In contrast to vans, buses are much more comfortable and remain a popular option, especially for longer trips. Omnibus Cristóbal Colón and Autobuses del Oriente, Oaxaca’s major luxury- and first-class carriers and their associated minor carriers, operate out of their shiny new terminal on Highway 190 (Calz. Héroes de Chapultepec 1036, at Carranza, on the north side of Oaxaca City).

All bus lines accept credit cards and are bookable via the information and reservation line (toll-free Mex. tel. 800/702-8000). At the terminal, passengers enjoy a squad of public telephones out front, snack stands, luggage lockers, and cool, refined Restaurant Colibri across the street.

Moreover, all of the carriers that use the Héroes de Chapultepec terminal cooperate through the joint agency Ticket Bus, which sells tickets at two town-center offices: one a block west of the zócalo (20 de Noviembre 103D, tel. 951/514-6655, toll-free Mex. tel. 800/702-8000, www.ticketbus.com.mx), and the other behind the Cathedral (corner of Independencia, tel. 951/502-0560, www.ticketbus.com.mx). Both are open 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday.