Local section · San Antonio, Texas · 8 min read
Evacuation route to Mexico
From San Antonio to Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, with family. Two cars, 4 adults, 2 dogs. The main route, three alternates each with its own trigger, timing, fuel, cash and the documents that stop people at the bridge. Bridge hours, paperwork and tolls were checked on November 2, 2026: check them again before leaving.
The essentials · if you only have a minute
- Main route (A): I-35 South → Colombia Bridge → 85D → Monterrey → Hwy 85 → Ciudad Victoria. ~800 km (500 mi), 9–10 h.
- Non-negotiable rule: in Mexico, drive only in daylight.
- Ideal departure: 05:00–05:30, to reach the bridge when it opens (8:00).
- Full tank at three points: departure, Cotulla and Linares.
- If your car is financed, without the lender's letter it doesn't get past km 26.
In this chapter
1Summary and map1 min read2Route A step by step (main)1 min read3Timing and daylight1 min read4Fuel and cash (per car)1 min read5Crossing documents1 min read6Convoy and safety in Mexico1 min read7Alternate routes and when to use them1 min read815-minute checklist before leaving1 min read0/89To-dos so the route is valid1 min read0/710Sources: check before leaving1 min read
