Live border wait times
Northbound (returning to the U.S.) passenger-vehicle waits, live from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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Heading south? Get your Mexican auto insurance
These are the official wait times published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP refreshes its feed through the day (the reported time is shown on the hour) and can pause updates overnight – so if the reported date above is not today, those crossings have not been re-measured since. Southbound crossings into Mexico are generally not metered.
Out in the Imperial Valley the air goes dry and bright, and Calexico meets Mexicali across a shimmer of desert heat. Downtown, Calexico West hums with pedestrians ducking between two cities for lunch or pharmacy runs; a few miles east, Calexico East moves the cars and trucks with elbow room to spare. Beyond the booths, the long straight road south beckons toward San Felipe and the warm Sea of Cortez. Here’s how to cross it clean.
Route at a glance: Mexicali to San Felipe
Interactive map · drag to explore. Distances and times are approximate – always check current road, weather and border conditions before you travel.
Calexico, California and Mexicali, Baja California sit right against each other in the Imperial Valley desert. For travelers, this crossing is the eastern gateway to Baja and the launch point for the drive south to San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez.
Calexico West vs Calexico East
Calexico West sits in the heart of downtown and handles heavy pedestrian and passenger traffic – convenient but frequently congested. Calexico East, a short drive away, carries most commercial trucks but is often the quicker option for passenger vehicles, especially during busy return hours. If one is backed up, the other may be moving.
Mexicali, the desert capital
Mexicali is a large, sprawling city and the capital of Baja California. It is a working border city more than a tourist town, but it is the essential connection point for travelers heading to the Sea of Cortez. Navigate through to pick up Highway 5 southbound.
The road to San Felipe
Highway 5 from Mexicali to San Felipe is a roughly 125-mile, 2.5-hour run through open desert. It is a popular route for anglers, off-roaders, and beach-goers. Carry water, fuel up, and drive in daylight – services are limited along the way.
Heat, hours, and documents
Summer temperatures here are extreme – well over 100F – so plan around the heat and keep your vehicle in good shape. Both ports run long daily hours (Calexico West operates 24 hours). Before you cross, have your passport, Mexico driving documents, an FMM tourist permit, and Mexican auto insurance ready.
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- Two gates: Calexico West is downtown and pedestrian-heavy; Calexico East handles autos and trucks faster.
- Best time: beat the desert heat and lunchtime crush with an early-morning crossing.
- Driving south? Use Calexico East for smoother vehicle lanes and a cleaner exit.
- On the far side: Mexicali, Baja’s capital – fuel up and grab supplies before the open road.
- Gateway run: the highway south leads to San Felipe and the Sea of Cortez.
- Local tip: carry water and confirm your fuel – stretches south of Mexicali are remote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Calexico West and Calexico East?
Calexico West is the downtown crossing with heavy pedestrian and passenger traffic. Calexico East is a few miles away, carries more commercial trucks, and is often faster for passenger vehicles. Check both wait times.
How far is San Felipe from the Mexicali border?
About 125 miles, or roughly 2.5 hours, south on Highway 5 through open desert. Fuel up and carry water, as services along the route are limited.
Is the Calexico border crossing open 24 hours?
Calexico West operates 24 hours a day. Hours at Calexico East are also long but can vary, so check current times before late-night travel.
Do I need Mexican insurance to drive through Mexicali?
Yes. As soon as you cross into Mexico your US policy is invalid. You need Mexican auto insurance, which you can buy online before reaching the border.