DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Please note: There are border patrol check points throughout Southern California and Arizona. The permanent check points are on the 8 West between Campo and Sunrise Highway; on the 5 North between Oceanside and San Clemente; and an agriculture check point at the Arizona/California border (Yuma) which sometimes hosts border patrol agents. There are also spontaneous check points on I-10 in Arizona and on the 78 and 94 Highways in California (and anywhere else they feel like harassing folks).
From I-5/San Diego, Take 8 East (approx. 100 miles) to Highway 98 (Signs say "To Calexico"). That will take you to Imperial Ave. (CA-111), turn Right towards the border, and Left into downtown Calexico on 2nd St. (before the border crossing).
From I-10 West, Take 8 West (approx. 230 miles) to CA-111, exit 118A South towards Calexico. It's also called Imperial Avenue. Turn Left on 2nd St. into downtown Calexico before the border crossing.
If you arrive Monday or Tuesday, call 760.989.4457 for directions to the Media/Art Space or for other housing/camping arrangements.
If you arrive Wednesday, please meet at the fence--just east of the pedestrian border crossing, at 12pm.
If you arrive Wednesday night, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday please check www.noborderscamp.org or call 760.989.4457 to get directions to the camp location.
PARKING IN CALEXICO
There is plenty of street parking around Calexico where you can park overnight. We recommend that you find a good location, and leave your car there during your stay. We will be posting parking locations on the web, and will have maps available in Calexico. If you arrive after Wednesday, you can choose to park near the camp, but we do not advise it.
CARPOOLING
Coordinated carpools will leave San Diego at:
5:30pm Monday, November 5th
5:30pm Tuesday, November 6th
10am and 5:30pm Wednesday, November 7th
10am and 5:30pm Thursday, November 8th
10am and 5:30pm Friday, November 9th
8am Saturday, November 10th
and will return from Calexico around 3pm on Sunday.
We are currently finalizing the carpool location. Please check the website for updated information and make sure to post your ride needs/availability on the Ride Board to make coordinating carpools easier. Also, please be prepared to chip in for gas.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
San Diego to Calexico
Monday—Thursday Greyhound
$26 each way
companion fare $13 (two people for $39)
Friday—Sunday Greyhound
$29 each way
companion fare $14.50
Bus station is in downtown San Diego and drops you in downtown Calexico.
Departs Arrives Duration Transfers
07:15am 10:10am 2h, 55m 0
01:00pm 03:55pm 2h, 55m 0
10:45pm 01:40am 2h, 55m 0
Tijuana to Mexicali
Buses leave every hour (more or less).
Bus station is immediately across the border.
Fares are between $10 and $20 depending on how well you negotiate (tip: asking the driver vs. buying your ticket inside should greatly reduce the cost)
Distance from the Mexicali bus station to the border crossing is about a 1 mile.
CROSSING THE BORDER
The major crossing between Calexico and Mexicali is accessible by car and by foot. If you have a U.S. passport, it might make crossing easier, but a drivers license will do. If you don't have U.S. citizenship, but you do have a visa or green card, you might want to consider participating from the Mexican "side" of the border. If you are undocumented, the is not a safe space for you to be. There are many considerations around citizenship and this... so, let's make sure to be open with each other about our needs.
TRANSPORTATION AROUND CALEXICO
Public bus: The Imperial Valley Transit System connects the major cities in the Valley. If you think it will be useful to you, check it out at www.ivtransit.com.
Camiones: Private buses are a primary mode of transportation in Calexico. We are currently negotiating with some of the drivers to provide service for camp activities throughout the week. Please bring dollar bills and change to make using the private buses easier on everyone. (note: these buses are not wheelchair accessible, if you use a chair and want to discuss your options, please contact Ellee at 619-708-9863.
Bicycle: If you want to bring a bike or two, please do! They will be helpful for everyone.
Bike carts, wagons and carts: We need to transport food, water, waste and other camping necessities, so if you have a cart...please bring it!
Walking: Please be prepared to travel long distances by foot. If this doesn't work for you physically, please contact Ellee at 619-708-9863 for more information about how to get around Calexico effectively.
