Whether you are driving from California, flying from Phoenix, or prefer to be picked up at your door — we have a travel option that works for you.
Most of our patients drive. It is the easiest, cheapest and most flexible way to get here — and the roads are straightforward from anywhere in the American Southwest.
If you are driving, you can park safely on the US side in Calexico and walk across the border. Sergio or a team member will meet you on the Mexican side and take you directly to the hotel. Your car stays safe in the US the entire time — and you avoid dealing with driving in Mexicali entirely.
Southern Airways Express offers direct flights to Imperial County Airport — just 15 minutes from the Mexicali border. The closest airport to Mexicali available for commercial travel.
Imperial County Airport (IPL) — also known as El Centro Airport — is the closest airport to Mexicali, located just 15 minutes from the Calexico border crossing. This is the best flight option for patients coming from Phoenix or Los Angeles who don't want to drive the full distance. Once you land, Sergio arranges pickup directly to your hotel in Mexicali.
After landing at Imperial County Airport, Sergio or a BajaMedLife driver will meet you at the terminal, handle your luggage, drive you to the Calexico border crossing (15 minutes), cross into Mexicali, and take you directly to your hotel. The entire process from landing to hotel check-in takes approximately 45 minutes.
You can also fly into San Diego (SAN), Phoenix (PHX) or Palm Springs (PSP) and either rent a car for the drive or have us arrange a private driver pickup. See the Private Driver tab for details and pricing estimates.
For patients who want maximum comfort and privacy, a chartered flight to Imperial County Airport is available from anywhere in Arizona, Nevada or California.
Imperial County Airport (IPL) can accommodate private and charter aircraft with a 5,304 foot runway — large enough for turboprops and smaller jets. Charter a plane directly from your home city and land just 15 minutes from the Mexicali border crossing.
If you are traveling as a group of 4 or more patients or family members, splitting the cost of a charter can make it very competitive with commercial tickets — and you get completely door to door service with full privacy. It is worth getting a quote.
Don't want to worry about driving or navigating? We arrange everything. A bilingual professional driver — from your door in the US to your hotel in Mexicali.
Flying into San Diego, Phoenix, Palm Springs or Imperial County Airport? We arrange a private bilingual driver to meet you at the terminal, handle your luggage, and drive you directly to your hotel in Mexicali. No navigation, no border confusion, no stress.
Prefer not to drive yourself? We arrange a private bilingual driver to pick you up at your home, hotel or airport anywhere in Arizona, California or Nevada and drive you door to door to your hotel in Mexicali. We also take you back when you are ready to return home.
After your surgery and recovery, we arrange your private driver to take you back to your home city, the airport, or the border crossing — whichever you prefer. You focus on resting and healing. We handle all the logistics.
If you are a SENTRI card holder, border crossing is dramatically faster — dedicated SENTRI lanes typically take just 2–5 minutes compared to regular lanes. Our private drivers are familiar with SENTRI procedures and will make sure your crossing is as seamless as possible. Don't have SENTRI yet? Ask Sergio — he can point you in the right direction to apply.
All BajaMedLife drivers are vetted, bilingual, professional and fully familiar with border crossing procedures. Your safety and comfort are our priority from the moment you step into the vehicle.
Crossing from Calexico, California into Mexicali is simple, safe and routine. Here is exactly what to expect — from what to bring to what to say at customs.
You will need a valid US Passport or US Passport Card. A regular driver's license is not sufficient for re-entry into the United States. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. If you do not have a passport, a Passport Card is faster and cheaper to obtain — and works perfectly for border crossing by land.
Two options from Calexico, California:
Calexico West Port of Entry — Best for patients coming from San Diego or Los Angeles. Located in downtown Calexico. Pedestrian and vehicle crossing available. Walking distance from local parking lots.
Calexico East Port of Entry — Best for patients coming from Phoenix or Arizona. Larger crossing with more vehicle lanes. Faster during peak hours. Recommended if you are driving directly into Mexicali.
If you are driving your own car, park at one of the public parking lots in Calexico on the US side. Your car stays safely in the United States while you are in Mexicali — you never need to drive in Mexico unless you choose to. Paid parking is available near both crossings. Budget approximately $8–$15 per day. Sergio can recommend specific parking locations when you confirm your travel date.
Walk or drive through the border crossing. US citizens do not need a tourist visa for stays under 180 days. You will pass through Mexican immigration — have your passport ready and available. The crossing agent may ask the purpose of your visit — simply say you are visiting for medical treatment. The process typically takes 5–20 minutes depending on wait times.
As soon as you cross, Sergio or a BajaMedLife team member will be waiting for you on the Mexican side — look for the sign with your name. You will go directly to your hotel from there. You will never be alone navigating Mexicali. From this moment on, we handle everything.
When you are ready to return home, Sergio accompanies you back to the border crossing. Re-entry into the US requires your passport. US Customs will ask basic questions about your visit — be straightforward and honest about your medical visit. The process is routine and typically takes 10–30 minutes. Most patients find it completely uneventful.
Weekday mornings between 8am and 10am are typically the least busy. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when cross-border traffic is at its highest. If your surgery date falls near a US holiday weekend, let Sergio know so he can advise on timing.
You were visiting Mexicali for medical treatment. This is completely legal and increasingly common — US Customs agents at the Calexico crossings are very familiar with medical tourism. Be honest and straightforward. You do not need to provide detailed medical information, just state that you received medical treatment in Mexicali.
Message Sergio on WhatsApp and he will personally walk you through the best travel option for your situation — for free, with no commitment required.
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