Getting to Starbase and Boca Chica
Plan the Highway 4 approach and check restrictions before travelling from Brownsville or South Padre Island.
The mainland approach
State Highway 4 approaches Boca Chica from the Brownsville area. Use TxDOT's Highway 4 project information for road context and the City's access notices for changing beach and road restrictions.
From South Padre Island
Plan the mainland road journey rather than assuming a direct road crossing to Boca Chica. Our South Padre trip guide connects the destinations without promising a travel time or an open road.
A shuttle is not automatically a Starbase tour
SPI Surf Shuttle lists airport transportation separately from its Starbase tour. Confirm the exact destination and inclusions when booking. This guide does not claim that ordinary island transit reaches Boca Chica.
Check notices again before the final approach. Road conditions, traffic and restrictions can change a journey; no fixed airport-to-beach travel time is promised here.
Information reviewed 2026-10-25.