Paso del Norte International Bridge – Mexico USA

Border Crossing From Mexico to USA by Land

Opening Hours

Standard Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week Seasonal Adjustments: None, but wait times may increase during holidays Holiday Closures: None (remains open on all holidays)

Wait Time & Traffic

Average Wait:

Pedestrian: 15-45 minutes (standard lanes), 5-15 minutes (SENTRI)
Personal Vehicles: 30 minutes to 3.5 hours (standard lanes), 10-20 minutes (SENTRI/DCL)

Peak Times:

Weekday mornings (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): High northbound traffic from commuters
Weekday evenings (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): High southbound traffic from returning workers
Weekends (Saturday afternoon/evening): High traffic in both directions
U.S. and Mexican holidays: Significantly increased wait times
Sunday evenings: Moderate to high northbound traffic

Express Options:

Dedicated Commuter Lanes (DCL) implemented in May 2024
SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) lanes for pre-vetted travelers
READY lanes for travelers with RFID-enabled documents

Border Facilities

Immigration Processing: Available (14 dedicated pedestrian lanes for northbound traffic) Customs Processing: Available (with secondary inspection facilities) Health Screening: Limited (may be implemented during public health emergencies) Services: Restrooms: Available on both sides Food: Limited vendors near crossing areas Currency Exchange: Available near crossing points Information Kiosks: Limited Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible Elevators and ramps available Limited assistance for persons with disabilities

Official Resources

United States Border Authority:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection: https://www.cbp.gov/
Contact: (915) 834-8350
Border Wait Times: https://bwt.cbp.gov/

Mexico Border Authority:

Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM): https://www.gob.mx/inm
Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT): https://www.sat.gob.mx/
Contact: +52 (656) 629-3300

Travel Advisories:

U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mexico.html
Mexico Tourism Board: https://www.visitmexico.com/en/health-safety-information

Overview

The Paso del Norte International Bridge stands as one of the most vital crossing points connecting El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Established in 1898, this historic bridge has undergone numerous reconstructions and serves as the second busiest pedestrian crossing along the U.S.-Mexico border. Previously known as the Santa Fe Bridge due to its connection to Santa Fe Street, the crossing facilitates substantial commercial, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic daily, playing a crucial role in the binational economy of this unique metropolitan area. The bridge primarily processes northbound non-commercial traffic and pedestrians traveling in both directions across 14 dedicated lanes. As part of El Paso's innovative public-private partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the crossing has implemented measures to reduce wait times, including the recent addition of Dedicated Commuter Lanes (DCL) in 2024. This partnership has become a model for other ports of entry, demonstrating how local and federal agencies can collaborate to enhance border crossing efficiency while maintaining necessary security protocols.

Document Requirements

Valid passport from country of citizenship
U.S. visa (if required)
Mexican visa (if required)
Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
Proof of financial solvency for duration of stay
Return/onward travel documentation
For vehicle crossing: International Driving Permit, vehicle registration, and appropriate insurance

U.S. Passport, Passport Card, or Enhanced Driver’s License
SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) card, if enrolled
Proof of citizenship and identity (birth certificate with government-issued photo ID)
For vehicle crossing: valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance

Mexican passport
U.S. visa (if required)
Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) for temporary visits
Border Crossing Card (BCC) or “Laser Visa” for Mexican citizens
For vehicle crossing: Mexican driver’s license, vehicle registration, and Mexican auto insurance

Crossing Procedure

From Mexico Side

Exit Mexico: Pay toll fee at Mexican exit booth (approximately 40 cents or 6 pesos) Proceed across the bridge toward U.S. customs and immigration Enter United States: Join appropriate lane (standard, READY, or DCL/SENTRI if eligible) Present all required documentation to CBP officer Answer questions about citizenship, purpose of travel, and items being brought into the U.S. Submit customs declaration form Possible selection for secondary inspection of luggage or vehicle Proceed through customs area to enter El Paso

