How to Get to Troncones, Mexico (From the US & Canada)
- Surfer T
- May 3
- 4 min read
If you’ve been looking into a surf trip to Troncones, one of the first practical questions is how to actually get there.
The good news is that, despite feeling remote, Troncones is relatively easy to reach once you know the route.
Most of the journey is straightforward. It’s just the last stretch that starts to feel like you’re heading somewhere a bit more off the map.
The Closest Airport
The nearest airport to Troncones is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH).
It’s a small and easy airport, which makes arrival much smoother compared to larger international hubs.
From there, Troncones is about a 30-minute drive north along the coast.
You don’t need multiple transfers or long travel days once you land — which is one of the reasons this area works well for surf trips.
Flying from the US & Canada
There are direct flights into Zihuatanejo from several cities, especially during peak travel seasons.
Common routes include:
• Los Angeles • San Francisco • Houston • Dallas • Vancouver • Calgary
Flight times are relatively short compared to other surf destinations, which makes it possible to arrive and be near the ocean the same day.
Depending on the time of year, you might find more direct options or need a short connection through Mexico City.
Getting from the Airport to Troncones
Once you land, the final part of the trip is simple.
You have a few options:
Taxi or Private Transfer
The easiest option. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are available directly at the airport and can take you straight to your accommodation.
Rental Car
If you plan to explore different surf breaks along the coast, renting a car gives you more flexibility.
Shuttle (if arranged)
Some surf-focused stays organize transport, which removes the need to figure anything out after arrival.
Bus (Budget Option)
From the airport, the journey usually involves a combination of local buses or colectivos, often requiring around three separate rides and taking close to two hours in total.
It can work if you’re traveling light and comfortable navigating local transport, but after a flight — especially with a board or luggage — most surfers find a taxi or pre-arranged transfer to be a much easier option.
The drive itself is part of the experience. As you leave the busier areas around Zihuatanejo and follow the coastline, things start to open up.
Traffic fades, the road narrows, and the pace naturally slows down.
What the Arrival Feels Like
This is usually the moment where the trip really begins.
You turn off the main road, and suddenly you’re on a quieter stretch heading toward the ocean. Dirt roads, palm trees, and glimpses of the coastline start to replace the more built-up areas.
It’s not dramatic — just gradual.
But by the time you arrive, it already feels different from a typical tourist destination.
If you’re curious what the days look like once you’re there, we describe that in What a Day on a Surfari in Mexico Actually Looks Like.
Planning Your Travel Timing
A small detail that makes a difference is your arrival time.
Landing earlier in the day gives you a smoother transition, especially if you’re organizing your own transport. It also gives you time to settle in, check the ocean, and maybe even catch a first session.
If you arrive later in the evening, it’s still manageable — just a bit quieter, with less visibility on the road.
Either way, it’s a relatively easy final stretch compared to many surf destinations.
Staying Close to the Waves
One of the advantages of Troncones is that once you arrive, everything is close.
Most accommodations are within walking distance of the beach, and depending on where you stay, you may be just minutes from the water.
Places like Troncones Point Hostel are set up with surfers in mind — close to the ocean, simple to settle into, and connected to the rhythm of the area.
For a deeper look at what it’s like staying here and surfing the area, you can read Surfing Troncones, Mexico: What to Expect.
Connecting Your Trip
Getting to Troncones is just one part of the trip — how you structure your time once you’re there makes the bigger difference.
Some surfers prefer to keep things flexible, while others find it easier to have a more organized setup so they can focus on the water.
If you're still planning the bigger picture, our Mexico Surf Trip Guide breaks down locations, timing, and what to expect across the country.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Troncones isn’t complicated — it just feels a little more remote than it actually is.
A short flight, a simple drive, and you’re in a place where the pace slows down and the ocean becomes the focus. And once you arrive, the logistics tend to fade into the background pretty quickly.
What matters more is how you use your time there.
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