I usually use East, but it closes early. What is the best approach to the line for the West port from Mex 5?
Good luck!
AKgringo - 3-6-2021 at 10:43 AM
I do not have current information for you, just a caution. I crossed northbound there just before Thanksgiving, and it was a hodge podge of temporary
detours that took me miles west of the usual route to the border.
I am sure that it is probably different now than it was then, but I would not trust any information more than a few weeks old.
I do not have SENTRI or GOES, but I am not sure that there was even a different approach that was reasonably signed to get to the right line for those
who do.ehall - 3-6-2021 at 11:02 AM
Follow orange construction signs that say Calexico. Do not use google maps or you will be in sentri laneDon Jorge - 3-6-2021 at 11:22 AM
Just crossed there last Sunday.
We used Google to get us in right direction then as mentioned we followed the orange signs saying Calexico. It is a bit confusing and if the border
line is long the orange Calexico signs will get you into the hell of merging into the already in line folks and we all know how that dance goes. JZ - 3-6-2021 at 12:27 PM
Get Sentri ppl.
West Crossing Map
RFClark - 3-6-2021 at 03:47 PM
Here is how we go for the non-sentry crossing.
Basically you need to get into the crossing lane next to the border wall along Ave. Cristóbal Colon there are choices so watch the signs and look for
the line of cars. The crossing lane is on the north side of the concrete road divider.
Sorry for the map, I’m not DK!
BajaBlanca - 3-6-2021 at 03:50 PM
It is very confusing due to the construction.
We ended up paying a taxi to show us, quite funny but it worked!bajafreaks - 3-6-2021 at 04:33 PM
I am going in a few weeks and have always come back tecate. Even though east closes early has anyone compared the two as far which one is easier to
navigate ? Going north.David K - 3-6-2021 at 04:48 PM
RF, you did better than I, amigo!
'Mothership' came back at Calexico West a couple days ago and he said it was a total breeze his way... which is to come back north on the original
route south through town (with the train tracks in the center aka Blvd. Adolfo Lopez Mateos). Look at Google maps which still calls it Hwy. 5.
When you reach Calz. James W. Stone, go west (it actually dips southwest). This is about four block from the old border. Soon you come to the new road
from the new border where you turn north (Calzada de los Presidentes).
Mando said the choices between Sentri and Regular lanes is clearly signed.Lee - 3-6-2021 at 09:25 PM
I am going in a few weeks and have always come back tecate. Even though east closes early has anyone compared the two as far which one is easier to
navigate ? Going north.
If you crossed at Calexico West and went 1 mile up Chavez to hgwy 98, it would take minutes getting to this intersection from the border.
If you crossed at Calexico East, you would be 9 miles from this intersection (98/Chavez).
If I were going West, say San Diego, I would still use Calexico East.
After crossing last Sunday at 8:30am, breakfast in Yuma, made Flagstaff about 3pm.
JZ - 3-6-2021 at 09:58 PM
The thing about East is you can go a back way and avoid 90% of the Mexicali city traffic.
Going South go through the West crossing. Going North go through the East crossing. If you are coming from Arizona, go through the East both
directions.
Get Global Entry with Sentri. Can't believe how many on here don't do this.
[Edited on 3-7-2021 by JZ]PaulW - 3-7-2021 at 09:47 AM
For non sentry/ready
When east is open it is always better than west. West traffic is another down side compared to east.
When east is closed west really sucks.
Same comment applies for Algodones, except no sentry/ready, only one track both N & S.AKgringo - 3-7-2021 at 10:49 AM
Regarding the route that RF Clark posted, I am pretty sure that my exodus started to the east of the blue line he showed us.
Following the signs to the best of my ability, I wound up on the alternate route during a busy time, and it was combat bumper cars trying to merge
with angry drivers in the solid blue line route!
The only bright spot for me that day, was a street performance by a couple of the smallest, cutest, future juggling act performers that brought a
smile to my face.
