Ferry Terminal - TMC & Baja Ferry | Vehicle Shipping

TMC: We couldn’t figure out the online booking so we just showed up around 1pm and got our tickets there. Go towards the right which is where they checked our TIP then measured and (briefly) searched our vehicle. From there we were directed to a small office where we purchased our tickets. We were told that I had to wait in the large gray building while my husband (and dog) took our vehicle to the pier to wait. He moved to the truck line at 3pm and I had to wait in the waiting room until 4pm. At that point they walked those waiting to the vessel where I saw my husband waiting in the truck so I just sat with him. Many of the vehicles waiting had multiple passengers so I’m not really sure why they told us to wait, especially just to walk us over to those we were separated from. You could probably board the vessel as a passenger if you chose but I wanted to wait with my husband and pup. TMC is mostly a shipping vessel so we had to wait until the semi trucks were loaded first before they let on personal vehicles, which was 5/530 for us. Dinner was from 6-7pm so we immediately went up to the mess hall to eat. The food was pretty mediocre but not bad, especially since we didn’t feel like cooking. The ship left at 6/630 so we saw the sunset and went back to the truck. We met a few of the other passengers and everyone brought their own beer/beverages so it was a pretty chill vibe. Some of the larger trucks did run their engines on and off but they put most of the commuter vehicles in the open air deck so it wasn’t too bad. You can take your pet anywhere as there is no specifically designated area for them just bring towels/bags to clean up after them. There was one other dog and two cats on our ship. There are 3 toilets and 3 showers with low pressure but that ran hot. Breakfast was some more slop from 7-8am and we reached Mazatlán around 930. TMC leaves Monday Wednesday and Friday so plan your trip accordingly.

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Baja Ferries:
We travel with our bicycles and just showed up there early in the day around 10 am. It was no problem to get a ticket for the ferry the same day although there was no free spot in the online booking system.

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Motorcycles probably don’t need to bother booking in advance for the TMC ferry. Baja Ferries needs a booking though which can be done online. TMC can be done over the phone (if they answer) or at the terminal office. I went to TMC and was originally told the ferry was full, when I said I was on a moto they said de nada. I arrived at 5:30pm, paperwork done by six, waited around three more hours and left. 3400 mxn la Paz to Topolobampo. There was a spot off to the side which could’ve fitted many more bikes. Tmc runs daily to Topolobampo but every second day to Mazatlan. Seating area and meal (included) weren’t anything flash but it was cheap and we’re in Mexico so no complaints or surprises. Free showers. Access to the deck during the sailing. My motorbike was clearly visible and in a walking path but I had no security concerns, left everything on. BYO straps

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TMC

- Significantly cheaper, price is based on length NOT weight of vehicle even though they weigh you. You can fill gas tank, water and get groceries before crossing so you don’t have to do it after a 16 hour ferry
- Allows kids, submit request and they review and approve, many families we know that used TMC enjoyed a few days at a beach or campground until they heard back about approval
- Allows dogs in vehicle with you
- Allows you to stay within vehicle
- if you have a pop top tent and get placed below deck you may not be able to open your pop top and sleep
- Truckers may run vehicle throughout night
- Showers are provided
- can purchase tickets at terminal
- the ferry ride is 16 hours, in our opinion TMC would have been the best way to travel since we could have slept in our own beds and payed less

Baja Ferries

- more expensive, price based on length NOT weight, if you have bike rack or something you can remove from vehicle to take the length down some to qualify for a cheaper length category it could be worth while, also fill up gas, water and groceries so you are prepared to drive
- Allows kids, no request needed, cheaper ticket for under 10
— Allows dogs, but they must be in a crate outside of the vehicle in a designated area. They allow access to the pets during certain hours of the night to water or feed or comfort them.
- You cannot take blankets or pillows! They will take them away from you before boarding if they know you have them. But you can get a stamp that says blanket on your ticket and they provide a thin airline style blanket.
- Passengers lay on the floor and sleep. Movies play loudly and my not be kid appropriate.
- They serve food, it’s not bad…but I also didn’t eat any. Cow tongue/fish/chicken with watery refried beans and rice was not for me.
- we bought our tickets one week in advance in the downtown office pictures above, the lady helping us only spoke Spanish but was easy to work with
- cabins can be purchased for additional cost, they have a shower and toilet as well as four bunks, they book quickly and non where available when we booked for three months out. The tickets we got had QR codes, we also received an email with the same codes, but we still had to go into the Baja ferry office after customs, measuring (which costs 240 paso or so) in the Baja ferry office they provide the official tickets in little booklets, we drove past the office and had to turn around, so look out for it after you get weighed
- the process of boarding is that the driver remains in the vehicle and any additional passengers are sent to the ferry via a shuttle

