can expect to pay around US$15 for a ride into the city.

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$45.

Can I Rent A Car At Morelia Airport?

Yes, Hertz 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$60 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

5. Private Jet to Morelia

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

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

Fast Facts: Private Jet From Oaxaca to Morelia

Where Can I Book A Private Jet from Oaxaca to Morelia?

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 Morelia route.

How Do I Get From Oaxaca To The Airport?

You have a few options to get to Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) from Oaxaca. The options and prices are broadly the same as for a commercial flight (see above).

What’s Great About Flying With A Private Jet?

There are obviously some big positive aspects of flying with a private jet.

1. Glamour

It’s hard to think of a more stylish or glamorous way to arrive in Morelia 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.

FAQs: Flying From Oaxaca to Morelia by Private Jet

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

How Much Is A Private Jet To From Oaxaca to Morelia?

If you want to fly privately from Oaxaca to Morelia, you’re looking at around US$8,800 for a light jet seating six to eight, going up to around US$30,000 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 1 hour.

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 from Oaxaca to Morelia is approximately 344 miles (around 553 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

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

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

Morelia International Airport (formally known as General Francisco Mujica International Airport) is about 19 miles (31 km) to the north-east of the historic center of Morelia.

How Can I Get From Morelia 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 Morelia Airport?

Yes, Hertz 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$60 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

6. Helicopter to Morelia

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

Fast Facts: Helicopter From Oaxaca to Morelia

Where Can I Book A Helicopter From Oaxaca to Morelia?

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 Morelia route.

How Do I Get From 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 privately 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 traveling 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.

FAQs: Flying From Oaxaca to Morelia By Helicopter

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

How Much Is A Helicopter from Oaxaca to Morelia?

If you want to fly by helicopter to Morelia, you’re looking at around US$4,000 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 3 to 4 hours in total.

What is the Flight Distance?

The flight distance from Oaxaca to Morelia is approximately 344 miles (around 553 km).

Which Airports Do I Use?

You’ll use Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) to depart and you’ll use Morelia International Airport (MLM) in Morelia when you arrive.

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

Morelia International Airport (formally known as General Francisco Mujica International Airport) is about 19 miles (31 km) to the north-east of the historic center of Morelia.

How Can I Get From Morelia 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 Morelia Airport?

Yes, Hertz 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$60 per day plus gas for a basic rental car.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

What Are The Best Things To Do In Morelia?

Morelia is a hidden gem in Mexico with plenty of great things to do. Despite its size and its location just a few hours’ drive from Mexico City, it’s a city that few tourists think to visit.

The central point of the city is the beautiful Morelia Cathedral, and it’s a great place to start your sightseeing. The cathedral was constructed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries and was designed in the baroque style. Its interior is breathtaking, featuring arched ceilings with lavish gold decorations and enormous artworks hanging above the pews.

Another beautiful example of 18th century architecture in the city is the Morelia aqueduct. It runs for over a mile through the historic center and was constructed to bring water to the city after a brutal two-year drought.

Beyond the architectural beauty of particular buildings, the city and its streets themselves have something enchanting about them. You can easily spend a few hours visiting beautiful streets like Callejón del Romance (Romance Alley), lovely public squares like the Jardín de las Rosas (the Rose Garden) and lively markets like the Mercado de Dulces y Artesanías (the candy and crafts market).

And if you wan to explore outside the city, one of Michoacán’s “magic towns” (pueblos mágicos), Patzcuaro, is just 35 miles to the south-west. Patzcuaro dates back to around 1320 and is known for its nearby Lake Patzcuaro, which has five remarkable islands accessible only by boat. One of these, Janitzio, is known for its enormous statue of José María Morelos, one the key leaders in Mexico’s push for independence.

All in all, Morelia is loaded with great things to do and you can easily keep yourself entertained over a few days.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

Where Are The Best Places To Stay In Morelia?

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

The great news is that prices in Morelia are a lot cheaper than many other destinations, and you can find some great options for any budget.

Within the historic center, the top luxury option is Cantera 10 Hotel Boutique. It’s a beautiful luxury spa hotel with Spanish colonial architecture and a top location right across from the Morelia Cathedral.

Hotel de la Soledad is another luxury option just to the north of the Plaza de Armas. In addition to beautiful colonial architecture, it also features an absolutely stunning manicured interior courtyard garden area.

In the mid range, the NaNa Vida Hotel Morelia is a great traditional, artistic option in a great location one block to the south-west of the Plaza de Armas. Hotel Casino Morelia is another mid-range option that features rooms with cute balconies with views of the Morelia Cathedral.

For more wallet-friendly options, you can try the 3-star Hotel Morelia Callejón, which is a cute traditional Mexican hotel a few blocks south of the Plaza de Armas. Another budget option is Hotel Atilanos, a simple but quite leafy hotel just a block west of the NaNa Vida Hotel Morelia.

Regardless of your budget, you’ll find lots of great places to stay in Morelia.

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

When is the Best Time to Visit Morelia?

If you live in northern latitudes, you’re probably used to four defined seasons.  However, the more equatorial parts of the world like Morelia don’t really follow this model. 

Instead, in Morelia, there are really only two distinctive seasons, which are a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season runs from November to the end of April and is cooler except for March and April, where the maximum temperature is quite high. The rainy season runs from May through to October, which are all warm months.

Morelia also has an altitude of 6,299 ft (1,920 m), which is higher than Denver, Colorado. Its climate is a subtropical highland climate, and because of the high altitude, its temperature can fluctuate daily by more than 64°F (18°C). You’ll get cold nights and warm days, with the extremes in the temperature depending on part of the season in which you’re visiting.

The dry season is the most popular time for tourists, although there are also some spikes at other times such as the end of October during the Day of the Dead festival. The greater demand during the tourist season means that prices of flights and hotels increase as well.

The rainy season typically has fewer tourists, meaning that prices are lower, so its definitely the time to travel if you’re on a budget. Most of the time, it only rains in the afternoons, so if you plan to explore in the mornings, you can still have a great trip during the rainy season. 

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

What Should I Pack To Go To Morelia?

Morelia is at a high altitude, which means that the temperature fluctuates quite a lot throughout the day.

In Morelia, people deal with this by dressing in layers and progressively stripping layers off as the temperature increases throughout the day. What you pack for both cities depends a little on when you’re expecting to visit.

During the cooler dry season months of November to March, temperatures are cool enough that you might want a warm jacket in the evenings. At its coolest in January, the temperature in Morelia will fall as low as 41°F (5°C) in the evenings and then get up to 72°F (22°C) during the day.

The wet season months are generally a little warmer. In May, which is the warmest month of the year, it gets up to 84°F (29°C) during the day and then falls to 55°F (13°C) in the evenings. You’ll still need warm clothes in the evening, but you can get away with warm jumpers rather than needing coats if you’re not going to be out too long.

If you travel during the rainy season, you’ll want to bring a light, waterproof jacket or buy a fold-up umbrella when you arrive.  The run isn’t usually too extreme, but you should also have a few more changes of clothes in case you get caught in a downpour.

Even though the public transport system is great, you’ll still do a lot of walking in Morelia, so bring or buy a comfortable pair of walking shoes. A hat for protection against the sun is also a good idea if you’re visiting in the late part of the dry season or in the wet season. 

How to Get From Oaxaca to Morelia

Final Thoughts

Thanks for reading, and I hope I’ve been able to help you with some ideas for traveling from Oaxaca to Morelia beyond just renting a car or taking the bus.

There’s obviously nothing wrong with those options, and frankly they’re 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.

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