One of the main questions I get asked is if it is safe to drive to Rocky Point. It is as safe to drive to Rocky Point as it is to drive anywhere else!
If you’re planning your first visit to Rocky Point and want to know what to expect, check out my First-Time Visitor Guide!
From Phoenix, the drive to Rocky Point is less than 3 hours in Arizona, plus another hour in Mexico (less than 4 hours total). From Tucson, it’s about the same.
Driving Directions to the Lukeville US-Mexico Border Crossing
From Phoenix:
– Take the 10 West toward Buckeye/Los Angeles
– Take exit 112 for AZ-85 toward I-8/Yuma
– Pass through Gila Bend and follow the signs to take a slight right onto the Phoenix Bypass Route for AZ-85
– Pass through Ajo and Why (make sure to slow down and follow speed limit signs in town)
– Continue on AZ-85 to the border
For Southeast Valley residents, it might be faster to:
– Take the 10 South from the southern 202 loop
– Exit 164 for AZ-347/John Wayne Pkwy
– Just north of the town of Maricopa, turn right onto AZ-238
– Pass through Gila Bend and then head south on the Phoenix Bypass Route for AZ-85
From Tucson:
– Head west on AZ-86, which is off I-19 just south of the 10
– Take AZ-86 all the way to Why, then head south on AZ-85
Most people have concerns about safety south of the border. From the border to Rocky Point, it is less than an hour, most of which is on Highway 8. Highway 8 is the first binational safety corridor linking the United States and Mexico. A lot of improvements have been made, and it feels like any other two-lane highway you would drive in the US.
Crossing the Border by Car Safely
Currently, the border closes at 8pm, so plan your visit to Rocky Point accordingly. You will cross into Mexico at the Lukeville Point of Entry.
Crossing the border to get to Rocky Point is easy and safe. In the entry lane, you’ll see a green “go” light or a red “stop” light. Wait until the green “go” light to proceed into the lane. When the guard arm raises, unless you’re told otherwise, you are free to proceed. It usually takes under five minutes to cross the border from Arizona into Mexico. You can check border wait times for the Lukeville Point of Entry online.
Right after the border, there might be a makeshift stop sign with armed Mexican agents. This can be unsettling for some Americans, but there is no reason to worry. If the agents are there, stop, roll down your window, say hello. They might ask a question or two, or they might wave you through. They all speak English and aren’t going to harass you.
During the week, there are usually no guards. There may be vendors or people offering to wash your windows in this area just south of the Arizona-Mexico border. Drive slow and proceed past them; even if they approach your car, there is no need to stop.
As of fall 2021, face masks are required at the border and in Sonoyta.
Watch Your Speed Driving to Rocky Point
South of the Lukeville Point of Entry, you will drive through the town of Sonoyta. Now that you are in Mexico, speed limit signs are circular and in kilometers per hour. The speed limit in most of Sonoyta, including the main road south of the border, is 20 km/h. That is only 12mph. The policía patrol Sonoyta heavily and will pull you over for speeding. The best way to stay safe on your drive to Rocky Point is to watch your speed.
Directions from the Mexico Border to Rocky Point
Directions from the border:
– Continue to follow the main road (slowly) into the town of Sonoyta
– As you get into town, there is a strange intersection where you follow the road slightly to the left to a stop (alto) sign
– Make a slight left onto the main road when safe, after stopping at the stop (alto) sign
– There are three lanes, but the far-right lane is often partially blocked by parked cars
– Follow the main road and look for the signs for Highway 8 toward Peñasco*
– Follow Highway 8 all the way to Rocky Point!
* Google Maps may have you turn right onto a residential street called Av 16 de Septiembre. This is a great way to bypass the main street a bit. You will see hand-made signs denoting “RP” (Rocky Point) with an arrow. If you follow this route, you will join up with Highway 8 and make a right-hand turn to continue.
Driving Safe on Highway 8 to Rocky Point
You’ll turn onto Highway 8 (Highway Sonoyta / Puerto Peñasco) while in the town of Sonoyta. Continue to follow the speed limit (now 40kmh or 24mph) until you leave town. The Policía often patrol the edge of town. You will go under a large, white archway leaving town. Once you are past this, you can speed up and follow Highway 8 all the way to Puerto Peñasco.
Highway 8 has seen many improvements over the years and feels much like an American highway. The center of the road is clearly marked in bright yellow. There are shoulders on either side of the road. There are rest areas (area de descanso) along the highway if you feel tired or need to pull off to let others pass. People often speed on Highway 8, but there is usually not much traffic. Go at the speed you feel comfortable with.
If you are staying in Sandy Beach, keep right instead of going over the big bridge as you get close to Rocky Point. This will take you onto Highway 3, which is a great shortcut. Follow Highway 3 straight, over the railroad tracks, then make an immediate left onto Blvd Costa Diamante. Follow this road, go straight through the roundabout, and you’ll see the Sandy Beach resorts straight ahead.
As with any highway, it’s important to watch your speed and take caution on turns. Road conditions are more dangerous at night because there are no streetlights lining Highway 8, nor towns providing ambient lighting. As long as you drive smart and not recklessly, you will be safe driving to Rocky Point from Arizona.
What to do if you get pulled over
It can be intimidating to be pulled over by police in a foreign country. Following the local motor vehicle laws is the best way to avoid seeing the red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. If you do get pulled over, don’t worry! Here are a few tips for navigating an interaction with polícia.
- Ask the officer to tell you what you did wrong.
- Do not tell the officer how much money you have with you.
- If the officer asks for payment, ask to go to the police station instead.
The officer may try to convince you they are “giving you a break” and that you will pay more at the police station. Almost always, this is incorrect. Always go to the police station. Prices are clearly listed at the station and they take credit card. If you pay immediately at the police station, you get a 50% discount on the fine. For example, a speeding ticket (if paid at the police station) is about $25 USD.
Sonora police chief Miguel Angel Trujillo urges tourists to always go to the police station to pay the fine. This helps stop corruption and disincentivizes police from pulling over tourists.
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