BajaNomad - Average Driving Time Tecate -Ensenada?

Average Driving Time Tecate -Ensenada?

DeMinimis - 3-1-2010 at 03:14 PM

Perhaps its buried here somewhere. Seems like I read it at one time. Alas. Can someone give me an estimated travel time from the Tecate crossing to Ensenada? Thanks!!

mulegemichael - 3-1-2010 at 03:19 PM

depends, of course, on the construction encountered but figure no more than an hour to an hour and a half...it's gets better every year

DeMinimis - 3-1-2010 at 03:23 PM

Thanks! That doesn't sound like its much longer than from TJ to Ensenada. I know its approx 72 miles, so why wouldn't I cross at Tecate (rhetorical question I suppose).
Thanks again!

mulegemichael - 3-1-2010 at 03:28 PM

one of the main reasons to cross at tecate is there is very seldom ANY wait time and the crossing folks are REALLY laid back..

DeMinimis - 3-1-2010 at 03:35 PM

TJ is a little too action-packed for my tastes this trip. Mexicali (east -last year) was better (although it took a while to actually get out of the city's gravitational pull). Since working down the west side this time, Tecate seems like the way to go. Just want to make sure I'm not adding too much time on the front end as want to make GN by nightfall. Hoping to get the immigration stuff out of the way the day before so we don't have to wait for the bank to open in the AM. Anyone know what time the banco closes at Tecate? Thanks.

Bajahowodd - 3-1-2010 at 04:15 PM

Tecate has been heralded as a time saver for N/B traffic. But, when it comes to S/B, in my opinion, you are better off going through SY. This also brings up the question as to why it is so important to get to GN that evening. Please forgive me, but, I always thought that people's romance with Baja was that is was mas tranquilo and time slows down. Folks who always want to get way South fast, just don't understand what pleasant adventures await, if they just slow down and make a few stops. Places such as San Quintin, El Rosario, offer great accommodations and good restaurants. I have to admit that there have been times when I was N/B, when I just wanted to travel as far and fast as possible. But that had more to do with pressing work issues NOB. Years ago, I gave up the idea of trying to set some sort of land speed record while driving south. But that's just me.

Bob and Susan - 3-1-2010 at 04:19 PM

bring a heater ...

its COLD on the pacifico side :saint:

DeMinimis - 3-1-2010 at 04:58 PM

Meeting up with some folks down south, so gots to beat feet (plus loosing a day in CA due to some truck mods that I can not forgo, so we're behind the eight ball before we even cross the border). The relaxing part of the trip starts in La Ventana and the leisurely beach hopping after that.

B&S, we'll be spending much of our trip near you guys (well, south a wee bit), so it had better be warm!!

Camping options near SY are not what we're looking for, so crossing at Tecate this trip.

David K - 3-1-2010 at 05:30 PM

It's a long drive east to Tecate only to return to the coast again... southbound.

Crossing at Tijuana and getting on the Scenic Route (Toll Road) right away avoids most traffic and most of the city. Just that first right turn off the bridge, past the border, is a doosey. Also, the 24/7 INM office and bank teller for Tourist Cards is at Tijuana.

Northbound it is worth the extra 40 miles or so back to San Diego just to avoid the Tijuana wait times and traffic.

DeMinimis - 3-1-2010 at 05:42 PM

We'll be coming back via Mexicali.

Sleeping in that parking lot at the border is a drag and that's a major reason for trying out Tecate. We'll be leaving San Bernardino around 1:30pm (after the tank install), so we'll have time to kick around (thinking of getting our tourist cards that afternoon if the bank is open in Tecate). Hitting the Potrero campground the evening before we cross seems a better idea this trip.

alafrontera - 3-2-2010 at 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Northbound it is worth the extra 40 miles or so back to San Diego just to avoid the Tijuana wait times and traffic.

Not to hijack but would it also be worth going thru Tecate when returning (to SD) from San Felipe? Wait time was over two hours at the "new" Mexicali border lat time.

I doubt it

Dave - 3-2-2010 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by alafrontera

Not to hijack but would it also be worth going thru Tecate when returning (to SD) from San Felipe? Wait time was over two hours at the "new" Mexicali border lat time.

Using Mexicali you have a straight shot back on 8. Tecate puts you on 94. The route is much slower... Unless you can't stand waiting in line.

David K - 3-2-2010 at 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by alafrontera

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Northbound it is worth the extra 40 miles or so back to San Diego just to avoid the Tijuana wait times and traffic.

Not to hijack but would it also be worth going thru Tecate when returning (to SD) from San Felipe? Wait time was over two hours at the "new" Mexicali border lat time.

