Laredo border crossing

exbo93 · #1 (**permalink**) 21st October 2009, 08:23 PM

What is recommended of the 3 Laredo border crossings. I understand that the Columbia Bridge crossing opens at 8AM. Plus, about how long a drive to San Miguel de Allende?

RVGRINGO · #2 (**permalink**) 22nd October 2009, 12:30 AM

Welcome to the forum. If you use Google to find "Rutas punto a punto" you can select the English version and find routes, distances, tolls and waypoints throughout Mexico. The site seems to be down at the moment, but is usually very helpful.

exbo93 · #3 (**permalink**) 22nd October 2009, 02:12 AM

Thanks,I found "rutas punto a punto"on another thread. I still would like to know which of the Laredo border crossings is most recommended.

Mr.Chips · #4 (**permalink**) 22nd October 2009, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exbo93

Thanks,I found "rutas punto a punto"on another thread. I still would like to know which of the Laredo border crossings is most recommended.

I have crossed at both Colombia and Laredo in both directions.Perhaps,its just been bad luck but I always seem to be in a major line up at Laredo.For that reason,I only cross at Colombia now.People will say that Colombia is out of the way coming from both north and south but personally,I would rather drive a bit further rather than be stuck in a line.I have found the clerks working at Colombia to be efficient and friendly and the car import/tourist visa are promptly issued. Be sure not to speed from Colombia to the Monterrey turn off as a couple of friends have been ticketed in that area.

Ajijicalf · #5 (**permalink**) 4th November 2009, 02:42 AM

Like Mr. Chips, we've crossed at both Laredo and Columbia. We much prefer Columbia. Everything is there in one place and we've rarely spent more than 20 minutes completing our paperwork.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Chips

I have crossed at both Colombia and Laredo in both directions.Perhaps,its just been bad luck but I always seem to be in a major line up at Laredo.For that reason,I only cross at Colombia now.People will say that Colombia is out of the way coming from both north and south but personally,I would rather drive a bit further rather than be stuck in a line.I have found the clerks working at Colombia to be efficient and friendly and the car import/tourist visa are promptly issued. Be sure not to speed from Colombia to the Monterrey turn off as a couple of friends have been ticketed in that area.

circle110 · #6 (**permalink**) 4th November 2009, 04:40 PM

I read in another thread where RVGRINGO was talking about using the Progresso crossing and then driving to Ciudad Victoria and stayng the night there. I'll be coming from San Antonio and my end destination is the city of Guanajuato. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether Progresso would be a better place than Laredo/Columbia to cross.
I'll have a car full of things "for my rental". I have read the aduana web page saying what is permitted with an FMT and I think I might push it just a little and hope for "la verde". If not, I'll be prepared to pay a little. Is one of those crossings more apt to inspect my car than the other, or is it just pure chance?
Any feedback from you folks who have made crossings at either place would be much appreciated... my countdown is down to less than 3 weeks and I'm psyched!!
(also any route advice?... i.e. Columbia/Monterrey/San Luis Potosi/Guanajuato or Progresso/Ciudad Victoria/San Luis Potosi/Guanajuato)

Thanks much

RVGRINGO · #7 (**permalink**) 4th November 2009, 04:47 PM

Your most direct route is via Laredo, Monterrey, San Luis Potosi and Guanajuato. The red or green light is supposed to be random, but if you attract attention, you can still be stopped.
Don't forget your Mexican car insurance, temporary car importation and to keep all your documents safe.
Enjoy your trip and post your comments.

circle110 · #8 (**permalink**) 4th November 2009, 05:03 PM

Thanks RVGRINGO. I have several insurance quotes, I just need to decide which to purchase and I'll heed your warning about my documents. I have one more routing question. My girlfriend will be taking a bus north from Mexico City to meet me at my overnight stopping point (yet TBD) and we can ride together the second day from there to Guanajuato. According to rutas punto a punto, Ciudad Victoria is 4.5 hours down from the border and then it would be 6 hours more to Gto. the following day. That seems like a nice way to split it up. Is there a city you can suggest that is between Monterrey and SLP that would serve the same function of splitting the drive into 2 nice days but have easy bus access from el DF?

RVGRINGO · #9 (**permalink**) 4th November 2009, 05:11 PM

I don't know of anything much between SLP and Monterrey/Saltillo. Your suggestion of Cd. Victoria might be a good option and there are good hotels with secure parking on the main square. We often use Hotel Sierra Gorda, if you need a name and a place to meet.
Enjoy your trip.

Ajijicalf · #10 (**permalink**) 4th November 2009, 10:12 PM

We take the Columbia/Monterrey/SLP route and spend the night in Matehuala. Las Palmas is the place most folks stay. There is a restaurant anyou park your car right outside your room. The last time we were there, rooms were about $750 Pesos. We now stay at the Villas Real, an auto motel on the north side of town. No restaurant but secure parking - each room has its own lockable garage. We bring snacks with us or go to Las Palmas before checking in to Villas Real. The place is clean and most importantly for a loaded car, secure. A 12 hour stay is about 400 pesos, but I've been told that it might be cheaper if you ask for the overnight rate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by circle110

I read in another thread where RVGRINGO was talking about using the Progresso crossing and then driving to Ciudad Victoria and stayng the night there. I'll be coming from San Antonio and my end destination is the city of Guanajuato. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether Progresso would be a better place than Laredo/Columbia to cross.
I'll have a car full of things "for my rental". I have read the aduana web page saying what is permitted with an FMT and I think I might push it just a little and hope for "la verde". If not, I'll be prepared to pay a little. Is one of those crossings more apt to inspect my car than the other, or is it just pure chance?
Any feedback from you folks who have made crossings at either place would be much appreciated... my countdown is down to less than 3 weeks and I'm psyched!!
(also any route advice?... i.e. Columbia/Monterrey/San Luis Potosi/Guanajuato or Progresso/Ciudad Victoria/San Luis Potosi/Guanajuato)

Thanks much