Taking the Oaxaca to Huatulco Flight: What You Need to Know
Looking into flights to Huatulco from oaxaca?
You’re in the right place because I’ve done the Oaxaca to Huatulco flight before. In this article, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about taking this flight so you know if it’s right for you.
For those who have the budget, the fastest way to get from Oaxaca to Huatulco is by taking a flight. It is also the most expensive, but it’s just 45 minutes compared to 6-7 hours of drive time.
For Oaxaca City to Huatulco flights, you have two options — AeroTucan and AeroVega. As I’ve personally done the AeroTucan flight, you’ll get all my pro tips on that below (though there’s also info for the AeroVega flight).
Ready to learn how to get to Huatulco from Oaxaca City by plane? Let’s get to it!
Oaxaca to Huatulco Flight
Wondering, Can you fly from Oaxaca to Huatulco? Yes, you can, and in fact, the Oaxaca to Huatulco direct flight is the most convenient, quickest, and most expensive option.
There are just two companies have direct flights from Oaxaca City to Huatulco, AeroTucan and AeroVega. Each company has only one flight per day — so don’t wait till the last minute to book your flight.
With both, you’ll take a 6-8 seater plane; if you’ve never been in a small plane before, watch this video to see if it seems comfortable.
From the airport, you can book private transportation to your Huatulco hotel, rent a car in Huatulco, or take a taxi.
⚠️ Note: There’s no Uber in Oaxaca City, no Uber in Huatulco, and no Uber in Oaxaca state anywhere. There’s also no Lyft in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
AeroTucan Oaxaca to Huatulco Flight
✈️ My Personal experience taking this flight
I took the AeroTucan Oaxaca flight to Huatulco, and really enjoyed it. However, this is a small plane, and it’s a lot shakier than a large airplane.
If you have claustrophobia, or don’t handle turbulence well, you might want to opt for the private driver or ADO bus.
🎫 How do I buy tickets for Aerotucan flights?
AeroTucan Contact Info
• AeroTucan phone number: 1-800-640-4148
• AeroTucan local phone number: (+52) 951-502-0840
If you want to take the Oaxaca to Huatulco flight with AeroTúcan, you have to book in advance via phone or at the Oaxaca Airport.
Keep in mind you might not get an English-speaking agent via phone, so have a Spanish-speaking friend or acquaintance nearby to help.
You also have the option to buy directly at the airport, as the Oaxaca Airport is just a short cab ride from downtown Oaxaca City. However, know there may or may not be an agent when you arrive, so the phone is usually a better option.
⏳ Buy your tickets in advance
If you want to take the AeroTucan Huatulco flight, you’ll want to get your ticket as far in advance of your flight as possible.
As there’s usually just one daily flight from Oaxaca to Huatulco, you’ll want to make sure you can travel on your preferred day.
✈️ AeroTucan Flight schedule
Have a look at the image above for the AeroTucan Oaxaca to Huatulco flight schedule.
This has been their schedule for some time now, but know they can change it at any time, so also double check the AeroTucan flight schedule online.
💸 How much are ticket for the Oaxaca to Huatulco flight?
One way flights on AeroTúcan average about $3,000-3,500 pesos ($150-175 USD).
Yes, this is a lot more than most other options, but it’s also a lot more convenient as flights are only about 30-45 minutes, whereas the drive takes seven hours by car, and 10 hours by bus.
🤑 Oaxaca Travel Tips: AeroTucan offers a 15% discount on all Thursday flights.
🧳 Do you have heavy luggage?
The final thing to keep in mind is luggage weight. You’re allowed 33 pounds (15 kg) on AeroTucan, which is about 20 pounds less than larger airlines allow.
My luggage was over, and I ended up with a surprise $50 USD fee. Other than that, I loved the flight and will take it again.
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
AeroVega Oaxaca to Huatulco Flight
AeroVega is owned and operated by the pilot, Juan Carlos Vega. Much like with AeroTucan, he operates a small plane with just six seats in total.
If you’ve never been on a single-engine plane of this size, check out the YouTube video above of a real experience on this flight.
If it doesn’t seem like it’s for you, and you have the budget, consider hiring a driver and private car. If you’re traveling with a group, splitting this ends up costing about the same as the plane does.
You can also rent a car, or take the ADO bus to Huatulco.
