This is the Top-Rated Private Car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
Want to book the oaxaca to puerto escondido shuttle?
You’re in the right place because I’ve done the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido trip before.
In fact, I always recommend the private car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido as the best way to get to Puerto Escondido.
🚙 Ready to book yours? This is the best private transfer from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido because it’s well-rated and you can book it online right now!
In Mexico, not everything is bookable online — so take advantage. Need more information before you book?
In this article, I’m going to break down why a private shuttle is the safest, most comfortable, and most stress-free option is the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido shuttle.
Ready to learn all how to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City by private car service? Let’s get to it!
Best Private Car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
The safest, easiest and more comfortable option for the Oaxaca Puerto Escondido trip is to hire this private car or van to drive you to Puerto Escondido.
The drive takes about 3-4 hours in normal traffic, which is the same as it takes in a rental car.
Driver was on time, car was clean and comfortable, and the drive through the mountains was scenic. He was a good driver, getting us to our destination in a safe and timely manner. Very professional.
—Suzanne (read more reviews)
The only difference here is that you don’t have to do the driving — so all you have to do is kick back and relax, sleep, watch some Netflix, etc.
This is a beautiful drive through the Sierra mountains, so you can also take it all in as you pass through off the beaten path Oaxaca towns that so few visitors see.
Also, you can request bathroom breaks and snack breaks as you need them — an awesome perk!
How much is the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Shuttle?
The cost for a one way trip is about $300-350 USD, for 1-3 passengers, and $600-650 USD for 4-8 passengers.
As prices can fluctuate depending on the season, you’ll want to check the current rates here to get an accurate quote.
When traveling with a group, this ends up being the most convenient, comfortable and a pretty economical way to get to Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City.
Even if you’re traveling solo, the private driver is the way to go if you have the budget.
What’s included with my Private Car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
1. Door to Door Service
No matter where you’re staying in Oaxaca City, the driver will meet you at your hotel and pick you up.
They will drop you off at your hotel in Puerto Escondido. It couldn’t get any easier than that.
Our driver was FANTASTIC, he stopped whenever we wanted to, managed all the crazy curves with skill and got us to our destination in good time...
—Shelley (read more reviews)
2. Comfy Car with Air Conditioning
You’re guaranteed a new, clean and insured vehicle with a driver who has done this route before.
All cars have AC and you can connect your Spotify to set the playlist for the trip.
3. Unlimited Bathroom Breaks
You can stop as much as you need to for quick bathroom breaks, or a few minutes to get some fresh air or grab a quick snack.
4. Leave on Your Schedule
With your private car, you set the schedule. Prefer to leave early in the morning so you can catch a sunset dinner in Puerto Escondido. No worries!
5. Transportation of large items
Traveling with any large items, like a surfboard or mountain bike, or a lot of luggage?
The driver can accommodate for special requests like this if you let them know in advance, though there may be an extra cost, depending on what you have.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido New Highway
While this was in the works for a long time, the new highway from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido is open.
A full 15 years since its inception, the road was inaugurated in February 2024 — and has been a game changer for the Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido drive.
Officially called the Autopista Barranca Larga-Ventanilla Highway, it has shortened drive times to about 3-3.5 hours instead of 6-7 hours.
This Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido Highway is a MUCH more comfortable road to drive on, but will cost drivers $349 MXN pesos (about $20 USD) in tolls each way.
Highway 175 and Highway 131: The Old Highways
Before this highway, there were two main routes to take when getting from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido — Highway 175 and Highway 131.
You can still use them, but I don’t recommend it, though I will include some info if you want to.
Highway 131 is the faster and shorter route at 160 miles (258 km), however Highway 175 is better maintained.
Highway 175 is 197-miles-long (317 km), and takes about 30-60 minutes longer than Highway 131.
Still, they’re both curvy mountain roads with a lot of twists and turns. The new highway is MUCH easier to drive on, as it’s more of a straight shot.
Oaxaca to Chacahua National Park
Headed to Lagunas de Chacahua National Park near Puerto Escondido? Smart choice!
Chacahua has some of the best beaches in Oaxaca, and the smallest crowds. It’s one of my favorite places in Oaxaca State.
