Loading map...
IAH → OAX
Which side of the plane to sit from George Bush Intercontinental Houston Airport (Houston) to Xoxocotlán International Airport (Oaxaca)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Mexican coastline and the breathtaking Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico, which dominates the horizon before the descent into the Oaxaca Valley.
Search flights from IAH to OAX
Galveston Bay
Beautiful views of the Texas coastline and the ship channels immediately after takeoff from Houston.
Laguna Madre
Long stretches of coastal lagoons and barrier islands along the Gulf of Mexico in Tamaulipas.
Pico de Orizaba
A stunning view of the snow-capped volcanic peak, rising over 18,000 feet above sea level.
Sierra de Juárez
Lush, high-altitude cloud forests that characterize the northern mountains of Oaxaca state.
Oaxaca Valley
The expanding views of the central valley floor as the plane descends toward Xoxocotlán.
Sit on the left for morning flights to see the sunrise over the Gulf. Keep your camera ready about 45 minutes before landing to capture Pico de Orizaba; it is most visible when the air is clear in the early hours before clouds build up.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for MexicoHouston Skyline
A clear view of the downtown Houston skyscrapers during the initial southbound climb from IAH.
Sierra Madre Oriental
The rugged, folded mountain ridges that form the geological backbone of eastern Mexico.
Tehuacán Valley
The stark, beautiful arid landscapes of the UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve known for giant cacti.
Monte Albán
The ancient Zapotec archaeological site visible on a flattened hilltop just west of the city before landing.
Choose the right side for late afternoon flights to enjoy the golden hour lighting over the Sierra Madre mountains. This side also offers a better chance to spot the archaeological ruins of Monte Albán during the final approach phase into Oaxaca.
Book Hotels in OaxacaDistance: 1,451 km (902 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 56 min
Departure: IAH (29.98439979553223, -95.34140014648438)
Arrival: OAX (16.9999008179, -96.726600647)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.