🎫 How do I book tickets for Aerovega flights?
AeroVega Contact Info
• AeroVega phone number: (+44) 954-588-0062
• AeroVega local phone number: (+52) 951-516-4982
• AeroVega email: aerovegapto@hotmail.com
💸 How much are ticket for Aerovega flights?
The flight costs about $2,000-$2,500 pesos ($100-125 USD), which you will pay in cash (pesos), and book directly with Juan Vega.
While this may seem unconventional, I have met people who have flown with AeroVega, and it is a legit company — though there’s no website.
AeroVega usually only offers one flight per day, so book as far in advance as you can by calling or emailing the Captain Juan Vega using his contact information above.
If you’re unable to reach him (I was), you can always book with AeroTucan instead.
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
How do I get from Oaxaca to Huatulco?
Wondering, How do I get to Huatulco over land? If the Oaxaca City to Huatulco flight isn’t for you after all, you have four more options for traveling to Huatulco, Mexico.
Check out all your Oaxaca City to Huatulco options below, with some info on the cost and amount of time each will take. You can click on any link for the pros and cons of each one, or to book.
- Private car with a driver: 6-7 hours, about $450 USD per car, for up to 3 passengers
- Rental car: 6-7 hours. The average price for a standard car is about $30 USD per day (not including gas)
- ADO Huatulco Bus: 8+ hours, about $30+ USD per person
What’s the best way to get from Oaxaca to Huatulco?
Your best way to get to Huatulco from Oaxaca will come down to two things: budget and time.
The one other thing to consider is if you get carsick, as this drive is known to cause it. If you’re prone to carsickness, consider the flight from Oaxaca to Huatulco Mexico.
Personally, I opt for comfort on long trips, even if it means paying more money. For this reason, I go with this private driver to Huatulco, or the flight which cuts the journey time way down.
If you rent your own car for the trip, check out this article, Renting A Car in Oaxaca: Everything You Need to Know, before you do
🚌 ADO Buses to Huatulco
To keep it budget friendly, but still comfortable, head to the bus station in Oaxaca City and take the direct bus to Huatulco.
It’s a long drive, as the bus takes 8+ hours, but you can take the overnight bus. You can easily sleep through the trip, as the departure time for this bus is usually 10pm or 11pm. ▶ Check the ADO bus schedule here.
Is there a Mexico City to Huatulco flight?
Yes — There are several daily direct flights from Mexico City to Huatulco out of Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX). You can book your Huatulco flight here.
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
Private Car from Oaxaca to Huatulco
Besides the flight, the safest, easiest and more comfortable option is to hire a private car or van to drive you to Huatulco.
It offers a nice way to see Oaxaca State on the drive, and you’ll pass though cool mountain towns like San Jose del Pacifico. You can request bathroom breaks and snack breaks to sample the local Oaxaca food as needed.
The drive takes about 6-7 hours in normal traffic, which is the same as it takes in a rental car — only you don’t have to do the driving.
This was an amazing way to get between Oaxaca city and huatulco. Thomas our driver was simply the best. We weren’t necessarily looking forward to a long drive, but Thomas turned the road trip journey into a destination itself.
JOhn (read more reviews)
As you’ll see on this map below, many don’t like to drive on the road from Oaxaca to Huatulco because it’s quite curvy.
The cost for a one way trip is about $450 USD, for up to three passengers.
When traveling with a group, this ends up being the most convenient, comfortable and a pretty economical way to get to Huatulco from Oaxaca City, at about $150 USD each.
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
Oaxaca to Huatulco Drive (Rental Car)
- Oaxaca to Huatulco distance: About 160 miles (258 km)
- Oaxaca to Huatulco driving time: 6-7 hours
- For a complete guide, head to Renting A Car in Oaxaca Mexico: Everything You Need to Know
The drive from Oaxaca City to Huatulco Mexico is beautiful, but do consider a midsize rental car or SUV. You’ll be on a very curvy mountain road with lots of switchback turns, that’s frankly not well maintained in all areas.
As mentioned, this is a bumpy and curvy road (see map image below), which is notoriously bad for anyone prone to carsickness and/or motion sickness.
If you don’t do so well in cars on road trips, remember to pack your non-drowsy Dramamine, or whatever helps you on the road. 🚨 Note: Make sure it’s the non-drowsy version, or you’ll pass out!
