BajaNomad

Tecate Border Crossing

lwpa - 12-15-2010 at 02:57 PM

I have noticed a dramatic increase in the wait time at TJ and Otay Mesa. Up to 2 hrs. during mid week at Otay Mesa and sometimes over 2 hrs at TJ. We usually cross at Otay as we are coming north from Rosarito and the new highway there is great and the wait time is usually less than TJ making up for the extra distance as we have to then go back west to Hwy 805 north.

I was wondering if it might be worth going even farther east to Tecate and crossing there. It looks like from the point on the new highway that we turn off for Otay Mesa vs. going right on the Tecate toll road is only about another 15 miles amd the wait time at Tecate according to the Border Wait times is usually less than 30 mins. Do you think it is worth crossing at Tecate and if so, is the border crossing road hard to find or is it well marked? Thanks

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 03:12 PM

The Tecate option will add some time and driving to your trip. Not only is the Tecate Toll Road an additional 16 miles and 84 Pesos, it's 6 or7 miles further up 2000 than the Free Road to Tecate turn off. Both roads are good.
On the other side, the 94 can be an arduous task for some, given the very windy nature of the road and it takes time.

You should try all options, then make a choice that suits you.

My suggestion for familiarizing yourself with the road to the gate.......... pull off at McDonalds in town and enjoy clean restrooms and a gourmet snack and get directions from somebody there. It isn't far from there and it's easy to find, but not so easy to explain.

David K - 12-15-2010 at 03:36 PM

This is from part 2 of my Las Pintas Trip Report from last Sept. on the Nomad Baja Trip Reports Forum:

We took the free road north for Ensenada, and as before, it was in great shape and very little traffic. At Popotla, we hopped onto the Corredor 2000 for 18 miles to the free Tecate highway (Mex. 2) which is 4 lanes wide all the way... only a couple of traffic lights until Tecate, as well. Popotla to the Tecate Border was 38 miles.



Mexican Independence day was Sept. 16, and many flags were flying, including this nice display at the Pemex station in El Florido.

The Toyota Tacoma Factory is passed along Highway 2... this is where my truck was made! 'Built in Baja for the Baja!'





No place to pull over, so a bit blurred!

Here are some of the signs as you drive through Tecate showing you the way to the U.S. border:







We were in line for 20 minutes, around 6:30 pm Sunday... easy!

Keri - 12-15-2010 at 04:20 PM

We have to go across on Tues the 21st at Tecate. We are thinking of leaving La Mision around 5 in the morning. Will we hit the school/work traffic at that hour. Shoud we wait until 6 or 7? ,k PS David we always take the free road , coming in also. No problemas, Piece of cake,k

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 04:30 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Keri
We have to go across on Tues the 21st at Tecate. We are thinking of leaving La Mision around 5 in the morning. Will we hit the school/work traffic at that hour. Shoud we wait until 6 or 7? ,k PS David we always take the free road , coming in also. No problemas, Piece of cake,k


Hi Keri....I'm guessing that if you leave home at 5, you'll be right in the middle of work traffic at the gate at 6. If I were you, I'd stay home and drink Pacifico untill around 8 and hit the gate at 9.

Keri - 12-15-2010 at 04:37 PM

Dennis ,are you taking into acct that it is xmas shopping time. The border lines have been 3 and 4 hours again. Work / school maybe easier to handle. What do you think,k

[Edited on 12-15-2010 by Keri]

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 04:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Keri
Dennis ,are you taking into acct that it is xmas shopping time. The border lines have been 3 and 4 hours again. Work / school maybe easier to handle. What do you think,k



It's all guesswork for everybody, Keri, but I don't think you'll see a mob of Kmart shoppers in the Tecate border line at 9 AM although coming back through SY in the PM may be a bit upsetting.

I wonder how the new, tighter inspections by Mex at the border will affect the shopping crowd? Someone here once mentioned they lighten up on inspections around Christmas, but I don't believe that for a minute.

BornFisher - 12-15-2010 at 04:55 PM

The border is always crowded between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Keri--- tomorrow is the last day of school so no students on the 21st.

Bajahowodd - 12-15-2010 at 05:06 PM

I've said it before, and it also may just be that the construction on the road to Tecate from Ensenada to Tecate has contributed to longer lines at Otay and TJ, but once that construction is completed, Tecate is going to be much worse, simply because they don't have that many gates. After all, being able to traverse a modern road at 110kmh without paying a toll.......

Tecate Border Crossing

lwpa - 12-15-2010 at 05:17 PM

Thanks Nomads for the useful info.

SENTRI

bajaguy - 12-15-2010 at 10:15 PM

is the way to cross........at Otay

Fred - 12-16-2010 at 10:15 AM

As I said before I crossed at Tecate on Monday December 6th at 9:30 am and there were only SIX cars in front of me. I do understand with the Christmas season coming up these lines will be longer.

Fred