About the ride from Oaxaca to Puebla
Travelers looking for the best way to get from Oaxaca to Puebla have an easy choice because the only option is to take a bus.
Usually departing from Oaxaca Bus Station and arriving in the heart of Puebla, the bus takes between 4.5 and 5.5 hours to cover the 211-mile (339-kilometer) distance to your next beautiful destination.
You'll mostly drive along the main roads, enjoying flashes of verdant landscapes as you head into Puebla, a 500-year-old city with a rich history and fascinating sites.
What is Puebla like?
Puebla is a scenic mountain town two hours southeast of Mexico City in a valley ringed by a mix of dormant and active volcanoes, known for its colonial architecture and charming atmosphere.
Snow-capped mountains also border the city, including one of Mexico's highest volcanoes, Popocatepetl. Puebla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its well-preserved religious structures, including a 16th-17th century cathedral, the old archbishop's palace, and a host of houses decorated with Talavera tiles.
Colonial, Baroque, and Art Deco architecture fuse perfectly in Puebla's historic center, but the food also helps make it a must-visit destination. Two national dishes of Mexico, mole poblano and chiles en nogada, originate from the region, so be sure to sample those during your trip!
You'll love the city's vibrant buildings, welcoming locals, and energetic carnivals. The city is less impacted by tourism than other regions in Mexico, meaning you won't find travel agencies parked on every corner, allowing you to discover the city on your terms.
Seven unforgettable attractions in Puebla
The gorgeous municipality of Puebla is filled to the brim with unique sites to see and nature to explore.
You'll be spoiled for choice when planning your trip, but keep these top five attractions in mind:
Wander Museo Amparo. Puebla's art museum has an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern art pieces dating from 2,500 BCE to present-day Mexico. Spend an afternoon exploring its wonders.
Discover the world-famous Talavera tiles. Talavera pottery appeared in Mexico in the 16th century, but Puebla is perhaps best known for its artisanal craftsmanship. The town is a major hub for producing this special pottery. Wander the town to spot spectacular ceramics that decorate Puebla's colonial architecture.
Visit the Church of Santo Domingo. This stunning church is dripping with gold inside its Rosary Chapel. Its beauty will astound you because almost every surface is covered with gold. Walk beneath the gilded arches and pay your respects before snapping some shots of its red facade outside.
Snap pics in the Alley of the Frogs. Callejon de los Sapos actually has nothing to do with frogs, but it's a must-visit when exploring Puebla. The vibrant streets boast numerous antique and art shops. Wander the streets to pick up souvenirs and snap pictures in front of the colorful houses.
Enjoy the Zocalo. Puebla's main square is the city's heart, coming alive in the late afternoon and attracting visitors well into the evening. Bordered by the municipal palace and the city's cathedral, spend the evening here people-watching while sampling some delicious food.
Check out the Great Pyramid of Cholula. Located in the nearby suburb of Cholula, this is the largest (not tallest) archaeological site of a pyramid in the world. Unlike the exposed rock in the Great Pyramids of Giza, the pyramid is covered in vegetation, making it a unique sight in the heart of the town.
Cholula has a thriving nightlife to sample when you've finished exploring the pyramid. Head there as the sun goes down to experience its numerous jazz bars, sample tasty cocktails, and discover mouth-watering dishes.
How do I get from Oaxaca to Puebla?
The only way to get from Oaxaca to Puebla is a 4.5 to 5.5-hour bus ride.
The bus is a comfortable and affordable way to reach Puebla, starting around $29 and increasing with the amenities you choose. All buses have air conditioning, but only some have bathrooms and TVs.
With plenty of daily departures, you'll find a service that fits your itinerary. There are also overnight options for those who want to save money on accommodation.
There are various bus operators to choose from, including ADO, Autobuses Unidos, and Cristobal Colon.
Buses typically depart from Oaxaca Bus Station. However, departure points may vary, with some departing from stops around the city or outside the operator's offices, so check details carefully before your journey.
You'll likely arrive at Puebla's main bus station, but some providers have specific drop-off destinations, so pay attention when booking.
Arrive at the departure stations between 15 and 30 minutes early to find the correct station and avoid mishaps.
The best things about the ride from Oaxaca to Puebla
Most of the journey between Oaxaca and Puebla is passed on a main road, so don't expect to be entertained by nature for every moment of the drive. Grab a window seat to witness flashes of beauty and spend the rest of the time listening to music and napping until you reach your destination.
When is the best time to visit Puebla?
Visitors to Puebla should schedule their visit to align with one of the city's incredible festivals.
The region hosts one of the country's biggest Cinco de Mayo festivals in May. Celebrating Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, there is no better place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than where it all began.
Alternatively, visit in late February and early March for the Carnival of Huejotzingo, which starts on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and climaxes on the evening of Shrove Tuesday. Thousands of participants reenact stories about the municipality's history in vibrant costumes as they march through the streets.
If you can't fit your trip around these festivals, visit during the dry season between October and March, when temperatures peak at around 72°F (22°C) during the daytime. The year-round average for the region is 61°F (16°C), though, so you'll benefit from glorious weather whenever you visit.
How many days should I spend in Puebla?
Slow travelers should spend at least six to eight days in Puebla to avoid rushing through its epic sites. This will give you enough time to explore the whole municipality, not just the central city.
However, speedy travelers with limited time or backpackers on a tight budget only need two to three days to hit all the main attractions and sample some of the region's sumptuous cuisine.
Where should I go after Puebla?
When you've finished soaking up the architectural beauty of Puebla, head north to experience the chaotic magic of Mexico City, the country's capital.
Or, if you're eager for a beachside break from the mountainous regions of Mexico, head west to explore Zihuatanejo, a resort city famous for its palm-tree-lined beaches and delicious seafood restaurants. Offshore, you can see dolphins and sea turtles.