***Remember not to go off this information or anyone else’s blog, Instagram posts solely. We payed 500 dollars more and could not stay in our vehicle because we relied on inaccurate information and booked with Baja rather than TMC. We couldn’t cancel since Baja ferry doesn’t allow for cancelation of tickets but they do allow for rescheduling if you happen to miss your departure. Policies change, check IOverlander app for crowd sourced updates and call the ferry or walk in to ask questions***

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Previous text is about the ferry to Topolobampo. Sorry have forgotten to write.

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We have done a reservation for next day at TMC office in the city. The woman spoke English very well. Told us 5250 Pesos for our Landcruiser less than 6 meters. Next morning we received the confirmation by mail. At the ferry terminal we paid 5250 Pesos as announced. We have a pop-up roof, cooker in the car. Nobody would like to sell the RV tariff. On the cargo ferry we could sleep in the car like the truck drivers. Easy. Have fun.

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Here is an overview of the whole process with TMC.

1. Get a reservation. Know your vehicle lenght in meters. There is an office in the city and it takes just minutes. Super friendly lady.
2. Come to the port. At the gate say you have a ferry with TMC.
3. Turn right and go through the inspection. They will check your TIP and verify the passport of the person on the TIP. You don't need any copies or other documents. They will check the car for weapons or drugs. Did not ask about food. Overall super friendly.
4. Drive forward to the scale ( can't miss it). Pay the port fee and get a slip with your car weight and length. They will ask your name, age, car year.
5. Get off the scale and park immediately to your right.
6. Go back towards the inspection point and on your way you will see the TMC ticket office.
7. Hand them over your slip and tell them you have a reservation. Write on a piece of paper your name and age + any passengers. Get your tickets.
8. Find you ship. The name of the ship is clearly visible on the food stamps.
9. Wait near the ship. The trucks will board first and the whole boarding process take hours. It won't hurt to tell the attendants you wish to stay on the upper deck.
10. I don't think you can call any part of the ship a good spot. A significant number of trucks leave their engine running all night. So there is constant noise and fumes. :/ The sea breeze during our trip was almost inexistent.
11. Enjoy the experience. Some of the staff on the boat speak English and are super friendly.

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HAY CHINCHES EN EL SALON DE DESCANSÓ!!!
VIAJAMOS COM TMC, FUE TODO SÚPER SIMPLE, DIERON CENA Y DESAYUNO.
TE PIDEN PASAPORTES + IMPORTACIÓN DEL VEHÍCULO (LO HABIAMOS HECHO EN LA FRONTERA)

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We took the TMC ferry and it was fairly straightforward.

We filmed the process here:
https://youtu.be/StvJYOo-g5U?si=AczF9yx9gSK6fh1y

1. Got our TIP for 10 years at the Banjercito office (1125 pesos, took credit). Park outside the blue fence and walk in. Take your Passport and Vehicle Title.
2. Make a reservation at the TMC office which is just passed the inspection point.
3. Return on the day of boarding a few hours before (we went at 3pm and it was quiet).
4. Go through inspection point - show passport and TIP.
5. Get weighed (210 pesos, cash) and measured - these determine the ticket price. We have a Ram Promaster and our tickets were 7200 pesos for van + driver + extra person (paid with credit).
6. Go to office where you made the reservation and get actual ticket.
7. Loop around to the water side and wait next to the ferry to be boarded. We were told in the office the extra person would need to walk on. We ignored this and no one at the ferry cared there was a 2nd passenger while we boarded.
8. Get dinner and Enjoy the ride!

