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Tecate, Baja California ↔ Tecate, California · How long will it take me to get there?

Tecate border wait times today

LiveChecked with CBP 4 min ago · 5:45 p.m. (Tijuana time)

Quick answer: right now, crossing from Tecate to Tecate, California by car takes Tecate 2 h (standard). On foot: Tecate 5 min (standard). Source: CBP, checked at 5:45 p.m. (Tijuana time) on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Tecate

Tecate, B.C.

Passenger vehicles

  • Standard2 h2 lanes · Reported 5:00 p.m. PST

Pedestrians

  • Standard5 min4 lanes · Reported 5:00 p.m. PST

Commercial vehicles

  • StandardClosed

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.

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Statistics

What is the best time to cross at Tecate?

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 Tecate to Tecate, California

The Tecate border crossing is a quiet alternative to Tijuana: it has few lanes, rarely gets San Ysidro-level traffic and puts you just minutes from Route 94 toward San Diego. It's popular with people who live in Tecate, Valle de las Palmas or eastern Tijuana.

Its main limitation is its hours: it isn't open 24 hours and closes at night. Before driving out there, check the CBP hours listed on the crossing's page. On long weekends the line can grow because many travelers use it to avoid Tijuana.

Tips for crossing at Tecate

  • Check the hours before you leave: Tecate closes at night.
  • On the U.S. side, Route 94 is winding; drive carefully if there's fog.
  • If the wait in Tijuana is over two hours, Tecate can save you time even if you drive farther.

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Frequently asked questions about the Tecate border crossings

How long is the wait right now to cross from Tecate to Tecate, California?

According to the latest CBP report, by car: Tecate 2 h (standard). On foot: Tecate 5 min (standard). The data on this page refreshes every 5 minutes.

What time does the Tecate border crossing open?

The Tecate crossing has limited hours and doesn't operate at night. Current hours appear on the crossing's page, using CBP data.

What documents do I need to cross at Tecate?

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 Tecate?

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 Tecate

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