Is There Uber in Oaxaca Mexico? (The Answer Might Shock You)
Wondering about Uber Oaxaca services?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but no, there’s no Uber in Oaxaca City or Oaxaca state.
There’s also no Lyft in Oaxaca, but there is something called DiDi Taxi, which you’ll learn about in this article.
If you’re wondering how to get from the Oaxaca Airport to your hotel in Oaxaca, the best, easiest, most hassle-free and safest way to get to downtown Oaxaca is by using booking this top-rated Oaxaca Airport Transportation Shuttle.
There are other alternatives, which we’ll cover in this article, but at about $60 USD, the shuttle is worth it.
A curbside taxi at the airport isn’t much less, but you’ll likely have a better experience with the shuttle (more on this to come).
So now that you know you won’t be able to Uber in Oaxaca, or even use Lyft in Oaxaca, let’s look into the transportation options you do have while traveling to Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Can I use Uber in Oaxaca Mexico?
Wondering, Is there Uber in Mexico? In many places, there is.
However, Oaxaca is not one of those places — and neither is Cancun and Tulum, but you can use it in other major cities, like Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City.
Is there Uber in Oaxaca State?
No — There’s no Uber in Oaxaca Mexico at all.
This includes Oaxaca City, the most popular travel destination in the state, as well as all the beaches of Oaxaca and beach towns on the coast.
Is there Uber in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca?
No — There’s no Uber Oaxaca City service; only taxis, the DiDi Rider App, and public transport vans called colectivos.
The city itself is walkable, but it can get hot during the day, so you can use another service as needed.
To get from Oaxaca Airport to your hotel, you’ll want to book this private Oaxaca Airport shuttle.
Is there Uber in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca?
No — There’s no Uber in Puerto Escondido Mexico; only taxis and public transport vans called colectivos.
If you want to get from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido, I recommend booking this private driver to take you there.
Want to learn more about transport from Oaxaca City to the beaches? Check out these articles:
Is there Uber in Huatulco, Oaxaca?
No — There’s no Uber in Huatulco Mexico; only taxis and and public transport vans called colectivos.
If you want to get from Oaxaca to Huatulco, I recommend this private driver.
Want to learn more about transport from Oaxaca City to the Oaxacan coast? Check out these articles:
💡 Note: The full name of the town is Bahías de Huatulco, though most just say Huatulco.
Can I Uber from Oaxaca Airport to My Hotel?
Wondering, What’s the best way to get from Oaxaca Airport to Downtown Oaxaca?
You now know you can’t take Uber in Oaxaca Mexico — so just what are your other options for Oaxaca transportation from the airport?
Let’s talk about taking Uber from Oaxaca Airport to downtown specifically.
How can I get to my Oaxaca Hotel without Uber?
From Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX), you have three transportation options to get to your hotel in Oaxaca City:
🚐 Book the private shuttle from Oaxaca Airport
This private shuttle from Oaxaca Airport is the safest way to get from Oaxaca Airport to downtown, or the City Center area.
No matter where you’re staying, they’ll drop you off right at your Oaxaca hotel or Oaxaca Airbnb.
🚙 Oaxaca Rental cars
Renting a car in Oaxaca is convenient, especially if you want to do a few road trips from Oaxaca City.
For car rentals in Oaxaca, I recommend and use Discover Cars. In fact, I have use Discover Cars all over Mexico, not just Oaxaca.
🚕 Take a taxi in Oaxaca
You can get a taxi at the airport, but I still recommend the shuttle, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
Note: I’ve found that very few cab drivers in Oaxaca will speak English, but your personal Oaxaca Airport Shuttle driver will.
Oaxaca Airport Private Shuttle Service
I recommended booking this Private and Secure Transfer from the Airport to Your Hotel in Oaxaca by Enjoy Oaxaca.
It is the highest-rated service I’ve found that also offers rates comparable to the Oaxaca taxis.
We had so many flight delays but our ride was there waiting! Thank goodness! We had a safe and comfortable experience with this shuttle service.