☺️ Connect with us on Instagram and YouTube @hayleyandjake

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video of the shipping process with TMC

https://youtu.be/w3lrgCP52mQ

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LaPaz to Matzatlan:
150m LKW Warteschlange vor dem Eingangstor 24.27684, -110.327203. 12:50 Uhr, ca. 25 min.
Frage nach TIP, Warten 13.12 Uhr, ca. 5 min
Zollinspektion 13.18 Uhr, Kontrolle TIP mit Nummer am Auto, reingucken Kabine und wahllos einige Fächer öffnen, ca. 6 min
Messen des Autos, BCSnosUNE Api Auto Wiegen 13.35h, 292 Pesos Gebühr mit Quittung 8,60m und 11,5t
Zettel mit Name, Alter, Anzahl Personen, Fahrzeugkennzeichen mitnehmen zum TMC Schalter
Auto direkt hinter dem Wiegen rechts parken, um zum TMC Schalter zurück zulaufen (100m).
Reservierung bestätigen, Name Beifahrer, bezahlen 15.800 Pesos für Auto incl. Fahrer als Motorhome bis 10m und 1.300 zusätzlich je Person (17.100 in Summe, 850€). 14 Uhr fertig.
Beifahrer bekommt separate Bestätigung, soll zu Fuss auf das Schiff (Tanja bleibt hinten).
Richtiges Schiff finden! Wir machen dies zu Fuss. Name steht auf dem Ticket. Unser Schiff heisst San Jorge. Zeitgleich werden 3 Schiffe beladen.
Unser Schiff soll ab 15 Uhr beladen werden.
Das Beladen geht ruhig von Statten und beginnt mit den vielen vielen Trucks ab 15.15 Uhr. Der Wind hat zum Glück auch etwas nachgelassen.
Gunnar fährt um 16 Uhr rückwärts die Rampe hoch aufs Oberdeck und wir stehen mittig in 2ter Reihe gerade noch unter freiem Himmel. Milimetergenau wird in alle Richtungen geparkt, wir bekommen unsere Türen alle halb geöffnet, direkt hinter uns leider ein Truck mit laufendem Kühlaggregat. Es ist furchtbar laut, wir müssen uns im Auto anbrüllen.
Keine Fährfahrt, die wir empfehlen würden (schon gar nicht mit Kindern und/oder Hund).
Die Fähre startet um 19.15 Uhr (statt 17 Uhr).
Und: alles in Spanish, keine FMM oder Passkontrolle

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Watch out for Baja Ferry scam!!
Got to the terminal and first got directed to Baja Ferry desk. The lady first tried to scam us in saying we had to pay a motor home ticket price cause we have a bed in our van(we have an old self converted Chevy Van 5.40meters). Told her the van was originally a passenger van, but she insisted it was a "motor home". We asked where the TMC desk was since Baja ferry was too expensive for us (~900USD for motorhome) and she told us that TMC was only a cargo ferry. We obviously knew that wasn't true so we asked the guard outside and he directed us to the TMC office. We were able to get a reservation for the next day. We paid 4750 pesos for 2 people + van to Topolobampo. TMC are not running to Mazatlan at the moment.

Also our friends got scammed in La Paz office 2 days before. The guy had told them that one of TMC ferries was having issues, so the waiting list was really really long. So to better go with Baja Ferry. The guy probably gets a cut and Baja ferry is more expensive. They were pretty devastated when they found out we got tickets the next day with TMC. Also you can't sleep in your vehicle with Baja ferry. Need to pay for a cabin if you want a bed.

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Easy process here!!!

FRENCH BELOW

Pitchilingue to Topolobampo with TMC
We tried to book by phone at the office in La paz but we had to be on the waiting list. Called two times to be on the list for two different dates. We still had a doubt so we went to the office and they didn't have our name on the lists!!!
We then asked to be on the list for two dates and we saw the lady put our name on the lists, so we were more confident. We were #3 on the list for a Saturday, October 22.

La Paz office told us to be at the port at 6pm to board at 9. We decided to come at 3pm...
Aduana was very easy, we already had our TIP.
The weight station was easy too. 210 pesos for this.

We then parked on the right to go to the TMC office. They told us we were too early to buy our ticket and to come back at 7pm to see if there was room...so we came back at 6h30 and were able to buy our tickets!!!

