How to get to Huatulco, Mexico in 2023 – All transport options explained!

Looking for flights to Huatulco, Mexico for your 2023 winter holiday? Look no further!

Huatulco may be more and more popular every year, but figuring out how to get to Huatulco, Mexico is still not as simple as other, larger cities in Mexico.

Since 2021, I have gone to Huatulco by plane, bus, taxi, boat, and any other way you can think to travel. So I have used that info to put together this guide for all the ways to get to Huatulco!

Not only will I share with you the best direct flights, but also my secrets for getting around in the off-season, local tips and tricks, and the the best transportation options for every budget!

So let’s get strolling and find the best ways to fly to Huatulco, Mexico from anywhere, how to get to Huatulco from Oaxaca, how get to Huatulco from the airport, and pretty much anything else you need to know before you travel to Huatulco!

Which Airlines Fly Direct to Huatulco?

Are you a travel hacker? Or just airline loyal? Here is a complete list of the airlines that fly directly into Huatulco.

* in 2022 it was announced that TAG airlines would be running a route from Guatemala City direct to Huatulco, but I have been unable to find out when this route will start. However, you can fly with TAG from Oaxaca City to several cities in Guatemala, Belize, and El Salvador.

Why fly direct to Huatulco, Mexico?

Aside from the conveniences of not having layovers, risking bags not being transferred, or increasing your chances of travel issues, flying direct to the HUX airport can also mean less of a headache at immigration.

Huatulco is a small town with mostly tourist traffic, so the immigration controls at the airport are more relaxed. There is usually only one plane arriving at a time, so the customs lines are shorter.

I like to use Flight Radar to track flights coming in an out of Huatulco. It is especially helpful if you are doing airport pickups for friends and family!

This map shows all of the routes flying into HUX, but beware that it only shows the current routes for the next week, not seasonal routes. So depending on the time of year you are visiting this site, you will see different routes.

The best site to compare flight prices is SkyScanner. I use it to book flights when I am travelling so I know all my options!

From which airports can you fly to Huatulco?

Huatulco has one small international airport that services most of the coast of Oaxaca, the Huatulco International Airport (HUX).

From HUX you can get to Huatulco, Mazunte, Puerto Escondido, and any other destination along Oaxaca’s coast in under 3 hours.

How to get to Huatulco, Mexico from Canada

Canadians love Huatulco, and WestJet has made it easy for us Canucks to get there! And in 2024 the options for flying to Huatulco are only growing.

Below you will find the direct routes for the 2023 and 2024 season from Canada’s major cities. Direct flights from Canada to Huatulco are seasonal from October to May, and limited to certain days of the week.

Calgary (YYC)

✈️ Airline: WestJet| ▶️ Start Date: October 18, 2023 | 🗓️ Weekdays: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays |⏹️Last Flight: May 4, 2024|◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

The direct flight schedule from Calgary, Alberta to Huatulco, Mexico in 2023 is stacked! WestJet has direct flights from Calgary to Huatulco during the high season on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays!

The first flight leaves Calgary on October 18, 2023. You can fly direct to Huatulco on Tuesdays and Saturdays in October. November adds Wednesday and Friday flights as well, then the full schedule starts December 4, 2023 with Monday flights added.

Edmonton (YEG)

✈️ Airline: WestJet| ▶️ Start Date: October 17, 2023 | 🗓️ Weekdays: Tuesdays & Thursdays | ⏹️Last Flight: April 25, 2024 |◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

That’s right, both of Alberta’s major airports fly direct to Huatulco! And for the 2023-2024 season there are even more days to choose from.

In 2023, Westjet has added Tuesdays to its schedule for direct flights from Edmonton to Huatulco, Mexico. Flights with WestJet from Edmonton start on Tuesdays, October 17, 2023 and end on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Winnipeg James Armstrong International (YWG) to Huatulco (HUX)

✈️ Airline: WestJet| ▶️ Start Date: December 24, 2023 | 🗓️ Weekdays: Sundays | ⏹️Last Flight: April 14, 2024 |◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

They’re back! Winnipeg to Huatulco direct flights were unavailable in 2022/2023, but thankfully WestJet has brought them back for the 2024 season!

Direct from Winnipeg flights start later, on December 24, 2023 – just in time for Christmas in Huatulco!

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Huatulco (HUX)

✈️ Airline: WestJet| ▶️ Start Date: October 13, 2023 | 🗓️ Weekdays: Fridays |⏹️ Last Flight: May 10, 2024 |◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

✈️ Airline: Air Canada | ▶️ Start Date: November 5, 2023 | 🗓️ Weekdays: Sundays, Tuesdays starting December 19, 2023 | ⏹️Last Flight: April 30, 2024 |◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

For those coming from Eastern Canada, Toronto is the best airport to fly to Huatulco from in the 2023-2024 season. And, you have choices! Both Westjet and Air Canada fly directly from Toronto to Huatulco.

Air Canada flies directly to Huatulco, Mexico from Toronto Pearson on Sundays and Tuesdays in the high season.