—Brenna (See more reviews)
With an impressive 5 Star rating, their customer service is unparalleled.
There are a lot of low-rated companies out there that charge a bit less, but as they say, you get what you pay for.
Enjoy Oaxaca has car options for 1-6 people, and vans that accommodate 12-15 passengers.
Each vehicle is cleaned and disinfected between trips, new and in excellent condition, with air conditioning, and has insurance.
How much is the Oaxaca Airport Shuttle?
The shuttle averages about $59 USD (per shuttle, not per person) for much of the year.
Of course, the price can go slightly up or slightly down depending on the time of year you visit Oaxaca.
By comparison, the curbside taxi will be about $40 USD — so not much of a price difference, but definitely a nicer experience with the private shuttle.
Here are three more reasons I recommend the shuttle vs Oaxaca taxis at the airport:
🗣 Bilingual Driver
When booking your shuttle with Enjoy Oaxaca, you can request an English-speaking driver.
If your Spanish isn’t so great, this perk goes a long way — especially after a long day of traveling.
🚐 Door to Door Service
Your driver will meet you inside Oaxaca Airport with a greeter sign that has your name on it.
They will walk you outside, pack up your luggage, and drive you directly to your accommodation.
📆 Leave on Your Schedule
If your flight arrives late, or if you have any issues clearing Customs and Immigration, or if there’s a delay with your luggage 😵💫, your private shuttle will still be there for you.
As you probably know, travel can be stressful.
The taxi line is usually pretty calm on weekdays, but it can be quite long during holidays and on weekends, as there’s only one sanctioned Oaxaca Airport taxi company that can operate there.
⭐️ BONUS: If you have to cancel entirely and do so 24 hours before your trip, you’ll get a FULL refund. You can also reschedule at no additional cost.
Renting a Car in Oaxaca City
💡 Oaxaca Travel Tips: For those who just plan to relax (or party) in Oaxaca, mezcal in hand, eating and shopping your way through town — skip the rental car and book this Oaxaca shuttle instead.
If you’re planning to do a few Oaxaca day trips to Monte Alban Ruins, Hierve el Agua, San Pablo Villa de Mitla Ruins and the Oaxaca pueblos magicos (magic towns), then a rental car is the way to go.
🚙💨 Need tips for driving in Oaxaca? Head to this article on Renting a car in Oaxaca for 10 Mexico driving tips.
For those who want to enjoy all the best Oaxaca City day trips, but don’t want to drive, a group tour is your best bet.
I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.
Best Oaxaca Car Rentals
The best place to get your Oaxaca car rental is the airport, as it has the biggest selection.
There’s also Oaxaca rental car centers in downtown, but it’s usually cheaper to book online, no matter where you’re renting from.
When booking your car online, I always recommend and always use Discover Cars.
They are great because they search both international companies, and local Mexican companies, so you get the best price.
Oaxaca Airport Taxis
🤔 Where is Oaxaca Airport?
Oaxaca International Airport is only about 25 minutes from the Zocalo (Main Square) and Centro Historico (Downtown Oaxaca City) in normal traffic.
During holidays, weekends and the Oaxaca festivals, it can be much more.
🚕 How much is a taxi from Oaxaca Airport to Downtown?
A curbside taxi from Oaxaca Airport will cost about $800 MXN pesos, or $40 USD.
The airport isn’t far from downtown, where most of the best Oaxaca hotels are located, so the Oaxaca airport taxi price isn’t ever too steep!
🤔 Are taxis safe in Oaxaca?
Yes — For the vast majority of travelers, Oaxaca taxis are safe.
Many Oaxaca taxi drivers rely on tourism dollars to support their livelihood, so they do their part to ensure a safe ride for passengers.
How to Get Around in Oaxaca Without Uber
IMO, walking is the best way to experience Oaxaca City
Oaxaca City is a medium-sized city with a population of about 725,000, though it feels more like a small town.
The Downtown Oaxaca City area, where most visitors stay, eat and play, is only about 50 blocks from end to end.
