Getting around Oaxaca has its own rules, and they're not always obvious — especially if you're coming from a city where Uber works normally. This guide covers everything: from the $8-peso bus to how to get to the airport, the coast, or up into the Sierra.
Getting Around the City
DiDi — The only app that operates legally
DiDi is the only app-based transportation service that operates legally in Oaxaca. Uber was banned by local taxi unions and no longer operates here. InDrive also does not operate legally in the city.
Download the app before you arrive: iOS | Android
- ▸Register your account and verify your payment card in advance (can take up to 24 hrs)
- ▸During major events (Guelaguetza, Día de Muertos): surge pricing applies — request 20–30 minutes in advance
- ▸Important: DiDi is not available inside Oaxaca International Airport (only official airport taxis are permitted at the arrivals area)
BinniBus / CityBus — Public transit that actually works
Oaxaca's metropolitan collective transport system operates under the name BinniBus (some lines use CityBus). Modernized in 2023 with new vehicles and a real-time tracking app. With 20+ routes covering the city and surrounding areas, it's the most affordable option and the one most locals use. Cost: $8 MXN per ride. The machine does not give change — carry the exact amount in coins or a small bill. This may soon increase to $10 with the BinniBus card payment system rollout; as of this guide's publication it remains $8.
- ▸BinniBus app: Android | iOS
- ▸Routes and stops: oaxaca.gob.mx/citybus
- ▸During events like Guelaguetza, special routes run to Cerro del Fortín
- ▸Route-specific tips in our community: queondaoaxaca.com/links
Taxis — Ask first, board second
Oaxaca taxis do not use meters. Always ask the fare before getting in. If you're unsure of reference prices, check with the tourism information modules: there's one at the zócalo and another in front of Santo Domingo de Guzmán church.
- ▸Taxi stands (paraderos near markets and tourist sites) are more reliable than street taxis
- ▸Minimum real fare: ~$60 MXN for any trip within the city
- ▸Reference fares (May 2026): centro–ADO terminal: ~$60–80 MXN | centro–airport: ~$200–300 MXN | centro–Cerro del Fortín: ~$80–120 MXN
- ▸Do not board taxis without visible official identification
The Airport (OAX)
Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX) is ~9 km from the historic city center. Transport from the airport:- ▸Authorized airport taxi: $200–300 MXN to downtown. Only officially-licensed airport taxis can pick up passengers at the terminal. There's a module at the arrivals exit. Most straightforward option.
- ▸Official shared colectivo (shuttle): ~$135 MXN to Zone 1 (Centro). More affordable if traveling alone. Module is at the arrivals exit, next to the taxis.
- ▸Colectivo on the federal highway: ~$25 MXN. The most affordable option: walk out of the airport (~5–10 min) to Federal Highway 190 (the main road toward the city center). Shared vans (colectivos) heading downtown stop there — wave one down. Not recommended with very large luggage.
- ▸BinniBus: $8 MXN. Same walk to the highway, using the BinniBus city transit system.
DiDi does not operate inside the airport. Only authorized taxis are permitted at the arrivals area.
Airport website: oaxaca-airport.com
The Two Bus Terminals
Oaxaca has two main terminals. Knowing the difference saves time and confusion.
ADO Terminal — First Class
Address: Niños Héroes de Chapultepec 1012, Colonia Reforma Distance to centro: ~1.3 km (10 min by taxi, ~20 min walking)The first-class terminal. This is where the most comfortable and fastest long-distance buses depart. Operators:
- ▸ADO — Mexico City (TAPO, Terminal Norte), Puebla, Veracruz, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Villahermosa, Puerto Escondido
- ▸OCC (Omnibus Cristóbal Colón) — similar destinations
- ▸ADO GL — premium version with extra comfort
Second Class Terminal — Central de Abastos
Address: Juárez Maza, Central de Abasto, 68090 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax. Distance to centro: ~15 min walking (taxi recommended)For everything ADO doesn't cover: Sierra villages, the Valleys, the Coast, and regional routes. Also the most affordable option for many destinations. Main operators:
- ▸Estrella del Valle: Central Valley regional routes
- ▸Autobuses Costa de Oro: coastal routes
- ▸Líneas Unidas: Sierra routes and some coast connections
Línea Rosa — Budget CDMX–Oaxaca Option
For budget-conscious travelers going to Mexico City. Oaxaca terminal: Avenida Universidad 1912, Centro Departures: 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM | Duration: 6–8 hrs | From: $300 MXN (~$15 USD)
Not ADO, but it gets you there. For overnight routes when budget matters more than premium comfort.
Getting to the Coast
Since the new Oaxaca–Puerto Escondido highway opened (2024), the journey dropped from 8–10 hours to ~3 hours. Several options exist depending on your budget and final destination.
Puerto Escondido
ADO / OCC — First class- ▸From ADO Terminal (Niños Héroes 1012)
- ▸Price: $355–415 MXN | Duration: ~3 hrs | At least 12 departures daily
- ▸Book online: ado.com.mx
- ▸Departures every ~20 minutes, 3:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- ▸Price: $300 MXN one-way | $650 MXN round-trip
- ▸Duration: ~3 hrs | Modern vehicles (Mercedes Benz / JAC)
- ▸Website: coatlanescosta.com
- ▸Oaxaca terminal: Galeana 322 (next to La Luna bakery)
- ▸Price: $250–300 MXN | Duration: ~3.5 hrs
- ▸Frequency: every hour, 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM — no reservation needed
Huatulco
- ▸ADO from ADO Terminal: ~5 hrs | $400–700 MXN
- ▸Or: travel to Pochutla with Líneas Unidas and take a colectivo from there
Pochutla / Zipolite / Mazunte
Líneas Unidas- ▸Oaxaca terminal: Bustamante 601, Centro
- ▸Price to Pochutla or Zipolite: $300 MXN | Duration: ~3 hrs
- ▸Schedules to Zipolite: 1:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 2:00 PM | Return: midnight, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM
- ▸Phone: 958 119 6666
From Pochutla, frequent colectivos run to Mazunte (~$25 MXN, 30–40 min) and Zipolite.
Into the Sierra
Oaxaca → San José del Pacífico
The village in the clouds. Mist, pine forest, hiking trails. About 3 hours from Oaxaca.
- ▸Eclipse 70: Armenta y López 504, Centro
- ▸Líneas Unidas: Xóchitl 101, Centro
- ▸Frequency: every 30–45 minutes during the day
- ▸Duration: ~3 hours (with a stop in Miahuatlán)
- ▸Price: $140–150 MXN (~$7–8 USD)
What Doesn't Exist in Oaxaca (That Many People Don't Know)
- ▸Uber: banned since 2015. Does not operate.
- ▸InDrive: does not operate legally in Oaxaca.
- ▸Taxi meters: taxis don't use them. Always ask before getting in.
- ▸DiDi at the airport: only authorized taxis permitted at the arrivals area.
Transport Resources
- ▸DiDi app: iOS | Android
- ▸BinniBus app: iOS | Android
- ▸CityBus routes: oaxaca.gob.mx/citybus
- ▸ADO tickets: ado.com.mx
- ▸Ruta Coatlanes-Costa: coatlanescosta.com
- ▸Airport OAX: oaxaca-airport.com
- ▸QEO community — transport tips: queondaoaxaca.com/links
Guide updated: May 2026. For specific questions and updates, join our community at queondaoaxaca.com/links