7200 pesos total for a sprinter van 7m, 2 adults and 1 7 years old child to Topo
. It includes a diner per person. #21 pick up and vannete hasta 6m: $ 3 700
#16 1m extra : $1,400
#17 ayudante de operator: $1 050 *2 people
360$ us instead of more than 900$ with Baja Ferries. We got on the boat around 8h30 and had to go backward all the way to the top deck and parallel park in a very tight space between 2 trucks. The port workers were very helpful and kind. We boarded at 22h40 and the ferry was full.
We were surrounded by trucks but it was fine.
Overall very good experience, so much cheaper than Baja Ferries!
***
Processus facile ici !!!

Pitchilingue à Topolobampo avec TMC
Nous avons essayé de réserver par téléphone au bureau de La paz mais nous devions être sur la liste d'attente. J'ai appelé deux fois pour être sur la liste à deux dates différentes. Nous avions encore un doute alors nous sommes allés au bureau et ils n'avaient pas notre nom sur les listes!!!
Nous avons ensuite demandé à être sur la liste pour deux dates et nous avons vu la dame mettre notre nom sur les listes, donc nous étions plus confiants. Nous étions n°3 sur la liste pour un samedi 22 octobre.

Le bureau de La Paz nous a dit d'être au port à 18h pour embarquer à 9h. Nous avons décidé de venir à 15h...
Aduana était très facile, nous avions déjà notre TIP.
La station de pesée était également facile. 210 pesos pour cela.

Nous nous sommes ensuite garés sur la droite pour aller au bureau TMC. Ils nous ont dit que nous étions trop tôt pour acheter notre billet et de revenir à 19h pour voir s'il y avait de la place... alors nous sommes revenus à 6h30 et avons pu acheter nos billets !!!

7200 pesos au total pour un sprinter van 7m, 2 adultes et 1 enfant de 7 ans jusqu'à Topo
. Ça comprend un dîner par personne. #21 vannette jusqu'à 6m : 3 700$
#16 1m supplémentaire : 1 400$
#17 aide-opérateur : 1 050 $ *2 personnes
360$ US au lieu de plus de 900$ avec Baja Ferries. Nous sommes montés sur le bateau vers 8h30 et avons dû reculer jusqu'au pont supérieur et nous garer parallèlement dans un espace très étroit entre 2 camions. Les employés du port étaient très serviables et gentils. Nous avons embarqué à 22h40 et le ferry était plein.
Nous étions entourés de camions mais ça allait.
Dans l'ensemble, très bonne expérience, tellement moins cher que Baja Ferries!

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We took the TMC ferry to Topolobampo as TMC is not running to Mazatlan at the moment. We reserved a spot on the waitinglist a couple of days before in the downtown office (which might not be needed as others didn’t and still got on). We arrived around 4 pm at the harbour and after doing all the necessary steps as mentioned before we needed to wait. Around 7.30 pm we were called and could buy a ticket. We paid 4750 M$ for a small camper (~ 5 meter). They try to put all cars on the top deck in the open air so you have a nice place to sleep. We slept perfectly on the boat and woke up in Topolobampo.

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Baja ferry to mazatlan - with partner and dog. . . Wasaay out past the outskirts of town - lovely beaches to hang at before headed into the chaos!

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Terminal 2 where the passenger of the vehicle driving on goes to wait for an eternity . . . And it wasn’t! Told we would load close to 5:30 and I was on and in our “cabana mascota” with a cold water in hand at 3:45👏

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We went to the office in town of La Paz the day before. They wanted to charge us the fare for a motorhome (we drive a MB Sprinter 5.93m). So we took the chance to drive directly to the terminal at around 1pm the next day.
It already was very full, manly trucks. We got our TIP sorted out at the border crossing before so customs check was easy. Very kind people there. Took a small look inside and asked some questions. But nothing to worry about.

After that you queue up to get measured and weighted.
We got measured 6m and 3.3tons and got the little slip with the mark vor “auto op” with the name of the driver on (the op stands for operador).
Park around the corner and walk to the ticket office, to get your tickets.
We payed 8740MX$ for the car and two people.
That includes a dinner and a breakfast.
The loading process took an enormous amount of time. Proceeded to the ferry at 3pm to check in. Any passengers have to walk onto the ferry.
Then it took about 3 1/2 hours more until we could drive on.

TMC is at the moment not operating to Mazatlan due to maintenance. So that is your only option unless you want to go to Topolobampo.

