By Plane
Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport — opened in 1929 and is rich in history. Famous flyers such as Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart have all been a part of the airports history.

Whether you're traveling to or from the Tropical Tip of Texas on business or pleasure, Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport is the closest, most convenient airport to South Padre Island at just 23 miles, and Matamoros, Mexico just five miles via four international bridges in downtown Brownsville.

The Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport has all jets, all the time.

Brownsville has a variety of modern services to meet traveler needs. Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport has scheduled and charter flights. Continental Airlines provides service connections to Houston on several flights daily. At the airport, several national and regional car rental companies operate. Parking is free of charge.

By Bus
With the only mass transportation system south of San Antonio, Brownsville offers an easy and inexpensive means for residents and visitors alike to move around the city. The system operates six days a week, fourteen hours a day to provide transportation for the growing demands of the population.

The city operates 14 state-of-the-art buses that serve 11 routes. The bus routes begin at 6am and end at 7pm. Regular fare is $1.00, student fare is .75, and senior citizens and disabled passengers pay only 50c. Para transit service is available for $1.50. For route information call (956) 548-6050.

Additionally, a variety of private bus company’s operate routes to areas all over Texas and the United States.

By Auto
Taxicabs and rental cars are available throughout the area.

New Texas residents must obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days after establishing residence here (out-of-state students and those in the armed forces are exempt). Licenses are issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety located at 2901 Paredes Line Rd., Brownsville, TX 78526 or call 956-983-1920. The fee to obtain a Texas Driver’s license is $24.00.

A booklet describing Texas driving rules and regulations is available at the (DPS) office for home study prior to taking the written exam.

Automobiles must be registered (as well as licensed) within 30 days of arrival in Cameron County at the County Tax Assessor/Collector's Office located at 964 E. Harrison St, Brownsville, TX, in the first floor of the Cameron County Court House Administrative Building. 956-544-0800.

Prior to registration (and annually thereafter), the vehicle must receive a safety inspection at an authorized service station or garage. In addition to an inspection sticker, you must also present a certificate of title and proof of sales tax (if bought out of state) and proof of insurance.

Automobile liability insurance is mandatory in the State of Texas, and drivers are required to carry proof of insurance at all times.

State law also requires drivers and all passengers in the front seat to wear a seatbelt or ride in a restraining device.

Children from infancy to 2 years of age must be strapped into approved infant car seats, and children from 2-4 years old must ride in either approved seats or a standard automobile seat belt.