Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇲🇽 Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila
🇺🇸 Del Rio, Texas
Coordinates
29.37°N, 100.90°W
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
30-120 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (6-9 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~10000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Available near Del Rio (USD, MXN)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Caution, border crime
About Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila & Del Rio, Texas
A Scenic Rio Grande Crossing
The Del Rio-Ciudad Acuña International Bridge connects Del Rio, Texas, with Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, via US 277 and Mexico Federal Highway 2. This 24/7 port links Del Rio (5 minutes north) to Ciudad Acuña’s city center (10 minutes south). A smaller crossing popular with locals and day-trippers, it supports trade and tourism in the Rio Grande Valley. Foreign visitors should check U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) updates, as scams and occasional congestion require planning.
Historical Background
Opened in 1930, the Del Rio-Ciudad Acuña bridge supported regional agriculture and trade. Named for the river and Acuña’s revolutionary hero, it facilitated commerce in cotton and livestock. During Prohibition, smugglers crossed the Rio Grande, with a 1931 tequila bust becoming local lore. The 1980s saw upgrades to handle growing traffic, and today it serves thousands weekly. Occasional disputes over water or produce add tension, but its role as a cultural and economic bridge endures, connecting vibrant communities.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
Southbound, you’ll reach Ciudad Acuña’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 15–45 minutes, peaking at 60 minutes during mornings (7–10 AM) or weekends. Pedestrian lanes take 10–20 minutes. Check CBP’s Border Wait Times or Mexico’s border apps for updates. SENTRI lanes are unavailable, so plan for potential delays.
Scam Warnings
Scams are less common in quieter Ciudad Acuña but exist, with “visa guides” charging $15–$40 for fake services. Bogus “immigration offices” may overcharge for FMM forms—use only INM/CBP channels and apply online. Currency exchange scams near the bridge offer poor rates; carry USD/MXN cash or use Del Rio ATMs. Pickpocketing risks rise during festivals, so secure valuables. Avoid “expedited crossing” offers—they’re scams targeting travelers at this smaller port.
Transportation Options
From Del Rio, it’s a 5-minute drive to the bridge via US 277. From Ciudad Acuña, Highway 2 reaches Piedras Negras in 1 hour. No public transit serves the crossing, so drive or rent a car. Taxis and rideshares are available—confirm fares upfront to avoid surprises. Gas and services are in Del Rio or Ciudad Acuña, 5–10 minutes away. Pedestrians use dedicated lanes; vehicles face light traffic. Cyclists should use nearby bike paths for safety.
Road Conditions and Views
US 277 and Highway 2 are paved but narrow in spots. Summer (June–August) hits 38°C, requiring AC; winter (November–March) is mild at 8–22°C. The Rio Grande and desert hills offer scenic views. Check Texas’s 511 or Mexico’s (800) 990-3900 for road updates. The lush valley and Ciudad Acuña’s colorful skyline create a charming contrast, especially at sunset, making it a picturesque crossing for travelers.
Local Sights
Del Rio’s Val Verde Winery, 10 minutes north, offers wine tastings. Ciudad Acuña’s Plaza Benjamín Canales, 10 minutes south, hosts markets and festivals. Try Del Rio’s tacos at Chinto’s Super Taco or Ciudad Acuña’s carne asada at La Cabaña. Amistad National Recreation Area, 15 minutes north, is great for boating, while Piedras Negras’s cultural sites, 1 hour south, offer historical exploration.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends Texas’s ranching heritage with Ciudad Acuña’s vibrant Mexican culture, seen in shared events like the Del Rio Fiesta de Amistad, featuring music and crafts. It supports trade in produce and crafts, fueling both economies. Del Rio’s tourism and Ciudad Acuña’s markets thrive on cross-border visitors. Community markets, rodeos, and festivals foster a strong binational bond, with locals sharing a love for spicy cuisine and warm hospitality.
Travel Tips
Open 24/7, but check CBP/INM for holiday schedules. Carry USD/MXN for tolls ($2–$4) 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 in this crossing and pack snacks for potential waits during busy periods.
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 welcoming—ask about 1930s smuggler tales for fun insights. Try Del Rio’s Memo’s Restaurant for enchiladas or Ciudad Acuña’s El Paraiso for gorditas. Photographers, catch sunrise over the Rio Grande for vibrant shots. This crossing’s small-town charm and scenic beauty make it a delightful stop for adventurers.