What are the best things to do in Mexico City?

There are lots of things to do in Mexico City — whether you're travelling with children or with your special someone. Start it off with a walking tour around the historic centre. Some organisations even offer this for free (yes, no hidden fees at all)! Visit one (or more!) of its 150 museums. Take a boat tour on the canals of Xochimilco. And our favourite, go on a DIY taco tour! You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to taquerias in the city. Got questions? Check out our guide for the 14 Best Things to do in Mexico City .

When is the best time to go to Mexico City?

The high season in Mexico City is from March to May — when the average temperature is (24°C) during the day and (7°C) at night. That's great weather to comfortably walk around its busy streets. But that also means a great number of people will be exploring the city, too. Hotels can get fully booked early. So book your accommodations well in advance.

3 Ways to Travel from Oaxaca to Mexico City - by Bus, Private Transport and Flight

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 462 kilometre distance from Oaxaca to Mexico City. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 3 ways to get from Oaxaca to Mexico City. You can choose between the flight, bus, private transport. The most affordable option is by flight, starting from $2. The fastest route is by flight (2h 10m).

COMPARE

Compare Your Options

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
FlightFastestBudget	2h 10m	($2)	--
Private Transport	6h	($447)	--
Bus	7h 5m	($53)	--

Route Overview

OaxacaMexico City462 km

Via Getting

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Flight

2h 10mFrom ~$2

Taking a direct flight from Oaxaca to Mexico City is the fastest option. Getting to the airport from Oaxaca city centre takes about 30 minutes, followed by the 1-hour flight to Mexico City, and then another 45 minutes from Mexico City Airport to the centre. Total travel time is around 2h 10m.

Ready to book your flight?

From ~$2 · 2h 10m

Bus

7h 5m - 8h 15mFrom ~$53

Several buses run daily on the Oaxaca to Mexico City route, with a travel time of around 7h 5m - 8h 15m. If you’re looking to save a night on accommodation, you’ll find plenty of overnight bus options.

Ready to book your bus?

From ~$53 · 7h 5m - 8h 15m

Bookaway

Private Transport

6h - 6h 30mFrom ~$447

A private transfer from Oaxaca to Mexico City is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 6h - 6h 30m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers. Prices for private transfer start at $447 for a -seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each.

Ready to book your private transport?

From ~$447 · 6h - 6h 30m

Bookaway

KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Oaxaca

the bus station in Oaxaca

Frequently Asked Questions

Mexico City is unlike many of the country's popular destinations that are known for their beaches and turquoise waters. In Mexico's vibrant capital, it's all about history and culture. The main square called Zocalo is on top of our list of sites to visit, along with the city's many parks like Chapultepec (one of the largest in the whole country). For art and architecture, visit the Palace of Fine Arts. If you're interested in ancient ruins, you will find the Teotihuacan archaeological complex just an hour away from the city.

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Mexico City?

Mexico City is a destination that will keep any type of traveller entertained for days on end. Interesting history, rich culture, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife are just a few of the many things Mexico City has to offer. A fun fact, with over 150 museums, Mexico City has the highest number of museums in the world. When you’re museumed-out, there are plenty of other things to do in Mexico City. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, explore Frida Kahlo's house, or take a boat trip along the canals of Xochimilco.

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ROUTES RESEARCHED

Every route is personally traveled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.

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Carbon Footprint

This 462 km journey produces approximately 41 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Treat Yourself

Casa Emilia

Staying at Casa Emilia will make you feel like you’re staying in a cosy jungle retreat, rather than in a massive metropolitan city. All of the spaces around the hotel are designed for ultimate comfort and luxury, which it certainly achieves. You can relax on the terrace, in access hall or in the hotel’s sunroom. Two of our favourite experiences at the hotel are the delicious breakfast and the huge, comfy beds offering a great night’s sleep. If you’re looking to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.

Incredible breakfast
Cosy jungle design
Bike rental available
Excellent location

Double rooms start from $80 per night

View on Booking.com

Treat Yourself

Casa Pancha

Located in the neighbourhood of Condesa, Casa Pancha mirrors the atmosphere of the area. The hotel’s culture is certainly one of its selling points, offering simplicity, originality, community and connection. With a mixture of dorms and private rooms, it’s an easy place to meet people whilst maintaining privacy. The hotel is bright and natural throughout, with both a backyard and a balcony area to relax in. The staff are super friendly here and their love for the hotel quickly spreads through the space.

Dorms and private rooms available
Private garden and balcony
Amazing staff
Perfect location

Double rooms start from $80 per night

View on Booking.com

Mid-Range

Stanza Hotel

If there’s any neighbourhood that you want to stay in Mexico City, La Roma should definitely be up there. And that’s where Stanza Hotel is located. It puts you close to the tree-lined streets that are brimming with hip cafes and bars. The hotel rooms are clean and modern, offering everything that you could ask for. The beds are also huge and super comfy. If you don’t fancy leaving the hotel one night for dinner, the onsite restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean-Mexican fusion food.

Great location
Clean and modern rooms
Onsite Mediterranean-Mexican fusion restaurant
Helpful, English-speaking staff

Double rooms between $40-$80 per night

View on Booking.com

Budget

Casa Indigo

This place gets booked out fast (we’re talking months in advance)! The location is perfect and it’s super affordable. Casa Indigo is close to the historic centre, plus the rooms are clean and beautifully decorated. The host, Salvador, will make your stay unforgettable with his friendliness and warm welcome. On top of all of that, you can enjoy a large roof terrace offering stunning views over Mexico City.

Great location
Huge roof terrace
Friendly host
Fully equipped kitchen

Double rooms between $15-$40 per night

View on Booking.com

How to Get from Oaxaca to Mexico City

Compare Your Options

Flight

Ready to book your flight?

Bus

Ready to book your bus?

Private Transport

Ready to book your private transport?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top sights in Mexico City?

What are the best things to do in Mexico City?

When is the best time to go to Mexico City?

Why Visit Mexico City?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Where to Stay in Mexico City

Casa Emilia

Casa Pancha

Stanza Hotel

Casa Indigo