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
What’s the best place for Oaxaca car rentals?
For the best selection, there are several Oaxaca Airport car rental companies to choose from.
Head to Discover Cars and see what’s available, as sometimes you’ll get a better deal on your car rental in Oaxaca in the Centro Historico or Reforma neighborhoods, versus the airport.
🚙💨 I personally use Discover Cars whenever I rent a car in Mexico. I also opt for their full coverage insurance, which is the cheapest I’ve found at only about $10 USD per day!
Note: You are legally required to have Mexico driving insurance when renting a car in Oaxaca.
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
Oaxaca to Huatulco Map
Use this map for the drive from Oaxaca to Huatulco — but download the offline map, as your cell signal will go in and out when driving to Huatulco Mexico.
Note that for much of the drive, you’ll be on winding roads roads that aren’t well-maintained or well-lit in all areas. If you get car sick or are prone to motion sickness, remember to bring Dramamine.
⚠️ oaxaca to Huatulco new highway
This has been in the works for decades, but there has been progress made on the new highway from Oaxaca to Huatulco. You can read that details in the liked article.
Once completed, the Oaxaca-Huatulco Highway will not only shorten drive times — it will cut the drive duration in half! Is will also give travelers a much more comfortable road to drive on.
🚙 tips for driving your rental car from Oaxaca to Huatulco
1. Start the drive early so you arrive in Huatulco before the sun goes down, as it’s not safe to drive at night. The drive takes 6-7 hours, so hit the road by 10am to be safe.
2. Consider a full size car or SUV, as the roads are bumpy in many areas. If you’re visiting in the Oaxaca rainy season (April to October), a larger car really helps for driving on the muddy roads that can get washed out in some places.
3. Don’t forget to bring non-drowsy Dramamine if you get car-sick.
There are also homeopathic remedies, like anti-nausea ginger chewables, anti-motion sickness wristbands and the anti-motion sickness patch, if you prefer natural remedies.
4. Have at least two drivers in the car, just in case one gets car-sick while driving from Oaxaca to Huatulco.
5. Double check the rental car fees if you don’t plan to drive back from Huatulco to Oaxaca City. Many Mexico car rental companies charge a hefty fee when you don’t return the car to the same place you rented it from.
Is there a Oaxaca to Huatulco Colectivo?
No — While you can take the colectivo from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, there is no van from Oaxaca to Huatulco.
If you’re unfamiliar, colectivos are small shared vans, popular with budget travelers and backpackers because they are the cheapest way to get around in Mexico.
Is it safe to drive from Oaxaca to Huatulco?
Wondering, Is it safe to drive in Oaxaca Mexico? For the vast majority of travelers, yes, it is perfectly safe to drive in Oaxaca. The Oaxaca City to Huatulco drive, though long, is also considered safe for tourists.
The one caveat here is that you’ll be driving in a foreign country, where you’re unfamiliar with Mexico driving laws.
Luckily, it’s not too dissimilar than in the United States or Canada, so just have a look at the Mexico driving tips below, and enjoy your trip to Huatulco.
🚗💨 12 Useful Mexico Driving Tips
1. Rent with a reputable company! As they say, “you get what you pay for.” For a reliable Oaxaca car rental company, use Discover Cars to search what’s available, and pick a place with great ratings.
2. Avoid driving at night. When you live in Mexico as long as I have, you start to realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if they can. If you do drive at night, stick to only the main roads, toll roads and well-lit highways.
3. Always use the couta roads (toll roads). Yes, they cost money, but they are much better maintained and generally considered safer. Mexico Travel Tips: Bring cash (pesos) for the tolls.
4. Download an offline map. Your cell signal will go in and out as you travel through rural areas of Oaxaca, so download an offline map from Google or Maps.Me.
You’ll also want to download some podcasts and music while you’re getting that map.
5. Speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. You don’t have to worry about conversion math here; just make sure the speed limit sign number matches your car’s speedometer number.
6. Do not use your cell phone while you’re driving. Not only is this unsafe, it is also illegal. In fact, even having your phone in your hand is a ticket-able offense, so try not to even hold your phone while driving.
7. The rumors are true about the cops accepting bribes. If the cops pull you over, and they usually only will if you give them a reason to, they will expect a cash “payment” in exchange for not ticketing you.
