Odessa

Located in the heart of West Texas, Odessa is known for its rugged desert charm and its status as an important industrial centre. This city attracts travellers with the opportunity to see the famous meteor crater and immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of the American hinterland. You can get here in various ways, most often by combining a flight to regional hubs with a drive along the scenic roads of the United States.

Since Odessa itself lacks a commercial passenger airport, the main air gateway for guests is the airport in the city of Midland (MAF). It is located just 32 km from the city, and the transfer via the highway takes minimal time. For those planning a complex route, alternatives could be flights to Hobbs (119 km) or San Angelo (188 km), from where it is easy to continue the journey by land.

There is no direct railway connection to the city of Odessa, and nearby settlements such as Midland or Hobbs also lack active passenger stations. The railway in this region is used primarily for freight transport.

Tourists who prefer trains will have to look for arrival options at distant stations (for example, in El Paso or San Antonio), after which they must transfer to an intercity bus or a rental car for a long drive to the destination.

Bus services connect the city with neighbouring regions; however, travel time can vary significantly depending on the route. The trip from the neighbouring city of Midland covers a distance of about 58 km, making it the shortest ground transfer option.

For travellers departing from the city of San Angelo, the distance is approximately 249 km. It should be noted that a bus trip over such distances may take a considerable amount of time due to schedules and stops.

A car remains the most convenient means of transport in this region. The drive from the airport in the city of Midland will take only about 30 minutes, as the distance is approximately 37 km along a high-quality highway.

A journey from the city of Hobbs (144 km) will require about 1.5 hours, and the road from San Angelo (213 km) will take just over 2 hours. Car rental allows you to plan your time flexibly and enjoy the vast expanses of Texas.

To ensure your trip to this Texan city goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, please pay attention to several important practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is semi-arid: it can be very hot in summer, so take light clothing made of natural fabrics, a hat, and sunglasses. In winter and during the evenings, the temperature can drop sharply, so a windbreaker or warm sweater is mandatory.
2. Transport. The city is designed for motorists. Public transport is poorly developed, and to move comfortably between attractions, it is highly recommended to rent a car.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping some cash for small expenses is useful. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20%.
4. Health. Dry air and heat can lead to dehydration. Always carry a supply of water with you and use sunscreen with a high protection factor.
5. Language. The main language of communication is English. Due to the proximity to the border, many locals speak Spanish, but knowledge of English is necessary for most situations.
6. Etiquette. Texans are known for their friendliness. A greeting of "Howdy" and a smile will help establish contact. Politeness is highly valued here.
7. Safety. Avoid walking in unlit outskirts at night and do not leave valuables in the car in plain sight.
8. Local Advice. If you have time, be sure to attend an American football game of a local school or college team — this is a true cult in West Texas.

By following these tips, you will be able to feel confident and focus on exploring the unique flavour of the region.