BajaNomad

Crossing at Los Algodones

Fernweh - 9-25-2016 at 09:27 AM

I need to travel to Yuma, AZ, and thought to cross the border at Los Algodones.
Never gone that route before, and I like to ask for some info/help.
What are the operational hours of that crossing?
Best route when turning off Hwy 5?
Approx. driving time from Hwy 1 at Chapala intersection?

Thank you
Karl

Bajazly - 9-25-2016 at 11:17 AM

Los Algodones s a pretty easy crossing meaning not very crowded. Longest I've waited is a little less than and hour and I've been the third car too.

It closes at 10 PM, on the dot I'm told even if you are in line so don't party in town too late.

Unfortunately the fastest way there off 5 is go up into Mexicali and turn east. If you have time and want to drive thru endless small towns you can turn east on several roads south of Mexicali but expect many altos and slow moving trucks.

Pescador - 9-25-2016 at 08:18 PM

Take the 4 lane bypass and take hey 2 which takes off just before entering San Luis. It is a very easy crossing this time of the year. Probably not so much when the people are in Yuma and parts around there. When I lived in Colorado we always crossed there both going north and south. The bypass is on the south side of Mexicali and is easy to find, just take the signs that show the road to San Luis.

MICK - 9-26-2016 at 06:54 AM

Heading north on 5 just past a big glass factory on the left you will see Hwy 2 cuota. You have to go past it then turn around to get on the road to San Luis. It cost 22 pesos last time I used it. Stay on that 4 lane road until you see why 2 los algodones not to far from San Luis. It is 1/2 hour north on that road.
Mick

Fernweh - 9-26-2016 at 07:18 AM

Thank you guys, for your detailed info.

David K - 9-26-2016 at 08:00 AM

Mick, if you are northbound on the 5, is not the onramp to San Luis direct to the right, and only if you want to go west to Tecate you must go on past the bridge and make a U-turn as the west access is for southbound-only traffic?

rts551 - 9-26-2016 at 08:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Mick, if you are northbound on the 5, is not the onramp to San Luis direct to the right, and only if you want to go west to Tecate you must go on past the bridge and make a U-turn as the west access is for southbound-only traffic?


[img][/img]

David K - 9-26-2016 at 08:29 AM

Thanks, that is why I asked it as a question... never gone east on that toll road. I thought there was a direct ramp, but didn't remember for certain.

AKgringo - 9-26-2016 at 08:45 AM

DK, I can't believe you got 'mapped' by Ralph!

Then here I come with the place name correction; It is just Algodones, no 'Los' prefix.

Fernweh - 9-26-2016 at 12:57 PM

and I just wanted to know the easiest way to Yuma.....Algodones;)

rts551 - 9-26-2016 at 01:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fernweh  
and I just wanted to know the easiest way to Yuma.....Algodones;)


3 options. Mexicali (east), Algodones, San Luis.

Going south I fund San Luis the easiest (although I like the drive after Algodones).

Going North I prefer Mexicali East as the fastest, and San Luis as the less stressfull or Algodones for the drive through the country. I alternate unless its the weekend and then it is Mexicali East becasue the others get busy and move slower. At least in my opinion.

Barry A. - 9-26-2016 at 01:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Mick, if you are northbound on the 5, is not the onramp to San Luis direct to the right, and only if you want to go west to Tecate you must go on past the bridge and make a U-turn as the west access is for southbound-only traffic?


[img][/img]


Assuming that the "map" is oriented NORTH, I don't see any on-ramp for going east at all?!?!?!?! Very strange intersection!!!

David K - 9-26-2016 at 01:28 PM

It is in that northbound all must make a dangerous u turn a block or two north of the bridge to become southbound. The east on ramp hugs the south off ramp, south side of bridge

rts551 - 9-26-2016 at 01:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
It is in that northbound all must make a dangerous u turn a block or two north of the bridge to become southbound. The east on ramp hugs the south off ramp, south side of bridge


no different in the u-turn when exiting 2d and heading south. People pulling trailers do it all the time with no danger...of course they look to see no one is coming.

