Getting Around Culiacán
Culiacán is a car-oriented city, and that shapes almost every decision a visitor makes about transport. The city sits in a valley where the Tamazula and Humaya rivers meet to form the Culiacán River, and it is stitched together by a series of bridges — six crossing the Tamazula, two crossing the Humaya, and the longest spanning the Culiacán River itself. The number of cars per capita here is among the highest in Mexico, so traffic is heavy most of the time and considerably worse at peak hours. Plan your movements with that in mind.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Culiacán has no metro, tram, or urban rail network for visitors to use. Getting around the city is done by road — on foot, by bus, by taxi, or by ride-hailing app. If you are arriving from elsewhere in Mexico, note that intercity buses, not trains, are the practical public-transport link to the city.
Buses and Public Transport
The city has an extensive urban bus network, with more than 68 routes operated under the RedPlus banner. This is the main public transport option for locals and the cheapest way to cover longer distances across the city.
- Coverage: The route network is broad, so most parts of the city are reachable by bus.
- Practicalities: Buses are the workhorse of local mobility, but given the traffic conditions, allow generous time for any journey.
- Long-distance arrivals: The Central de Autobuses Culiacán is a major hub with connections from towns across Sinaloa and regular services from Los Mochis, Mazatlán, Hermosillo, and Guadalajara, plus cross-border routes to destinations in the United States. It is a large terminal area made up of several buildings serving different bus lines, so check which building your carrier uses.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
For trips beyond the city center, ride-hailing is the most convenient option: both Uber and Didi operate in Culiacán and are your best bet for getting anywhere outside the central area. Traditional taxis are also available — you will find them on the south side of the cathedral. If you are relying on street taxis, head for that spot in the center to pick one up.
Walking
Walking works well in the city center, but it is not an easy way to get around the rest of Culiacán. Outside the center, blocks stretch for long distances while seemingly incessant traffic races along the wide boulevards between them. Treat walking as a way to explore the central area rather than as a means of crossing the city.
Driving
Given how car-oriented the city is, driving is a common way to get around. If you want a rental, AGA Rent a Car has a desk at the airport. Be prepared for congestion, especially at peak times.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Culiacán is served by Federal de Bachigualato International Airport (CUL). Several airlines connect the city to other Mexican hubs:
- Volaris: multiple daily flights from Tijuana, plus services from Guadalajara and Mexico City.
- Aeroméxico: daily non-stop flights from Mexico City.
- Viva Aerobus: a daily non-stop flight from Monterrey.
On arrival, your onward options into the city are road-based. AGA Rent a Car is located at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself, and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Didi are the most straightforward choice for reaching destinations outside the center. Taxis are also an option, and once you are in the city center you can pick one up on the south side of the cathedral.
Arriving by Road
If you are coming to Culiacán by car, Mexican Federal Highway 15 is the main artery, linking the city to Sonora state cities such as Nogales, Hermosillo, Guaymas, Ciudad Obregón, and Navojoa to the north, and to Los Mochis, Guasave, Guamúchil, Mazatlán, Tepic, and Guadalajara to the south. Toll booths and checkpoints are stationed along the highway, so carry cash and allow extra time. A more adventurous alternative is the winding Federal Highway 24, which crosses the Sierra Madre Occidental; it is a remote mountain route, so approach it with appropriate caution.