You can drive to Mexico from the U.S. by using one of the many border crossings between the two countries. There are currently 50 separate border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico. Some of these crossings are limited only to pedestrians, while others allow pedestrians and vehicles but not commercial trucks. If you’re traveling to Mexico from the south, there are two border crossings between Belize and Mexico, while there are 10 border crossings between Guatemala and Mexico. These crossings to and from Guatemala are located in Chiapas state, on the western side of Mexico.
Mexico is located in North America and lies across the Tropic of Cancer. It shares a significant 1954-mile border with the U.S. to the north and much smaller borders with Belize and Guatemala in the south. Mexico’s east coast is set along the Gulf of Mexico, while the west coast is set along the Pacific Ocean.
With 50 official border crossings with the U.S. and a further 10 crossings with Guatemala, plus a single crossing with Belize, there’s no shortage of ways to get to Mexico by land. We’ll look at some of the easiest, most convenient, and most popular crossings into Mexico.
Undoubtedly, the most popular border crossing between the U.S. and Mexico is the San Ysidro crossing between San Diego and Tijuana. It’s estimated that 500,000 people cross here every week. Its proximity to major cities in both countries makes it a busy crossing. It’s also the best and most popular crossing for anyone on the West Coast who is planning to drive to Baja California. An alternative crossing in San Diego lies just to the east at Otay Mesa and is also very popular.
The second most popular crossing is at El Paso in Texas. It’s located at the juncture of New Mexico, Texas, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. It’s a popular crossing because of the nearby cities of El Paso in Texas and Ciudad Juárez in Mexico. It acts as the gateway to northern Mexico.
In the east, the crossing at Laredo is the most popular. Its location on the I-35 and Mexican Federal Highway 85 makes it fast and convenient. It allows quick connections between major regional cities such as San Antonio and Monterrey. It’s the fifth most popular crossing between the U.S. and Mexico.
Guatemala and Mexico share 10 official border crossings. Many of these are in rural settings and are best avoided unless you’re desperate to get off the beaten track. All border crossings are in the westerly state of Chiapas on the Mexican side. To the east of Chiapas are the states of Tabasco and Campeche, but the area of northern Guatemala they border is largely dense jungle protected by national parks. Therefore, if you’re coming to or leaving Mexico from the south, you’ll need to do it close to the west coast via Guatemala or the east coast via Belize.
The most popular and probably the easiest crossing between the two countries is the one at Cuauhtemoc in Mexico and La Mesilla in Guatemala. It’s convenient if you’re traveling to or from the beautiful city of San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico. It provides a direct route to or from Antigua, Guatemala City, or anywhere else in western Guatemala. Another option in the west is the border at Talisman, close to the Mexican city of Tapachula. This is a good route if you’ve come from the coast or heading to or from the nearby Guatemalan city of Quetzaltenango.
Two border crossings connect Mexico with neighboring Belize. The main crossing is close to Chetumal, with the border crossing between Subteniente Lopez in Mexico and Santa Elena in Belize. Once on the Belize side of the border, you’re on the Phillip Goldson Highway, which runs through both Corozal and Orange Walk before ending in Belize City.
Many visitors to Mexico underestimate the distances involved with driving to Mexico. To help indicate how long it will take to drive to Mexico, we’ve provided journey times and distances to various destinations from 3 of the most southern cities in the U.S.
Starting Point | Destination | Journey Time | Journey Distance |
San Diego | Tijuana | 30 minutes | 20 miles |
San Diego | Cabo | 23 hours | 1060 miles |
San Diego | Mexico City | 31 hours | 1754 miles |
Tucson | Hermosillo | 4 hours 30 minutes | 244 miles |
Tucson | Mexico City | 27 hours | 1351 miles |
San Antonio | Monterrey | 5 hours | 297 miles |
San Antonio | Mexico City | 15 hours | 853 miles |
San Antonio | Acapulco | 20 hours | 1088 miles |
San Antonio | Cancun | 33 hours | 1644 miles |
The distances are especially large if you’re pursuing some sun and relaxation in one of Mexico’s major beach resorts. Given the distances, Cancun, Cabo, and Acapulco are best reached via plane. Each of these resorts also has excellent car hire facilities at competitive rates.
U.S. citizens can drive in Mexico using their U.S. state-issued driving license. Other nationalities can also drive in Mexico using a driving license issued by their home country. There’s currently no requirement for drivers to hold an International Driving Permit. The duration you can drive using your home driving license is vague, but it’s commonly accepted that it’s acceptable for the duration of your tourist visa or tourist card. If you’re arriving under a different type of visa, you should seek further information before or on arrival.
The documents required for driving your own car into Mexico vary depending on how far you intend to go and for how long. The following are the key documents you will require in various circumstances.
Passport – While it’s possible to use secondary proof of ID to travel to Mexico, it’s easiest and best to use your passport.
Driving Licence – If you bring your own vehicle, you must have a valid driving license.
Automobile Registration – You’ll need proof of your vehicle’s registration. If it’s not registered or the registration has expired, you could be fined, and the vehicle could be seized.
Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit – This is required if you intend to drive your vehicle beyond the US / Mexico Border Zone. This zone is defined as within 15 miles of the border. If you intend to travel beyond this zone, there’s no option but to obtain a permit.
Mexico Tourist Card / Tourist Visa – U.S. citizens can visit Mexico for up to 180 days visa-free. However, if the stay is longer than 72 hours, they must get a Mexico Tourist Card. Other nationalities require a visa, which is generally available on arrival.
Temporary Mexico Auto Insurance – This is required for all visits with a vehicle, regardless of the duration or destination. It’s relatively cheap and is available both in advance or on the border.
By and large, it’s safe to drive in Mexico. While there’s often some trepidation about driving in Mexico, this is often unfounded. This doesn’t mean you should be complacent, as accidents and crimes occur, but the risk can be minimized with some sensible precautions.
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