The Wayro route from Marathon to Ciudad Acuña is 180 miles (289 km), about 3 h 24 min of driving without stops. The U.S.–Mexico border is at about mile 176 on this route, near the Del Rio port of entry.
| Distance | 180 mi (289 km) |
|---|---|
| Driving time, no stops | 3 h 24 min |
| Main roads, in order | US-90 |
| Border crossing | about mile 176 of this route, Texas → Coahuila (near the Del Rio, TX port of entry) |
| Mexican states on the route | Coahuila (Level 3) |
| Fuel estimate (car at 25 mpg) | about 7.2 gal; actual use varies by vehicle and traffic |
| Stops listed below | 2 |
Crossing into Mexico: what you need for Ciudad Acuña
| Passport | Passport book or passport card to enter Mexico by land |
|---|---|
| FMM entry permit | Not needed if you stay within 12 miles (20 km) of the border for 6 days or less; required for longer stays or if you travel farther in |
| Temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) | Not needed inside the border zone; required if you drive farther into Mexico |
| Mexican auto insurance | Required for all vehicles: buy a Mexican policy before you cross |
Sources: U.S. State Department, Mexico travel information (updated August 11, 2026); permits are issued by Banjercito.
Crossing at Del Rio
The Del Rio International Bridge crosses the Rio Grande between Del Rio and Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila. It is a full-service crossing that handles pedestrians, passenger vehicles and buses as well as commercial trucks.
What the drive from Marathon to Ciudad Acuña is like
US-90 (174 mi) carries about 97% of the 180 miles. The U.S. part of the drive runs through Texas for about 176 miles; after the border at Del Rio you have about 4 miles left in Mexico. None of the 2 stops below is right on the road, so plan each as a short side trip.
The route from Marathon to Ciudad Acuña, road by road
| Road | Route miles (from–to) | Length, mi | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| US-90 | 0–174 | 174 | Texas |
| local roads | 174–180 | 6 | Texas, Coahuila |
- Mile 176 of this route: Texas → Coahuila (international border)
Stops between Marathon and Ciudad Acuña
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site
Ancient pictographs fill the rock shelters of this park near Del Rio, and guided tours lead to Fate Bell Shelter and its rock art. Nearly 10 miles of trails and campsites round out a stop; canyon hiking requires a guide.
Amistad National Recreation Area
Covering the US portion of the International Amistad Reservoir near Del Rio, this National Park Service area draws visitors for water-based recreation, camping, hiking, and a cultural history reaching back nearly 5,000 years.
When you get to Ciudad Acuña
Ciudad Acuña faces Del Rio, Texas, across the Rio Grande, at the spot where Las Vacas Creek flows into the river. Coahuila's tourism office calls it the state's friendly border, and its biggest draw is the Amistad reservoir, the largest body of water in Coahuila, used for boating, fishing, skiing, sailing and kayaking.
- Presa La Amistad: The reservoir is the city's signature attraction, with fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, sailing, diving and kayaking. source
- Plaza Benjamín Canales: The main square anchors the historic center, near the Hemiciclo a Juárez, the monumental flagpole and the Fiftieth Anniversary Forum. source
- Parroquia de Santa María de Guadalupe: The downtown parish church dates from 1914 and is one of the historic landmarks of the city center. source
Whitehead Memorial Museum
Set on about 2.5 acres in Del Rio, this pioneer-village history museum covers frontier life, border radio, and "goat-gland doctor" John Brinkley, and holds the grave of Old West justice of the peace Roy Bean.
More drives to Ciudad Acuña
- Corpus Christi, TX to Ciudad Acuña
- Nacogdoches, TX to Ciudad Acuña
- Clinton, OK to Ciudad Acuña
- Lawton, OK to Ciudad Acuña
- Gruene, TX to Ciudad Acuña
- Comfort, TX to Ciudad Acuña
From Marathon to other places in Mexico
- Marathon, TX to Batopilas
- Marathon, TX to Hidalgo del Parral
- Marathon, TX to Agua Prieta
- Marathon, TX to Creel
- Marathon, TX to Piedras Negras
- Marathon, TX to Saltillo
All routes to Ciudad Acuña, border crossings and permits in one place: Driving to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico from the U.S.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Marathon to Ciudad Acuña?
About 3 h 24 min of driving without stops, over 180 miles.
How far is Ciudad Acuña from Marathon by car?
About 180 miles (289 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.
Where does the Marathon to Ciudad Acuña drive cross into Mexico?
At about mile 176 of this route, from Texas into Coahuila, near the Del Rio port of entry.
Do I need a permit to drive my car from Marathon to Ciudad Acuña?
Not needed inside the border zone; required if you drive farther into Mexico. You also need Mexican auto insurance and a passport book or card.
Is it safe to drive from Marathon to Ciudad Acuña?
The U.S. State Department rates Coahuila Level 3: Reconsider Travel (advisory issued May 29, 2026). Read the full advisory before you go.
What are good stops between Marathon and Ciudad Acuña?
Closest to the road: Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site (state park, mile 132, 2 mi from the route); Amistad National Recreation Area (National Recreation Area, mile 162, 3 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 mile 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 (roughly 2 to 7 miles depending on the type, farther for World Heritage sites): at least one strong stop for each stretch of the drive, then the best-known places nearest the road, with no more than five of one type, up to nine in all. Places that are closed, private or not open to visitors are removed. Place and city 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.