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We arrived here Friday around 1 pm hoping to take the 6 pm TMC ferry.
Obtain TIP by parking in the lot on the left when you pull in (pay for parking). Then go go through customs post (large overhead station). They will check all documents. Then go to weigh station by pulling through and staying right. Will cost 186 pesos to be weighed and measured. Take your slip to the big large building to pay for a ferry ticket. This took about 15-20 minutes total.

We were waitlisted so we just parked in the large (free) parking lot with all of the trucks. We gave the TMC lady our slip and she wrote down our phone number to call us. We got our ticket around 430 pm. And we were told where to park for loading.

We got loaded on the boat fairly early (5 pm). I would highly suggest trying to get loaded last or later because we got loaded on the top deck in the front corner and this portion of the boat is covered so we had no breeze all night (diesel fumes all night).

Dinner is 5-7 pm. Breakfast is 7-815 am.

We are in a truck camper and we were measured at 7.4m with a driver and passenger. Total cost to Mazatlán was 11,100 peso.

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Easy peasy trip La Paz to Mazatlan on TMC. We booked in at the La Paz office a week and a half before. Arrive, customs, measure and weigh, go in to the office with your slip and pay, go wait by the front of the ferry to board, make friends with the dudes that work on the ferry, ask for a good spot, board the ferry, enjoy the views, eat the free dinner, drink beers with the dudes that work on the ferry, go to sleep. If you meet Daniel, he’s awesome! Chatted with him for a few hours and had a beer, he loves to meet new people and speaks English quite well!

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for motorcycles they let us board at 3pm. They charged 93 pesos for the ramp fee (I did get a receipt). IMPORTANT: they do not have tie downs on the boat. I was lucky that some bikers had extra. Best to buy some cheap ones before you get here

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We paid at TMC a van and the driver 3180 pesos and an additional person 954 pesos and weighed 160 pesos from Topo. It's cheaper that go to Maz but we had to go to the south and the fuel price and the driving day is equal if we had been to Maz. So it's better to go by boat in Maz.

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We used TMC from La Paz to Mazatlan. it seems like the ferry is running every other day alternating days each week
Monday, Wednesday, Friday one week, then Tuesday, Thursday the next.

We paid $5,297 pesos for 2 people, a 2014 Chevy Equinox, and a dog.
price breakdown:
$3,534.48 pesos for vehicle
$1,031.90 pesos for 2nd person
$730.62 pesos for IVA

Ship was supposed to leave at 5pm, boarded about 6pm, arrived in Mazatlan about 9am. Had our dog with us, let her out a few short times to walk around and no one cared.

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TMC would only sell us a ticket on the day of departure. They told us we can buy tickets from 2pm onwards, but we were able to buy it in the morning. Go to the weigh scale first, there will be a TMC representative there. we had to pay a port fee of approx 185p for a cargo van. We had to pay the commercial van rate for a e150

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We payed our Ticket an „Baja Ferrys“ to Mazatlan with our Creditcard. The lady told me it was not successful. So I tried one‘s more, with the same result. So I phoned to my bank and they told me, it is charged twice. Despite of them, I tried to pay with a differend Creditcard, sadly with the same result. So we did not get a ticket and had to leave the terminal.

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we arrive here in 16:30 to buy tickets to the next days, to buy ticket you have to pass the inspection and to whigt the car, (or buy in the internet like clever people) when we arrive to the office the girl say that she have place or today or next week.
we took the same day ship.
we pay 656 US$ for motorhome with 3 people.
pay 10000 pesos (up and less) for the car and driver , and another 1100 pesos (up and less) per person.
we left the port in 18:30 and arrive Mazaltan 8:30 morning.
after 15 minutes we was out of the port and start driving

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Took naja ferries to La Paz. Paid 5.180 Pesos for our Ford Camper Van classified as pickup (6m length, 2.8m heights) and 2 persons. Tried to get more money at weigh station: paid 176 Pesos weighing fee, wanted extra money for 3.950kg, but showed them that our vehicle in the title weighs only 2.800 kg - no way it is so heavy. So it was ok and they let us through. Only driver allowed to stay in car, other passengers need to get out and check through with ticket and passports. Be careful want you to park very close to other vehicles.
PS: custom control took a while as car in front had too much alcohol (about 10 bottles strong liquor), our check was quick: TVIP then checked inside of vehicle and opened some cabinets.

