Chihuahua is Mexico's largest state, a vast expanse of high desert, pine-covered sierra, and one of the world's great canyon systems. It is home to the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre), a network of gorges deeper and larger than the Grand Canyon, crossed by the legendary El Chepe railway. The state blends Rarámuri indigenous culture, Mennonite farming communities, and the ranching and revolutionary history of Pancho Villa's home city, Chihuahua City.
- Public
- Chihuahua City has an extensive city bus network (Vivebus and older ruta buses) plus the Ruta Troncal, but the state overall relies on long-distance buses for intercity travel since passenger rail is limited to the tourist-oriented Chepe Express/Chepe Regional line through the Sierra Tarahumara
- Taxi
- Plentiful and inexpensive in Chihuahua City; sitio (radio-dispatched) taxis are the safest choice, and hotels can arrange fixed-rate airport transfers
- Rental
- A rental car is the most practical way to reach Copper Canyon towns, Mennonite colonies, and desert day trips at a traveler's own pace, though a high-clearance vehicle is worth it for unpaved canyon roads
- Walking
- Downtown Chihuahua City's historic core around the Cathedral and Plaza de Armas is walkable, but distances between neighborhoods, the heat, and sprawling suburbs make walking impractical for the wider city
Transport at a glance
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Chihuahua is Mexico's largest state by area, so distances are considerable and a rental car or long-distance bus is essential for exploring beyond Chihuahua City. The Chepe Express and Chepe Regional trains cross the Sierra Tarahumara between Los Mochis (Sinaloa) and Chihuahua City via Creel and Divisadero, making the famous Copper Canyon rail journey the state's signature transport experience. Within Chihuahua City, buses, taxis, and rideshare apps cover daily needs, while first-class intercity buses link the capital with Ciudad Juárez, Creel, Cuauhtémoc, Parral, and other towns.
Airports
Chihuahua International Airport (General Roberto Fierro Villalobos)
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book Chepe Express or Chepe Regional train tickets online in advance at chepe.mx, especially for weekend and high-season departures into the Copper Canyon
Use ADO/Ómnibus de Mexico or Grupo Estrella Blanca first-class buses for intercity travel - they are comfortable, air-conditioned, and far cheaper than a private driver
Rent a car with high clearance for the unpaved roads around Batopilas and Urique in the Copper Canyon - a standard sedan struggles on switchbacks
Carry pesos in smaller towns like Creel, Batopilas, and Cuauhtémoc since card acceptance is inconsistent outside Chihuahua City
Cross at the Ciudad Juárez-El Paso border early in the day to avoid the longest pedestrian and vehicle wait times
Confirm current fuel availability before driving remote canyon routes - Pemex stations thin out past Creel and San Rafael
DiDi and Uber both operate in Chihuahua City and are generally cheaper and easier to hail than street taxis, but neither app works reliably in smaller towns like Creel or Batopilas