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Although this bridge is closer to central Matamoros, parking and casas de cambio on the American side are more convenient to the Gateway International Bridge in downtown Brownsville.
The best option for day-trippers is to cross by bicycle - you get across quickly and can access all the points of interest in Matamoros without taking a cab or bus. Going into Mexico isn’t a problem, everyone just flies through. There are dedicated lanes for cars ($2.25/28 pesos) and dedicated lanes for pedestrians ($0.50/5 pesos). Bicyclists ($0.60/6 pesos) are required to ride with the cars, which means you go along the right shoulder. Cars might get searched depending upon the light they receive on the Mexican side; bicycles don’t activate the light so you just keep on going.
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Returning to the United States is the problem. Wait times at the crossing vary. During Christmas, even the pedestrian lanes can back-up for two hours. The procedure for crossing is the same, it just takes longer. Tolls for cars are $2/23 pesos; pedestrians $0.50/5 pesos; and bicycles $0.60/6 pesos. If you’re on a bicycle, you ride on the right shoulder, bypassing all the cars. You stop at the front of the line, right before the customs agent. It won’t be long before a driver waves you ahead. Since you’re not in a car with things to look in, chances are you’ll show your documents, answer a question or two, and be on your way.
Right now, to cross back into the United States, you just need a driver’s license. That’s supposed to be changing on January 31, 2008. Contrary to the promises of NAFTA, which was supposed to expedite travel between the US, Canada and Mexico, you’ll need a birth certificate along with your driver’s license. Sometime this summer, that requirement is supposed to change to a passport
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