Sonora Northwest Mexico, Mexico Travel Guide
Sonora has several airports serving travelers. Hermosillo's airport is the largest and busiest.
Direct international flights mainly arrive from major U.S. Cities. Consider transfer options from airports.
Offers full services: car rentals, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, authorized taxis.
Similar basic services, but on a smaller scale.
Limited services, mainly for regional and charter flights to Puerto Peñasco.
Baja Ferries operates from Guaymas (Sonora) to Santa Rosalía (Baja California Sur), transporting vehicles and passengers. Other routes connect Baja California to mainland Sinaloa.
Puerto Peñasco has a small cruise terminal, mainly for regional tours. Guaymas port accommodates cruise ships occasionally.
Immigration procedures are similar to air travel (passport, FMM). Ports like Guaymas and Puerto Peñasco have taxis and local bus connections.
Buses are a main and efficient mode of inter-city travel throughout Sonora and Mexico.
Sonora shares a long border with Arizona, U.S., with several major land border crossings.
Drive defensively. Avoid driving at night, especially on isolated roads. Remain calm at police checkpoints.
Public buses are the backbone of urban transport in Sonora’s major cities, offering an affordable and accessible way to navigate urban areas.
Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenience and direct routes, useful for specific destinations or with luggage.
Major companies operate at Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregón airports. Book in advance for better rates. Mandatory Mexican liability insurance is a requirement.
Downtown areas in Hermosillo are walkable. Bicycle rentals in tourist towns. Limited dedicated bicycle lanes.
Accessibility infrastructure for mobility challenges is limited. Public transportation is generally not wheelchair accessible.
Sonora does not have extensive hop-on-hop-off bus services. Various tour operators offer organized day trips or multi-day tours to specific attractions.
Sonora does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems like those found in some other parts of Mexico.
Several dining options and retail stores are available for departing travelers.
Basic amenities, including a small cafe and gift shop.
Waiting areas, food stalls, restrooms, and sometimes luggage storage facilities.
Wait times at land border crossings can be significant, especially on weekends, Mexican holidays, and during peak "snowbird" season (November-April). Check real-time border wait times via CBP apps or websites before you head to the border.
