lwpa
Junior Nomad
Posts: 38
Registered: 11-20-2010
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Tecate Border Crossing
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
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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Location: Punta Banda
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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.
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David K
Honored Nomad
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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!
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Keri
Super Nomad
Posts: 1393
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: La Mision, Baja Norte
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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
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
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Location: Punta Banda
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| 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
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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.
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Keri
Super Nomad
Posts: 1393
Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: La Mision, Baja Norte
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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]
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| 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
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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.
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BornFisher
Super Nomad
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Location: K-38 Santa Martha/Encinitas
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The border is always crowded between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Keri--- tomorrow is the last day of school so no students on the 21st.
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Bajahowodd
Elite Nomad
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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.......
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lwpa
Junior Nomad
Posts: 38
Registered: 11-20-2010
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Tecate Border Crossing
Thanks Nomads for the useful info.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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SENTRI
is the way to cross........at Otay
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Fred
Senior Nomad
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Location: Las Vegas
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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
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