Overview
Chihuahua, capital of Mexico's largest state, is a handsome highland city of colonial plazas, Revolution-era history and wide desert skies. Many UK travellers arrive en route to the Copper Canyon, but the city rewards a stay of its own. Sitting at around 1,400m, it enjoys dry, sunny weather for much of the year. There are no direct flights from the UK, so you will connect through a Mexican or US hub.
Best time to fly to Chihuahua
October to November and March to April bring warm days, cool evenings and little rain, ideal for sightseeing and the railway. Summers from June to September are hot with afternoon monsoon storms, while winter nights can fall close to freezing with the occasional snowfall. Fares generally ease outside the Christmas, Easter and summer school holidays; the When to book chart above shows how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
No airline flies non-stop from the UK to Chihuahua. The usual route is London to Mexico City with Aeroméxico or British Airways, then a short domestic leg with Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus or Volaris. Alternatively you can connect through a US gateway such as Dallas-Fort Worth with American Airlines, which requires a valid ESTA. Expect roughly 15 to 20 hours in total including the connection; flights from Manchester or Edinburgh usually add one more connection.
Things to do in Chihuahua
A compact historic centre makes the main sights easy to combine over a day or two.
- El Chepe railway: the Copper Canyon train departs Chihuahua for Los Mochis via Creel and Divisadero.
- Museo Histórico de la Revolución: Pancho Villa's former home, filled with Revolution history.
- Chihuahua Cathedral: an 18th-century baroque landmark on the Plaza de Armas.
- Quinta Gameros: a lavish Art Nouveau mansion with beautifully kept period interiors.
- Palacio de Gobierno: bold murals tracing the history of Chihuahua and Mexican independence.
At General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport (CUU)
The airport sits about 18km north-east of the centre, a 20 to 30 minute drive. Authorised taxis sell fixed-price tickets from a desk in arrivals, car hire is available in the terminal, and many hotels can arrange a transfer. Ride-hailing apps work in the city, though airport collection points sometimes change.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Chihuahua
- Book around two to five months ahead for the widest choice of one-stop fares.
- Choose midweek departures and avoid UK school holidays, Christmas and Easter.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot cheaper days.
- Compare routings, as a Mexico City connection and a US hub can differ in both price and total travel time.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourism and are usually admitted for up to 180 days; carry proof of onward travel and a passport valid for your whole trip. The currency is the Mexican peso, cards are widely accepted in the city and pounds are not. No vaccinations are required, but drink bottled water and arrange travel insurance. Check the latest FCDO advice for Chihuahua state before booking.
