The Wayro route from Brownsville to Matamoros is 2 miles (3 km), about 5 min of driving without stops. The U.S.–Mexico border is at about mile 1 on this route, near the Brownsville port of entry.
| Distance | 2 mi (3 km) |
|---|---|
| Driving time, no stops | 5 min |
| Border crossing | about mile 1 of this route, Texas → Tamaulipas (near the Brownsville, TX port of entry) |
| Mexican states on the route | Tamaulipas (Level 4) |
| Fuel estimate (car at 25 mpg) | about 0.1 gal; actual use varies by vehicle and traffic |
| Stops listed below | 0 |
Crossing into Mexico: what you need for Matamoros
| Passport | Passport book or passport card to enter Mexico by land |
|---|---|
| FMM entry permit | Not needed if you stay within 12 miles (20 km) of the border for 6 days or less; required for longer stays or if you travel farther in |
| Temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) | Not needed inside the border zone; required if you drive farther into Mexico |
| Mexican auto insurance | Required for all vehicles: buy a Mexican policy before you cross |
Sources: U.S. State Department, Mexico travel information (updated August 11, 2026); permits are issued by Banjercito.
Crossing at Brownsville
Brownsville and Matamoros are linked by several crossings, including the B&M and Gateway International bridges, which serve pedestrians, cars and buses, and the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates, which also carries commercial trucks.
What the drive from Brownsville to Matamoros is like
The U.S. part of the drive runs through Texas for about 1 miles; after the border at Brownsville you are practically in Matamoros.
The route from Brownsville to Matamoros, road by road
- Mile 1 of this route: Texas → Tamaulipas (international border)
When you get to Matamoros
Matamoros faces Brownsville, Texas, near the spot where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf of Mexico, in northeastern Tamaulipas. Proudly called Heroica Matamoros, the city grew from an 18th-century ranch settlement, and its downtown centers on Plaza Hidalgo, a neoclassical cathedral begun in the early 1800s and the Teatro de la Reforma.
- Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Refugio: Facing Plaza Hidalgo, the neoclassical cathedral has a three-arched facade; its towers were rebuilt after a 1933 hurricane. source
- Museo Casamata: A 19th-century military fort now holds a museum on the battles fought in the region. source
- Teatro de la Reforma: This theater in the historic center is known for its architecture and remains a cultural venue downtown. source
More drives to Matamoros
- McAllen, TX to Matamoros
- Arlington, TX to Matamoros
- Rockport, TX to Matamoros
- South Padre Island, TX to Matamoros
- Plano, TX to Matamoros
- Austin, TX to Matamoros
From Brownsville to other places in Mexico
- Brownsville, TX to Saltillo
- Brownsville, TX to Parras de la Fuente
- Brownsville, TX to Santiago
- Brownsville, TX to Múzquiz
- Brownsville, TX to Piedras Negras
- Brownsville, TX to San Miguel de Allende
All routes to Matamoros, border crossings and permits in one place: Driving to Matamoros, Mexico from the U.S.
Continue Your Adventure
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Brownsville to Matamoros?
About 5 min of driving without stops, over 2 miles.
How far is Matamoros from Brownsville by car?
About 2 miles (3 km) on the Wayro route. Other map services may show a few miles more or less, depending on where they start and end in each city.
Where does the Brownsville to Matamoros drive cross into Mexico?
At about mile 1 of this route, from Texas into Tamaulipas, near the Brownsville port of entry.
Do I need a permit to drive my car from Brownsville to Matamoros?
Not needed inside the border zone; required if you drive farther into Mexico. You also need Mexican auto insurance and a passport book or card.
Is it safe to drive from Brownsville to Matamoros?
The U.S. State Department rates Tamaulipas Level 4: Do Not Travel (advisory issued May 29, 2026). Read the full advisory before you go.
How we put this guide together
Wayro calculates the route from OpenStreetMap road data; mile numbers are positions along this route, not highway mile markers, and "from the route" distances are straight-line, so the real detour depends on access roads. Stops are chosen from parks, natural sites, museums, historic sites and attractions close to the route (roughly 2 to 7 miles depending on the type, farther for World Heritage sites): at least one strong stop for each stretch of the drive, then the best-known places nearest the road, with no more than five of one type, up to nine in all. Places that are closed, private or not open to visitors are removed. Place and city descriptions are written by the Wayro team from official park, museum, tourism and government websites and other published sources. Safety levels and entry rules were checked against the U.S. Department of State on September 29, 2026. Conditions change, so check the linked sources before you travel.
Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors.