Oaxaca City

Getting Here and Around

Oaxaca City's Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (OAX), 8 km (5 mi) south of town, is the region's main hub. Continental Express flies from Houston. Note that the airport closes at 11 pm no matter what; avoid late-night arrivals, which, if delayed, can be diverted to other cities because of the policy. At the airport, metered taxis are plentiful—fares to the city center are around $15.

Deluxe buses make the six-hour nonstop run from Mexico City to Oaxaca. There are two bus terminals: the first-class station serves long-distance destinations, while the second-class station serves the Central Valley. There's bus service within the city, but you probably won't need to use it, as most major sights are within walking distance of one another, and cabs are cheap and easy to come by.

You won't need a car to get around Oaxaca City; however, if you're planning several excursions into the countryside a car is incredibly useful, and you can just park it at your hotel while you're in town.