Traveling to San Felipe

If you are coming from California, into Baja Mexico, there are two simple routes.

1. San Diego/Tijuana Border Crossing:
Drive South on the Mexican 1-D to Ensenada. Then, take the Mexican 3 South to the Mexican 5. Head south on the Mexican 5. The 5 ends directly in San Felipe. This route takes you directly across the Baja Peninsula. You will pass two or sometimes three Mexican Army checkpoints, where you will be greeted and searched by soldiers. You will need to tell them your final destination. The Mexican 3 is notorious for major potholes and sometimes banditos. The drive will feel like it goes on forever.

2. El Centro / Mexicali:
The drive to San Felipe from the Mexicali border crossing is relatively more direct. Take Interstate Highway 8 east to the Highway 111 exit. Go south on Highway 111 to the border. Proceed across the border and bear left. After approximately 500 feet, turn right toward San Felipe. Go straight on this road through Mexicali (major intersections will have signs for San Felipe). This road becomes Highway 5, just head South all the way to San Felipe. The majority of this path will take you through desert terrain. Make sure to have extra water.
Be very wary of Mexican big rigs. If a car or truck in front of you turns on its blinkers, this usually denotes that it is safe to pass on a two lane highway. Make sure your car is in good shape. Make sure to be able to speak even a little bit of Spanish!

Driving From El Centro:; follow it about 120 miles to San Felipe.

Travel Times to San Felipe
350 Miles from Los Angeles to San Felipe = 6.5 Hours
244 Miles from Palm Springs to San Felipe = 4.5 Hours
236 Miles from San Diego to San Felipe = 4.5 Hours
137 Miles from El Centro to San Felipe = 2.5 Hours
725 Miles from San Francisco to San Felipe = 12.5 Hours
184 Miles from Yuma to San Felipe = 3 Hours
446 Miles from Tuscon to San Felipe = 7.5 Hours

Boarder Crossing

Some inside information for Americans crossing the Mexican border; typically, North Americans entering Mexico at Mexicali are simply waved through. During the return trip, US Customs performs a standard inspection on every car, so be prepared to wait in line for re-entry into the US on weekends and holidays. Until Dec 31, 2007, all US residents can travel into Mexico by car and return across the US border with a valid US Drivers License. However, on Jan 1, 2008 all travelers crossing the border by car will be required to have a valid passport. Passports are currently required for all air and sea travel into Mexico.

Most auto insurance companies will not cover vehicles that travel over 50 miles across the Mexican border. If you are traveling to San Felipe by car, you can purchase Mexican Auto Insurance online at AAA or by calling Adventure Mexican Insurance Services at 1-800-485-4075. Depending on the value of your vehicle and the length of stay, rates will generally range between $20-$100 per day.

Traveling to San Felipe by Plane
The San Felipe International Airport was built in 2003 and includes a large outdoor building that provides the departure ticket window, arrival waiting room and customs office. While some would consider the terminal at the San Felipe Airport small by US standards, they have plans to expand as tourism increases. The Airport is certified for international travel and has an internal customs department. While there are few commercial flights into San Felipe, there are talks that America West will possibly begin offering flights to San Felipe from San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix in 2008. For now the airport is set up primarily for private aircraft. Passports are currently required for all air travel into Mexico.

San Felipe International Airport General Information
Available Runway: 4850 ft Oriented 310 and 130
Coordinates 30 57 Lat. 114 51 Long.
Hours of Operation: Winter (7:00am - 5:00pm) Summer (8:00am - 6:00pm)
Landing Fee: $8.00 Single Engine | $16.00 Twin | $25.00 Jet
Phone: 011-52-6865-771368
Fax: 011-52-6865-771-858