Car Hire Oaxaca

Guide

Although Oaxaca is economically one of Mexico's poorest states, it is also one of the country’s richest states in terms of history, culture, archaeology and ecology. Oaxaca boasts some of Mexico's most varied natural terrain, from tropical forests, to majestic mountains and lush valleys. There is also a stunning rugged Pacific coastland, with serene beaches with soft white sands. With so many fascinating sights to see here, the best thing to do is to prebook car hire in Oaxaca right here with us today.

Explore Oaxaca

Oaxaca is a charming and vibrant colonial city. Friendly to pedestrians, the zocalo (main plaza) is completely closed off to traffic, and surrounded by cafés and restaurants which make it a perfect setting for a relaxed drink. The city's cathedral, dating from the 18th century, is worth a visit to see the magnificent carvings in stone along its front façade.

The Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) boasts some great architecture both inside and out. Iglesia de Santo Domingo is an impressive-looking church worth visiting. Oaxaca’s oldest church was built around 1521. Although Iglesia de San Juan de Dios is a simple church, it is popular with the local people.

The city’s best museum to visit is the Museo Regional de Oaxaca which has displays of artefacts taken from the Monte Alban's Tomb Number 7, which contained corpses, gold and jewellery. Another fascinating Museum is the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre Hispanic Art, displaying pre-Hispanic collections. If you have time try to visit the Museum of Oaxacan Contemporary Art, including contemporary Mexican art collections, including Francisco Toledo, Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Morales, Rodolfo Nieto and others.

Traditional Mexican-themed night parties are popular with the locals. Shoppers will enjoy the myriad of shops and galleries which brim over with quality goods from all over the valley. Alternatively, markets make shopping an even deeper cultural experience. Trips to surrounding villages provide an opportunity to see artisans creating finely crafted products.

Transport

During religious holidays (Christmas and Easter) and the Guelaguetza festival in July, Oaxaca can get very busy as Mexicans go on holiday in the region and many Oaxaqueños return home to their families for the holidays. If your travel plans involve visiting this area during these times, be sure to book ahead.

By air
Visitors can fly to Oaxaca Xoxocotlán International Airport from the US and other destinations in Mexico, such as Mexico City and some other smaller regional airports in the south. The flight to Oaxaca from Mexico City takes less than an hour. Flights to Oaxaca from Huatulco take 30 minutes. The airport is on Oaxaca's southern side and it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to travel into the city centre by taxi.

Car rentals suppliers operate from desks in the airports arrivals hall, however there is only a limited number of suppliers so for more options please book in advance with us. We not only compare prices from over fifty leading car rental companies, but we also have a larger selection of cars for you to choose from.

By car
Oaxaca is easily accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas. There a brilliant high-speed toll road directly to the colonial city from Mexico City. The Highway 150 will get you to the Cuacnopalan-Oaxaca exit which you need to take to get you to Oaxaca. It’s 460kms and the trip takes about five hours.

By bus
Travelling to Oaxaca on a luxury bus from Mexico City takes about six hours. Buses depart from Mexico City's eastern bus station (Central de Autobuses Oriente), and are frequent and plentiful. ADO bus line has different classes of coach, varying in cost and comfort.