From USA Side

Exit United States: Proceed to toll booth and pay the crossing fee (approximately 50 cents) No formal exit procedures or checkpoints when leaving the U.S. Continue across the bridge toward Mexican customs and immigration Enter Mexico: Present required documentation at Mexican immigration checkpoint if staying beyond the border zone or for an extended period Submit customs declaration form if carrying goods beyond personal items Possible random selection for secondary inspection of luggage or vehicle Proceed through customs area to enter Ciudad Juárez

Special Considerations

Vehicle Imports/Exports: Temporary vehicle importation permit required for taking U.S. vehicles beyond the border zone in Mexico Must own vehicle or have notarized permission from owner Mexican vehicles entering U.S. must comply with U.S. safety and emission standards Commercial vehicles should use specialized commercial crossings Goods Allowances: U.S.: $800 per person duty-free allowance for U.S. residents (once every 30 days) Mexico: $300 USD value of goods per person during non-holiday periods, $500 during holiday periods Prohibited Items: Firearms and ammunition Illegal drugs and narcotics Some agricultural products (fruits, meats, plants) Cultural artifacts Counterfeit merchandise Excessive amounts of cash without declaration Currency Restrictions: U.S.: Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared Mexico: Amounts over $10,000 USD must be declared Known Issues: Unexpected lane closures causing traffic congestion Inconsistent staffing levels affecting wait times Limited signage about where lines start and end Environmental concerns from idling vehicles

Accommodations

Hotels and Restaurants near Border (United States – El Paso):

Stanton House (boutique hotel, 0.7 miles from crossing)
Hotel Paso Del Norte, Autograph Collection (historic hotel, 0.6 miles)
Gardner Hotel & Hostel (budget option, 0.5 miles)
L&J Cafe (popular Mexican restaurant, 1.5 miles)
Anson 11 (upscale dining, 0.5 miles)

Hotels and Restaurants near Border (Mexico – Ciudad Juárez):

Hotel Lucerna Ciudad Juárez (upscale hotel, 2.5 miles)
Hotel Río (budget option, 0.3 miles)
Hotel Misión Express (mid-range, 0.8 miles)
Kentucky Club (historic bar/restaurant, 0.2 miles)
Café Central (local dining, 0.3 miles)

Better Options Nearby:

Downtown El Paso (1-2 km) offers more diverse accommodation and dining options
Sunland Park area (12 km) provides resort-style accommodations
Mesa Street corridor in El Paso (7 km) features numerous restaurant options

Public Review Sentiments

Based on reviews found online, the Paso del Norte International Bridge receives generally positive feedback for its accessibility and functionality as a critical border crossing point. Many visitors appreciate the ease of crossing on foot for day trips between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, noting the affordable toll fees (approximately 50 cents to cross to Mexico and 40 cents to return). Travelers frequently mention the convenience of nearby shops immediately across the border, enhancing the visitor experience. However, critical reviews highlight unpredictable wait times as a significant concern, with some travelers reporting waits of up to 3.5 hours during peak periods. Many reviewers express frustration about insufficient staffing during holidays and busy periods, leading to lane closures at the bridge midpoint that create traffic chaos. Several comments suggest the need for better coordination and lane management, particularly for American citizens and residents who feel the crossing prioritizes revenue over efficiency.

Traveler Experiences

"Easy way to walk across the border for a day trip. 50 cents to cross to Mexico, 40 cents back (but you can put two quarters in the machine). There are shops immediately across the border." - Zak Martinez, February 2025

"It is very hard to anticipate the wait times. The best place to get an estimate is the CBP waiting times web page. I wish there were more lines open during the holidays. You have to find strategic times to cross to avoid long wait times." - Unidad Kafe, March 2024

"Crossing the border between Ciudad Juárez and El Paso can be a variable experience depending on the day and time. In my case, it was the first time I crossed this border, and the truth is, it wasn't that bad for us in terms of time. It was a Sunday and we managed to get through in about an hour, which is pretty acceptable considering that on certain days it can take much longer." - Anonymous traveler, December 2024

DISCLAIMER: This guide provides general information based on data available at time of publication. Border regulations, requirements, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current information with official government sources before travel. BorderRoute.com is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outdated information. Travel decisions and border compliance remain the sole responsibility of the traveler.