The Calexico–Mexicali crossing has two ports: Calexico West (downtown) and Calexico East.
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Southbound · U.S. → MexicoThe line to enter Mexico, seen from the U.S. side. Updated every few minutes.
Southbound traffic · Caltrans
Crossing Calexico–Mexicali: full guide
Calexico West vs Calexico East
The Mexicali crossing has two ports. Calexico West is downtown, handy for crossing on foot and for anyone headed to downtown Calexico, but it tends to gather longer lines. Calexico East is farther out, open 24 hours, and usually flows better for vehicles. If you are driving and your schedule allows, the East port is often the better bet. Compare the live times above.
Best times to cross at Calexico
Northbound, weekday mornings, when commuters and students cross, are among the heaviest, along with Sunday afternoon returns. Early morning, mid-afternoon, and overnight at Calexico East usually have lighter waits. Check today's live number before leaving Mexicali.
SENTRI, Ready Lane and pedestrian lanes
The Calexico ports have SENTRI and Ready Lane to cross faster if you have the document. Calexico West has a pedestrian crossing, ideal if you are heading to downtown Calexico without a car. For daily crossers, getting SENTRI makes a meaningful difference in the wait every day.
SENTRI and Ready Lane guide: requirements and costs
More Border Crossings
Live wait times for every crossing we track, with cameras and community reports where available.