Driving to Mexico

Driving to and in Mexico is easy and safe. Rules of the road are similar to the US and Canada. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to an enjoyable drive through Mexico.

Driving Directions – from Phoenix and Tucson to San Carlos, Mexico:

Take the I-10 east to Tucson, Arizona. From Tucson, head south on Interstate 19 to Nogales, Arizona. Once you cross into Nogales, Mexico, continue south on Highway 15. You will pass several towns on the way. The most notable are Magdalena, Santa Ana and Hermosillo. If you don’t see a sign saying San Carlos, don’t panic. After Hermosillo, you will see signs for Guaymas. The Guaymas airport is 10 minutes from San Carlos. You will see the San Carlos sign as you get closer to Guaymas. From Phoenix, it is approximately a 7 hour drive. From Tucson, it is approximately a 5 hour drive.

Click for a detailed driving map from Arizona to San Carlos Mexico.

Driving across the Border into Mexico

When you arrive at the border, drive slowly to the spot with the stop signs. Continue to drive slowly and look left. You will either see a flashing red Alto (stop) sign, or a green Pase (go). If it says Pase, do just that. Go on your way and begin the last four hours of your trip. If it says Alto, pull over to where the Mexican border patrol officers direct you and answer any questions that they have. Usually, it is “What is your destination?”, or they may quickly look in the trunk of your car and then allow you to go on your way.

When driving into Mexico, you have to stop at Kilometer 21 to get a Tourist Visa. This checkpoint is very well marked. Go to the white building and show the immigration official your passport, then complete am sign the Visa form that the officials will give you. They will then stamp the Visa and fill in how many days it is valid for. Take the Visa to the adjacent bank and pay the fee.

Car Insurance

Make sure that you have Mexican auto insurance when driving in Mexico, because U.S. and Canadian insurance policies are not recognized.

Handy numbers for when you are driving in Mexico: Emergency Numbers and information on the Green Angels.

Gas Stations

There are plenty of Pemex stations along major routes. “Lleno (pronounced yay-no) means “fill it” and Magna Sin is unleaded. “Lleno con magna” = fill it with unleaded.
The gas stations are usually equipped with restrooms, but bring your own TP and hand sanitizers. Many pit stops charge to use the restrooms, so keep plenty of small change handy.

Checkpoints

When driving in Mexico, you may come to a police or military checkpoint. I’ve always found the officials to be polite and friendly. They usually just ask where you’ve come from and where you’re going. Just politely answers, and you’ll be on your way in no time.

Topes
When driving in Mexico, watch out for the topes. Topes are speedbumps, but in Mexico they’re huge and cars often come close to a complete stop before proceeding.

Driving Distance from U.S. Cities to San Carlos

Albuquerque, Nm. – 724 Miles
Denver, Co. –       1,172 Miles
El Paso , Tx. –       593 Miles
Las Vegas , Nv. –    722 Miles
Los Angeles , Ca. –    801 Miles
Phoenix , Az. –        429 Miles
San Diego , Ca. –      723 Miles
Sante Fe, Nm. –         786 Miles