Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

careyeroslib

Jul 13, 2011, 8:47 AM

Post #1 of 7 (2114 views)

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Nuevo Laredo border: When are the lineups likely to be shortest?

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And what is a typical wait time, other than in peak periods. Approxiomately. Many thanks in advance.

fordmexico

Jul 13, 2011, 10:18 AM

Post #2 of 7 (2102 views)

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Re: [careyeroslib] Nuevo Laredo border: When are the lineups likely to be shortest?

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You can Google Border wait times for USA wait times. Here is the link for current information.

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

Another link I have found useful are the bridge cams. Here is the link for them.

http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/...esys/bridge4cam.html

Since I usually spend the night in Laredo, TX the crossings I use are Bridge 1 or 2.
For crossing into Mexico, I usually make my decision as I go towards the border on I-35. If the Bridge 2 crossing is backed up, I usually try my luck and exit for Bridge 1. It can be a bit of a crap shoot depending on the day and time of your crossing. During vacation periods the crossings into Mexico back up regularly as the "Paisanos" are returning home. If I need to make a declaration I try to do it at Bridge 2 or wait until the second inspection station about 18 miles from the border.

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jul 13, 2011, 10:22 AM)

Altahabana

Jul 14, 2011, 5:13 AM

Post #3 of 7 (2016 views)

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Re: [careyeroslib] Nuevo Laredo border: When are the lineups likely to be shortest?

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Are you asking about crossing from Mexico to the US or the US to Mexico?

Mexico to US

I would recommend Bridge II--the newer of the two downtown bridges. It is a direct route from the Monterrey highway to the Bridge via the Coloso loop.

Weekends

Saturday mornings are pretty busy if you arrive after 8 am. You can anticipate a wait of 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours at that time. Sundays are also busy but the wait is usually shorter. The wait in the afternoon will be about 40-45 minutes. If you cross on holiday (either side) weekends the wait can be longer.

Weekdays

The only real busy time is between 7am--10 am when commuters/daily crossers are going to Laredo. Even then you shouldn't have to wait more than 40 minutes. During the day the wait shouldn't be more than 20 minutes.

US to Mexico

The only time there is usually any wait at all is in the late afternoon and early evening. Between 5pm--8pm it can take up to 20 minutes to cross. This is for vehicles with nothing to declare and applies for both bridges. During the day there is usually no line on either bridge. Friday is the busiest day of the week.

(This post was edited by Altahabana on Jul 14, 2011, 6:06 AM)

Martygraw

Jul 14, 2011, 7:06 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1991 views)

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Re: [careyeroslib] Nuevo Laredo border: When are the lineups likely to be shortest?

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We allways use the Columbia crossing, saves a lot of time as there is usualy no wait time. Prosessing of the car permit and fm3 is at the same place. Some prople have complained of cops wanting mordida on the way to the Monterey hwy, but we just tuck in behind a truck and have had no problem to date.

careyeroslib

Jul 14, 2011, 7:09 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1988 views)

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Re: [careyeroslib] Nuevo Laredo border: When are the lineups likely to be shortest?

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Thank you very much to both of you for the excellent info.

Even though I was meaning Mexico to US, it's good to know US to Mexico hasn't changed from what I remember. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.

careyeroslib

Jul 14, 2011, 9:29 AM

Post #6 of 7 (1967 views)

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Re: [careyeroslib] Nuevo Laredo border: When are the lineups likely to be shortest?

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Thanks to you too Martygraw. Your post came while I was typing (they crossed).

Columbia has been much discussed here. We used to take it and used to recommend it but now, currently, amongst the Texas crossings we would choose or recommend either Piedras Negras or Nuevo Laredo.

Altahabana

Jul 14, 2011, 10:25 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1957 views)

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Re: [careyeroslib] Nuevo Laredo border: When are the lineups likely to be shortest?

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In Reply To

As a Nuevo Laredo resident I have contributed to the Columbia discussions you mentioned. There have not been any incidents out there recently that were significant enough to make the Texas news, but the basic conditions are the same and most local residents try to avoid Highway 2 (Piedras Highway). It is still the major thoroughfare for Zetas en transit from the ranchos and other rural areas of the Tamaulipas/Nuevo Leon/Coahuila region to the west side of Nuevo Laredo.

(This post was edited by Altahabana on Jul 14, 2011, 10:26 AM)