The easiest way to get around is by walking, and downtown is quite walkable.
For day trips from Oaxaca City, you’ll want a rental car, but in town, there are Oaxaca cabs and one ride-share option.
DiDi Rider: Oaxaca Ride Share App
Though there’s no Oaxaca Uber, there is DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app.
🚕 Note: You may sometimes hear it called the Oaxaca Taxi App, but DiDi Taxi is the only taxi app Oaxaca has.
DiDi is a Chinese-owned ride sharing service.
🚕 Can you use DiDi at Oaxaca Airport?
No — DiDi Oaxaca Airport pick-ups are not allowed.
In other words, you can not take a DiDi from Oaxaca Airport, but you can book this private shuttle from Oaxaca Airport, rent a car or take a regular taxi.
Taxis in Oaxaca Mexico
The way most people get around in Oaxaca is by taxi. There are plenty of cabs in Oaxaca, operating day and night.
You can hail a cab in Oaxaca the old school way, by just waving your hand to the driver anywhere on the street.
🤔 Are taxis expensive in Oaxaca?
Not really, though costs can add up — If you’re taking taxis from one end of downtown to the other, it shouldn’t be more than $300 pesos ($15 USD).
Most of your cab rides in Oaxaca City will be even cheaper than that. Now, the costs can go way up when venturing outside of the city.
For example, it’s about $50 USD for a taxi to Hierve el Agua hot springs from Oaxaca City, which is why booking your rental car is the best option for day trips.
💵 Can I use dollars in Oaxaca Mexico?
No — You will need to pay in pesos for taxis and anything else.
Though United States dollars, Canadian dollars and Euros are accepted in some places in Mexico, particularly Mexico resort towns, they won’t be in Oaxaca.
🚕 HOW TO GET A TAXI IN OAXACA
Wondering, How do you hail a cab in Oaxaca City?
It is generally considered safe to flag down street cabs in Oaxaca City by just waving at the driver.
Oftentimes, the driver will even honk at you as a way of asking if you need their services. If you do, give them a nod or wave and they will stop for you.
🚕 Oaxaca Taxi Tip: Set the Price Before You Get In
If you do take a taxi to Oaxaca, know that you must negotiate and agree on the fare before getting in the cab.
As most Mexico taxis don’t have meters, this is the way it’s done throughout the country. Now, some places have set rates within different zones.
However, since most visitors won’t know that information, you should always just double check with the driver before you get in the car.
Oaxaca Public Transportation: Buses and More
In full disclosure, public transportation in Oaxaca Mexico isn’t great — and doens’t provide much in the way of comfort (think no AC and ripped seats).
There are buses and colectivos in Oaxaca, which are inexpensive to use, but they can also be confusing for Oaxaca visitors (especially if you don’t speak Spanish).
🤔 What is a colectivo?
If you’ve never heard of a colectivo before, they are the cheapest way to get around in Oaxaca.
These small, shared vans are popular throughout Mexico as well as Central and South America, but in full disclosure, aren’t very comfortable.
⚠️ A warning about Public transportation in Oaxaca
There’s no app to help you navigate the public transport in Oaxaca, so you kind of just have to know what’s what.
You can also keep asking locals for tips as you go, and always check with the driver before getting on the bus.
As taxis and DiDi Rider are just a few dollars more than the bus, I find them the better options.
They also get you to places much faster, so for most travelers, it’s worth a few dollars to save some of your precious travel time.
Oaxaca Travel Guide and FAQ
How do you pronounce Oaxaca?
Wondering about the Oaxaca pronunciation? It’s a common question, so if you are, you’re not alone!
The word Oaxaca is pronounced waa-haa-kah.
🗣️ how do you pronounce oaxacan?
Since we cleared up the pronunciation for Oaxaca, let’s make sure you’re saying the word Oaxacan right as well.
The word Oaxacan is pronounced waa-haa-ken.
Where is Oaxaca located?
Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, surrounded by other Mexican states like Chiapas and Puebla.
