Look, if you’re trying to get from the chaos of Mexico City to the mezcal-soaked streets of Oaxaca, you’ve probably realized there are two very different ways to do it. You can sit on a bus for seven hours, winding through mountain passes that make even the bravest stomachs do a flip. Or, you can take one of the many flights from mexico city to oaxaca and be on the ground in about an hour.
Most people think flying is the "expensive" way. Honestly? In 2026, that’s just not true anymore. With the expansion of the new airport (AIFA) and the fierce competition between the big three airlines, sometimes the plane is actually cheaper than the luxury bus. But there’s a catch. If you show up at the wrong airport or book on the wrong day, you’ll end up paying double for a lot more hassle.
The Three-Way Battle for Your Boarding Pass
Right now, you’ve basically got three choices for a direct flight: Aeromexico, Volaris, and VivaAerobus.
Aeromexico is the "fancy" one. They fly out of Terminal 2 at MEX (Benito Juárez) almost every hour. If you have SkyTeam status or just want a cookie and a real seat, they’re the go-to. But don't sleep on VivaAerobus or Volaris. They are the low-cost kings.
Volaris and Viva are great if you’re traveling light. Seriously, if you try to bring a big suitcase without pre-paying on their apps, they will hit you with fees that cost more than the ticket itself. I’ve seen people at the gate paying $50 USD just to bring a carry-on that "looked too big." Don't be that person.
- Aeromexico: Reliable, multiple daily flights, usually $90–$150 round trip.
- VivaAerobus: Bare-bones, often has "base" fares for under $40 one-way if you book a month out.
- Volaris: The middle ground. Decent app, frequent sales.
The AIFA vs. MEX Dilemma
This is where it gets tricky. Mexico City now has two airports: the classic Benito Juárez (MEX) and the newer Felipe Ángeles (NLU/AIFA).
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MEX is right in the city. You can take a 20-minute Uber from Roma or Condesa and be at your gate. But NLU is way out there—about 45 to 90 minutes north depending on how bad the traffic is.
Why would you bother with NLU? The prices. Often, flights from mexico city to oaxaca departing from AIFA are significantly cheaper because the airport taxes are lower. If you’re staying in the north of the city, or if you find a fare that’s half the price of the MEX flights, it’s worth the trek. Just factor in the $30 USD Uber ride or the bus fare to get there. If you're coming from the south, stick to MEX. Your sanity is worth the extra $20.
Booking Like a Local (Without the Stress)
Timing is everything. In 2026, the data shows that Tuesday and Wednesday are the cheapest days to fly. If you try to go on a Friday afternoon, you’re competing with every digital nomad and local family heading home for the weekend. Prices spike.
Actually, the "sweet spot" for booking is usually about 5 to 6 weeks before you go. If you wait until the week of, you’re looking at $200+. If you book on a Tuesday for a flight in February (historically the cheapest month), you can snag a round trip for under $100 easily.
Avoid November like the plague unless you’ve already booked. Día de Muertos is Oaxaca’s Super Bowl. Flights sell out months in advance, and prices become astronomical. I'm talking $400 for a 1-hour flight. No thanks.
Dealing with the Oaxaca Airport (OAX)
Once you land at Xoxocotlán International Airport, don't just walk out and expect an Uber. It's a bit of a "thing" there.
Uber and DiDi can drop you off at the airport, but they aren't technically allowed to pick you up inside the terminal zone. You have two real choices:
- Colectivo: These are shared vans. You buy a ticket at the booth inside. It’s cheap (around 120-150 pesos) and drops you at your hotel door, but you might have to wait for it to fill up.
- Private Taxi: Fast, but expensive. Expect to pay 400-600 pesos for a private ride to the Centro.
If you're feeling adventurous and have zero luggage, you can walk about 10 minutes out to the main road and hail a regular city taxi for half the price, but honestly, after a flight, just take the colectivo. It’s easy.
Is the Flight Actually Better Than the Bus?
I get asked this a lot. The ADO bus from the TAPO station in Mexico City is legendary. It’s got reclining seats, screens, and it’s very safe. It usually costs about 600–900 pesos ($35-$50 USD).
But the road is long. It takes about 6 to 7 hours. If you value your time, the 1-hour flight wins every time. You gain an entire afternoon to eat tlayudas and wander the ethnobotanical garden. To me, that’s worth the extra $30.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip:
- Check both airports: Search for "MEX to OAX" and "NLU to OAX" on a search engine. The price difference might surprise you.
- Download the airline apps: Especially for Viva and Volaris. Checking in on your phone saves you from the "check-in fee" some of these carriers try to charge at the counter.
- Watch the luggage size: Measure your bag. The budget airlines in Mexico are strict. If it doesn't fit in the sizer, you pay.
- Book the Colectivo early: When you land in Oaxaca, head straight to the transportation booth before the line gets long.
- Avoid Friday/Sunday: If your schedule allows, fly mid-week to save enough money for an extra bottle of high-end mezcal.
Flying is the easiest part of your Oaxaca adventure. Once you're off the plane, the real work begins—deciding which mole to eat first.