Getting Around Midland
Midland is a sprawling, car-oriented city, and that shapes almost every decision a visitor makes about getting around. Destinations are spread out across a wide area, so a private vehicle is by far the most practical way to cover the city. That said, there are alternatives — a local bus system, taxis, ride-hailing, and shuttle services — and they can work well for specific trips, especially if you plan around their limits.
Driving and Car Rentals
Midland sits on Interstate 20, roughly halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso, which makes it easy to reach by car and straightforward to navigate once you're here. For most visitors, renting a car is the simplest solution: it puts the city's scattered hotels, restaurants, and attractions within easy reach and opens up day trips across the region.
- Car rentals are among the standard ground transport options available in the city.
- Because amenities are not clustered tightly together, driving is the most reliable way to run errands or reach attractions on your own schedule.
Public Transit: The EZ-Rider Bus System
Midland's public transit is provided by the EZ-Rider bus system, which runs a set of fixed routes through the city. It's a usable option if your trip happens to line up with a route and a schedule, but it is not a comprehensive way to see the city.
- Coverage and frequency are limited. Routes don't reach every part of the sprawling metro area, and buses don't run especially often.
- Days of operation: EZ-Rider runs weekdays and Saturdays only. There is no service on Sundays or major holidays.
- Hours: Service runs mainly during daytime hours, so it isn't a good fit for late-night travel or for exploring outside the core daytime window.
- Other operators: The city's public transport network also includes service from All Aboard America alongside EZ-Rider.
If you plan to rely on the bus, check the current routes and timetables before you go, and build your day around them rather than expecting to hop on and off at will.
Rail, Metro and Tram
Midland has no rail, metro, or tram network for getting around the city. Visitors should not expect train or light-rail service as a way to move between neighborhoods or attractions. Ground transport here means road-based options: buses, shuttles, taxis, ride-hailing, and rental cars.
Taxis, Ride-Hailing and Shuttles
Beyond the bus, several on-demand and pre-arranged options serve the city.
- Taxis are available for point-to-point trips.
- Ride-hailing services operate in Midland and are a convenient choice given how spread out the city is.
- Shuttle services are another ground transport option, useful for airport transfers and other pre-planned trips.
For a visitor without a car, ride-hailing and taxis are generally the most flexible way to get around, particularly in the evenings or on Sundays when the buses don't run.
Walking and Biking
Walking is not a practical way to accomplish daily errands in Midland. Because of urban sprawl, most services and amenities are not easily reached on foot, though some improvements exist, particularly in downtown areas. If you're staying downtown, you may find short walks pleasant and useful, but don't count on walking as your primary mode of transport.
Biking is a mixed proposition. Some bike lanes and trails exist, and the flat terrain is an advantage for recreational riding and short trips. However, high temperatures, occasional dust storms, and car-oriented infrastructure make biking unattractive as a main way to get around. Treat it as a leisure activity or a supplement to driving rather than a replacement.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Midland International Air & Space Port is the city's commercial airport and the closest commercial airport to Big Bend National Park, which makes it a natural gateway for visitors heading to the region. Once you land, you have several ways to reach the city:
- Shuttle services — a pre-arranged option for getting into town.
- Taxis — available for direct trips to your destination.
- Ride-hailing — a flexible choice, especially if you're traveling outside bus hours.
- Car rentals — the best option if you plan to explore Midland and the surrounding region independently.
- EZ-Rider public transportation — the budget option, subject to the system's limited routes, daytime hours, and no Sunday or holiday service.
Practical Tips
- Plan around the car. Given the city's layout, renting a vehicle or budgeting for ride-hailing will save you time and frustration.
- Check bus schedules in advance. EZ-Rider's limited coverage, daytime-only hours, and Sunday/holiday closures mean it works best for specific, planned trips.
- Don't rely on walking for errands. Downtown is the most walkable area, but the rest of the city is not.
- Book airport transport ahead if you can. Shuttles and rentals are easiest to arrange in advance; taxis and ride-hailing offer more spontaneity.