North America > Mexico > Chihuahua (CUU)
The Car or no Car advice for Chihuahua can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Chihuahua ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Chihuahua ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Chihuahua?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚆 El Chepe: The real reason most people come
Let’s start with the headline attraction. El Chepe is one of the great rail journeys of the world, running from Chihuahua up into the Sierra Tarahumara and deep into the Copper Canyon region. The scenery is jaw-dropping: gorges, cliffs, pine forests, and dizzying mountain views. And the best part?
You absolutely do not need a car to enjoy any of this.
The railway links dozens of stops, including Creel, now a Pueblo Mágico known for hiking, biking, and Tarahumara cultural heritage. Many hotels in Creel include transfers to canyon viewpoints, trails, and adventure parks. So even further into the mountains, public transport is built around travellers who arrive by train.
🚶♂️ Exploring Chihuahua without a car
Chihuahua itself is pleasantly walkable. Key attractions — the Cathedral, Government Palace, Pancho Villa Museum, and the historic centre — sit close together. Taxis, local buses, and ride-hailing apps fill the gaps, so you won’t feel stranded.
Because many visitors only stay one night before boarding El Chepe early next morning, a car rarely adds value here.
🚗 When might a rental car help?
A car becomes useful if your plans extend beyond El Chepe. For example:
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Visiting Mennonite communities near Cuauhtémoc
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Exploring rural ranches and wide-open desert landscapes
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Connecting remote archaeological sites like Paquimé at Casas Grandes (though this is a long day trip)
However, driving in northern Mexico involves long distances, unpredictable mobile coverage, and sometimes isolated stretches of road. Therefore, organised tours often make more sense for first-time visitors.
🚖 Airport arrivals
Chihuahua International Airport (CUU) has all major rental brands as well as taxis and rideshare services. Since downtown is only about 20 minutes away, most travellers simply transfer directly to their hotel.
🧭 Conclusion – Should you rent a car in Chihuahua?
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🚆 No if you are here for El Chepe, Copper Canyon, and city sightseeing. The train handles the adventure, and Creel’s hotels handle the logistics.
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❔ Maybe if you want to explore rural Chihuahua, Mennonite country, or archaeological sites — but expect long distances and consider guided tours instead.
