Monte Alban shuttle from Oaxaca City: Flexible hours
Set your own pace at Monte Alban without joining a tour group
A shuttle service from Oaxaca City to the Monte Alban archaeological site with hourly departures and returns, letting you spend one to eight hours at the ruins on your own schedule. The 30-minute journey runs in an air-conditioned vehicle from central pickup points, with departures every hour starting at 8:30 a.m. and returns available until 5 p.m.
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The experience
The shuttle leaves Oaxaca City on the hour from 8:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m., so you pick a departure that fits the rest of your day. Arrive at one of the central branches ten minutes early with your boarding pass, and the 30-minute drive takes you straight to Monte Alban. The vehicle is air-conditioned and equipped for the journey, and you travel with other passengers rather than as part of a guided group.
Once you reach the archaeological site, you're free to explore for as long as you want: anywhere from one to eight hours depending on which departure you choose. Return shuttles run every hour from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., so you can stay as briefly or as long as your interest holds. Show your digital or physical ticket at the bus parking lot at Monte Alban five minutes before your chosen return time, and the shuttle brings you back to the central base, Hotel Rivera del Angel, or the city center.
What’s included
- Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- travel insurance.
- pickup and return to central Oaxaca City locations.
Before you book
Prices and times updated 5 days ago
Operated by Lescas Co Tours
Is this one for you?You control how long to stay at Monte Alban (from a quick afternoon visit to a full eight-hour exploration), because the hourly shuttle schedule means you're not locked into a group's timeline. This works best if you want to move at your own pace without a guide, and if you're comfortable navigating the site independently.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.
How much time do I actually have at Monte Alban if I take an early shuttle?
If you depart at 8:30 a.m., you arrive at 9 a.m. and can stay until the 5 p.m. return shuttle, giving you up to eight hours at the site. Earlier departures simply give you more time. Later departures in the afternoon leave you with one to three hours before the last return at 5 p.m.
What is Monte Alban and why do people visit?
Monte Alban is an ancient archaeological site built by the Zapotec civilization, sitting on a hilltop overlooking the Oaxaca Valley. It contains pyramids, palaces and plazas spanning centuries of pre-Hispanic history, and many visitors spend several hours exploring the ruins and taking in the views.
Do I need to book a specific return time when I buy the ticket?
You choose your departure time when you book, and return shuttles run every hour, so you can take any return time that works for you on the day. Just show your ticket at the bus parking lot five minutes before your chosen return time.
Can I get lunch or water at Monte Alban during my visit?
The shuttle does not include food, drinks or site admission, so you'll want to bring water and snacks or plan to buy them if vendors are present at the site. Check locally or ask at your hotel about what's available on the day you visit.
Monte Alban shuttle from Oaxaca City: Flexible hours
1h–3h
from US$ 13.41 per person
4.4494 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider