After the San Felipe race, I need to head to Arizona. Which crossing into the US is faster, easier, chocolateier: Algodones or San Luis? Think: speed
and ease to I-8. Using sat images, it appears that San Luis has more lanes. Your thoughts, for favor?Udo - 2-2-2016 at 04:41 PM
Thanks for responding. Just curious, but why do you say it's an easier crossing?David K - 2-2-2016 at 04:48 PM
The cotton fields!chippy - 2-2-2016 at 05:03 PM
I think San Luis is faster and easier but this is based on using it (San Luis) only 2 times going to Mesa Az.
I've used Algodones a few times and never found it easy crossing North. South was easier.bajabuddha - 2-2-2016 at 05:52 PM
Go all the way to Sonoyta, IF it's on a week-day, late morning or very early afternoon.
Watch for gunfire (o/j, kinda).StuckSucks - 2-2-2016 at 06:10 PM
Thanks for the thoughts everybody.
Sonoyta, eh? That's 170km farther than the other two ways. That said, I've never been to Rocky Point or Sonoyta. I have been to Ajo.Tioloco - 2-2-2016 at 06:49 PM
Stuck-
I live in Yuma and use both pretty regularly. It depends on day and time. Each have their advantages and disadvantages. For example- San Luis is
swamped weekdays from about 3am til about 7am. Algodones can be as well but generally not nearly as bad. Either can be a bear Sunday night but
currently Algodones is easier at that time. Overall, Algodones is probably your best bet. basautter - 2-2-2016 at 07:11 PM
I have done both many times. San Luis going south, Algodones going north. Either way, get there early. Best of luck!Tioloco - 2-2-2016 at 08:18 PM
If you go Algodones, don't forget they open daily at 6am and closes nightly at 10pm. The gate shuts at 10pm no matter how many cars are still in line
waiting.... Even if you are next in line to cross.... Don't ask how I learned that lesson!CortezBlue - 2-2-2016 at 08:19 PM
Here are your options
1. East Gate Mexicali- More lanes than either SL or Algadones, also has a Ready Lane if you have a Passport Card with the chip, (No you can't use a
Passport with a chip in it)
2. Algadones- is an option, but you have to cut through the back roads and go through a few small towns that you need to slow way down. Once you are
in town if the traffic is thick you will have to weave your way through town and it can be a long line of cars.
3. SL- has a limited narrow passage for SENTRI and for regular crossing. I don't think they have a Ready Lane, but I am not sure.
I would cross at Mexicali East just because of the number of lanes and the closeness to San FelipeTioloco - 2-2-2016 at 08:27 PM
San Luis does have a Ready LaneStuckSucks - 2-2-2016 at 08:46 PM
Great information, thanks everyone!!
Ahhh, SENTRI - not signed up, but need to.
re: early. I'm guessing we'll be crossing where ever around 10am Sunday.
So it sounds like pluses and negatives for both. OK, I'm psyched to sit in line and and watch the ladies sell Chicklets.Sweetwater - 2-3-2016 at 11:24 AM
I've been through both on bikes. Cut through to the front and both are very quick. If I was in a crate, I think I'd take San Luis. It's designed to
move traffic more efficiently. Then again, I remember a long line of 18 wheelers there......Pappy Jon - 2-3-2016 at 12:46 PM
Algodones, or Lukeville. Algodones can take awhile. When I crossed at Sonoyta/Lukeville it was crazy fast.soylent_green - 2-3-2016 at 01:27 PM
download border app and keep eye on what it says. Maybe Mexicali east will be way to go.
Algodones seem to remember has a sharp turn - pulling a trailer might be a b-tch if you are doing it.
San Luis has a ready lane.
No matter what I'd pick San Luis because I'd stop at Maxi Tortas for breakfast there. good food.StuckSucks - 2-3-2016 at 05:37 PM
Did some more homework and it looks like Sonoyta only adds 60km if I stick to the 2. The border app shows super fast there, so for an excuse to see
more Mexico, I think this is going to be the plan. Sin pistola.
Thanks everyone for the help!bajabuddha - 2-3-2016 at 05:42 PM
Did some more homework and it looks like Sonoyta only adds 60km if I stick to the 2. The border app shows super fast there, so for an excuse to see
more Mexico, I think this is going to be the plan. Sin pistola.
Thanks everyone for the help!
First stretch outa San Luis RC is 4 lane and flat.... but the last 30-40 miles to Sonoyta are quite striking; the big mountains to the south are the
El Pinacate Parqe Nacional, a huge volcanic area I used to camp in all the time. Alas with the cartels now it's pretty off-limits unless you're with
a guided tour outa PP, but still a neat drive through there. If you haven't done it, worth the trip just for the look-see.
Sonoyta has two speeds; quick and easy, and tourista rush. Weekdays are usually a breeze; just think about half of Tucson and Phoenix area all trying
to "get home before the rush starts".... Sat, Sun & holidays, fuggedaboudit. Buen Viaje.
bbSweetwater - 2-5-2016 at 09:53 AM
Wow, Lukeville/Sonoyta is an option? Been through there once, on a weekday, it was so quiet you could hear the breeze lifting sand grains.
