Houston to Oaxaca is 901 miles (1,451 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The right side wins because it captures the Houston skyline on departure and the dramatic mountain-ringed descent into the Oaxaca valley, while the left side spends most of the flight over the featureless Gulf of Mexico and coastal lowlands.
Flight Path
Gulf of Mexico open water, Mexican coastline near Tuxpan or Veracruz, Sierra Madre Oriental foothills leading into the southern Mexican highlands
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
RIGHTDeparting IAH southbound, the right (west) side shows the Houston skyline and sprawl receding before the aircraft crosses into open country, while the left side over the Gulf coast plain stays flat and featureless. As the climb continues, the west side sets up for the mountainous terrain to come.
Landing at OAX
RIGHTOn approach into Oaxaca, the valley is ringed by the Sierra Madre del Sur, and the west-facing side offers views of the rugged mountain walls and terraced hillsides as the plane descends into the bowl-shaped valley. The east side shows similar peaks but the strongest, most photogenic ridgelines and the city sprawl are best framed from the west.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Xoxocotlan International (OAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Oaxaca. The right side wins because it captures the Houston skyline on departure and the dramatic mountain-ringed descent into the Oaxaca valley, while the left side spends most of the flight over the featureless Gulf of Mexico and coastal lowlands.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IAH southbound, the right (west) side shows the Houston skyline and sprawl receding before the aircraft crosses into open country, while the left side over the Gulf coast plain stays flat and featureless. As the climb continues, the west side sets up for the mountainous terrain to come. Notable sights include: Downtown Houston skyline, Houston Ship Channel, flat coastal plain, Brazos River delta in the distance.
What can I see when landing at Xoxocotlan International in Oaxaca?
When landing at Xoxocotlan International (OAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into Oaxaca, the valley is ringed by the Sierra Madre del Sur, and the west-facing side offers views of the rugged mountain walls and terraced hillsides as the plane descends into the bowl-shaped valley. The east side shows similar peaks but the strongest, most photogenic ridgelines and the city sprawl are best framed from the west. Notable sights include: Sierra Madre del Sur ridgelines, Oaxaca valley floor and city, terraced agricultural hillsides, Atzompa hills.
How long is the flight from Houston to Oaxaca?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Xoxocotlan International (OAX) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 901 miles (1,451 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Oaxaca flight path pass over?
Gulf of Mexico open water, Mexican coastline near Tuxpan or Veracruz, Sierra Madre Oriental foothills leading into the southern Mexican highlands