🗺 Oaxaca Map
The southern edge Oaxaca state sits on the Pacific Ocean.
Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located about six hours south of Mexico City, so you can easily book direct flights from CDXM.
What is the best time to visit Oaxaca Mexico?
The best time to travel to Oaxaca is during the dry season, October to May, which is also the busy or high season.
If you don’t mind some rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you will also get lower prices — as this is the slow season.
🌡️ Oaxaca weather
The temperate weather in Oaxaca City means it can be a year-round destination — similar to Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende and Baja California, Mexico.
Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so expect hot days and cool nights (sometimes even cold nights).
The temperature in Oaxaca fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca.
If you hate the heat and hot weather, avoid the hottest months in Oaxaca. These are April and May, though some will also include June and July.
To avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January.
Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for La Guelaguetza in July, the second biggest Oaxaca festival.
Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?
For the vast majority of travelers, Oaxaca is safe to visit. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico.
Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe.
That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.
However, if you take the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else — ie. stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you should be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.
⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?
What are the best places to stay in Oaxaca?
Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca Mexico?
That’s understandable because there really are a lot of great options at all price points.
Have a look at the options below, and if you need even more suggestions, check out these 17 Best Places to Stay in Oaxaca City.
🏆 Best neighborhoods in Oaxaca City
Want a deep dive into the best Oaxaca City neighborhoods?
Check out the linked article. If not, the info below will also help you understand where to stay in Oaxaca.
For first time visitors, you’ll find staying in Oaxaca Centro (Downtown) near the Zocalo very convenient, as it’s super walkable.
There’s also the colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco, the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca — all three are great options.
🏩 Best HotelS in Oaxaca
- Quinta Real Oaxaca City ($$$$, Centro)
- Pug Seal Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
- Hotel Escondido Oaxaca ($$$$, Centro)
- City Centro Hotel Oaxaca ($$$, Jalatlaco)
- NaNa Vida Hotel ($$$, Centro)
- Casa de Arte ($$, Xochimilco)
🏩 Best HostelS in Oaxaca
- Hostal Central Oaxaca
- Azul Cielo Hostel
- Selina Oaxaca Hostel
- For even more options, check out these 13 Best Oaxaca Hostels
How do you get around Oaxaca City?
Oaxaca City is very walkable, so if you’re just staying in the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.
If you’re doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.
ARE TAXIS SAFE IN OAXACA MEXICO?
For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.
I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app (see below), so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me — but you can also just hail a cab on the street.
Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?
No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, and no Lyft in Oaxaca either.
They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app.
It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.
How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?
Within Oaxaca City itself, you can see the highlights in 2-3 full days. However, many visitors could realistically spend a week in Oaxaca City — especially art, food and culture lovers.
For those who want to explore the villages outside town, like Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, you’ll want at least 5-6 full days.
What is Oaxaca known for?
Wondering, Why is Oaxaca so popular? There are five things Oaxaca is known for — art, culture, the Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebration, mezcal and food.
In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants while on your Oaxaca vacation.
Is Oaxaca City worth visiting?
Yes — Oaxaca is magical; it’s the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be.
There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food.
As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might still be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.
I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that YES IT IS!
Final Thoughts: Is there Uber in Oaxaca?
While there’s no Uber in Oaxaca state, travelers still have options. You can get a rental car, which is the best way to enjoy all the fun day trips from Oaxaca.
However, this isn’t the most practical for in-town trips.
For those who don’t want to drive in Oaxaca, Mexico — book this private Oaxaca Airport Shuttle and let someone else handle the driving.
They’ll meet you inside the airport and drive you directly to your accommodation.
Also, there are taxis everywhere, and you can hail one directly on the street by just flagging them down with the wave of your hand.
There’s also the DiDi Taxi service through the DiDi Rider App, which is similar to Uber or Lyft.
It is usually very easy to get a cab in Oaxaca. However, during the busy season and the popular Oaxaca festivals, especially Day of the Dead in Oaxaca City, it can be a bit harder, so getting a rental car might work better.