Ever heard the phrase “you can’t get there from here?” While that’s not quite true of Big Bend National Park, it will take a little trip planning on your part to get there because this national park is located far from cities and transportation centers.
Area map around Big Bend National Park / NPS file
According to park staff:
Several highways lead to Big Bend National Park: TX 118 from Alpine to Study Butte or FM 170 from Presidio to Study Butte (then 26 miles / 41.8 km east to park headquarters), or US 90 or US 385 to Marathon (then 70 miles / 112.7 km south to park headquarters).
Distances between towns and services are considerable. Be sure you have plenty of gas, oil, food, and water for your trip. There are two gas stations: the Rio Grande Village Store near the Rio Grande Village RV Campground, and Panther Junction Gas Station & Store near the turnoff onto Chisos Basin Road. If you are driving an electric vehicle (EV), please note, there are no electric vehicle charging stations in Big Bend National Park. The closest EV charging station is 130 miles / 209 km away in Fort Stockton, TX.
The park has four camp stores, but supply and selection can be limited. There are also small stores in the communities outside the park. The last major shopping areas (grocery and hardware stores) are Alpine, Fort Stockton, and Del Rio.Visit the park’s maps page for more help with directions in and around this remote area.
Caution: GPS is Not Always Reliable Here.
Be aware that many GPS and app mapping services do not work well within this remote area. Some services may recommend incorrect/dangerous roads and itineraries. Be prepared to use paper maps to navigate.Public Transportation
There is no public transportation in the immediate vicinity of the park. A variety of transportation methods can get you to cities within a day's drive of the park.
Airports
The nearest airports served by major airlines are located in Midland/Odessa, Texas (235 miles / 378 km from park headquarters) and El Paso, Texas (330 miles / 531 km from park headquarters). Rental cars are available at both airports.
Rail Service
The nearest Amtrak station is located in Alpine, Texas (100 miles / 161 km from park headquarters). Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL for schedule information.
Bus Service
Greyhound provides daily service to Alpine, Texas (100 miles / 161 km from park headquarters). Call Greyhound at 1-800-231-2222 for schedule information.
