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If you’re arriving by air from Canada or the U.S. into Huatulco, you’re probably wondering what’s the best way to get from the Bahias de Huatulco Airport (HUX) to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. Or, from Puerto Escondido to Huatulco on the return.
Fortunately, there are several options to choose from. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on convenience, time, number of travellers, comfort and cost.
The difference in convenience, safety and cost between the most expensive at $85 USD to less than $5 USD makes it worth considering options when it comes to getting from Huatulco airport to Puerto Escondido.
COVID-19 Measures in Puerto Escondido and Huatulco
COVID-19 measures are in place in Huatulco, Puerto Escondido and throughout the state of Oaxaca. They change frequently so be sure to check with local authorities prior to booking travel.
Transportation can be disrupted, bus service cancelled, beaches may be closed etc. This information is being provided as a guideline only and may not always be accurate.
In Puerto Escondido, there are two municipal authorities you can check for coronavirus updates:
Santa Maria Colotepec Facebook Page (Spanish only)
San Pedro Mixtepec Facebook Page ( Spanish only)
COVID-19 Puerto Escondido Group (English) – This group is private so you need to request admission. Updates are posted regularly.
In Huatulco, you can check the following resources:
Hotel Association of Huatulco Facebook Page ( Spanish only)
The Eye Huatulco Magazine ( English and Spanish)
You can expect the following coronavirus measures (and more):
- Checkpoints on roads may be in effect to prevent entry of people with symptoms.
- In Huatulco all outside tourist buses and public transport must arrive at the central bus station.
- Enforcement of sanitary measures in commercial establishments such as hand washing and gel.
- Mandatory face masks and social distancing. You can be fined for not wearing a mask in public.
- Bars and restaurants may have restrictions on selling alcohol.
- Possible restrictions in store hours and entry.
- Restrictions on gatherings. No large gatherings or parties.
- Self-quarantine for foreigners is not mandatory but is recommended.
Distance from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido
It’s 100 kilometres ( 1.45 hours) from the Bahias de Huatulco International Airport ( HUX) to Puerto Escondido. From La Crucecita ( the location of the bus terminal and the commercial heart of the Huatulco resort area), it’s 115 kilometres (2 hours).
There are no hotels near Huatulco Airport. If you’re looking for a hotel in Huatulco on a budget, then it’s worth checking out Mision de los Arcos in La Crucecita (starting at $35 USD for a standard room) or the Holiday Inn Huatulco (starting at less than $100 USD for a standard room).
Both budget hotels are listed in our Guide to the Best Beaches, Food and Hotels in Huatulco.
Huatulco to Puerto Escondido
Here’s what to consider for Huatulco airport transportation:
1. Huatulco Airport to Puerto Escondido by Private Shuttle
Cost: 500 MXN pesos per person in group shuttle or 2000 MXN pesos for private cab (confirm prior to booking)
What You Get: Book this service in advance. You’ll be picked up at Huatulco airport (HUX) and driven to your destination by a driver from Puerto Escondido who is familiar with the city and Highway 200.
Your HUX transportation will most likely be in an air-conditioned, newer model vehicle. You won’t make multiple stops along the way. There is usually a maximum of four people per vehicle although some vehicles have room for 10.
Ideal for: This option is ideal for travellers in a hurry, families, the elderly, luxury travellers not concerned about relative cost, travellers arriving at night.
Contact:
1) Oscar Flores: Oscar Flores offers a shared shuttle by van based from the Hotel Santa Fe in Puerto Escondido as well as a private transfer. The cost for the shuttle service is 500 MXN pesos each in a 10 passenger van with air-conditioning.
COVID-19 Measures as at October 2020:
- Passengers and drivers are required to wear masks.
- Vehicle is sanitized and disinfected.
- Antibacterial hand gel is provided.
Private service is 1600 MXN pesos in a taxi with air-conditioning. He gets good reports for reliability and service. Email: ofr_flores@hotmail.com
2) Dimar Travel Agency or +52 954 582 0259
3) Amazing Huatulco Tours on Facebook or by email: tomasvicente39@hotmail.com or phone +52 958 106 4779
Unlike the Riviera Maya where shared shuttle transportation is readily available and can be booked online, there are few shared shuttles from Huatulco to Puerto Escondido (unless you are a guest of Vivo Resort or an all-inclusive resort) that you can book online.
If you’d like to find someone to share a shuttle, you can try posting a request on the Puerto Escondido Travel Essentials Facebook Page and find a match.
2. Huatulco Airport Taxi to Puerto Escondido
Cost: $2068-2260 MXN pesos depending on the size of vehicle
What You Get: You’ll be driven to your destination by an authorized driver and your transportation will be air-conditioned but could be an older model vehicle. You won’t make multiple stops along the way. There is usually a maximum of four people per vehicle. Be prepared to provide directions to your driver as he may not be familiar with accommodations beyond the major hotels in Puerto Escondido. You can always ask the driver to drop you off at Zicatela Beach and then take a local taxi from there as they run frequently and are inexpensive.
Your travel time will be around 2 hours.
Travel Tip: It’s sometimes possible to find a fellow traveller who is willing to share a ride and split the fare. Ask around when you land or post a request on the Puerto Escondido Travel Essentials Facebook page before you leave home.
Contact: Go to the Authorized Taxi Booth at HUX airport, make your payment and you’ll receive a taxi voucher.
3. Huatulco Airport to Puerto Escondido by Taxi Outside HUX Airport
Cost: 800 to 1200 MXN pesos
What You Get: Your transportation may or may not be air-conditioned and may be an older model vehicle. You won’t make multiple stops along the way. There is usually a maximum of four people per vehicle. You’ll be driven to your destination by a driver who may be from Huatulco and not be familiar with Puerto Escondido.
