Major city · United States
MarathonMarathon, Texas
Half-day stop or one-night base for Big Bend: see the Gage Hotel, grab a coffee, then drive on. Not a destination on its own.
Marathon is a tiny ranching town on US-90, 30 miles north of Big Bend National Park. Its main draw is the restored Gage Hotel, a 1920s landmark with a cafe and spa. Most travellers use it as a quick break or a quiet overnight before heading into the park or to Marfa.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun–Aug (extreme heat), Dec–Feb (cold nights)
- Airports
- MAF · ELP
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Marathon911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Marathon, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe; the main risks are heat, dehydration and wildlife on the road at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMAF Midland International Air & Space Port (About 2 h 15 min drive; rental car required.).
- Getting aroundMarathon is walkable in 15 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffeecheck$4–6
- Sit-down mealGage Hotel dinner (entrée)check$25–45
- Budget bedGage Hotel original building room (shared bath), a night, per roomUS$90
- Mid-range bedGage Hotel original building room (shared bath), a night, per roomUS$120
- High-end bedGage Hotel original building room (shared bath), a night, per roomUS$150
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MAF Midland International Air & Space Port (About 2 h 15 min drive; rental car required.) · ELP El Paso International Airport (About 3 h 30 min drive.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Feb
Avoid
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jul
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Dec
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C) low), wettest Jul (5 rain days), driest Mar (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Marathon: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
3 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
3 rd
Mar
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
2 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
2 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4 rd
Jun
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4 rd
Jul
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Nov
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
2 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Marathon is walkable in 15 minutes. A car is essential to reach Big Bend National Park or nearby towns.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 30 min
Drive south on US-385, about 30 min to the Persimmon Gap entrance
Full day needed for the park; entry fee per vehicle.
Door to door: 30 min
Drive west on US-90, about 30 min
Art galleries, Marfa Lights viewing platform.
Door to door: 25 min
Drive west on US-90, about 25 min
Restaurants, Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend.
Door to door: 45 min
Drive north on TX-17, about 45 min
McDonald Observatory star parties; check schedule.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Gage Hotel and vicinity
The only real lodging cluster; rooms in the original building, annex or nearby houses.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Gage Hotel Los Portales annex room1 × 1 night × US$200 | US$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Coffee at Marathon Coffee2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Distillery tasting2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$54 |
| Trip total≈ US$297 per person per day, bed included | US$594 |
check
2026 estimate in USD; car rental and park entry excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffeecheck | $4–6 |
| Distillery tasting flightcheck | $10–20 |
| Gage Hotel dinner (entrée)check | $25–45 |
| Gas (per gallon)check | $3–4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No gas station in town? Check before you arrive; the nearest fuel is in Alpine (25 miles west).
- Cell service can be spotty; download offline maps.
- Summer heat is severe: carry water even for a short walk.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MarathonMarathon, Texas
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Take me to this address, pleaseTake me to this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
Nearest consular services: El Paso (Mexican consulate) or Midland (check). Most embassies are in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Marathon → Big Bend NP (Persimmon Gap): about 30 min drive
- Marathon → Marfa: about 30 min drive
- Marathon → Alpine: about 25 min drive
Say or show
- Howdy — Hello
- Thanks — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where's the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Marathon. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Aug (extreme heat), Dec–Feb (cold nights) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place page for Gage Hotel with room types and seasonal rates.
- Eat page for Marathon Coffee and Desert Ghost Distilling.
- Day-trip page for Big Bend National Park from Marathon.
Sources
- officialMarathon official website
- officialGage Hotel
- officialDesert Ghost Distilling Company
- secondaryWikivoyage: Marathon (Texas), revision 5328321 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Marathon
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