Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM) is a compact airstrip serving one of Mexico’s most celebrated surf and beach destinations. The runway is short - only aircraft up to the size of an ATR 72 or small regional jet can land here - so most flights are from Mexico City, Oaxaca City, and seasonal routes from a handful of US cities via smaller airlines like Aeromar or charter operators.
The airport is just 3 km from Puerto Escondido’s main tourist area, making the arrival transfer one of the easiest in Mexico. That said, the terminal is small, services are limited, and ground transport options are fewer than at larger airports. Knowing what to expect saves time.
About the Airport
PXM has a single terminal with a straightforward baggage claim and arrivals exit. Do not expect a full range of facilities:
- No ADO bus from the terminal (closest ADO stop is in town)
- No shared colectivo service from the airport
- Official taxi rank outside arrivals with posted zone fares
- One or two car rental desks (availability can vary by season)
- Small snack kiosk and basic seating
Taxi (The Standard Option)
Official taxis wait outside the terminal. Fares are set by zone and posted at the taxi rank.
Approximate taxi fares from PXM (as of 2026):
| Destination | Approx. Fare | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Adoquín (El Centro tourist strip) | ~MXN $120–150 | 8–12 min |
| La Crucecita (nearby town) | ~MXN $100–130 | 7–10 min |
| Zicatela beach (surf zone) | ~MXN $150–200 | 12–18 min |
| La Punta / Rinconada area | ~MXN $180–240 | 15–22 min |
| Manzanillo del Mar | ~MXN $200–280 | 20–30 min |
After dark, taxis may charge a small night surcharge - confirm the fare before boarding.
Private Transfer
For a confirmed, fixed-price transfer with a driver waiting at arrivals, book in advance via Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups. This is particularly worth doing if:
- Your flight arrives after 9 pm (taxi availability at the small terminal can be limited on quiet evenings)
- You have multiple bags or surfboards
- You are staying at a property off the main tourist strip that requires specific directions
Private transfers to the main beach zones typically cost approximately MXN $350–550 depending on the operator and vehicle type.
Car Rental
A small number of rental car agencies operate from the airport, with supply limited compared to larger airports. If you plan to drive - particularly if exploring further down the Oaxacan coast towards Mazunte, Zipolite, or Huatulco - it is worth booking well in advance.
Compare car hire rates for Puerto Escondido - options may be limited at the airport desk, and pre-booking gives you better rates and guarantees availability.
A compact car starts from approximately MXN $600–900 per day as of 2026. Driving the coastal highway (Highway 200) south towards Huatulco is straightforward and very scenic.
Getting Between Zones in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is spread across several distinct beach zones. Once you have arrived in town, local moto-taxis are the cheapest way to move between them (approximately MXN $25–50 per ride). Regular taxis are also available in the main tourist areas.
| Zone | Character |
|---|---|
| Adoquín | Main tourist strip, restaurants, bars, pedestrianised evenings |
| Zicatela | The surf beach - powerful beach break, surfers, budget accommodation |
| La Punta | Calmer beach, gentler waves, more laid-back vibe |
| Rinconada | Middle ground between Zicatela and Punta, quieter |
| La Crucecita | Functional town with markets, local restaurants, ADO station |
Getting to Other Oaxacan Coastal Towns
Puerto Escondido is a natural base for exploring the Oaxacan Pacific coast. From town (not the airport), shared shuttle vans run to nearby destinations:
| Destination | Approx. Fare (per person) | Journey |
|---|---|---|
| Mazunte | ~MXN $120–150 | 1.5 hours |
| Zipolite | ~MXN $110–140 | 1.5 hours |
| San José del Pacífico | ~MXN $180–220 | 2.5 hours |
| Huatulco (Santa Cruz / La Crucecita) | ~MXN $200–280 | 2.5 hours |
| Oaxaca City (ADO bus from town) | ~MXN $350–450 | 7–9 hours |
These shared vans depart from the colectivo station near the ADO stop in La Crucecita or from agencies on the Adoquín.
Practical Tips
- Book transfers in advance for night arrivals. The airport terminal can be quiet on evenings with few flights, and walking outside to find a taxi may involve a short wait.
- No metered taxis. Confirm the fare before getting in - post fares are approximate and drivers may quote slightly different amounts. Negotiate firmly if the price seems higher than the posted zone rate.
- Luggage for surfboards. If you are travelling with a board bag, mention this to your transfer provider when booking - not all vehicles can accommodate them.
- Currency. ATMs are available in Adoquín and Zicatela but not at the airport. Have MXN $200 in cash before landing to cover the taxi fare.
- Limited airport facilities. Arriving early for a domestic connection? Options in the terminal are minimal - head into town if you have time to spare.
Plan your trip: airport transfers · car hire · travel insurance.
Related Guides
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
See our itineraries for inspiration:
- Oaxaca Chiapas Itinerary - ten days through Oaxaca and Chiapas
- Mexico City To Oaxaca - the Mexico City to Oaxaca route
- 1 Week Mexico - one week covering Mexico City, Oaxaca and the beach
- 2 Weeks Mexico - the two-week Mexico circuit