Westjet has a longer flight season to Huatulco, with flights starting around Canadian Thanksgiving and running into mid-May. However, inbound flights are only on Fridays, with the addition of 2 Sundays in October.

Vancouver (YVR)

✈️ Airline: WestJet | ▶️ Start Date: October 29, 2023 | 🗓️ Weekdays: Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays | ⏹️Last Flight: April 29, 2024 |◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

Vancouver to Huatulco is the shortest direct flight from Canada at just under 6 hours. This route will start up again on Sundays, Thursdays, and Saturdays starting October 29, 2023.

Monday flights start December 18th and run for the rest of the season!

With direct flights from 5of its largest cities, Canada is the best connected country to Huatulco!

How to Fly to Huatulco From the United States

Several major airports in the US also offer seasonal flights to Huatulco, Mexico. Some airports, such as Dallas Fort Worth also offer seasonal flights in the summer to escape the Texas heat!

Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)

✈️ Airline: American Airlines ▶️ Start Date: November 8, 2023 & June 4, 2024 | 🗓️Weekdays: Every day but Tuesday & Thursday | ⏹️Last Flight: May 4, 2024 & August 2024 |◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

Flights from Dallas, Texas to Huatulco, Mexico are offered throughout the year but on a less consistent schedule than the Canadian airlines. Here is a quick breakdown:

November: Wednesdays & Saturday
December to March: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday
April: Wednesday & Saturday
June – July: Wednesday & Saturday

And now for something completely different! Not only can you can fly direct to Huatulco from Texas in the winter, but American Airlines offers direct flights in the summer as well!

That’s right, Huatulco is cooler than Texas in the summer, so this is where some people from the US come to beat the heat.

Chicago O’hare (ORD)

✈️ Airline: Volaris ▶️ Start Date: November 18, 2023 | 🗓️Weekdays: Saturdays
| ⏹️Last Flight: March 30, 2024 |◀️ Return Schedule: Same Days

Volaris flies from Chicago to Huatulco for the winter season, starting November 18th on Saturdays.

I’m a big fan of Volaris! I travel with them frequently within Mexico. They are a great low-cost airline with great customer service.

Tijuana (TIJ)

Technically a national flight, see below how people like to use this direct route to Huatulco from the US!

How to Fly to Huatulco From Within Mexico

Obviously the easiest way to get to Huatulco is from within Mexico! There are many cities that fly directly to Huatulco from within Mexico, and here they are!

Mexico City (MEX)

Aeroméxico, Magni, VivaAerobús, and Volaris all fly to Mexico City year-round.

Mexico City is one of the easiest places to get to and from Huatulco, with about 3-4 flights a day leaving HUX. The flight takes about 45 minutes, and on a clear day you will be treated to a breathtaking view of the bays of Huatulco and the Sierra Madre mountains.

All flights to or from Huatulco and Mexico City go through Terminal 2 in the Mexico City International Airport.

Oaxaca (OAX)

Another quick and easy flight to Huatulco is the sprint from Oaxaca.

I prefer to take the bus to Oaxaca City from Huatulco, but if the journey through the mountains is daunting for you then you might consider flying!

Aerotucán and Aervega fly the Huatulco to Oaxaca route. Tickets can only be booked in person at the airport.

Monterrey (MTY)

You can fly Monterrey to Huatulco and back with either Magni or VivaAerobús.

Tijuana (TIJ)

Tijuana is perhaps the most popular direct flight from Huatulco, Mexico, after Mexico City.

While technically flying within Mexico, it is common for people to drive to the US/Mexico boarder, park on the San Diego side, then walk across the border through the Cross Border Express.

This makes flying to Huatulco from San Diego or even Los Angeles much easier and more affordable!

Toluca (TLC)

Toluca is a small airport located 50 kilometres outside of Mexico City. It was once just a regional airport but was recently gained international status.

Volaris flies from Huatulco to Toluca 4 times a week.

How to Get to Huatulco from the Airport

Like most airports, the Huatulco Airport is far from the city centre, so you will need to arrange transportation from the airport to your hotel! There are many options for transport, depending on your group size and budget.

Rent a Car

Because the coast of Oaxaca is so spread out, and Huatulco has so many beaches to visit, I highly recommend renting a car for your Huatulco holiday!

I usually rent through Discover Cars, it compares prices for all car companies available in the area.

Most car rental businesses are located inside or just outside of the Huatulco Airport – so it’s super easy to pick it up!

Book a Private Transfer – best way to get to Huatulco from the airport

The easiest, safest, and best option to get to your Huatulco hotel from the airport is by booking a private transfer.

I like to book my transfers through Viator whenever I travel, or with Booking.com if the option is available when booking my hotel.

Shev’s Recommended Airport Transfers

Luxury Private Service
Private Small Car Service
Shared Budget Van Service

Take a Taxi

There will be many local taxi drivers ready and waiting at the airport when you arrive. They pay a premium to wait outside the airport, so you can expect to pay about $600 pesos to get to La Crucecita from the Huatulco airport.

