How to Get to the Big Bend of Texas



Posted: Sunday, January 10, 2010

by Abe Connally
Visit Big Bend

Big Bend is one of the most remote areas of the lower 48 states. Because of this, it can be hard to visit, unless you have a good idea of how to get here and how to get around once you are here. Traveling to the Big Bend can be part of your adventure, but that excitement soon fades if you haven't planned your route well.

Driving

Most people who visit the Big Bend drive to get here. Why? Mainly because of convenience, but also because of the lack of public transportation once you get here. This region is so large, it helps to have a personal vehicle to visit the many interesting place. Driving here will probably involve traveling via Interstates 10 or 20, and then taking US highway 385 to Marathon, or US 67 to Alpine.

Flying

Flying to Big Bend can be somewhat difficult, mainly because the closest commercial airports are in Midland, which is about 3 hours from Marathon, and El Paso, which is about 4 hours from Alpine. So, you'll most likely need to rent a vehicle to drive from these airports. Alternatively, you can travel via private aircraft to Alpine or Lajitas, both of which have paved airstrips. Several dirt strips are available in Terlingua and Terlingua Ranch.

Renting a Vehicle

Renting a vehicle is easy, and if you arrive at the El Paso or Midland Airports, vehicle rentals are available right at the airport. Alpine and Terlingua have smaller rental operations that provide a local outlet.

Arriving by Train

Traveling by train in West Texas is a long-standing tradition. Schedules can vary, but Amtrak's Sunset Limited runs through Alpine 3 times a week from each direction. From there, you'll probably want to rent a vehicle to continue south towards Big Bend National Park. It is wise to allow extra time and flexibility in your schedule if you are traveling by train, but the scenery will be worth it.

Taking the Bus

Getting to Alpine via bus is easy, and service is available from the Midland Airport. This is not a scheduled stop, so visitors must alert the Midland Greyhound Terminal one hour prior to pick up. The drive takes about 4 hours. Options are also available from El Paso (2 departures per day) and San Antonio (2 per day).

Motorcycles

One of the best ways to see Big Bend is from the back of a motorcycle or scooter. The region features hundreds of miles of scenic roads and winding curves. Traffic is usually very light, so bikers rarely have to worry. The weather is generally great for bikes year round. Most of the businesses in the area are motorcycle friendly, and Big Bend hosts several motorcycle events during the year.

Planning your trip to Big Bend will require a thorough look into how to arrive. With the many options available, your trip will be exciting and fun.

Would you like to learn more about Traveling to the Big Bend?

visitbigbend.com/site09/en/plan-your-trip/gethere.html

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Jack H. Schick
 2 years 138 days ago.
99 fans.
Isn't there an airport at Lajitas? Maybe it's jsut for the resort community. Not major commercial though I guess. Thanks.
» left by Abe Connally 2 years 132 days ago.
2 fans.
Yes, there is a paved strip at Lajitas. It is mainly for private planes, although you can get flights from Austin in a small plane.
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