Ciudad Juarez

Ciudad Juárez is a dynamic metropolis in northern Mexico, located directly on the border with the USA and forming a single metropolitan area with neighbouring El Paso. It is an important industrial and cultural centre, attracting travellers with its unique border atmosphere and historical heritage.

You can reach the city in various ways: fly into the local airport, use the extensive network of bus routes, or arrive by car, especially if you are travelling from the direction of El Paso.

The most convenient way to reach the city by air is to take a flight to Abraham Gonzalez International Airport (CJS). This air hub receives scheduled flights and ensures rapid connectivity between the region and other parts of the country.

An alternative option for many tourists is arriving at the airport in the neighbouring American city of El Paso (ELP), located just 10 km from the border. Also in relative proximity are the airports of Las Cruces (77 km) and White Sands, which may be convenient when planning a multi-leg itinerary.

Travellers should note that there is no railway station for passenger service directly within Ciudad Juárez. It is not possible to get here solely by train without transferring to another mode of transport.

The nearest railway stations are on the American side: in the city of El Paso, which lies just 10 km away, as well as in Las Cruces and the White Sands area (about 77 km). From these stations, the journey to your destination will need to be continued by bus or car.

Bus services actively connect the city with settlements on both sides of the border. A trip from neighbouring El Paso, despite the short distance of 12.7 km, can take about 3.2 hours, which is often due to the time required for border control procedures.

Routes are also available from the city of Las Cruces: covering 88 km will take approximately 4 hours. For those travelling from White Sands, the 141 km journey will last about 5.8 hours.

Travelling by car is one of the most flexible ways to reach the city, especially from the US border areas. The journey from El Paso is only about 18 km and takes on average 25 minutes (0.4 h), although one should always allow extra time for crossing the border.

From the city of Las Cruces, you can drive there in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, covering a distance of about 90 km. The road from White Sands (about 106 km) will take roughly 1.5 hours when traffic is light.

A trip to this vibrant border city will be as comfortable as possible if you take into account a few important nuances of local life in advance.

1. Clothing and Season. The climate here is desert and arid. It can be very hot in summer, so pack light, modest clothing and a head covering; in winter and during the evenings, the temperature can drop significantly, so a jacket or sweater will be useful.
2. Transport. To move around the city, it is highly recommended to use official taxis (sitios) or trusted mobile apps (such as Uber). This is more reliable and safer than hailing a car on the street.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Mexican Peso, but due to the proximity of the border, US Dollars are accepted in many places. It is better to have cash (Pesos) for small shops, and use cards in large shopping malls.
4. Health and Water. It is strongly advised not to drink tap water. Buy only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth to avoid stomach upset.
5. Communication. The main language is Spanish, but thanks to the proximity to the USA, many locals, especially in the tourism and service sectors, understand and speak English well.
6. Safety. Try to stick to tourist zones and busy areas. Avoid walking alone at night and do not openly display expensive jewellery or electronics.
7. Documents. Always carry a copy of your passport and migration card. If you plan to cross the border on foot or by car, be prepared for potential queues.
8. Culinary Tip. Be sure to try the local burritos — this region is famous for its traditions in preparing them, and the taste here is considered one of the most authentic. Halal options may be available at select establishments; it is advisable to ask about ingredients.

By following these simple recommendations, you can safely enjoy the unique atmosphere of northern Mexico.