Getting there & around
Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Getting there
By air — Mazatlán International (MZT) sits south of the city, roughly a 20 to 40 minute drive to the Centro or Zona Dorada depending on traffic. It takes direct flights from several US and Canadian cities as well as Mexican hubs. From the airport, authorized taxis and colectivo vans run into town; agree the fare or buy a ticket at the desk before you get in, as airport transport runs pricier than a street cab.
By bus — Mazatlán is a major stop on the Pacific corridor. First-class lines connect it to Guadalajara (roughly 6 to 7 hours), Culiacán (around 2.5 to 3 hours) and Tepic/Puerto Vallarta to the south. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned; the main terminal is near the Zona Dorada, a short taxi from the Centro.
By car — the Highway 15D toll road links Mazatlán to Culiacán, Guadalajara and beyond. It’s well maintained but tolls add up. The spectacular Durango highway (the “Espinazo del Diablo” and its long bridge) climbs east into the mountains — scenic, but drive it in daylight.
Getting around
- Pulmonías — Mazatlán’s signature open-air taxi carts, like a golf cart crossed with a convertible. Fun, breezy and everywhere along the malecón. Agree the price before you climb in; they don’t use meters.
- Regular taxis and apps — standard cabs and ride apps both operate. Confirm fares with street taxis in advance.
- Buses — cheap local buses run the length of the malecón between the Centro and the northern beaches. Slow but easy for the main corridor.
- On foot — the Centro and Olas Altas are best walked. For the long malecón, mix walking with a pulmonía when the heat wins.