8. Mexican roads are notorious for their abundant amount of topes (speed bumps). Make sure you keep your eyes on the road, as topes don’t always have signs alerting you to them.
9. Mexico’s gas stations are not self-serve. When you stop for gas, an attendant will pump it for you and take your payment.
Many of these attendants live off tips, so when they finish, it’s customary to tip at least $10-20 pesos ($0.50-$1 USD).
10. Mexico’s traffic lights go from green to yellow, to flashing yellow for a few seconds, to finally, a red light.
11. Make sure you purchase Mexican car insurance. You are usually not covered in any way through your U.S. company when you drive in any other country, and you do legally need Mexican car insurance to drive in Mexico.
12. Most travel insurance policies cover driving. In case you’re wondering Should I get travel insurance for Mexico? The answer is hell yes!
🤔 Is the Oaxaca to Huatulco Drive safe to do alone?
While I am a huge proponent of Mexico solo travel, this isn’t a drive to do alone. Since a lot of people get sick on this drive, you’ll want to have at least two people who can drive.
If this all sounds too risky, book the Oaxaca to Huatulco private shuttle instead.
⚠️ OAXACA Bloqueos (Road Protests)
Though not common, road protests in Oaxaca (known as bloqueos, or blockades) do happen from time to time, and can add hours to the trip.
These bloqueos happen when locals are protesting and essentially shut down the road that passes through their part of town. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict these, and no way to tell how long they’ll last when they happen.
As an absolute worst case scenario, I have heard of people having to stay the night in the town the bloqueo is happening in — though this is extremely rare.
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
How to Get From Huatulco to Mazunte
Mazunte is one of the 135 (or so) Mexico pueblos magicos, or magic towns.
It is located about one hour west of Huatulco by rental car or taxi. The easiest and fastest way to get from Huatulco to Mazunte is to drive your rental car, then you can see all the best Oaxaca beaches.
If you don’t have a rental car, you can take a taxi. Rates can vary, but will likely run you about $500-800 pesos ($25-40 USD) for the one way trip.
You can always negotiate with a taxi driver for a day rate, but know there is no Uber in Oaxaca State, so Uber isn’t an option.
☀️🏨 Planning to stay the night in Mazunte? Check out all the best hotels in Mazunte!
Oaxaca to Huatulco flights
How to Get From Huatulco to Zipolite (Nude Beach)
Zipolite is located about 45 minutes west of Huatulco, and 15 minutes east of Mazunte.
It is well known as the only nude beach in Mexico, but there are plenty of beaches for families as well. Much like Mazunte, you can get there by rental car or taxi.
☀️🏨 Planning to stay the night in Zipolite? Check out all the best hotels in Zipolite!
Huatulco Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Huatulco, Mexico located?
Bahías de Huatulco (Bays of Huatulco), usually just called Huatulco, is about two hours east of Puerto Escondido, the most-visited of all Oaxaca beach towns.
Huatulco is a popular resort destination in Mexico, with an incredible 36 beaches and bays, swimming and snorkeling, hikes to the waterfalls, and more.
Many Americans and Canadians have winter homes in Huatulco, so its population increases a lot in the busy season from November to March.
You’ll find direct flights to Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX) in the busy season, and flights from Mexico City International Airport all year.
🗺️ Bahías de Huatulco Map
☀️🏨 Looking into Huatulco hotels? Check out all the best resorts and best hotels in Huatulco!
The map above will give you a visual on where Huatulco is located. When taking your flights to Huatulco Oaxaca Mexico, try to get the window seat because the views flying into this coastal city are spectacular.
If you’re wondering, How far is Huatulco from Oaxaca City? It’s about 160 miles (258 km), though the drive can take about 6-7 hours — which is why many opt for the private driver from Oaxaca to Huatulco.
What’s the best airport for Huatulco?
Wondering, Is there an airport in Huatulco? Yes — There’s Bahías de Huatulco International Airport (code: HUX), located about 20-30 minutes from all the best beaches in Huatulco.
To get to your Huatulco resort, you can book this private airport shuttle, rent a car or take a taxi. There is no Huatulco Uber service, and no Huatulco Lyft service.
🚐 Best Huatulco Airport Shuttle
What’s the best time to visit Huatulco?
