Calexico – East
Mexicali – Garita Oriente (Nuevo Mexicali)
Passenger vehicles
- StandardClosed
- Ready LaneClosed
- SENTRIClosed
Pedestrians
- StandardClosed
Commercial vehicles
- StandardClosed
- FASTClosed
Calexico, California ↔ Mexicali, B.C.
Calexico – Mexicali border wait times
LiveChecked with CBP 2 min ago · 10:03 p.m. (Tijuana time)
Quick answer: right now, crossing from Mexicali to Calexico by car takes Calexico – West 2 h 20 min (standard). On foot: Calexico – West 35 min (standard). Source: CBP, checked at 10:03 p.m. (Tijuana time) on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
- Fastest: Calexico – West
- 2 h 20 min
- Dollar today (MXN)
- $18.63
Calexico – West
Mexicali – Garita Centro
Passenger vehicles
- Standard2 h 20 min
- Ready Lane2 h 20 min
- SENTRI5 min
Pedestrians
- Standard35 min
- Ready Lane35 min
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
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How to cross between Calexico and Mexicali
Calexico is the gateway to the Imperial Valley from Mexicali. If you're headed to El Centro, Brawley or I-8 toward San Diego or Yuma, check which of the two crossings has the shorter wait for your return.
Tips for crossing at Calexico
- Calexico East connects better with SR-7 and I-8; Calexico West drops you in downtown Calexico.
- In summer, never leave pets or children in a parked car: the heat is extreme.
What do you need to go from Calexico to Mexico?
The wait times on this page are for entering the United States. There is usually no long line to enter Mexico, but Mexican Customs may inspect you using the red/green light system. Before heading south:
- If you are a foreign national going beyond the border zone or staying several days, check with Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) whether you need the Multiple Migration Form (FMM).
- Your U.S. auto insurance almost never covers you in Mexico: buy Mexican liability insurance.
- To drive outside the free zone you need a temporary vehicle import permit (Banjercito).
- Declare it if you carry more than 10,000 dollars in cash or its equivalent.
On the way back, have your passport or resident card ready and check the wait time above. Also read what you can bring across the border.
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 Calexico border crossings
How long is the wait right now to cross from Mexicali to Calexico?
According to the latest CBP report, by car: Calexico – West 2 h 20 min (standard). On foot: Calexico – West 35 min (standard). The data on this page refreshes every 5 minutes.
How many border crossings are there in Calexico?
Two: Calexico West, downtown, and Calexico East, to the east, which also handles cargo.
What do I need to go from Calexico to Mexicali?
A passport or passport card to return to the U.S. and, if you drive, Mexican auto insurance. If you are a foreign national going beyond the border zone, check with Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) whether you need the FMM.
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 Calexico
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.