Driving from El Paso to Juárez: Which Bridge to Use and What You Need
Use the Bridge of the Americas (free), Stanton–Lerdo, or Ysleta–Zaragoza. Paso del Norte is for pedestrians and bicycles only. Carry Mexican liability insurance, and plan for a vehicle permit only if you'll drive beyond the border strip.
The bridges that take cars
| Bridge | Cars? | Toll for a 2-axle car (paid on the US side) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) | Yes | Free | Connects I-110 in El Paso with Federal Highway 45 (Wikipedia). |
| Stanton–Lerdo | Yes | US$3.50 ($1.75 per axle); US$3.00 with E-Fast Pass | Downtown El Paso (City of El Paso). |
| Ysleta–Zaragoza | Yes | US$3.50 ($1.75 per axle); US$3.00 with E-Fast Pass | East El Paso (City of El Paso). |
| Paso del Norte | No | — | Pedestrians and bicycles only. |
What you need to drive in
- Mexican car insurance. Your US policy generally won't cover you in Mexico. Why and what to buy.
- An FMM immigration permit. Every foreign visitor needs one, even in border cities; stays of 7 days or less by land are free. It must be stamped by immigration (INM) at the border to be valid (Baja Bound).
- A vehicle permit only if you go beyond the border strip. A 20 km strip along the border is permit-free; driving deeper into mainland Mexico needs a temporary import permit (Baja Bound). How to get one.
Get a Mexican insurance quote before you cross
Not sure what applies to your trip?
Answer three questions in our trip checklist and get the list of documents for your route.
Sources: City of El Paso – toll rates; Wikipedia – Bridge of the Americas; Baja Bound – vehicle permits; Baja Bound – FMM guide.