Barry A. - 9-26-2016 at 01:40 PM

Ah HA---------now I see it. Thanks guys. (I still say it's a strange intersection) LOL

CortezBlue - 9-26-2016 at 07:15 PM

There is an app that shows crossing times. I would cross at the east gate in Calexico. The road from Hwy 2 to Los Algadones is slow and has many topos and once you get to the crossing you need to wind your way through the town to get to the crossing point.

Get the App and do some checking and then decide

PaulW - 9-26-2016 at 08:42 PM

Fernweh,
You have the detail for getting from 5 to 2
From 5 travel east to the 2nd Algodones exit which heads then directly N along the canal to town. 2 lane road with several villages along the way. Speed is always fast enough. When you get just past the waterworks bridge turn right at the 3 way stop. That road leads directly to the border.
Most times we have very little wait, but for sure there are busy times.
Of course after the border the road goes directly to I8 after the big casino.
On hwy 2 the PMEX at the airport exit is easy off/on for a rest stop which is handy in cast you get unlucky with a long wait at the border. However there is an attended public banos just before the border.

Fernweh - 9-30-2016 at 11:32 AM

Made it ok to Los Algodones.

A guy in town, offered my a complete dental examine, including x-rays, while sitting at the stop sign......

Already to cross over into the US, 5th car in line, a Mexican immigration official, pulled my out of the line, made me turn and enter Mexico again.
Asked if I stayed in San Felipe, Yes Sir, and if I live in the El Dorado compound, No Sir.
Told him that I live in La Paz. He then wanted to see my immigration documents, if I had any......
I flicked out my permanent Visa card, he looked at it, smiled and said: you are Mexican! Yes sir.
I did asked him, why he pulled my over. " I am a Mexican Immigration Official" he said " We are now checking the immigration status......."
We parted as friends, and I went around the block, to get back into the crossing line.
Few questions from the Homeland Officer, and I crossed the dotted line into the US.

Whoa, no more potholes in the road.......

rts551 - 9-30-2016 at 12:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Fernweh  
Made it ok to Los Algodones.

A guy in town, offered my a complete dental examine, including x-rays, while sitting at the stop sign......

Already to cross over into the US, 5th car in line, a Mexican immigration official, pulled my out of the line, made me turn and enter Mexico again.
Asked if I stayed in San Felipe, Yes Sir, and if I live in the El Dorado compound, No Sir.
Told him that I live in La Paz. He then wanted to see my immigration documents, if I had any......
I flicked out my permanent Visa card, he looked at it, smiled and said: you are Mexican! Yes sir.
I did asked him, why he pulled my over. " I am a Mexican Immigration Official" he said " We are now checking the immigration status......."
We parted as friends, and I went around the block, to get back into the crossing line.
Few questions from the Homeland Officer, and I crossed the dotted line into the US.

Whoa, no more potholes in the road.......


A check as you were exiting Mexico. That is a new one. For a long time they have checked people going south.

Fernweh - 9-30-2016 at 04:36 PM

Made it ok to Los Algodones.

A guy in town, offered my a complete dental examine, including x-rays, while sitting at the stop sign......

Already to cross over into the US, 5th car in line, a Mexican immigration official, pulled my out of the line, made me turn and enter Mexico again.
Asked if I stayed in San Felipe, Yes Sir, and if I live in the El Dorado compound, No Sir.
Told him that I live in La Paz. He then wanted to see my immigration documents, if I had any......
I flicked out my permanent Visa card, he looked at it, smiled and said: you are Mexican! Yes sir.
I did asked him, why he pulled my over. " I am a Mexican Immigration Official" he said " We are now checking the immigration status......."
We parted as friends, and I went around the block, to get back into the crossing line.
Few questions from the Homeland Officer, and I crossed the dotted line into the US.

Whoa, no more potholes in the road.......

crossing into Mexico at Algodones

john68 - 9-30-2016 at 08:04 PM

We are driving into Mexico at Algodones in a couple of weeks and driving on from there to Tijuana. Does Mexican immigration require a U.S. passport at this crossing or is it still pretty casual?

Thank you.

PaulW - 10-1-2016 at 06:30 AM

Algodones crossing has very strict immigration people. You will need a passport and need to buy the FMM.

Tucsonduner - 10-16-2016 at 11:45 AM

Is there a INM office in Algodones or do I have my FMM stamped in San Felipe?

rts551 - 10-16-2016 at 11:59 AM

In the immigration office at the border.

