Live CBP Wait Times
Paso del Norte Wait Times
201 S Santa Fe St, El Paso, TX 79901 · 24 hours, 7 days a week
CBP data last updated at 3:08 AM MT
Current Wait Times
Personal Vehicle
1h 25m
Pedestrian
5 min
SENTRI
3 min
Lanes open — Vehicle: 1 · Pedestrian: 4 · SENTRI: 2
Today's Crossing Pattern
Pedestrian volume peaks weekday mornings as workers and students commute northbound to El Paso, and again Friday and Saturday evenings as shoppers and diners head south to Juárez. Vehicle lanes are less congested than BOTA overall but still see significant delays during rush hours.
For the most accurate real-time data, check the BorderETA app — it sends push alerts when your crossing drops below your target wait time.
Weekly Wait Patterns
| Day | Best Windows | Busiest Periods |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6am–7am, 9pm–12am | 7am–9am, 4pm–7pm |
| Tuesday | 6am–7am, 9pm–12am | 7am–9am, 4pm–6pm |
| Wednesday | 6am–7am, 9pm–12am | 7am–9am, 4pm–6pm |
| Thursday | 6am–7am, 9pm–12am | 7am–9am, 4pm–7pm |
| Friday | 6am–7am, 10pm–12am | 7am–10am, 4pm–9pm |
| Saturday | 7am–9am, 10pm–12am | 11am–7pm |
| Sunday | 7am–9am, 8pm–12am | 12pm–6pm |
Based on historical CBP data patterns. Actual conditions vary with events, season, and staffing.
About Paso del Norte
Paso del Norte, also known as the Santa Fe Street Bridge, is El Paso's historic downtown crossing and the highest-volume pedestrian port of entry in the region. Located at the heart of both downtowns, it connects El Paso's Union Plaza district to Juárez's Avenida Lerdo shopping corridor. Hundreds of pedestrians and thousands of vehicles cross daily for work, school, shopping, and family visits — a reflection of the deep binational ties between the two cities.
US Side Nearby
- • Downtown El Paso
- • Union Plaza
- • El Paso Convention Center
- • Chamizal National Memorial
- • UTEP campus
Mexico Side Nearby
- • Avenida Juárez
- • Mercado Cuauhtémoc
- • Catedral de Ciudad Juárez
- • Plaza de Armas
- • Zona Centro Juárez
Getting There — Parking & Transit
🅿️ Parking Options
Stanton Street Garage (City of El Paso)
Multi-story parking garage at Stanton & 3rd Ave, 3-minute walk to the bridge. Metered and daily rates available. One of the most convenient options for PDN crossers.
Downtown Surface Lots
Multiple city and private lots within a 4-block radius of the bridge. Santa Fe St, Oregon St, and Mesa Ave have the highest concentration. Rates from $3–7/day.
On-Street Meters
Metered street parking on side streets near Union Plaza. Limited to 2–3 hours during business hours. Best for quick crossings.
🚌 Transit Options
Sun Metro Route 1 (Mesa)
Main downtown corridor route. Stops within 2 blocks of the PDN bridge.
Sun Metro Downtown Transfer Center
Located at Santa Fe & San Francisco St, one block from the bridge. Multiple routes converge here — the most transit-accessible crossing in El Paso.
Juárez Route 1A / Centro buses
On the Juárez side, Route 1A and centro-bound buses depart from Avenida Lerdo immediately past the crossing, heading into the Juárez city center.
Practical Tips
- →PDN has the highest pedestrian volume of any El Paso crossing. The pedestrian queue can stretch back significantly Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.
- →The SENTRI pedestrian lane at PDN is one of the most valuable in the region for daily commuters — significantly cuts morning crossing times.
- →The Juárez side exits directly onto Avenida Lerdo, steps from Mercado Cuauhtémoc and the main shopping district.
- →Downtown El Paso street parking meters are enforced 8am–8pm Monday through Saturday. After 8pm and Sundays, street parking is generally free.
Available Lanes
SENTRI enrollment is available through CBP's Trusted Traveler Programs. SENTRI holders typically cross in a fraction of standard lane wait times.
Get Alerts When the Wait Drops
Set your target wait time and BorderETA will push a notification the moment Paso del Nortedrops below it. No more refreshing — just cross when you want to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What lanes are open at Paso del Norte?
Paso del Norte offers standard personal vehicle lanes, pedestrian lanes, SENTRI lanes for both vehicles and pedestrians, and Ready Lane. There are no commercial vehicle lanes at this crossing.
Does Paso del Norte have a SENTRI lane?
Yes, PDN has SENTRI lanes for both vehicles and pedestrians. The pedestrian SENTRI lane is especially popular with daily commuters from Juárez who work or study in El Paso.
What are Paso del Norte's hours?
Paso del Norte operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is the primary downtown crossing for both pedestrians and vehicles.
How do I get to Paso del Norte from downtown El Paso?
Paso del Norte is in the heart of downtown El Paso. Head south on Santa Fe Street and follow signs to the international crossing. It is within walking distance of the El Paso Convention Center, Union Plaza, and the downtown transit hub.
Is Paso del Norte open 24 hours?
Yes, Paso del Norte is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for both vehicles and pedestrians.