Yes... in fact, we usually go to Tecate after a San Felipe area trip... use the new toll short cut to avoid any Mexicali traffic, northbound.

Last trip, we tryed Mexicali for the heck of it... was a Monday early afternoon, and we still had a 2 hour wait I think... Next time, Tecate!!

David K - 3-2-2010 at 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Using Mexicali you have a straight shot back on 8. Tecate puts you on 94. The route is much slower... Unless you can't stand waiting in line.

Normally... but since 9-11, Mexicali and Mexicali East have been a real bummer to wait in line at. If you don't mind a long wait and also don't want to pay the approx. $10 US in tolls to Tecate... then cross at Mexicali northbound.

[Edited on 3-2-2010 by David K]

DeMinimis - 3-3-2010 at 03:14 PM

On our return last year, we were at Mexicali (east) for about two hours too.

The boss was agreeable to crossing at TJ again this trip, so thanks for the above info, but looks like it was for naught. Looks like another sleepless night in the border parking lot as we always seem to park next to the drunk college kids.

If You Can't beat Them, Join Them

Bajahowodd - 3-3-2010 at 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DeMinimis
On our return last year, we were at Mexicali (east) for about two hours too.

The boss was agreeable to crossing at TJ again this trip, so thanks for the above info, but looks like it was for naught. Looks like another sleepless night in the border parking lot as we always seem to park next to the drunk college kids.

mulegemichael - 3-3-2010 at 03:29 PM

there is no reason to NOT do tecate...none!....it's too cool, laid back, easy, all that stuff....really!...do what ya want, but at this point, tecate is the only way to go...

DeMinimis - 3-3-2010 at 03:34 PM

I think that me in TJ on a bender would pretty much be a recipe for disaster. The wife would be worse, probably damaging US-Mexico relations beond repair.

David K - 3-3-2010 at 03:58 PM

Why sleepless... isn't there state park options in Chula Vista, or the KOA or a motel perhaps? Debra used to stay at a real nice park out by Otay Lakes... I think?

DeMinimis - 3-3-2010 at 04:02 PM

Will go with what I know. Set up shop in the parking lot, cross for tourist cards, cross back and chill until the first hints of the sunrise appear on the horizon....then varooom.

Look Out Below!

Bajahowodd - 3-3-2010 at 04:31 PM

then varooom.

k-rico - 3-3-2010 at 05:47 PM

Somebody mentioned going to Tecate from Mexicali.

I've been on that hiway and there is a westbound checkpoint just before the La Rumorosa uphill climb that can back up for an hour or more. It's horrible, avoid it at all costs.

David K - 3-3-2010 at 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
Somebody mentioned going to Tecate from Mexicali.

I've been on that hiway and there is a westbound checkpoint just before the La Rumorosa uphill climb that can back up for an hour or more. It's horrible, avoid it at all costs.

K-Rico... you muct have been in the truck lane?

Get into the left lane and pass the 'mile' of trucks and get right up to the checkpoint... where we almost always get waved through... done this many times.

San Felipe to San Diego, via the Libramente Mexicali toll road 2-D and Highway 2-D to Tecate... 3 tolls.

k-rico - 3-3-2010 at 06:05 PM

Miles of trucks were in all the lanes. It really sucked. This was last May and it was hotter than hell, (the checkpoint is in the desert) I thought my old dog wasn't going to make it. The truck was starting to overheat just sitting there not moving with the A/C on so I had to shut it down. It was miserable.

mulegemichael - 3-3-2010 at 06:11 PM

and at tecate there is NONE of that...what's the problem here?....i don't quite get it????...no complications, no hassles, no problemo...

k-rico - 3-3-2010 at 06:13 PM

we're talking getting to Tecate from Mexicali

David K - 3-3-2010 at 06:29 PM

Right... at the foot of the Cantu/ Rumorosa Grade... bummer that the trucks hogged both lanes or that the military didn't keep them in one.

k-rico - 3-3-2010 at 06:34 PM

I've read reports in a daily TJ rag, La Frontera, of 3 hour backups there. Locals who use the road frequently are real upset.

Just tellin' ya what I know.

I don't know how frequently it gets backed up tho.

DianaT - 3-3-2010 at 07:36 PM

Yesterday, in the afternoon we had to wait 25 minutes at Tecate. For us, is a first for that time and in the middle of the week---usually we wait less than 5 minutes.

We asked the customs agent why and he said that the last few days there had been waits of 1 to 2 hours and they were trying to figure out what is going on.

Like most of the agents there, he was very nice and we were a little surprised that they are keeping track how often we cross. He greeted us by name and said, so you are crossing again---all very nice. There is only one real jerk there ---- a REAL jerk.

