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Before you go
Your trip to Marfa.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Marfa – Texas Destination Big Bend (Alpine; Terlingua; Marfa) about 700 km from Austin
How to get there
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Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF) Midland · 290 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By car from Alpine via US-90, about 35 minutes (40 km). The nearest airports with regular flights are Midland (MAF), about 290 km away, and El Paso (ELP), about 310 km away.
How many days
One day is enough to see the Chinati Foundation and downtown. With two days, include the Judd Foundation and an evening to watch the lights.
When to go
From fall through spring the days are pleasant and nights are cold. The town is at about 1,400 meters, and summers are hot but less so than in lower-lying areas.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Yes. The foundations are in town, but the town is isolated and there is no public transportation in the region.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Marfa
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Morning
Chinati Foundation
Take the guided tour of the Chinati Foundation, by reservation, at the former fort south of town.
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Afternoon
Downtown and galleries
Walk through downtown, with the county courthouse and the galleries.
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Evening
Marfa Lights
Head to the observation area east of town at dusk.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Why is Marfa known for art?
Because the artist Donald Judd moved there in the 1970s and created spaces for large permanent installations, which gave rise to the Chinati Foundation and the Judd Foundation.
What are the Marfa Lights?
Lights that some people see at night on the horizon east of town, without a definitive explanation. An observation area on US-90 receives the curious; not every night offers something to see.
Do you need reservations for tours in Marfa?
Yes, guided tours at the Chinati Foundation and the Judd Foundation typically require reservations and run on set days of the week.
What time zone is Marfa in?
Marfa follows Central Time: UTC-6 in winter and UTC-5 during daylight saving time, which runs from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.