Driving to Puerto Vallarta, planning a safe and efficient drive from the U.S.A. and Mexico border requires careful route selection, adherence to safety protocols, and awareness of local conditions. Below are recommended routes from five popular border crossings and essential safety tips and considerations.
San Ysidro Port of Entry (California/Baja California)
Recommended Route:
- Cross into Tijuana, Baja California.
- Take Highway 1D (toll road) south to Ensenada.
- Continue on Highway 1 through Baja California Sur to La Paz.
- From La Paz, take a ferry to Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
- From Mazatlán, drive south on Highway 15D (toll road) to Tepic, Nayarit.
- Then, take Highway 200 south to Puerto Vallarta.
Considerations:
- Ferry Reservations: Book the La Paz to Mazatlán ferry in advance.
- Toll Roads: Carry sufficient Mexican pesos for tolls; toll roads (cuotas) are better maintained and safer.
- Safety: Always avoid driving at night, especially in remote areas.
Otay Mesa Port of Entry (California/Baja California)
Recommended Route:
- Cross into Tijuana, Baja California.
- Follow the same route as from San Ysidro: Highway 1D to Ensenada, Highway 1 to La Paz, ferry to Mazatlán, then Highways 15D and 200 to Puerto Vallarta.
Considerations:
- Traffic: Otay Mesa may have shorter wait times than San Ysidro.
- Amenities: Limited services are available along some stretches; plan fuel stops accordingly.
Laredo – Juarez-Lincoln Bridge (Texas/Tamaulipas)
Recommended Route:
- Cross into Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
- Take Highway 85D (toll road) south to Monterrey, Nuevo León.
- Continue on Highway 40D (toll road) to Saltillo, Coahuila.
- Proceed on Highway 54 to Zacatecas City, Zacatecas.
- From Zacatecas, take Highway 23 south to Guadalajara, Jalisco.
- Then, drive west on Highway 70 to Puerto Vallarta.
Considerations:
- Safety: Exercise caution in Tamaulipas due to crime; avoid traveling at night.
- Toll Roads: Use toll roads for enhanced safety and better road conditions.
El Paso – Paso del Norte Bridge (Texas/Chihuahua)
Recommended Route:
- Cross into Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua.
- Take Highway 45D (toll road) south to Chihuahua City.
- Continue on Highway 45 to Durango City, Durango.
- From Durango, take Highway 40 (known as the “Devil’s Backbone”) to Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
- Then, drive south on Highway 15D to Tepic, Nayarit, and onward on Highway 200 to Puerto Vallarta.
Considerations:
- Highway 40: This route is mountainous with numerous switchbacks; avoid driving at night or in bad weather.
- Safety: Stay on main highways and avoid remote areas.
Nogales – DeConcini Crossing (Arizona/Sonora)
Recommended Route:
- Cross into Nogales, Sonora.
- Take Highway 15D (toll road) south through Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregón to Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
- From Mazatlán, continue south on Highway 15D to Tepic, Nayarit.
- Then, take Highway 200 south to Puerto Vallarta.
Considerations:
- Toll Roads: Highway 15D is a toll road; ensure you have sufficient funds for tolls.
- Safety: Avoid traveling at night and remain vigilant in areas with higher crime rates.
Driving to Puerto Vallarta Safety Tips:
- Avoid Night Travel: Criminal activity and accidents are more common after dark.
- Use Toll Roads: These roads are generally safer and better maintained.
- Fuel Up: Keep your gas tank at least half full; gas stations can be sparse in certain areas.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check travel advisories and local news for updates on road conditions and safety concerns.
- Avoid Unofficial Roadblocks: Criminal groups may set up fake roadblocks. If confronted, comply with instructions and report incidents to authorities when safe.
- Emergency Numbers: In Mexico, dial 911 for emergencies.
By following these routes and safety guidelines, travelers can enhance their safety and enjoy a pleasant journey to Puerto Vallarta.
