If you are heading to Los Algodones, Mexico — the dental town Americans call "Molar City" — your trip starts at the Andrade port of entry, about three minutes from the border near Yuma, Arizona. Most dental visitors park on the US side and walk across, which is usually faster and simpler than driving into town. This guide explains how wait times tend to change month by month, the best days and hours to cross, and what to expect in 2026.
How the Andrade crossing works
The Andrade port of entry is open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pacific time, seven days a week, according to the CBP Border Wait Times feed (port 250201). Live waits are published at bwt.cbp.gov and in the free CBP Border Wait Times app, which updates hourly and requires no registration. Because there is no official month-by-month CBP wait data, treat the seasonal patterns below as general guidance and always check the live app on the morning of your appointment.
One timing detail trips up many visitors: Arizona does not change clocks. From November to March, Arizona is one hour ahead of Pacific time, which is the time used in Los Algodones. In winter, a 9:00 a.m. appointment in Los Algodones is 10:00 a.m. Arizona time. Confirm which clock your dentist means when you book.
Andrade border wait times by month
Snowbird season, roughly November through March, is the busiest period at Andrade. Summer is quieter. A January 2026 KAWC report observed roughly a 15-minute line at peak season, and local business owners told the station they were seeing fewer winter visitors, especially Canadians. For reference, on October 20, 2026 at 1 p.m., CBP showed a 15-minute car wait and a 5-minute pedestrian wait.
November to March: peak snowbird season
Expect the longest lines of the year, especially on weekday mornings and around holidays. Pedestrian lanes usually move faster than vehicle lanes. Book early appointments, arrive with time to spare, and check the app before you leave Yuma.
April and October: shoulder months
These months are generally moderate. Spring break and fall events can create short spikes, but waits are typically shorter than in midwinter.
May to September: quiet summer
Summer is the calmest stretch. Desert heat keeps casual visitors away, so crossings are often quick. If you can tolerate the heat, summer is a good time for longer treatment plans such as implants or full-mouth work.
Best days and hours to cross
- Best days: Tuesday through Thursday are usually calmer than Mondays and Fridays.
- Best hours: Early morning right at opening (6:00 a.m. Pacific) and mid-afternoon after the morning rush are typically the smoothest.
- Walk, don't drive: Most dental visitors park on the US side and cross on foot, which is often faster and avoids Mexico vehicle paperwork.
- Allow a buffer: Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your appointment even on quiet days.
Parking at the Andrade lot
The Quechan Andrade parking lot publishes official rates (as of October 2026): $10 per day for cars and $16 for RVs or vehicles towing; overnight parking is $15 for cars and $35 for RVs, with a maximum of three nights. The lot is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Arizona time. Many older blogs still list $6 per day — that figure is outdated. For more trip logistics, see the Los Algodones visitor guide.
Why the crossing is worth it: 2026 dental prices
Los Algodones dentists publish prices in US dollars, and the savings versus US clinics are substantial. The table below compares common treatments using the algodones.mx official price list. Prices vary by clinic and case, so always get a written quote before treatment.
| Treatment | Los Algodones (USD) | Typical US price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Free | $150 |
| Regular cleaning | $30 | $140 |
| Composite filling | $60 | $165 |
| Simple extraction | $60 | $150 |
| Root canal | $280 (partner promo from $180) | $1,000 |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown | $180 | $1,250 |
| Zirconia crown | $350 (partner promos from $250) | $1,600 |
| Titanium implant + crown | About $1,300 total | About $3,900 total |
| All-on-4 (per arch) | $8,500 (partner promo $7,500) | $27,000 |
| Full denture | $250–$350 | $1,850–$2,150 |
Many patients combine a winter visit with a longer treatment plan. If you are considering implants, see the dental implants guide; for full-arch work, review All-on-4 options. For a complete list, visit the Los Algodones dental price list.
Planning tips for older travelers
- Bring a passport or passport card and confirm your dentist's address in advance.
- Schedule morning appointments in peak season and check the live app before leaving.
- Remember the Arizona–Pacific time difference from November to March.
- Ask for a written treatment plan and quote, including lab fees and follow-up visits.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Andrade border hours?
The port is open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Pacific time, seven days a week.
When are Andrade border waits shortest?
Generally Tuesday through Thursday, early morning or mid-afternoon, and during the quieter summer months. Check the free CBP app for live waits.
How much is parking at Andrade?
As of October 2026, the Quechan lot charges $10 per day for cars and $16 for RVs or towing, with overnight rates of $15 and $35 respectively.
Do I need to drive into Los Algodones?
No. Most dental visitors park on the US side and walk across, which is usually faster.
Is there official month-by-month wait data?
No. CBP does not publish monthly averages, so use seasonal patterns as guidance and confirm with the live app on your travel day.
Related on algodones.mx
- Full Los Algodones dental price list (2026)
- Compare dentists in Los Algodones
- Dental implants in Los Algodones
- All-on-4 from $7,500 · Root canal from $180
