Calexico – East
Mexicali – Garita Oriente (Nuevo Mexicali)
Passenger vehicles
- Standard3 h
- Ready Lane1 h 10 min
- SENTRI20 min
Pedestrians
- Standard5 min
Commercial vehicles
- StandardClosed
- FASTClosed
Mexicali, Baja California ↔ Calexico, CA · How long will it take me to get there?
Mexicali border wait times today
LiveChecked with CBP a few seconds ago · 6:06 p.m. (Tijuana time)
Quick answer: right now, crossing from Mexicali to Calexico by car takes Calexico – East 3 h (standard); Calexico – West 1 h 30 min (standard). On foot: Calexico – East 5 min (standard); Calexico – West 1 h (standard). Source: CBP, checked at 6:06 p.m. (Tijuana time) on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Fastest: Calexico – West
- 1 h 30 min
- Dollar today (MXN)
- $18.63
Calexico – West
Mexicali – Garita Centro
Passenger vehicles
- Standard1 h 30 min
- Ready Lane1 h 30 min
- SENTRI10 min
Pedestrians
- Standard1 h
- Ready Lane1 h
Up to 20 min 21 to 60 min Over 60 min Closed · Hover over a wait time to see how long ago CBP measured it.
What the community is reporting
Report the lineNo user reports in the last 3 hours yet. Are you in line? Tell us how it's going (free account required).
Statistics
What is the best time to cross at Calexico – East?
We are collecting data. We save every CBP report to calculate the average wait by hour and day. So far we have 6 of the 24 readings needed for Cars · Standard.
In the meantime, see the best times to cross guide.
How to cross from Mexicali to Calexico
Mexicali has two border crossings into Calexico. The Garita Centro (Calexico West), next to the historic downtown, handles cars and pedestrians and was modernized in recent years. The Garita Oriente or Nuevo Mexicali (Calexico East), a few kilometers to the east, handles cars and all cargo traffic.
Both have Standard, Ready Lane and SENTRI lanes. On weekdays the longest lines are in the early-morning hours, with farmworkers and students, and in the afternoon as people return. During vacation season and long weekends the peak shifts to midday.
Mexicali is one of the hottest cities in the country: in summer it can top 45 °C (113 °F) in line. Bring water, check your car's cooling system and avoid getting in line with an almost empty tank.
Tips for crossing at Mexicali
- Compare Garita Centro and Garita Oriente before you leave: sometimes one has half the wait.
- In summer, cross early or at night to avoid the extreme heat in line.
- If you're crossing on foot, Garita Centro is the only one with a large pedestrian entrance.
- Check the weather: summer storms can reduce the number of open lanes.
Are you in line?
Share how the line looks in Mexicali on the community forum. You need a free account.
Frequently asked questions about the Mexicali border crossings
How long is the wait right now to cross from Mexicali to Calexico?
According to the latest CBP report, by car: Calexico – East 3 h (standard); Calexico – West 1 h 30 min (standard). On foot: Calexico – East 5 min (standard); Calexico – West 1 h (standard). The data on this page refreshes every 5 minutes.
Which Mexicali border crossing is faster?
It depends on the moment. Garita Oriente usually has a shorter wait for cars, but it's farther from downtown. Compare the live times for both.
Where do pedestrians cross in Mexicali?
At Garita Centro (Calexico West), next to downtown Mexicali.
What documents do I need to cross at Mexicali?
A valid passport and a B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card (laser visa); if you drive, your license, vehicle registration and insurance valid in the U.S. See the full list of documents.
What is the dollar exchange rate today in Mexicali?
The reference exchange rate is $18.63 pesos per dollar. Banks and exchange houses apply their own buy and sell margin. Check today's exchange rate.
Guides for crossing at Mexicali
All guidesBefore You CrossCar Insurance to Cross Into the United States: What It Covers and What It CostsWhy your Mexican insurance doesn't work in the US, what coverage you need to drive in California, Arizona or Texas…Money & PaymentsWhere to Exchange Dollars at the Border: Exchange Houses, Banks and CardsHow to get the best exchange rate at the border: exchange houses, banks, ATMs and no-fee cards. What to avoid and what…Documents & PaperworkSENTRI and Ready Lane: Differences, Requirements and How to Apply for SENTRIWhat SENTRI is, what Ready Lane is, which documents work for each lane and how to apply for SENTRI step by step to…Documents & PaperworkWhat Documents Do I Need to Cross Into the United States? Full ChecklistDocuments to cross into the US at a land border: passport, B1/B2 visa or laser visa, I-94, vehicle papers, minors and…
Tools
Exchange rate todayLive US dollar to Mexican peso rate and the Banxico FIX rate.Currency converterConvert pesos, dollars, euros and 20 more currencies.PayPal fee calculatorCalculate PayPal fees and how much you receive in Mexico or the US.Border weatherTemperature and forecast for every border city.