Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇺🇸 United States 🇲🇽 Mexico
Nearest Cities
🇺🇸 Eagle Pass, TX, 🇲🇽 Piedras Negras, CO
Coordinates
28.70°N, 100.50°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
~15000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Spanish
Currency Exchange
Available near Eagle Pass (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 CO, TX, 🇲🇽 Piedras Negras, 🇺🇸 Eagle Pass
A Lively Rio Grande Crossing
The Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras International Bridge connects Eagle Pass, Texas, with Piedras Negras, Coahuila, via US 57 and Mexico Federal Highway 57. This 24/7 port links Eagle Pass (5 minutes north) to Piedras Negras’s city center (10 minutes south). A bustling crossing for pedestrians and vehicles, 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 congestion are common during peak times.
Historical Background
Opened in 1927, the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras bridge supported regional agriculture and trade. Named for the river’s eagle sightings and “black stones,” it facilitated commerce in cotton and electronics. During Prohibition, smugglers crossed the Rio Grande, with a 1930 tequila bust becoming local lore. The 1990s saw upgrades to handle NAFTA-driven traffic, and today it processes thousands weekly. Occasional disputes over water or produce cause delays, but its role as a binational hub endures, connecting vibrant communities.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
Southbound, you’ll reach Piedras Negras’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 15–60 minutes, peaking at 90 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 speed up vehicle crossings for pre-approved travelers.
Scam Warnings
Scams are common in busy Piedras Negras, 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 Eagle Pass 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 Eagle Pass, it’s a 5-minute drive to the bridge via US 57. From Piedras Negras, Highway 57 reaches Monclova in 2 hours. 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 Eagle Pass or Piedras Negras, 5–10 minutes away. Pedestrians use dedicated lanes; vehicles face moderate traffic. Cyclists should use nearby bike paths for safety.
Road Conditions and Views
US 57 and Highway 57 are paved but congested during rush hours. Summer (June–August) hits 38°C, requiring AC; winter (November–March) is mild at 8–22°C. The Rio Grande and desert plains offer scenic views. Check Texas’s 511 or Mexico’s (800) 990-3900 for road updates. The lush valley and Piedras Negras’s colorful skyline create a vibrant contrast, especially at sunset, making it a picturesque crossing for travelers.
Local Sights
Eagle Pass’s Fort Duncan Museum, 10 minutes north, explores border history. Piedras Negras’s Plaza de las Culturas, 10 minutes south, hosts markets and festivals. Try Eagle Pass’s tacos at La Herradura or Piedras Negras’s carne asada at El Ranchito. Amistad National Recreation Area, 30 minutes north, is great for boating, while Monclova’s steel museum, 2 hours south, offers industrial insights.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends Texas’s ranching heritage with Piedras Negras’s vibrant Mexican culture, seen in shared events like the Eagle Pass-Piedras Negras Friendship Festival, featuring music and crafts. It supports trade in produce and electronics, fueling both economies. Eagle Pass’s tourism and Piedras Negras’s factories thrive on cross-border visitors. Community markets, rodeos, and 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 ($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 and pack snacks for waits during peak hours.
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 Eagle Pass’s Parrilla de San Miguel for enchiladas or Piedras Negras’s Los Arcos for gorditas. Photographers, catch sunrise over the Rio Grande for vibrant shots. This crossing’s lively energy and cultural richness make it a memorable stop for adventurers.