Since we get so many questions regarding various aspects of bus- and air-vs-bus- travel in Mexico, and particularly to and from Oaxaca, we have created this page, which we hope will be informative. If, when you get done reading it, and have followed the advice and links provided, feel free to e-mail us with your questions - but only if you have done your homework.

First and foremost, consider how you want to spend your vacation. If you've got a week, don't waste it on bus travel that takes more than a few hours. If you're planning to spend a year, and you have a limited budget, forget about planes. Time and money are absolute tradeoffs in Mexico. If you are lucky enough to be headed for one of the handful of cities that receive direct service from the U.S. then you have no problem deciding, but for most of us that is not the case, and you will be entering through Mexico City.

Getting to / from Mexico City and any other destination in Mexico by air is expensive, compared to taking the bus. This is especially true of Oaxaca, where air fares can run as high as $175 u.s. dollars each way. Buses between large cities are available in second, first and deluxe class. First and deluxe are generally, non- or limited- stop, very comfortable, rest-room equipped, with t.v. movies, and air-conditioning. Deluxe may also have a coffee bar and soft-drink cooler. The worst first class bus I have ever been on was more comfortable than any Greyhound. Fares from MexCity to Oaxaca run between one-fifth to one-third of air fare.

[Occasionally, and without much advertising, Mexicana or Aero Mexico will run a deal where if you fly in from another country and continue on to your Mexican destination, the added leg will cost about half of normal fare. The only reliable way I know of to find out is to call the airline reservations people direct.]

If you decide to take the bus from Mexico City to Oaxaca, you will normally have to get from the airport to the bus terminal. You can do this by taking the Metro. However, there are a lot of thieves that work the trains, and they are both bold and proficient, so be prepared. Also, there is a rule against excess luggage, so don't try to bring your surfboard or giant backpack on board.

The safest and most reliable way of making the trip is by authorized taxi. I emphasize authorized: don't get hustled into a gypsy cab if you value your possessions and your health. The following, taken from our "frequently asked questions" page, describes how to get to Oaxaca. For other cities, check the Lonely Planet or another guide, under "getting there and away", to find out which bus station you need to get to.

HOW DO I GET FROM THE MEXICO CITY AIRPORT TO OAXACA BY BUS?

Some folks opt for the "Estrella Roja" bus to Puebla, in order to avoid the cross-town taxi ride. These buses leave every half hour, alternating between the main bus terminal (CAPU), which is on the outskirts of Puebla, and a terminal much closer to the center of town. Which you choose will probably depend on whether or not you want to overnight in Puebla: all the buses for Oaxaca from Puebla leave from the CAPU.

For those of you that choose to go "directly" to Oaxaca: There is a new international arrivals building at Benito Juarez airport. When you exit the customs area and enter the main hall, look around, and you will see signs directing you to "Official" taxis. Tell the ticket seller you want to go to TAPO (pronounced TAH-po). Follow the arrows for the stand.

When you get to the taxi stand, a "starter" will ask you where you are going, and point to the taxi you must take. It should be white and yellow, and have a silouette of an airplane on the fender or door. Don't accept offers from unofficial taxi drivers. The official taxi fares are low, so consider a tip, espcially if you have a lot of luggage.

When you exit the taxi, take the ramp to the interior of the building. Look for the waiting room labeled ADO. ADO are the initials for the bus line that has the most frequent deartures for Oaxaca. Inside the waiting room, you will find a row of ticket booths. Tell the ticket seller you want a ticket to Oaxaca, "por cuota", on the next bus. (buses run pretty much every hour, between about 5 a.m. and midnight, and take about 6 hours; all "cuota" buses are first class).

The more luxurious "GL" bus has its own window, furthest to the left. The super deluxe UNO has its own waiting room with ticket booth, nearby. There is also the "Plus" bus, with tickets available inside the "Cristobal Colon" waiting room, to the right as you exit the ADO space.

The following web sites offer information on schedules and fares for various Mexico destinations. There are others. If you can't find what you need, chances are I won't be able to, either. Sometimes you just have to dig a little further.

For ADO, GL, UNO, and other bus lines serving southeast Mexico, ticketbus

Although they do not provide direct links, you can get a listing of all the buses serving all the major and most all of the minor cities in Mexico by clicking on Mexperience.

For the bus between MexCity airport and Puebla, click on Estrella Roja.

For buses to many other nearby cities, click on Pullman

For general information about buses in Mexico and the rest of Central America, try Central American Bus Links

If none of this works for you, do your own research: put your starting and destination cities and the word "bus" into your web search engine, and follow the bouncing link. Good luck and have fun.