How to Get to Puerto Escondido: Your Complete Travel Guide

Puerto Escondido is one of Mexico’s most popular surf destinations, nestled on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. Known for its golden beaches, famous waves at Zicatela, and laid-back vibe, it attracts everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers. But before you can enjoy the sun and surf, you need to figure out how to get to Puerto Escondido .

Fortunately, there are several ways to reach this tropical paradise—by air, road, or bus. This guide will walk you through each option, helping you decide the best route based on your budget, schedule, and travel style. We'll also explore options for flights to Puerto Escondido, advice for flying to Puerto Escondido, and overland travel for those who prefer a road trip.

Flying to Puerto Escondido: The Fastest Option

Puerto Escondido Flights from Major Cities

The most convenient and time-saving method is by air. Puerto Escondido flights typically arrive at Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), which handles both domestic and limited international flights.

The most common departure city is Mexico City. Several airlines operate daily flights to Puerto Escondido from Mexico City, and flight times are short—usually about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Some airlines also offer flights from Guadalajara, Monterrey, or even Tijuana with stopovers.

Flying to Puerto Escondido from the U.S. or Canada

If you're coming from the U.S. or Canada, you won’t find direct international flights to Puerto Escondido. You’ll need to connect via a major Mexican hub like Mexico City, Oaxaca City, or Guadalajara. From there, you can catch a short domestic flight to Puerto Escondido. While this means at least one layover, it’s still the fastest overall option, especially when compared to overland travel.

Taking the Bus to Puerto Escondido

Long-Distance Buses

For travelers on a budget or those who prefer ground travel, long-distance buses are a popular way to get to Puerto Escondido. Mexico has a reliable and affordable intercity bus network, with several companies offering service to Puerto Escondido.

From Mexico City, the bus journey takes roughly 12–14 hours. Although this sounds long, overnight buses allow you to sleep during the trip and arrive in the morning. Modern buses come equipped with air conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard restrooms.

From Oaxaca City, the bus ride is shorter—around 6 to 7 hours. However, the mountain roads are winding and not for the faint of heart. For this reason, some travelers opt to fly even for short distances to avoid motion sickness.

Local Buses and Vans

If you're already in Oaxaca state or nearby towns like Huatulco, Zipolite, or Mazunte, there are small vans (called “colectivos”) and local buses that travel to Puerto Escondido frequently. These are cheap and fast but may not be the most comfortable option if you have lots of luggage or prefer more space.

Driving to Puerto Escondido: Road Trip Option

From Oaxaca City

Driving from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido can be an incredible experience. The journey takes about 6–7 hours and winds through scenic mountain landscapes. The most commonly used routes are Highway 175 and Highway 131, both of which offer beautiful but narrow and curvy mountain roads. Travelers should be prepared for hairpin turns, sudden weather changes, and rural stretches with few services.

If you're an experienced driver and looking for adventure, this drive can be very rewarding. Just be sure to drive during daylight hours and fuel up in major towns.

From Huatulco or Other Coastal Towns

If you’re already on the Oaxacan coast, Puerto Escondido is a short drive away. From Huatulco, for instance, the drive takes about 2 to 3 hours via coastal Highway 200. This road is generally in good condition and far less mountainous than the inland routes.

Car rentals are available at most airports and major towns. Just make sure you have insurance, a valid driver’s license, and an understanding of local traffic rules.