BajaNomad

CROSSING THE BORDER IN MEXICALI

bball123 - 4-10-2025 at 12:00 PM

I'm checking on the status of times to cross the border to Calexico from Mexicali. In past years I have driven around Baja and when I go back to the USA I cross at Mexicali. I am wondering how the wait time is at the border. Usually I stay overnight in San Felipe and leave in the early morning about 3:30 or 4 AM and when I get to the border it is easy with not hardly much of a wait. Is it still the same or has the border crossing slowed down?
Thank you for the responses.

bajapedro - 4-10-2025 at 02:07 PM

Best to check @ www.bwt.cbp.gov before you leave or once you get to Mexicali. it's different from day to day and depending which crossing you use , as well as time of day and if you have Sentri or can use the ready lane.

AKgringo - 4-10-2025 at 05:37 PM

I crossed northbound at Mexicali west on either Tuesday or Wednesday in early January, about 10: 30 or so. I used the ready lane and total time was probably under 20 minutes!

On another crossing a couple years ago I happened to cross on a holiday and the time was about two hours. I really need to plan better and use a calendar!

mtgoat666 - 4-10-2025 at 06:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bball123  
I'm checking on the status of times to cross the border to Calexico from Mexicali… Is it still the same or has the border crossing slowed down?
Thank you for the responses.


Havent noticed a change, still long lines like usual!

Tourists, commuters and transporters still experiencing inefficient crossings! Not holding my breath for the Dept of Govt Efficiency to make the border crossings more efficient…

surabi - 4-11-2025 at 09:04 AM

Google maps will show you if the traffic is backed up and where at any given time.
There will of course be heavy traffic everywhere starting later this next week for Semana Santa.

Although I would anticipate a lot less Mexican-Americans crossing the border south to visit family over the holidays, due to being afraid of being detained at the border when trying to return.

[Edited on 4-11-2025 by surabi]

Tecate

msawin - 4-11-2025 at 07:15 PM

We came back north February 27th Wednesday a little before noon and crossed at Tecate . I should not be posting this……. There was NO ONE in line…

that’s only happened one other time. Tecate

I know this thread is Mexicali but. It’s only a hour away

mtgoat666 - 4-11-2025 at 07:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by msawin  
We came back north February 27th Wednesday a little before noon and crossed at Tecate . I should not be posting this……. There was NO ONE in line…

that’s only happened one other time. Tecate

I know this thread is Mexicali but. It’s only a hour away


Dude,
Get sentri or global entry. Or go cheap and get a PP card and use ready lane. Tecate is inconvenient.

Google won't show me Mexicali West as crossing option

elfbrewery - 4-14-2025 at 01:08 PM

I had a not-so-great crossing a few years ago at Mexicali East (took too long and out of the way). I found a better way to get to Mexicali West and started looking into it for a friend. Google won't give me the option. What's up? The crossing is still open, correct? I can still go west from Calz. Justo Sierra along Cristóbal Colón to get there? Just wondering if there is something going on and whether it is temporary. Leaving next Monday (day after Easter), crossing Tuesday morning around 08:30.
Cheers!

AKgringo - 4-14-2025 at 02:02 PM

Searches are not something I am particularly good at, but I wonder if searching for Calexico West would work?

mtgoat666 - 4-14-2025 at 02:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by elfbrewery  
I had a not-so-great crossing a few years ago at Mexicali East (took too long and out of the way). I found a better way to get to Mexicali West and started looking into it for a friend. Google won't give me the option. What's up? The crossing is still open, correct? I can still go west from Calz. Justo Sierra along Cristóbal Colón to get there? Just wondering if there is something going on and whether it is temporary. Leaving next Monday (day after Easter), crossing Tuesday morning around 08:30.
Cheers!


For normal lane go westward along the border fence (Cristobal Colon). The sentri lane is different.

If you dont have an address for map app, just drop a pin and navigate to pin, but keep in mind you want to go westward along fence road.

elfbrewery - 4-14-2025 at 03:13 PM

OK. I have the route, just wanted to make sure there wasn't construction or anything else causing Google to take me out of my way.
Thanks!