Coatzacoalcos to Orizaba is about 204 road miles (329 km): roughly 3 h 17 min at the wheel if you don't stop.
| Distance | 204 mi (329 km) |
|---|---|
| Time at the wheel, no stops | 3 h 17 min |
| Main roads, in order | MEX-185 → MEX-180D → MEX-145D → MEX-150D |
| Mexican states on the route | Veracruz |
| Toll roads (as marked in OpenStreetMap) | MEX-180D, MEX-145D, MEX-150D |
| Fuel estimate (car at 25 mpg) | about 8.2 gal; actual use varies by vehicle and traffic |
| Stops listed below | 2 |
Driving this route in a car with U.S. plates
| Temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) | Required: this route is outside the zones where U.S.-registered cars can skip the temporary import permit (Baja California, Baja California Sur and part of Sonora) |
|---|---|
| Mexican auto insurance | Required for all vehicles: buy a Mexican policy before you drive |
Sources: U.S. State Department, Mexico travel information (updated August 11, 2026); permits are issued by Banjercito.
What the drive from Coatzacoalcos to Orizaba is like
MEX-145D (142 mi) and MEX-150D (44 mi) carry about 91% of the 204 miles. OpenStreetMap marks tolled sections on MEX-180D, MEX-145D and MEX-150D. None of the 2 stops below is right on the road, so plan each as a short side trip.
Which roads connect Coatzacoalcos and Orizaba
| Road | Route miles (from–to) | Length, mi | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| local roads | 0–2 | 2 | |
| MEX-185 | 2–12 | 10 | Veracruz |
| connecting roads | 12–13 | 1 | Veracruz |
| MEX-180D | 13–16 | 3 | Veracruz |
| MEX-145D | 16–158 | 142 | Veracruz |
| MEX-150D | 158–202 | 44 | Veracruz |
| local roads | 202–204 | 2 | Veracruz |
Breaking up the drive: stops between Coatzacoalcos and Orizaba
Huatusco
Above the Atoyac River in Carrillo Puerto, Cuauhtochco has a Mexica-era temple that still keeps original surface finishes. Expect no visitor facilities, and consider hiring a local guide.
Cathedral of Córdoba, Veracruz
Córdoba's main church, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, was built in the first half of the 17th century. Look up to see its tiled octagonal dome.
In Orizaba itself
Orizaba Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel is the main Catholic church of Orizaba, in the state of Veracruz, and the seat of the Diocese of Orizaba.
Veracruz State Art Museum
Housed in Orizaba's 18th-century former Oratorio of San Felipe Neri, later a hospital and then a jail, the Veracruz State Art Museum (Museo de Arte del Estado) holds more than 700 works, including 36 by Diego Rivera.
Teatro Llave
In central Orizaba, the Gran Teatro Ignacio de la Llave hosts artistic and cultural performances, and its exhibition room shows temporary collections, mostly by artists from the surrounding valley.
More drives to Orizaba
- Cholula to Orizaba
- Mexico City to Orizaba
- Pachuca to Orizaba
- Cuernavaca to Orizaba
- Toluca to Orizaba
- Papantla to Orizaba
From Coatzacoalcos to other places in Mexico
- Coatzacoalcos to Cholula
- Coatzacoalcos to Zacatelco
- Coatzacoalcos to Huejotzingo
- Coatzacoalcos to Tlaxcala
- Coatzacoalcos to Atlixco
- Coatzacoalcos to Tlaxco
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Coatzacoalcos to Orizaba?
About 3 h 17 min of driving without stops, over 204 miles.
What is the driving distance from Coatzacoalcos to Orizaba?
About 204 miles (329 km) on the Wayro route. Other map services may show a few miles more or less, depending on where they start and end in each city.
Do I need a permit to drive my U.S. car from Coatzacoalcos to Orizaba?
Yes. A temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) is required for a U.S.-registered car on this route, which is outside the zones where it can be skipped. Mexican auto insurance is required for every vehicle.
Is it safe to drive from Coatzacoalcos to Orizaba?
The U.S. State Department rates Veracruz Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (advisory issued May 29, 2026). Read the full advisory before you go.
What roads does the drive from Coatzacoalcos to Orizaba use?
In order: MEX-185, MEX-180D, MEX-145D and MEX-150D. The road-by-road table above shows the route miles for each one.
What are good stops between Coatzacoalcos and Orizaba?
Closest to the road: Huatusco (archaeological site, mile 165, 2 mi from the route); Cathedral of Córdoba, Veracruz (cathedral, mile 191, 2 mi from the route). All stops are described above.
How we put this guide together
Wayro calculates the route from OpenStreetMap road data; mile numbers are positions along this route, not highway markers, and "from the route" distances are straight-line, so the real detour depends on access roads. Stops are chosen from parks, natural sites, museums, historic sites and attractions close to the route: at least one strong stop for each stretch of the drive, then the best-known places nearest the road, up to nine in all. Places that are closed, private or not open to visitors are removed. Place descriptions are written by the Wayro team from official park, museum, tourism and government websites and other published sources. Safety levels and entry rules were checked against the U.S. Department of State on September 29, 2026. Conditions change, so check the linked sources before you travel.
Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors.