Getting to Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park sits in TX, United States, with Presidio the nearest town of any size — about 70.9 mi (114 km) out, or roughly 2 hr 8 min of driving.
Drive times from Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park sits close enough to Los Novillos National Park, Cumbres de Majalca National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Carlsbad Caverns National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Los Novillos National Park | 140 mi (226 km) | 3 hr 46 min |
| Cumbres de Majalca National Park | 198 mi (318 km) | 5 hr 8 min |
| Guadalupe Mountains National Park | 208 mi (335 km) | 5 hr 23 min |
| Carlsbad Caverns National Park | 214 mi (344 km) | 5 hr 31 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Presidio | 70.9 mi (114 km) | 2 hr 8 min |
| Sanderson | 80.3 mi (129 km) | 2 hr 21 min |
| Alpine | 80.5 mi (130 km) | 2 hr 21 min |
| Marfa | 86.6 mi (139 km) | 2 hr 30 min |
| Fort Davis | 100 mi (161 km) | 2 hr 49 min |
| Fort Stockton | 116 mi (186 km) | 3 hr 11 min |
| Iraan | 141 mi (226 km) | 3 hr 47 min |
| McCamey | 144 mi (232 km) | 3 hr 51 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Big Bend National Park?
Presidio, about 70.9 mi (114 km) away — roughly 2 hr 8 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Big Bend National Park?
The practical bases are Presidio, Sanderson, and Alpine — all within a reasonable drive of the park.