Quick answer
How long does it take from the city of Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido in 2026? About 2.5 hours on the Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway, versus roughly 6.5 hours on the old road (CAPUFE). Whether you drive in or fly into PXM airport, in Puerto Escondido KORU rents to you and delivers the vehicle where you are staying or at the airport.
How long does the trip from the city of Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido take now?
The Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway, about 104 km long and opened on February 4, 2024, crosses the Sierra Madre del Sur with tunnels and bridges and cut the trip from the city of Oaxaca to the coast from about 6.5 hours to roughly 2.5 hours, according to CAPUFE. The car toll is around 234 MXN as of 2025 (CAPUFE); carry some cash in case the booth does not take cards. The old free road (Route 131 via Sola de Vega) is still open, but it is far longer, with curves, fog and fewer services.
Is it better to drive the highway or fly to Puerto Escondido?
Flying is the fastest option if you are coming from far away. Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) handled 664,510 passengers from January to August 2025, up 10.58% year over year, with routes from Mexico City (AICM), AIFA, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Houston (Sectur Oaxaca). If you fly, you don't need a car to arrive: you land and KORU delivers the vehicle at the airport or your accommodation. If you enjoy the road, drive the highway and save your energy for the coast.
How do I get to the coast safely by road?
Once in Puerto Escondido: how do I get around?
This is where KORU operates today. We rent cars, vans (camioneta), jeeps, quad bikes (cuatrimoto) and scooters with a contract and invoice, WhatsApp assistance and delivery of the vehicle where you are staying or at PXM airport. With your own vehicle you move at your own pace between Zicatela, La Punta, Carrizalillo and the coastal getaways, without depending on the colectivo (the local shared transport). Get a quote for your dates on WhatsApp and confirm insurance, deposit and any charges directly with KORU before booking.
Rent your vehicle in Puerto Escondido
Car, jeep, quad bike or scooter delivered to your accommodation or the airport. Get a quote on WhatsApp.
What getaways can I do from Puerto Escondido, and when?
“The highway brings you close to the coast; we make sure you get around well once you arrive. KORU already operates in Puerto Escondido and is expanding along the coast toward Mazunte, Zipolite and Huatulco.”
— KORU RENT
Puerto Escondido, your base on the Oaxaca coast
Beaches, waves and everything you can do with your own vehicle.
Mazunte and Punta Cometa in a day
How to get there, hours and the best sunset on the coast.
Frequently asked questions
About 2.5 hours on the Barranca Larga–Ventanilla highway, versus roughly 6.5 hours on the old road, according to CAPUFE. Adding the traffic inside the city of Oaxaca, allow a bit more door to door. Leave early to reach the coast in daylight.
The car toll is around 234 MXN as of 2025, according to CAPUFE; rates for vans or larger vehicles are higher. Carry some cash in case the booth does not accept cards. Check the current rate before you travel, as it may be updated.
We recommend not driving at night. The highway is better lit, but the coastal road (Hwy 200) has curves, little light and sometimes animals on the road. Plan to leave early and arrive in daylight; that way you also enjoy the sierra and coast scenery more.
Yes, but it is best to fill up in the morning before you leave. On the coast, Pochutla is the main hub for services and gas stations between Puerto Escondido and the Mazunte–Huatulco corridor. There are fewer stations in the sierra, so don't head up with a low tank.
If your plan is to explore the coast, it is better to rent in Puerto Escondido with KORU: you avoid paying tolls with a rental car and get a vehicle suited to the coast. This is where we operate today, with delivery to your accommodation or at PXM airport. Confirm insurance and deposit with KORU.
Mazunte and Zipolite are about 67 km (1 h 15 min) and Huatulco about 100-120 km (2-2.5 h). The best waves at Zicatela run from May to September (peak June-August); Carrizalillo and La Punta are for beginners. Manialtepec, 15 minutes away, glows best on a new moon.
This guide is part of KORU RENT's content for traveling the Oaxaca coast better. In Puerto Escondido we rent today and are already expanding along the coast toward Mazunte, Zipolite and Huatulco. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates to get a quote and book; confirm insurance, deposit and any charges with KORU before booking. — The KORU Team.