Closest Airports To Big Bend National Park
Although one of the most remote national parks in the contiguous United States, Big Bend National Park does have a few commercial airports located nearby, along with some smaller private airports, which won’t be an option for most people. But which are the closest airports to Big Bend National Park?
In this article, we’ll cover some of the closest and best airports to fly into for your next trip to Big Bend.
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Does Big Bend National Park have an airport?
Unfortunately, flying directly into Big Bend National Park is not an option, as the park does not have an airport. However, there are a few airports located nearby that offer commercial flights.
Where Do You Fly Into for Big Bend National Park?
The closest airport to Big Bend National Park is Midland International Airport (MAF), located about 170 miles away in Midland, Texas.
Other nearby airports include El Paso International Airport (ELP), which is about 200 miles away, and Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), which is about 550 miles away.
El Paso International Airport s typically the most preferred airport for those flying into the Big Bend area, as it offers more flight options than Midland, and is a much quicker trip than Albuquerque. El Paso has flights from most major US cities, including Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and more.
What Is the Best Way to Get from El Paso Airport to Big Bend National Park?
There are a few different transportation options available to get from El Paso International Airport (ELP) to Big Bend National Park.
The most popular option is to rent a car and drive the approximately 3.5-hour journey. This is a great option if you’re planning on doing some exploring outside of the park boundaries during your trip. When driving in from El Paso, you’ll most likely hit the Maverick Junction Entrance, which is the western entrance of Big Bend National Park.
Another option is to take a shuttle service or bus from the airport to the park. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of renting a car, and don’t mind a 9-10 hour drive.
What Is the Closest City to Big Bend National Park?
The closest city to Big Bend National Park is Terlingua, Texas, located about 30 miles away from the park entrance.
While Terlingua is the closest town to Big Bend National Park, it’s considered more of a “ghost town,” with a population of only 110.
The closest city with any significant tourism infrastructure is Marathon, Texas, located about 60 miles away from the park. Marathon is a popular stop for those driving the “Texas Mountain Trail,” and has a few hotels, restaurants, and gas stations.
Another closeby city is Alpine, Texas, located about 80 miles away from the park. Alpine is one of the largest cities in the Big Bend region, with a population of about 6,000. It’s a popular stop for visitors to the park, as it has a variety of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
How Do I Get from Houston to Big Bend National Park?
The best way to get from Houston to Big Bend National Park is to fly into either Midland International Airport (MAF) or El Paso International Airport (ELP), and then rent a car for the approximately 3-4 hour drive.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from Houston to Alpine, Texas, and then catch a shuttle from Alpine to the park. This option will take about 10-12 hours total.
Lastly, if you’re planning to drive the entire way through, be prepared to hit the roads for 8 to 10 hours at the very least. All of the fastest routes will have you driving west until you end up in the city of Marathon, where you can then head south into Big Bend National Park.
I prefer the driving route, simply because it allows you to make more stops along the way and see some of the other attractions that Texas has to offer. However, flying is definitely the quickest option if you’re looking to get to Big Bend as fast as possible.