It took us 2 hours as there were delays from what looked like storm damage along with the construction.

k-rico - 3-4-2010 at 08:28 AM

Like most of the agents there, he was very nice and we were a little surprised that they are keeping track how often we cross. He greeted us by name and said, so you are crossing again.

That's interesting. Darned databases are getting bigger and bigger and more and more interconnected. Next they'll be reminding you to pay your upcoming utility bills, that your prescription medicines need to be refilled, and asking how you feel after your last battle with the flu and if you won any money on your last trip to Vegas. All from you license plate number.

wilderone - 3-4-2010 at 09:31 AM

Short answer : 1 1/2 hours from Tecate to Ensenada. I did that last week - going and returning - same time. The construction portion slows you down, but the finished part from the El Sauzal end is 65 mph. When I crossed into Tecate on a Friday evening, 6 pm - there was one car in front of me. I was sent to secondary for an agriculture check. Took about 15 minutes for that. If you're in the vicinity of the LA Cetto winery (after 10 am) and they're open, stop for some vino, olive oil. Down the road a bit from there at the Dona Maria's (? I think), you can get lemons too. Enjoy the drive.

wilderone - 3-4-2010 at 09:36 AM

One more comment. I wanted to get tourist card at Tecate, but no parking, so I blew it off, intending to tell my sad tale at the Baja Sur checkpoint. But at that checkpoint, they didn't check for tourist cards or check for fruit - only wanted $1 for pest spray. Also, there is ONE place at the US Tecate border shopping center where you can get dollars from ATM and exchange into pesos.

David K - 3-4-2010 at 09:44 AM

Oranges are a no-no, but lemons and sour limes are permitted. Is that why you got pulled into the Ag check? I declared my limes, and got pulled in there and it took them forever to figure out they were permitted... lol

toneart - 3-4-2010 at 10:08 AM

If I tout my favorite crossing, Tecate both directions, then you will probably be in the vehicle that is behind the others who have read this, and in front of me. So, no, don't go through Tecate! :biggrin:

If you do, it will take less than 1 1/2 hours to Ensenada through the beautiful wine country. You certainly don't want to do that. :no:

It is all too easy. That is not the usual chaos you have come to expect and fear. :yawn:

DianaT - 3-4-2010 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
If I tout my favorite crossing, Tecate both directions, then you will probably be in the vehicle that is behind the others who have read this, and in front of me. So, no, don't go through Tecate! :biggrin:

If you do, it will take less than 1 1/2 hours to Ensenada through the beautiful wine country. You certainly don't want to do that. :no:

It is all too easy. That is not the usual chaos you have come to expect and fear. :yawn:

Even the custom's agent agreed when we told him we were going to start telling everyone that VERY bad and VERY dangerous and it was much better to cross at San Ysidro. :biggrin:

He said they really did not know why the waits had been so long the last few days as it was not the weekend and not a holiday.

k-rico - 3-4-2010 at 10:15 AM

I agree that the Tecate crossing is by far the best. Everybody should use Tecate and stay away from horrible Tijuana and the San Ysidro crossing - please and thank you. :biggrin:

TECATE IS THE COOLEST PLACE IN THE WORLD!!!!

DianaT - 3-4-2010 at 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
I agree that the Tecate crossing is by far the best. Everybody should use Tecate and stay away from horrible Tijuana and the San Ysidro crossing - please and thank you. :biggrin:

TECATE IS THE COOLEST PLACE IN THE WORLD!!!!

Tecate will take you hours longer, you will always be put in secondary for hours and hours, the town is full of bandits, and the road----YUK and the scenery is NOTHING.

San Ysidro all the way!! :biggrin:

k-rico - 3-4-2010 at 10:30 AM

I think it's great they're improving the road from Ensenada to Tecate. Four lanes would be better of course. And that beautiful wine country, soon to be a tourist mecca. You'll be able to buy slingshots, Mexican yo-yos (they don't tie the string to it) blankets, Viagra, and Human Growth Hormone after you fill up on award winning Mexican Boones Farm. Paradise.

TJ to Ensenada? Nothing but ocean views. If you've seen one ocean, you've seen them all. And those kids throwing rocks from the overpasses?

Fuggetaboutit!!

Tecate, all the way, the way to go, hands down.

DeMinimis - 3-4-2010 at 10:43 AM

Okay all you pro-Tecate folks, can come someone please tell when the banco (closest to the crossing) closes on weekdays (need the tourist stamp)? Thanks.

DeMinimis - 3-4-2010 at 10:45 AM

Hey! Will I finally get a second star if I break 100 posts?

