Airlines

Oaxaca City, simply referred to as Oaxaca, is about 6 hours south, (drive time), from Mexico City and is located in the state of Oaxaca. Most visitors will arrive into the Oaxaca International Airport (OAX) which is about 8 miles from city center, and a 20-30 minute cab ride to the city center 

(everyone calls it "centro").

Do I Need a Visa? Mexico is super easy for visitors as tourists can typically stay for up to 180 days without any additional visa paperwork. If you are coming for the Festival, you need only your passport and the desire to have a great time in this vibrant city.
Direct service from the US into Oaxaca:

• Dallas - Oaxaca.
• Denver - Oaxaca.
• San Francisco - Oaxaca.
• Philadelphia - Oaxaca.
• Chicago - Oaxaca.
• Portland, OR - Oaxaca.
• Washington, D.C. - Oaxaca.
• Raleigh - Oaxaca.

Direct service from within Mexico to 

Oaxaca:* Mexico City - 

Oaxaca*Guadalajara - 

Oaxaca* Cancun - 

Oaxaca*Merida - Oaxaca

 We like Google Flights as a starting point for checking routes and pricing.

Local Transportation

Upon arrival at the airport, go to the counter with the big letters, TAXI. You can't miss it. 

A collective is a shared taxi or van, and from the airport it will be a van. Your hotel location will determine if you're in Zone 1 or 2. This is the least expensive way to go, ie 120 pesos is @ $6.50 US.  If you want a private taxi (especial) that will cost 465 pesos @ $25 US to centro. Get that currency converter app on your phone right now!

Taxis are everywhere and a typical fare, within centro, should be 60-80 pesos. There is no need to tip taxi drivers; it's just not customary. There is no Uber in Oaxaca, and depending on how late you are out taxis may be a little tricky to find. Didi, an app similar to Uber, which is an option but not connected to a credit card. You will directly pay the driver in pesos. US dollars are not typically accepted with taxis, retail stores or restaurants.