Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico Travel Guide
General Ignacio Pesqueira International Airport (HMO) serves Hermosillo. It is approximately 11 kilometers (7 miles) east of the city center. The airport is modern, with domestic and international flights.
Flight prices usually climb during peak season (October-April) and around major Mexican holidays. Booking 2-4 months in advance is recommended for better rates. Prices are lower during the low season (July-August).
Authorized airport taxis operate with fixed rates to city zones. Purchase your ticket inside the terminal.
Uber and DiDi operate in Hermosillo, offering convenient pick-ups and often more economical fares than official airport taxis.
Major rental agencies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Europcar, and Alamo have counters at the airport.
Nogales, Arizona/Sonora, is the closest major U.S.-Mexico border crossing (approx. 280 km north). A valid passport and FMM are needed. Vehicle permits are required for foreign-plated vehicles going beyond the "free zone."
Hermosillo is a major hub for long-distance bus travel. Companies like Tufesa, TAP Royal, Futura operate services to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tijuana, and coastal towns. The Central de Autobuses de Hermosillo is the main terminal.
A valid driver's license and mandatory Mexican auto insurance are needed (foreign policies are not valid). Major highways like Mexico Federal Highway 15 are generally well-maintained. Avoid driving at night because of possible hazards. DiscoverCars.com for car rentals.
Guaymas, approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Hermosillo, is a primary harbor town. It does not handle international ferry routes or major cruise lines directly connected to Hermosillo tourism.
River transportation is not applicable to Hermosillo.
Mexico currently offers very limited passenger train service. No passenger train services connect to Hermosillo, making this not a viable option.
Avoid driving at night due to potential hazards like livestock or unmarked vehicles. Be aware of speed bumps ("topes") which usually look without warning.
For international flights, arrive at HMO at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5-2 hours is generally sufficient. The departure tax is usually included in airfare.
Mexico's departure tax, TUA (Tarifa de Uso de Aeropuerto), is typically included in the price of your flight. You usually do not pay this separately at the airport. For land exits, ensure your FORMA migratoria múltiple is properly stamped by immigration officials.
General Ignacio Pesqueira International Airport (HMO) offers standard airport facilities for departing passengers.
Highway 15 (Mexico 15) serves as the main route through Sonora. It connects Hermosillo north to Nogales and south to Mazatlán.
This highway includes significant lengths of toll roads ("cuota"), which are generally in better condition than the free roads ("libre").
Some rural roads may lack proper signage or adequate lighting. Exercise caution and be a defensive driver on these routes.
Breakdown cover, provided by Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels), is available on major highways.