Weather-wise, the best time to visit any of the Mexico beaches is from November to March, during the dry season.
It can rain quite a bit during the Oaxaca rainy season of April to October, when it’s also quite humid and buggy — so don’t forget your mosquito spray 🦟.
November to March is also the Oaxaca high season, or busy season — so expect larger crowds and higher prices. You might also not find any cheap flights to Huatulco during this time.
October and April are considered Mexico shoulder season months, where you’ll likely have nice weather, but also lower price tags.
🐳 Best time to see whales in Huatulco
The Oaxaca whale season runs from about November to April, when several species of whales migrate past the coast of Oaxaca State.
The best time to see whales in Oaxaca is from December to March, and you can book this Huatulco boat tour to see them.
What are the best things to do in Huatulco?
🏝️ Beaches in Huatulco
Huatulco has 36 beaches and 9 bays, so all the best Huatulco things to do and see involve being in, on, or near the Pacific Ocean.
If you just want to laze around, head to the best Huatulco beaches — Bahía Santa Cruz Beach, Bahía Tangolunda Beach and Playa la Entrega. For a truly unique experience, get a mud bath on Playa la Bocana.
The mud on this beach is good for the skin, so you’ll get a nice exfoliating massage. The massages are inexpensive at about $100-200 MXN pesos ($5-10 USD), and they are very popular with Huatulco visitors.
🌊 Bahías de Huatulco National Park
Huatulco National Park is a massive land and water park that spans 29,000 acres (118 km²).
There are healthy reefs just off-shore, teeming with marine life, fish and sea turtles. In the winter months, you’ll see several species of whales on their annual migration past this Mexico national park.
🌳 Copatilito Eco-Park
Located in Santa Maria Huatulco, about 20-30 minutes from the beaches, don’t miss the Copalita Eco-Archaeological Park.
Here, you’ll see the only ruins in Huatulco Oaxaca, at Bocana del Río Copalita Archaeological Zone. It’s a smaller site, but has two ancient temples.
🗣 Huatulco Travel Tips: To escape the tourist crowds in Huatulco and see the more locals’ side of life, head to the the charming pueblos of Santa María Huatulco and La Crucecita, Oaxaca.
🤿 Best Huatulco Tours
What are the best places to stay in Huatulco?
Huatulco is one of the best Mexico resort towns. It’s not as popular (or crowded) as Cancun, Tulum or Cabo San Lucas, so you get nice resort amenities and smaller crowds.
Here are some of the best hotels and resorts in Huatulco Mexico, all located right on the beach.
🏩 Dreams Huatulco ALL INCLUSIVE Resort & Spa
Located on beautiful Tangolunda Bay, each room at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa provides a view of the island or Pacific Ocean.
There are six bars, on-site dining options including Italian, seafood, Asian and traditional Mexican cuisine, and much more to enjoy at this best all-inclusive resort in Huatulco.
🏩 Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa (Adults Only)
Secrets Huatulco is tucked away on the secluded coastline of Bahía Conejos Bay, surrounded by soft, golden sand, unique rock formations, breathtaking views and sapphire waters.
It is a AAA Four Diamond Resort, and a playground for adults to escape into luxury, serenity and romance.
🏩 Barcelo Huatulco All-Inclusive Resort
Nested on Tangolunda Bay, Barceló Huatulco sits right on the Pacific Ocean.
As an all-inclusive, guests have a variety of on-site dining options, two swimming pools, a fitness center, tennis, beach volleyball, and more! End the day with a relaxing massage in the spa (additional fee).
Final Thoughts: Oaxaca to Huatulco Travel Options
For travelers who have the budget, the fastest and easiest option for the Oaxaca to Huatulco trip is to take the flight. Keep in mind that these flights are on small planes — so if that makes you uncomfortable, consider the drive.
Your most comfortable option for the Oaxaca to Huatulco drive is to hire this private car with a driver. They will drive you from your hotel in Oaxaca City to your hotel in Huatulco, with door to door service.
The six-hour drive in on a curvy mountain road with a lot of switchback turns, and it’s not well-maintained in all areas. If you have any trepidation about that — book your private car from Oaxaca to Huatulco now!
No matter which way you choose, you’re in for a treat. There are so many things to do in Huatulco, beaches to explore and amazing Huatulco tours, that the trek there is absolutely worth the effort.