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As other's have described. a particularly good option if you have a vehicle that you can comfortably sleep in like an RV. I paid 6,100 pesos (for some reason less than the 7,300 posted as the RV rate that I was expecting to pay) for a 29' 28,000 lb RV. I was also unsure if there would be an upcharge for the motorcycle I have mounted up front as there was a posted rate for motorcycles, I was not. Smooth sailing and I awoke the next day in Topolobampo refreshed and ready for the next leg if the adventure. Would recommend.

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Showed up on a Monday at 3pm without a reservation but it was easy to get a space at the TMC Ferry to Topolobampo for our 6m Mitsubishi Pickup Camper(Pickup y Vannete Comerciales) the stuff was really very friendly and helpful; paid 3854Pesos for the camper and the 2.nd person and 175 Pesos for the scale=4029 Pesos;

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Don't do like us, get a reservation. As simple as a call with your name and type of vehicule. We got here early to buy our tickets but got told the TMC ferry was full for that day. They told us we could come back at 11 to see if there were any cancelation. We went back in town but had to do the full procedure of leaving the port (inspections and all) because the office is inside the security zone. Came back and they had a spot for us. They were helpful and smiling. After you've purchased your tickets and weighted the car it gets a little bit freestyle. The lady at the desk told us we could start embarking at 2, but the ayudante has to go with the rest of passengers for inspection in the blue building. Everyone we asked told us different indications. So we waited for a while, driver got the car on the boat (just drive towards the boat with the name on your ticket) and passenger ask around in the blue building. We thought there was a shuttle of some sort at the end of the blue building but after asking one more time, a lady just got the passenger on a car that dropped her at the boat. Bare in mind that we speak a bit of spanish but not very fluent, so maybe the process could be easier. We are glad we waited a bit anyway because when you arrive later I think there is a better chance of being on the open deck.

Boat is great. Good showers and toilets. You're part of the community of truckers who are very friendly. Contrary to what some have said, food looks and tastes great. Authentic family mexican dish, with people serving you. I guess different travelers have different standards, but still. Ride is very calm and apart from some trucks idling their motor from time to time, everything was perfect. Good night sleep. We even had a truck full of goats to entertain us!

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GPS coordinates are a bit off. Enter through the gate about 200 meters before maps.me indicates.

Follow instructions as generously layed out below by other overlander.

We chose Baja Ferry because we drove to port and they were only ones going that day and we didn’t want to spend another night in La Paz. Just under 6000 pesos for Transit van and two persons, meal included. You are assigned seats but it really is open seating. Cannot sleep in vehicle at all on Baja Ferry. We parked right next to engine so we’re ok with that rule.

After 2-3 hours of the seats, we asked about a cabin and got one for 1050 pesos (cheapest). Very comfortable for up to 4 people. We were only two and lady said we could invite anyone else interested if we wished. It was well worth a good sleep and shower!

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TMC La Paz - Mazatlan

Step by step
0. reserve a ticket via phone
1. enter harbour ~200m before the mainroad turns left
2. Pass the blue gate and turn right
3. go through the right lane "nothing to declare" for cars. the officer checked our TVIP for the car and the owners passport. we also had to stop because the system choosed is to be inspected. the officer inspected our van very quick. just opened one sliding door.
3. continue and stop at the TMC office on the right. staff writes down information about the driver. you can give them your passport so that they can copie everything.
4. with this paper you continue to weigh station and get weight and measured. they will write down the information on the paper. you have to pay 176M$.
after that you park your van on the right side beside the weight station.
5. walk back to the TMC office and give them the paper (step 3/4), driver's and passenger's passport. go there before 2pm to confirm your reservation.
we payed 5097M$ for a Chevy Astro with 2 people.
You can pay cash or with credit card.
6. go back to your car and drive to the big blue building. ignore the sign that says ferries to Mazatlan are on the right side of this blue building. they are not.
on the left side of the building the passenger has to leave the car.
7a. passenger walks inside the blue building through inspection like in a airport. but military doesn't really check you.
7b. driver drives car to end of blue building and waits for passenger.
8. drive to your ferry. the ship's name is written down on your ticket. we had to wait until ~5pm to board. for the staff it was obvious that they put us on the upper deck because we might sleep in our van. to make sure ask them when you arrive.
9. check out the passengers deck: dining area, TV area, hot showers, toilets, sun deck. nothing amazing but okay.

ship started at 7pm. we were under the roof on the upper deck. very hot and noisy the whole night. most people slept in their cars and trucks.
Food was okay but we were happy that we also brought snacks, which were much better.

