How To Get From Oaxaca City to Mexico City By Bus
If you want the simplest, most reliable way to get from Oaxaca City to Mexico City, the bus is the best option. It’s affordable, comfortable, and runs all day and night.
My #1 Recommendation: ADO
The best company to use is ADO. It’s the main long-distance operator in Mexico and easily the most comfortable and dependable choice on this route.
The trip takes around 7 hours, depending on traffic and your specific service.
Bus Terminals: What You Need to Know
In Mexico City:
There are two main terminals you’ll likely arrive at (make sure you buy a ticket to one of these):
- TAPO (Terminal de Autobuses de Pasajeros de Oriente) – the main one and the most commonly used for buses from Oaxaca
- Central del Norte – another large terminal
Both are well connected, with metro stations right outside and plenty of taxis available. Either option makes it relatively easy to get into the city center.
In Oaxaca City:
There are three terminals, depending on the bus class you choose:
- Oaxaca (Centro, near Parque Llano):
This is the main and most convenient terminal. ADO, ADO GL, and ADO Platino all depart from here. - Oaxaca Periférico and Oaxaca Santa Rosa:
These are further out of the city and used by AU buses (the budget option).
Bus Options, Prices, and Frequency
Between all companies and classes, there are around 60 buses per day running from Oaxaca City to Mexico City, so you’ll never struggle to find a departure time that suits you.
Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- ADO (standard): Around $700 MXN
- ADO GL: Around $1100 MXN
- ADO Platino: Around $1400 MXN
- AU (budget): Around $500 MXN
These prices are typical if you book a couple of days in advance. If you book a week or more ahead, you can often save 10–20%.
The main difference comes down to comfort. ADO buses are already very good, while GL and Platino offer more space and fewer seats. AU is cheaper but more basic, and importantly, does not have a bathroom onboard.
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You’ve got a few easy options:
- Book online through the ADO website or app
- Buy directly at the terminal
- Use one of the small ticket kiosks around Oaxaca City (just search on Google Maps and you’ll find several)
Day vs Overnight Buses
There are plenty of departures throughout the day, including many overnight buses.
Day buses are a good option if you want to see the scenery along the way. Overnight buses are popular if you want to save time and avoid paying for a night of accommodation.
Final Word
For this route, the bus just makes sense. It’s cheap, straightforward, and runs constantly. Stick with ADO if you can, leave from the main Oaxaca terminal near Parque Llano, and aim for TAPO in Mexico City for the easiest arrival.
👉 50 Best Things To Do In Oaxaca City
