How to Get to Ciudad Juarez. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

By Air

Airports Serving Juárez

Air travel offers the quickest way to reach Ciudad Juárez or its immediate vicinity. You have two main airport options, depending on your origin.

Airports

Abraham González International Airport (CJS): This is the local airport in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico.
El Paso International Airport (ELP): Located across the border in Sun City, Texas, USA, it offers more international and US city flight options.
Many travelers find better options into THEP and then cross the border into Ciudad Juárez.

Airlines and Routes

Both airports connect to various destinations, with ELP serving more direct US connections and CJS focusing on Mexican hubs.

Main Carriers

From CJS: Aeroméxico Connect, VivaAerobus, Volaris, MagniCharm (seasonal).
CJS Routes: Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancún, Monterrey, Tijuana, León/Bajío, Mazatlán.
From ELP: Major US airlines (American, Delta, Southwest, United, Allegiant, Frontier, Alaska).

Seasonal Travel

Expect higher prices during peak holiday seasons. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.

Airport Amenities

CJS is a small-to-medium airport with basic services. ELP, larger, offers more dining and shopping.

Airport Transfers

From CJS: Taxis or ride-sharing. From ELP: Cross border by taxi/ride-share to a bridge, then walk/take Mexican taxi.

Direct Flight Options

From CJS Mexico

Direct international flights are limited from CJS.
CJS mainly connects to major Mexican hubs (Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey).
These Mexican hubs then offer onward international connections.
Seasonal routes for vacation destinations are more common from CJS.

From ELP USA

Direct flights from ELP mainly serve major US cities.
These US cities act as hubs for global connections to and from El Paso.
Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas, The City of angels, and Chicago.
Check flight aggregators like Skyscanner for routes and prices.

Transfer Options from Airports

From CJS to City Center

Taxis are available outside the terminal; agree on fare or ensure meter use. Ride-sharing apps (Uber/Didi) offer an economical alternative. Car rentals are also an option.

From ELP to City Center Cross-Border

Take a taxi or ride-share to a border crossing (e.g., Paso del Norte Bridge). Walk across (pedestrian fee applies). Then take a Mexican taxi or ride-share from the Ciudad Juárez side.

Rental Cars from ELP

Renting in Sun City and driving into Juárez is possible. Confirm your insurance coverage and border crossing rules for the rental vehicle beforehand.

By Land

Border Crossing Points

Ciudad Juárez shares a border with El Paso, Texas, USA. Several international bridges connect both cities, each with specific access types and procedures.

Crossings

Paso del Norte Bridge (Puente Santa Fe): Offers pedestrian and vehicle access, connecting downtown Sun City to downtown Juárez.
Bridge of the Americas (BOTA / Puente Libre): Offers vehicle access, connecting Paisano Drive in Sun City to Avenida Lincoln in Juárez.
Ysleta-Zaragoza International Bridge: Handles vehicle and commercial access, connecting Ysleta, El Paso, to Zaragoza, Juárez; often faster for vehicles.

Crossing Procedures

Be ready for immigration processes when getting over the border. Waiting periods can be significant, sometimes hours long, particularly at busy times.

Immigration Steps

Entering Mexico: Present your passport and FMM (if staying more than ONE week) to Mexican immigration.
For vehicles, Temporary Import Permits (TIP) may be necessary if traveling beyond the border zone.
Entering USA: Provide your passport and any necessary visa or ESTA to US Border control.

Long-Distance Bus Options

An extensive bus the system connects Ciudad Juárez to major cities across Mexico. Bus travel offers a comfortable and economical way to explore the country.

Bus Travel Details

Main Bus Terminal: The Central de Autobuses de Ciudad Juárez serves as the main hub for local and long-distance connections.
Major Bus Companies: Omnibus de México, Chihuahuenses, Futura, Primera Plus (premium), ADO (via hubs of central/southern Mexico).
Routes: Regular services operate to Chihuahua City, Torreón, Durango, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and many other destinations.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving yourself offers flexibility but entails specific requirements and considerations for safety and legality. Confirm all necessary papers before beginning your journey.

Driving Requirements

Requirements: Valid driver's license (US/Canadian accepted), vehicle registration, and mandatory Mexican auto insurance.
Mexican Auto Insurance: US/Canadian policies are generally not valid in Mexico; purchase a separate policy from a Mexican provider.
Temporary Import Permit (TIP): Necessary when operating a vehicle a foreign-plated vehicle beyond the "border zone." Obtain this online or at Banjército offices.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

City Roads: Vary from well-maintained to pothole-ridden. Speed bumps (topes) are common and sometimes unmarked.
Highways: Main highways are generally good, particularly toll roads (cuota), which are safer and in better condition.
Safety Concerns: Exercise caution when driving, especially outside daylight hours or on less-traveled routes. Avoid displaying valuables.

Navigation: GPS applications like Google Maps or Waze are very helpful.
Train Services: No passenger train services operate to or from Ciudad Juárez. Freight trains do operate.
Sea/River Arrivals: Not applicable. Ciudad Juárez is an inland city, and the Rio Grande is not used for passenger transport here.

Departing Juárez

Exit Fees & Taxes

Most standard fees are often included in your initial travel bookings.

Departure Cost Details

For air travel, the Mexican departure tax (Derecho de No Inmigrante - DNI) typically comes included in your airline ticket price.
Verify this inclusion with your airline if you fly out of Mexico.
For land travel, if you entered with a FMM and paid the fee, no additional exit fee applies.

Departure Procedures & Timing

Plan your departure from Ciudad Juárez carefully, if by air or land, allowing ample time for check-in and border crossings.

Recommendations

Air Travel (CJS): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights (if any) and ONE.5-2 hours for domestic flights.
Land Travel (to USA via border crossing): Check border wait times using apps (e.g., CBP Border Wait Times) or websites before heading to the bridge.
Wait times can range from 30 minutes to several hours, especially during peak times (mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays). Allow ample time.

Pre-Departure Check List

Verify flight details or bus schedules. Ensure your passport and FMM are in order. Allow extra time for border crossings.

Departure Facilities

CJS offers standard airport facilities. The Central de Autobuses provides waiting areas, ticket counters, and food options.

Land Travel Advice

Car Rental Tips

When renting a car, always confirm the age requirements and necessary documentation. A major credit card in the driver'the name is essential. Check your options with DiscoverCars.com.

Rental Company Choices

International chains like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and National have offices at CJS and in the city.
Mexican liability insurance is mandatory for rental cars. You usually purchase this through the the rental agency.
Decline any duplicate coverage from your credit card if it does not cover Mexico.

Public Bus Advantages

An extensive bus network connects Ciudad Juárez to major cities across Mexico. Public buses represent an affordable and convenient way to travel within the country. The Central de Autobuses serves as the main hub.

Bus Travel Benefits

Major companies include Omnibus de México, Chihuahuenses, Futura, and Primera Plus.
Regular services connect to Chihuahua City, Torreón, Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
Bus travel is often significantly cheaper than flying for inter-city travel.

Driving Rules and Conditions

Driving Laws

Seatbelts are mandatory. Using a cell phone while driving is illegal. Speed limits are posted in km/h. A right turn on red is generally permitted unless explicitly prohibited. DUI laws are strict.

Road Conditions

City roads vary. Watch for potholes, unmarked speed bumps (topes), and sometimes erratic driving. Major highways are generally well-maintained, especially toll roads.

Parking Information

Street parking (pay attention to signs), parking lots (estacionamientos), and shopping centers offer parking. Downtown areas commonly feature metered parking or paid lots.

How to Get to Ciudad Juarez