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Location: maps.me will lead you a bit too far on the road. You have to go through the gates on your left before the final curve in the road, through the inspection area and weighing area, before you can get to the ticket place. You can park on the right from the weighing station.

Price: Took TMC to Mazatlan as we have a dog. We drive a 21ft Toyota Motorhome and were considered a commercial van. Total price for the vehicle and the both of us: 5100 MXN.

Experience: Boarded at 16h, left at 19h (2h too late), and arrived at 9h30 in Mazatlan. We were on the top level, but in the back covered area, close to the (noisy) ventilation system. Trucks also left their engines running, so bring earplugs. Food was ok, check restaurant door for the hours that food is served. There are not enough chairs for everyone in the restaurant when the boat is full, so there is a rotation system. Wait until you can be seated and don’t linger at the table if you’re finished.

Notes: It was a busy day, and downtown office told us that the ferry was full, but when we arrived at 11:30 there were still some spots left. Others were put on a waiting list and needed to check every hour if there were any cancellations. They could board the ferry eventually.

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took the TMC ferry. 176 pesos for weight station plus 4797 pesos for a campervan including 2 people.
ferry ride: dinner and breakfast in a limited time window and included. nice tacos. vegetarian option available, but go when meal time starts and ask for it.
you can buy cold drinks and snacks aswell.
the dining room also has a tv and couches. mostly English action movies with Spanish subtitles.
toilets and hot showers available for free.
important: park outside! inside it gets very hot and trucks leave their engine running, so bad air. if they see that you sleep in your vehicle they try to park you outside anyways. the staff is friendly and helpful. not much English spoken though.
you can access your vehicle all the time and sleep in it.

recommendation: bring some booze. the truck drivers and some of the staff drink beer and party in the evening. (will not disturb you if you want to sleep, the ship is big) together with them and some other overlanders we had great fun and ended up having BBQ and drinking tequila on the roof top.

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Tool TMC to Mazatlan. Visited the office in la paz before and they said Mon weds and Thursday and said we'd be charged as a commercial van. Called up to book the next day. came a week later to the port at midday, didn't get in until 1 due to queues. Drove through the Duana who asked if we had anything to declare and took our papers to check. Then we got out and pressed a button which was green so we didn't need to be inspected. Next paid $175 pesos for the weigh station, pull up right beside it and head back to the TMC office - it looks shut from the outside but it's open. They didn't ask for a reservation just where we were going. They were nice and put our van through as a car so we paid $4,800 pesos all in for 2 people and our dodge ram Van. We were told boarding would start at two but it didn't start until 3, drive the same direction you came in to get to the ship. We asked to be put on top and they said they would as we were sleeping in the van - but they put us under the roof so we asked to be in the open air. The lady on the ship was helpful but we had to drive off and ask the coordinator if we could park in open air and he agreed. We drove on around 4 but the Gerry didn't leave ubtil around 7, 2 hours late. Dinner was good, showers were warm and they even made an impromptu ladies only bathroom for my partner and the few other women on the ship! Mostly truckers but all super friendly as were the staff, little English spoken. As it turned out had s terrible night sleep not due to the trucks idling but the immense heat, maybe just time of year? Breakfast was good, we arrived at Mazatlan late around 10 but overall good experience and a smooth sailing ! Saw turtles and dolphins from the top deck.

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Process described in other comments. We came in at 13:00 without reservation. No problem to get the boat. They just had troubles with the booking system so we had to wait a little. Paid 5080 MXN$ for Our VW Van and 2 people. Weight station 176 MXN$.

