Getting to the Copper Canyon: Simple, Scenic, and Well-Connected
✈️ Flights | 🚗 Driving | 🚌 Bus | 🚆 Train | 🛳 FERRY
Despite its remote beauty, the Copper Canyon is easily accessible by air and ground. Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of the most common and recommended routes.
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Los Mochis (Most Popular & Easiest)
Why Los Mochis:
Los Mochis is the most commonly used gateway for Copper Canyon trips, offering smooth air connections and direct access to El Fuerte and the Copper Canyon railway.
Most travelers reach the Copper Canyon via Los Mochis (Pacific Coast) or Chihuahua City (inland). From there, ground transportation connects you directly to the canyon towns and the famous Copper Canyon railway.
Primary Gateway: Los Mochis (Sinaloa)
Secondary Gateway: Chihuahua City
Closest Canyon Access Towns: El Fuerte, Creel, Divisadero
Best for International Travelers: Fly via Mexico City or Guadalajara
How to get to Los Mochis:
By Air:
Daily flights from Mexico City (MEX)
Frequent connections via Guadalajara (GDL)
Connections via Monterrey(MTY)
International Travel:
Fly into Mexico City or Guadalajara, then connect domestically
From Los Mochis to the Canyon:
To El Fuerte:
1.5–2 hours by road
Options: private transfer, taxi, or bus
From El Fuerte:
Board the Copper Canyon train
Or continue by road depending on itinerary
>> Your Home → MEX/GDL → Los Mochis → El Fuerte → Canyon <<
Travel & Transportation
We highly recommend traveling with Volaris, great connections domestically within Mexico for an economical prices.
✈️ Air Travel
International flights connect via Mexico City or Guadalajara
Domestic flights are frequent and reliable
Best balance of speed and comfort
🚌 Bus Travel
Mazatlan to Los Mochis >> 6 to 7 hrs many different companies offer this route for approx. $25 to $30 USD
Modern, comfortable long-distance buses
Cost-effective option within Mexico
Recommended for experienced travelers
🚗 Driving
Possible from gateway cities - Driving from Texas, Arizona, New Mexico to Los Mochis or Chihuahua City
Best for those who are comfortable with rural driving - distances can be long and best to share the drive
Scenic but requires planning - Copper Canyon Adventures offers overnight/week long secure parking as part of your trip with us, so you can reset-assured your car is safe while you are in the Copper Canyon.
Arrivng into the city of TOPOLOBAMPO, the primary gateway from mainland Mexico to the southern Baja peninsula. Just 25mins from Los Mochis.
🛳 FERRY VIA THE BAJA CALIFORNIA
Ferry Travel Time: The crossing between the La Paz (Pichilingue) port in Baja California Sur and the Topolobampo port in Sinaloa typically takes 8 to 11.5 hours.
Cabin Availability: Yes, private cabins are available for an additional cost and are highly recommended, as many trips are overnight.
Cabins are private rooms, often with bunk beds and en-suite bathrooms, offering a comfortable and restful sleep during the journey.
Standard passenger fares include a seat in a general lounge area.
A Great Way to See Both Baja and the Copper Canyon: The ferry is the only practical way to link a driving tour of the Baja peninsula with an overland journey into mainland Mexico and the Copper Canyon region without driving thousands of miles north.
Topolobampo is the gateway port to the town of Los Mochis, which is a primary terminus for the famous El Chepe train that winds through the Copper Canyon.
We can include: your Baja Ferry tickets in your itinerary when you travel with Copper Canyon Adventures!