Tucsonduner - 10-16-2016 at 12:15 PM

Thank you, Is there ample parking for a trailer or should I walk across?

KasloKid - 10-16-2016 at 11:52 PM

There's little parking in Algodones, let alone with a trailer.
Park on the U.S. side (Andrade). There's a pay and park lot on your right as you approach the border. Do your paperwork in the morning as the snowbirds are arriving and it can take an hour or more to get back into the U.S. during the afternoon.
After you walk across, you'll be routed behind the IMM building and onto the street. Once on the street, turn left towards the border and IMM is on the left.
Google Earth is your friend to put everything into perspective.

Have a look at page one on this topic and you'll see how you get onto Mex 5. On Mex2, take Mex2D and carry onto the exit to San Felipe. You'll exit northbound to Mexicali, get into the left lane and in about 100 yards or less you'll see where everyone flips a U-Turn to go south.

[Edited on 10-17-2016 by KasloKid]

[Edited on 10-17-2016 by KasloKid]

[Edited on 10-17-2016 by KasloKid]

PaulW - 10-17-2016 at 05:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tucsonduner  
Thank you, Is there ample parking for a trailer or should I walk across?

== ==
Do not walk. Its a long way from a N park place to INM. Double park where the inm guy says
Trailer is difficult. Take the left at the 2nd stop sign then right at the next one and make a wide turn. Then left at the final tee intersection then on to 2D.

With my 14' flatbed and a vehicle on it I have given up using that crossing and now use Mex east.

durrelllrobert - 10-17-2016 at 10:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
DK, I can't believe you got 'mapped' by Ralph!

Then here I come with the place name correction; It is just Algodones, no 'Los' prefix.

Y'all can't pick no cotton in los Algodones no mo.

David K - 10-17-2016 at 10:20 AM

Correct Bob, no 'Los' on the map...

mtgoat666 - 10-17-2016 at 10:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Correct Bob, no 'Los' on the map...


Dk,
INEGI maps all use "Los Algodones"

willardguy - 10-17-2016 at 11:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Correct Bob, no 'Los' on the map...


Dk,
INEGI maps all use "Los Algodones"


so does wikipedia.....and they've never been wrong!;)

David K - 10-17-2016 at 11:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Correct Bob, no 'Los' on the map...


Dk,
INEGI maps all use "Los Algodones"


OK, let's see it...
I just posted a map that is usually spot on with names (nothing is 100%) that agreed with Bob. No biggie. Not as bad as spelling places wrong, like these common errors:
Puertocitos
Alphonsina's
Los Barilles (ugh!)
Guerro Negro
San Quinten
etc.

No 'Los'?

AKgringo - 10-17-2016 at 11:29 AM

My mistake! I started this because I was consulting the AAA map. Both Bing, and Google maps list it as Los Algodones, but I saw mapquest directions to just 'Algodones'.

Maybe someone passing through there could please report back on what the road signs (mainly US) say!

willardguy - 10-17-2016 at 11:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Correct Bob, no 'Los' on the map...


Dk,
INEGI maps all use "Los Algodones"


OK, let's see it...
I just posted a map that is usually spot on with names (nothing is 100%) that agreed with Bob. No biggie. Not as bad as spelling places wrong, like these common errors:
Puertocitos
Alphonsina's
Los Barilles (ugh!)
Guerro Negro
San Quinten
etc.


the shell island folks tend to misspell.....well it rhymes with "pauls liquor" :lol:

David K - 10-17-2016 at 12:00 PM

I have not seen that, but sometimes Gonzaga is spelled Willard!

rts551 - 10-17-2016 at 06:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
My mistake! I started this because I was consulting the AAA map. Both Bing, and Google maps list it as Los Algodones, but I saw mapquest directions to just 'Algodones'.

Maybe someone passing through there could please report back on what the road signs (mainly US) say!


The city maps for mexico from Garmin list it as Los Algodones as well. I'll send them a message to consult a Nomad next time.

BajaKeela - 10-18-2016 at 09:50 AM

NOTE...If going north into the US with a big rig ..it is impossible to turn into customs..a good look is important before crossing ..similar sharp turn as Tecate ..only worst.