DeMinimis - 3-4-2010 at 10:47 AM

I wonder.....

David K - 3-4-2010 at 06:06 PM

Yes DeMinimis...

DENNIS - 3-4-2010 at 06:13 PM

He's wondering, David. Leave him alone while he's wondering. It might be important.

David K - 3-4-2010 at 06:16 PM

Okay Dennis.. I will back off! :lol:

wilderone - 3-4-2010 at 06:52 PM

" think it's great they're improving the road from Ensenada to Tecate."

Yes, I thought so too, until I wanted to stop at a restaurant for a little something because I was getting so hungary and knew I still had a couple hours til I got home. The traffic was going at least 65 mph on the new 4-lane highway - no turn pockets, in some cases, the road was widened closer to the businesses, and there's no place to safely pull off. I just kept driving and never did stop. I'm afraid the highway will only discourage people from stopping at the roadside businesses. Also, there was a guy in front of me who wanted to turn left into a rancho property, and he had to slow way down (he was literally in the fast lane of the highway) in order to wait to make his turn - no turn pockets. And they blasted the hills in order to make the width for the four lanes, but they're so sheer straight up and down. There were lots of evidence of rock slides after the rains. That will always be a hazard I think. I hate to criticize - the finished 4 lane highway is pretty nice, but I've always liked that road because it was a slower, rural, scenic route - not a super-highway. I don't think the entire way will be 4 lanes - I think the highway billboard said it was only so many KMs of improvement.

DeMinimis - 3-4-2010 at 08:29 PM

Yup, two stars. I have arrived.

Horas! Banco! Por facase
You know, just in case.

wilderone - 3-5-2010 at 08:06 AM

"Is that why you got pulled into the Ag check?"

The agent didn't ask me the usual stuff, but seemed to spend an excessive amount of time at the computer before and after he took my passport. He asked me how long I'd been in Mexico - 9 days - and then said he was sending me to secondary. I had a succulent plant in my clothes bag, a couple bags of arroyo sand, some rocks with dirt on them, shells, and some dates I had forgotten about,and an abalone shell tourist trinket. I was afraid they'd make me throw everything out - but he only took my trash bag because it had orange peels in it. He didn't care at all about the arroyo sand and didn't find the dates or plant.
PS: I have mixed feelings with that abalone shell with brass inset that says Ojo de Liebre" with a whale figure. They sell these undersized abalone shells at the whale watching place, and also at San Ignacio. They're real works of art. They also sell very small ab shells - an inch long - on a cord as a necklace for 150 pesos. I can't imagine there are that many dead abalone shells laying about that are used to make these - they must be harvested. I was told it was someone in Ensenada who makes them. Que lastima. sorry about the hijack - I'll post a photo when I figure it out.

Petey - 3-5-2010 at 08:42 AM

Northbound yesterday took me about 90 minutes

DENNIS - 3-5-2010 at 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Petey
Northbound yesterday took me about 90 minutes

Hey, Petey...Did you go through the construction zone? Give us a progress report if you did. Thanks.

DENNIS - 3-5-2010 at 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by wilderone
I can't imagine there are that many dead abalone shells laying about that are used to make these - they must be harvested.

Funny you should mention that. If your shells look newly harvested, they probably are, but above my house around the top of the hill, maybe 600 feet in the air, there are banks in the hillsides full of small Ab shells, maybe one inch across. This whole part of the penninsula was under water once upon a time.

rts551 - 3-5-2010 at 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
Yesterday, in the afternoon we had to wait 25 minutes at Tecate. For us, is a first for that time and in the middle of the week---usually we wait less than 5 minutes.

We asked the customs agent why and he said that the last few days there had been waits of 1 to 2 hours and they were trying to figure out what is going on.

Like most of the agents there, he was very nice and we were a little surprised that they are keeping track how often we cross. He greeted us by name and said, so you are crossing again---all very nice. There is only one real jerk there ---- a REAL jerk.

It took us 2 hours as there were delays from what looked like storm damage along with the construction.

30 minutes a couple of weeks ago. Got sent to secondary for the first time in years. Agent is secondary was very experienced and fast (took me in front of all the people who need their paperwork checked). He said the same thing... it was because I cross so often. When I explained why, he made a note and checked the back of the truck... was only concerned about which country the dog food was made in.

The bank is only open during the day. forget actual times...we have been paying south for my sn now that the border crossing bank is closed. San Ysidro would be easier for paperwork

DeMinimis - 3-5-2010 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

The bank is only open during the day. forget actual times...we have been paying south for my sn now that the border crossing bank is closed. San Ysidro would be easier for paperwork

Ding ding ding! We have a winner. Thank you for the bank info.