There are no direct Oaxaca City to Chacahua transport options (yet), so you’ll want to book this private car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido.
From Puerto Escondido, you can take a taxi or colectivo (shared van) to the small town of Zapotalito, then get on the boat to Chacahua.
🏝 Looking for the best Chacahua hotels? Check out Porã Chacahua, Cabañas La Isla Chacahua and Cabañas Alta Mar Chacahua.
Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Drive: FAQ
How far is Puerto Escondido from Oaxaca City?
The Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City distance is about 121 miles (195 km), and the drive takes 3-4 hours.
On the older roads, Highway 175 and Highway 131, the Puerto Escondido to Oaxaca City drive time is about 7-8 hours.
This is why many opted for the private driver to Puerto Escondido, but it’s still a great option if you’re not renting a car.
Completed and inaugurated in 2024, the new Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido Highway has cut drive times in half!
Is it safe to drive from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido?
For the vast majority of travelers, yes, it is perfectly safe to drive in Oaxaca, and from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido.
The one caveat here is that you’ll be driving in a foreign country, where you’re unfamiliar with Mexico driving laws and local customs.
This is just one more great reason to book this private shuttle so you’re with a local who’s familiar with safely driving in Mexico.
What’s the best airport for Puerto Escondido?
Wondering, Is there an airport in Puerto Escondido? Yes, there’s Puerto Escondido International Airport (code: PXM), located minutes from the beaches.
To get to your Puerto Escondido resort, you can book a private airport shuttle, rent a car or take a taxi.
Note: There’s no Uber in Puerto Escondido, and no Lyft in Puerto Escondido either, so you must use taxis or the pasajero (taxi truck).
What’s the best time to visit Puerto Escondido?
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.
October and April are considered Mexico shoulder season months, where you’ll likely have nice weather, but also lower price tags.
🌡️ Puerto Escondido Weather
🐳 Best time to see whales in Puerto Escondido
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, when you can book a Puerto Escondido boat tour to see them.
What are the best hotels in Puerto Escondido?
Puerto Escondido is one of the best Mexico beach towns, so you’ll of course want to stay at one of these Puerto Escondido hotels on the beach, or as close to one as possible.
The best beaches in Puerto Escondido Mexico are Playa Zicatela, Playa La Punta, Playa Carrizalillo, Playa Bacocho and Playa Manzanillo.
🏝️ Hotel Escondido ($$$$)
Though the decor is rustic-chic, the service is 5 Star luxury all the way at Hotel Escondido, one of the best Oaxaca boutique hotels in the entire state.
It is the perfect place to disconnect from it all, in one of their private beachfront bungalows.
This is a gorgeous boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant, located on a private beach area about 30 minutes from Puerto Escondido near Casa Wabi art gallery.
Do note that Hotel Escondido is on the outskirts of town, so you’ll want a rental car to get around.
🏝️ VILLAS CARRIZALILLO ($$$)
With million dollar views at a reasonable price tag, Villas Carrazillio overlooks Playa Carrizalillo below.
Each villa has a dining area and seating area with TV, and some have a terrace and kitchenette. There’s also a pool and restaurant with complimentary breakfast.
🏨 CASA UMI ($$-$$$)
I stayed here for about a week, and highly recommend Casa UMI. It’s located just four blocks from Playa La Punta in the boho chic La Punta neighborhood.
The room was huge, with cold AC and a comfy bed, high end finishes in the bathroom, and a private hammock by the pool.
🏝️ SelIna Puerto Escondido Hostel ($-$$)
One of the top names in hostels worldwide, Selina Hostel has a location in a quieter area of Playa Zicatela with private rooms and shared dorms available.
They are known to have the best WiFi in Puerto Escondido, as well as a tropical garden with swimming pool and a restaurant/bar.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Private Car from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido
For travelers who have the budget, the safest, easiest and more comfortable option for the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido trip is to hire this private car with a driver.
They will drive you straight from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, and allow you to make stops along the way for bathroom breaks and snack breaks.
This shuttle will take you on the new Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido Highway, so it’s a comfortable trip, and you get to enjoy every second of it when you’re not driving!