RA-17 "Bakku Nunni": Using the 8-Peso Citybus Route Specifically for Monte Albán

A Budget-Friendly Local Option for Reaching Monte Albán

Monte Albán sits on a hilltop nine kilometers west of Oaxaca City. For travelers on a tight budget who want to experience everyday Oaxacan public transport, the official RA-17 Bakku Nunni route of the BinniBus system offers direct service to Colonia Monte Albán for only eight pesos one way.

“Bakku Nunni” means birth of water in the Cuicateco language. This modern, air-conditioned citybus connects the Símbolos Patrios terminal with the residential neighborhood at the base of the Monte Albán hill. It is clean, reliable, and used daily by local residents. However, it is important to be realistic: the bus does not stop at the archaeological site entrance. You will face a 1.5-kilometer approximately uphill walk in the sun after disembarking.

Preferred Ways to Reach Monte Albán

For most visitors the most comfortable and convenient choice remains the official tourist shuttle (autobuses turísticos) or a private driver or guide. These services drop you at the site, usually in air-conditioned minibuses with set schedules and round-trip options for around 90 to 130 pesos. They run hourly from central locations near the Zócalo and major hotels such as Hotel Rivera del Ángel.

Private taxis or licensed guides provide door-to-door service and are ideal if you prefer maximum comfort or are traveling with children, seniors, or anyone who wants to avoid the uphill walk. The RA-17 BinniBus is best suited for independent travelers who are comfortable with public transport and prepared for the final leg on foot.

Official Route Details and Key Stops

The RA-17 runs between the Base Símbolos Patrios terminal and Colonia Monte Albán. It serves more than 50 authorized stops, including key points along the Periférico, Avenida Universidad, Parque Primavera, and Plaza Oaxaca. In Colonia Monte Albán the main visitor-friendly stops include Base Calle Ahuizotl, Las Razas-Donají, Farmacia Bienestar San Martín, Dalachi-Leovaa, Petela-Heladio Ramírez, and Escuela Primaria Niños Héroes.

From any of these stops you will need to walk approximately 1.5 kilometers uphill along the access road to the Monte Albán entrance. The path is paved and clearly signed but has little shade and can become hot during midday.

Schedule, Frequency, and Fare

The route operates every day, including weekends and holidays, from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Buses typically run every 10 to 20 minutes during daytime hours. The one-way fare is eight pesos for adults, four pesos for students and seniors with valid identification, and free for persons with disabilities. Pay the driver in cash when boarding.

For the most accurate real-time information, check the official BinniBus app or the government website before your trip, as schedules can be adjusted as the network expands.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the RA-17 from Oaxaca City

1. Go to an official BinniBus stop. Look for marked shelters or signs showing the RA-17 route code on the front and side of the bus.

2. Have exact change or small bills ready. Board and tell the driver you are going to Colonia Monte Albán if needed.

3. Disembark at one of the Colonia Monte Albán stops listed above. Follow the road signs uphill to the archaeological site. The walk takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on your pace.

4. For the return trip, walk back down to any official stop in the colonia and catch the next RA-17 heading toward Símbolos Patrios or the Periférico. The last buses leave the area around 9:30 p.m.

Practical Tips for the Walk and Your Visit

Start early in the morning to avoid the strongest sun. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The uphill portion has minimal shade, so midday arrivals make the walk more tiring. If you decide the walk does not suit you after arriving in the colonia, authorized taxis are usually available near the stops for a short ride up to the entrance.

Download our free Monte Albán audio tour and map before you go. They work offline and will enrich your time at the site once you reach the entrance.

Why Some Travelers Choose the RA-17

At eight pesos each way this is the lowest-cost public option and gives you a genuine glimpse of local daily life. The buses are modern and air-conditioned, and the route supports the city’s sustainable transport initiative. It works well for fit travelers who enjoy walking and want to keep expenses minimal.

For comfort, time savings, or ease, the tourist shuttle or a private driver remains the preferred choice for the majority of visitors to Monte Albán.