Every road to Real de Catorce passes Matehuala, Cedral and Estación Catorce before disappearing into the 2.3 kilometers of tunnel that emerge inside the town.
The classic route starts in Matehuala: from there it's roughly 60 km by road (over an hour through the mountain stretch), passing Cedral and Estación Catorce, to the mouth of the Ogarrio Tunnel. From the city of San Luis Potosí it's about 254 km: count at least three and a half hours plus stops.
The final mountain stretch is curvy: it's best to arrive in daylight the first time. Cross the tunnel slowly, headlights on.
Long-distance buses reach Matehuala from all over Mexico (it sits on highway 57, the Mexico–Monterrey corridor). From Matehuala, continue toward Cedral and Estación Catorce by local transport or a taxi agreed in advance.
Inside Real de Catorce the best transport is your own two feet: the cobblestone streets and slopes make walking part of the experience. For the surroundings (Potrero, La Luz, Los Catorce, San Antonio de Coronados), horseback rides and Willys 4x4s are rented right in town.