How to Do It: You will need to have Mexican pesos. Walk along the sidewalk, past the security gate and leave the airport completely. It is a 5-7 minute walk and can be hot. Do not cross the highway to where the OXXO store is (unless you want to buy something for the trip). Instead, keep to the right and look for taxis at the side of Highway 200. Your travel time will be 2 hours.
Ideal for: This option is ideal for travellers confident in negotiating in Spanish and people without too much luggage.
Travel Tip: It’s sometimes possible to find a fellow traveller who is willing to share a ride and split the fare. Ask around when you land or post a request on the Puerto Escondido Travel Essentials Facebook page before you leave home.
4. Huatulco Airport to Puerto Escondido by Sur Bus
Cost: 70 pesos or $3 USD (effective January 2018) plus taxi in Puerto Escondido
What You Get: Taking the Sur bus from Huatulco airport to Puerto Escondido is one of the most popular methods of transportation for residents and long-stay visitors. For 60 pesos (effective January 2018) you can ride one-way from Bahias de Huatulco International Airport to Puerto Escondido on Sur, an Intermediate class bus. You’ll get lots of AC, a reclining chair and reliable service. Just don’t expect movies, reserved seating or snacks as on the Executive bus lines.
How to Do It: You will need to have 60 Mexican pesos ( preferably in small denominations) to board the bus so arrange to have pesos when you leave the airport. You’ll then walk along the sidewalk, past the security gate and leave the airport completely. It is a 5-7 minute walk and can be hot. Do not cross the highway to where the OXXO store is.
Instead, keep to the right and wait at the side of Highway 200. Wait until you see a Sur Bus (it’s yellow, white and green as shown above) marked “Puerto Escondido” and flag it down. Board and pay the driver. Your travel time will be 2 to 2.5 hours excluding waiting for the bus.
You will be dropped off at the ADO/OCC station in Puerto Escondido on Highway 200. From there you will need to take a local taxi for 30-40 MXN pesos (< $2.50 USD) to your hotel or condo.
Important Travel Tip: This bus will stop in the town of Pochutla, Oaxaca. Do not get off the bus! It will continue on its journey to Puerto Escondido once some passengers disembark and new passengers board.
Got lots of luggage? A variation on this option for the less confident (or those with lots of luggage) is to take an airport taxi to the bus station in La Crucecita (Huatulco) and board the Sur ( or ADO ) bus there.
The cost increases to 400 pesos for the airport taxi to Huatuloco and 78 pesos for the Sur bus from La Crucecita (Huatulco) to Puerto Escondido. Total 478 pesos or $25 USD and you save the effort of walking to the highway and waiting for the bus in the sun.
5. Huatulco Airport Car Rental to Puerto Escondido
It’s also possible to rent a car at Huatulco Airport (HUX) and drive to Puerto Escondido, keeping the rental car for the duration of your stay or just a few days. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to take day trips around Puerto Escondido or, to make stops at Mazunte or Zipolite for a few days, and then continue to Puerto Escondido or beyond.
Renting a car at Huatulco Airport is a popular option for people staying in one of the luxury villas on the Costa Cumana where you need a vehicle to get around.
Cost: Renting a car in Hualtulco or Puerto Escondido isn’t as expensive as you might think. At Los Tres Reyes car rental agency, you can rent a compact car for between 700 MXN ($37 USD) and 1500 MXN ($79 USD) a day, depending on the length of time rental.The longer the rental period, the lower the per diem.
For full details on the costs of renting a car, car insurance in Mexico and safety considerations, read our Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Puerto Escondido, Mexico.
6. Getting from La Crucecita Huatulco to Puerto Escondido by Sur Bus
If you’re in Huatulco and wondering how to get to Puerto Escondido, it’s quite easy and inexpensive to travel by Sur Bus. The cost is 78 MXN pesos and you simply purchase the ticket and board the bus when the driver/attendant announces the departure. Seats are unassigned so just take any available seat.
You’ll be dropped off at the ADO/OCC station in Puerto Escondido on Highway 200. However if you’re going to La Punta, it’s worth requesting an earlier stop at the first major intersection when you hit town.
7. Getting from Puerto Escondido to Huatulco by Sur Bus
For 78 MXN pesos you can ride one-way from downtown Puerto Escondido to downtown Huatulco ( La Crucecita) on Sur, an Intermediate class bus. You’ll get lots of AC, a reclining chair and reliable service just don’t expect movies, reserved seating or snacks as on the Executive bus lines.
The buses depart from the ADO/OCC Bus Terminal and make stops on the highway and in Pochutla but your time on the road should be no more than 2.5 hours. The time schedule is departures every hour on the hour and you can purchase your ticket from the booth or directly from the attendant at the gate.
If you’re staying in La Punta, you can flag the Sur bus down simply by standing by the highway.
You can also use the Pochutla/Huatulco Bus as transportation to Huatulco International Airpor (HUX)t. You will pay slightly less than if you were going into Huatulco Bus Station. Watch for the OXXO store on your right at the 2 hour mark to disembark. Make your way to the front of the bus and the driver will open the luggage area remotely, you can grab your bag and be on your way. You’ll need to walk across Highway 200 and along the sidewalk to get to the airport terminal.
Tip: Do not wait for your bus departure to be announced at the OCC/ADO station in Puerto Escondido. Instead, watch for your bus and be prepared to board when you see others moving in that general direction. Hold onto your ticket stub as the bus attendant might request it once you’re under way.
Disclaimer: Prices can vary without notice. Taking unauthorized taxis is done at your own risk.
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