Getting Around Torreón
Torreón sits in the heart of the Comarca Lagunera, a metropolitan area it shares with the neighbouring cities of Gómez Palacio and Lerdo to the west. The urban terrain is generally flat, which makes moving between points fairly straightforward, but the semi-desert climate means daytime heat is a real factor in how you plan your movements. The practical guidance below covers the main ways visitors get around.
By Car
According to travel guidance for the city, the best way to move around Torreón is by car. Several car rental agencies operate in the city, and they are easy to find at hotels and at the airport, which makes picking up a vehicle on arrival convenient. Driving also gives you the flexibility to reach sights spread across the city and the wider Laguna region.
Torreón is connected by several federal and state highways, and these are useful reference points if you are driving in or out:
- México 30 — known as the Carretera Torreón–San Pedro (Torreón–San Pedro Highway); connects with San Pedro de las Colonias and Monclova.
- México 40 — known as El Periférico (The Peripheral); connects with Saltillo to the east and with Gómez Palacio and Lerdo in the state of Durango to the west.
- México 40D — known as Libramiento Laguna Norte (North Laguna Beltway); a toll highway that surrounds the city and connects the same cities as the México 40, but is described as much faster and safer.
By Bicycle
Cycling is another good way to get around Torreón. Because the city lies in a semi-desert area and can be hot, it is recommended to ride in the evening or early in the morning rather than during the heat of the day.
On Foot
Walking is a practical option in the centre of the city, where it is common to walk in order to avoid traffic and the difficulty of finding parking spaces. Outside the central area, the flat terrain still favours walking, but the heat makes it worth timing your outings carefully.
Buses and Public Transport
Buses run across the city, and together with taxis they form the main public transport options for getting around. For longer journeys, Torreón's Central Camionera (bus station) on Av. Juárez is served by several bus lines with national and international destinations, making it the hub for intercity coach travel.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Torreón has no passenger train service, and there is no metro or tram network to rely on. Although the city's history is closely tied to the railroad — its growth was spurred by a rail connection to the US border city of El Paso — that legacy does not translate into passenger rail for visitors today. Plan on road-based transport instead.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available across the city and are one of the main ways to get around alongside buses. For visitors without a car, taxis are a straightforward option for point-to-point trips, including reaching the centre when you would rather not deal with traffic or parking.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Torreón is served by Francisco Sarabia International Airport (TRC), located on the Torreón–San Pedro road, which serves the city and most of the Lagunera region. It connects the city with several destinations in Mexico — such as Mexico City, Chihuahua, Guadalajara and Tijuana — as well as Dallas in the United States.
For the onward trip into the city, the airport is one of the easy places to pick up a rental car, since car rental agencies are available both at the airport and at hotels. Taxis are also a practical way to cover the distance from the airport to your accommodation, and buses serve the city more broadly if you prefer public transport.
Practical Tips
- Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Torreón and the surrounding Laguna area, and rentals are easy to arrange at hotels and the airport.
- If you plan to walk, concentrate on the city centre, where walking is common and helps you avoid traffic and parking hassles.
- Cycle in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat of this semi-desert region.
- Use the Central Camionera on Av. Juárez for national and international bus connections.
- Don't count on trains, a metro or a tram — none serve the city for passengers.