Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States 🇲🇽 Mexico
Nearest Cities
🇺🇸 Laredo, TX, 🇲🇽 Nuevo Laredo, TM (World Trade/Columbia)
Coordinates
27.50°N, 99.50°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-150 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~30000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Available near Laredo (USD, MXN)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Caution, border crime
Emergency Contacts
🇺🇸 911 🇲🇽 911
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About TM (World Trade/Columbia), TX, 🇲🇽 Nuevo Laredo, 🇺🇸 Laredo
A Major Trade and Tourism Artery
The Laredo-Nuevo Laredo crossings, via the World Trade and Columbia bridges, connect Laredo, Texas, with Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, using Texas Loop 20 (World Trade) and FM 1472 (Columbia) to Mexico Federal Highway 85. These 24/7 ports link Laredo (10 minutes north) to Monterrey (2.5 hours south). Among the busiest U.S.-Mexico crossings, they handle heavy freight and pedestrians. Foreign visitors should check CBP or Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) updates, as scams and congestion are common.
Historical Background
Established in the 1800s, Laredo-Nuevo Laredo supported trade in cattle and cotton. The World Trade Bridge (1998) and Columbia (1991) eased older bridge congestion. During Prohibition, river smugglers thrived, with a 1927 mescal bust becoming local lore. The 2000s saw trade soar with NAFTA, boosting maquiladora traffic. Today, they process millions of crossings yearly. Occasional disputes over textiles or produce cause delays, but their role as a binational economic hub remains critical.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
Southbound, you’ll reach Nuevo Laredo’s INM office; U.S. citizens need a passport, while others may need a Mexican visa or Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Northbound, CBP requires a passport or Global Entry card. Open 24/7, vehicle waits are 30–90 minutes, peaking at 2 hours during mornings (6–9 AM) or weekends. Pedestrian lanes at World Trade take 15–30 minutes. Check CBP’s Border Wait Times or Mexico’s border apps for updates. SENTRI lanes speed up crossings.
Scam Warnings
Scams are rampant in busy Nuevo Laredo, with “visa guides” charging $20–$50 for fake services. Bogus “immigration offices” may overcharge for FMM forms—use only INM/CBP channels and apply online. Currency exchange scams near the bridges offer poor rates; carry USD/MXN cash or use Laredo ATMs. Pickpocketing risks soar during peak hours, so secure valuables. Avoid “expedited crossing” offers—they’re scams targeting travelers in crowded conditions.
Transportation Options
From Laredo, it’s a 10-minute drive to World Trade via Loop 20 or 15 minutes to Columbia via FM 1472. From Nuevo Laredo, Highway 85 reaches Monterrey in 2.5 hours. El Metro buses stop in Laredo, ideal for pedestrians at World Trade. Taxis and rideshares are plentiful—confirm fares upfront. Gas and services are in Laredo or Nuevo Laredo, 5–10 minutes away. Pedestrians use World Trade lanes; Columbia is vehicle-only. Cyclists should use bike paths.
Road Conditions and Views
Loop 20/FM 1472 and Highway 85 are paved but congested during rush hours. Summer (June–August) hits 40°C, requiring AC; winter (November–March) is mild at 10–22°C. The Rio Grande and desert plains offer stark beauty. Check Texas’s 511 or Mexico’s (800) 990-3900 for road updates. The bridges’ views of the river and Nuevo Laredo’s skyline are striking, especially at sunset, creating a dramatic backdrop.
Local Sights
Laredo’s San Agustin Historic District, 10 minutes south, explores Tex-Mex history. Nuevo Laredo’s Plaza Hidalgo, 10 minutes south, hosts markets and festivals. Try Laredo’s tacos at Tacos Kissi or Nuevo Laredo’s carne asada at El Rancho. San Antonio’s Alamo, 2.5 hours north, is a historic gem, while Monterrey’s Macroplaza, 2.5 hours south, offers urban adventures.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends Texas’s ranching heritage with Nuevo Laredo’s vibrant Mexican culture, seen in shared events like Laredo’s Washington’s Birthday Celebration, featuring parades and mariachi. It supports trade in electronics and produce, fueling both economies. Laredo’s logistics and Nuevo Laredo’s factories thrive on cross-border visitors. Community markets, rodeos, and music festivals foster a strong binational bond, with locals sharing a love for spicy cuisine and traditions.
Travel Tips
Open 24/7, but check CBP/INM for holiday schedules. Carry USD/MXN for tolls ($3–$5) or duty-free shops. An FMM or visa saves time for non-U.S. travelers. Summer drivers need hydration; check Texas’s 511 or Mexico’s (800) 990-3900 for road conditions. Declare all goods—agents are strict on produce and alcohol. Secure valuables and pack snacks for long waits.
Extra Tips for Visitors
Cell service is reliable but spotty in rural areas—download maps ahead. Summer heat is intense; winter is mild but dusty. Locals are friendly—ask about 1930s smuggler tales for fun insights. Try Laredo’s La Reynera for pan dulce or Nuevo Laredo’s El Dorado for carne asada. Photographers, catch sunrise over the Rio Grande for dramatic shots. This crossing’s vibrant energy and cultural richness make it a unique stop.