If you want to save a couple hundred pesos, you can walk about 800m out of the airport and across the highway. There is a bus shelter here where you can catch a taxi, colectivo, or even the bus to Huatulco!

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How to Get to Huatulco by Car or Bus

I am constantly amazed at how many people drive to Huatulco, and from where! Every year hundreds of people make the trek from the United States and Canada by road. What an adventure!

The best resource for driving to Huatulco from Canada or the US is the Moving to Mexico Facebook group. There are a lot of conversations on this topic to read through and knowledge to draw on.

I will be focused on entering las Bahías de Huatulco by land from slightly closer areas.

How to get to Huatulco from Oaxaca City by car or bus

The flight from Huatulco to Oaxaca City is just under an hour, but the drive takes much longer!

The most common way to get between Oaxaca City and Huatulco is by bus or group van.

The ADO or the OCCare reliable bus services that connect Oaxaca to other parts of Southern Mexico. These buses are too big for the mountain road through San Jose del Pacifico, so they run around the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains through Salina Cruz.

These buses have air conditioning, bathrooms on board, charing ports, tvs, and are more comfortable for long trips.

Taking a group van is a faster and more scenic way to get to Oaxaca City from Huatulco. I like to take the Colombo, but there are several van services that connect Huatulco with Oaxaca City.

📔 Read more about budget transportation options in Huatulco 🚐

Looking to get to Puerto Escondido from Huatulco, Mexico or from the Huatulco airport? Learn all about transport between Huatulco and Puerto Escondido here.

How to Get to Huatulco By Sea

That’s right! Not only can you travel to Huatulco by bus or plane, you can also get here over the water!

Most popularly by cruise ships. There is a cruise ship dock in Bahía Santa Cruz that welcomes thousands of seafarers to our shores every year.

We also have a marina in Bahía Chahue that private boat owners can dock in. We get more than a few independent yachts that spend some of their days in our safe harbours!

How to get to Huatulco FAQ

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Shev’s Summary – How to get to Huatulco

The small tropical destination of Huatulco, Mexico is becoming an increasingly popular winter destination for travellers from around the world.

That means that the transport options are getting better and better every year! In 2023 and 2024 there are more direct flights to Huatulco, Mexico than ever.

If you are looking to visit more of the Oaxacan coast, its easy to get to Huatulco using a rental car, taking a taxi, or using one of the local bus systems.

I hope this post inspires you to plan your next visit to Huatulco!

More About Huatulco

Looking for more info on Huatulco’s weather, geography, or amenities? Check out my other posts here!

Thanks for strolling!

Related Posts

• How to Travel in Huatulco – Mexican Transportation Explained
• Explore Huatulco On a Budget – Transport
• Where to Stay in Huatulco – Your Guide to the Bays
• The Best Hotels in Huatulco for the 2023 season

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Huatulco Travel Planning Guide

🚑Do I need Travel Insurance to visit Huatulco?
Absolutely, yes, 1000x yes! If there is anything we have learned from the last few years it’s that life is unpredictable and plans can always change.

At just a few dollars per day, it’s worth getting travel insurance just for the peace of mind. I have my travel health insurance through Safety Wing and my travel insurance through Travel Insurance Master.

💦 Can I drink the water in Huatulco?
Yes, the water in Huatulco is safe to drink, but I don’t feel it’s worth the risk. Buy a garafon to reduce plastic waste, or use a Waatr bottle like I do to have clean water anywhere you travel!

🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in Huatulco?
Yes! It’s totally safe to rent a car in Huatulco, but the availability books up fast. I recommend comparing prices and booking in advance with Discover Cars.

🗣️Do I need to speak Spanish in Huatulco?
Yes – some.
Many Huatulco tours are offered in both English and Spanish, and most serving staff and store owners in Huatulco speak a little English. Learning the basics like how to order or read a menu will really help you out!

I used Pimsleur to learn Spanish and it was extremely effective! I highly recommend the app to anyone who wants to become comfortable navigating Mexico. You can also use Google translate very effectively in Huatulco.

📲 Will my phone work in Huatulco?
Yes, your phone will most likely work, but it will be expensive. It’s best to order a Telcel SIM Card to your home so you are connected and ready to go when you reach Huatulco!

Check out my post with more details on technology in Huatulco here.

🏨How do I book a place to stay in Huatulco?
For Huatulco, and Mexico in general, the best site to book accommodations is Booking.com. They have access to hotels, vacation rentals, and even short-term apartment rentals there and is usually cheaper than Airbnb.

For travellers on a budget, I like to book hostels through HostelWorld

✈️ Where is the best site to buy flights to Huatulco?
Read here for all of Huatulco’s direct flights throughout the year, but I like to book tickets through Skyscanner to find the best prices.

🛂Do I need a visa for Huatulco?
Probably not, most tourists are granted a 180-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. This is now done with a stamp in your passport, as of fall 2022 Mexico is phasing out the paper forms – yay!