Where Was the Movie Traffic Filmed?

The critically acclaimed movie Traffic was filmed across a wide array of locations to authentically portray its expansive narrative, encompassing diverse settings from bustling U.S. cities to cartel-controlled territories in Mexico.

Extensive Filming Locations for Traffic

To capture the complex, interwoven storylines of drug trafficking, law enforcement, and political intrigue, director Steven Soderbergh and his crew utilized numerous real-world locations. This extensive approach lent the film a gritty realism and a sweeping geographical scope.

Key Filming Destinations

Filming for Traffic spanned multiple states in the United States and various cities in Mexico, reflecting the international nature of the drug trade depicted in the movie.

• United States:

  • Las Cruces, New Mexico: Significant scenes were filmed in Southern New Mexico, including at a small, managed airport in the area. Filming activities took place in May 2000, following preliminary visits.
  • San Diego, California: Many scenes depicting the U.S.-Mexico border and coastal areas were shot here.
  • Washington D.C.: Political and governmental storylines were primarily filmed in the nation's capital, showcasing the federal aspect of the drug war.
  • El Paso, Texas: This border city served as another key location for scenes related to border crossings and the drug trade.
  • Columbus, Ohio: Additional plot segments, particularly those involving drug use and domestic impact, were filmed in this Midwestern city.

• Mexico:

  • Tijuana, Baja California: Known for its proximity to the U.S. border, Tijuana provided a crucial backdrop for the film's cross-border dynamics and cartel operations.
  • Mexico City: As the capital, Mexico City offered urban settings to depict the broader societal impact and political maneuvering within Mexico.
  • Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua: This city, a major transit point for drugs, was utilized to portray key drug trafficking pathways and the intense realities faced by those involved.

Capturing the Diverse Narrative

The selection of these diverse locations was crucial for Traffic's storytelling, allowing the film to seamlessly transition between the lives of drug lords, law enforcement officials, politicians, and addicts. From the quiet deserts of New Mexico to the bustling streets of Mexico City, each location contributed to the film's immersive and compelling portrayal of the war on drugs from multiple perspectives.