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We sailed with TMC from La Paz to Mazatlan. Friends had made a reservation the day before, we just drove by. After the usual process (weight station/being photographed) we turned round (without going through military inspection) and bought the tickets. Initially they requested MNX 10,052 but our friends had an offer for less from the day before. After they objected we went through as Rabon. Although we are 7.35 meters, they only charged the 7 meter tariff (seems they have a tolerance for this).
Eventually we paid MNX 7,477 for our Unimog camper truck including my husband and I.
The price for the weight station is now MNX 244. I have no idea, why they weight the cars at all. The weight appears nowhere in our papers and at the time we went through the scale, we didn't even know which of the two carriers we would take. We could all board the ferry in the car.
Diner was nothing fancy bit ok (mashed beans, pasta salad, chorizo, tortillas & 1 glass lemonade) - for a small donation the men got second helpings.
Breakfast first looked as if it was the same as diner but then turned out to be scrambled eggs, baked cornflakes, tortillas and mashed beans plus a piece of sweet bread (more like stuten) and a cup of coffee.

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TMC Ferry to Mazatlan- cost 176 pesos to weigh the car. cost us 10,000 pesos for our car, a small trailer (7.6 meters 2800 kilograms?) and 2 people. trip took about 17 hours. We thought the ferry left at 1500 or 1600 but actually left at 1730. so just double check the times. in the case of someone getting sea sick the kitchen sells Dramamine for 10 pesos a pill. food was good. There are 3 showers with hot water. don't be the first ones on or you might get stuck in the back next to the noisy ventilation system. Not good for sleeping in your car.

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We took the TMC Ferry without a reservation and it was very easy.
All people have been very friendly! The process is as discribed in the other comments. Our special: our big rig has 7.30m and the nice lady in the office charged us the rate of a 7m commercial truck. So we paid nearly 5.500 MXN less than normal! At the boat they give us space for our ledder to get into the cabin.

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Reached here at 12pm as we didn't have any reservation. Whole process took 25 minutes, waiting now to embark at 3pm.
One can refill water tanks, there's a hose at the building where they weigh and measure vehicles. Non potable though...

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Pet advice: If you traveling with a dog with TMC you can sleep in your vehicle while with BajaFerries you will need a crate and the pet will be in a separate room. Both are free for the dog.

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We travel from La Paz to Mazatlan with the company TMC which is the less expensive (you find enclosed the list of prices).
We arrived at 1pm to take the ferry at 5pm.
First you have to cross the douane. You press a button and if it's red like us they need to proceed a control in your car but it take 1 min ...
Then you have to weight your car (176 pesos), they give you a receipt that you need to buy your tickets.
Then you go to the building to the right to buy your tickets. We paid for 2 person and 1 camper 4700 pesos.
Finally you can you to take the ferry. People were really nice, we stay together. Ask for you car to be at the second floor if you want to sleep inside.
The meal and the breakfast were really ok.
Nice experience with TMC. Recommended!

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Took the baja ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan. Paid 4440 mx for 2 persons and our car (toyota landcruiser with a lot of stuff on the roof). We had to seperate when entering the boat. As a passenger I had to walk. We found eachother after 3 (!!!) hours. Crazy. Make sure you have a cellphone or a place to meet in the boat (like the reception). Sleeping was uncomfortable, they showed really loud movies, not right for children at all (mad max and king arthur). Crazy again. Found a place to sleep in another waiting area but it turned out someone had peed on the floor. Should have taken the cabin option. Food was okay, no vegetarian option available. Coffee and a cookie in the morning. Staff does not speak english and not really helpful. Nothing is explained so you just have to find out everything yourself. Also on the way back we had to seperate, had to wait 1,5 hours in the burning sun until I saw my boyfriend and our car again. Did not like it at all, but hey.. we made it safely to Mazatlan :-)
Make sure you're not the first to enter the boat! The ones who are there first have to wait the longest when departing the ferry.

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we took a Baja ferry. bought tickets in town previously. 5300 for 4runner, 2 people and a basic cabin (which is great, best shower in a month!) first stop on arrival at the port is customs, they need your tip and you get to press a button to see if they search you. we got red :-( but search was pretty cursory! :-) onto being weighed and measured and tickets checked. then passengers have to get on separately from the car/ driver. they get on quicker so if you have a cabin ticket give it to them (the number is on it) . all pretty straight forward to be honest. Dinner was included (before the ship sails!)

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we took the Baja ferry. bought the tickets in town a few days in advance. we already did the tip etc when we crossed from the US. arrived at 5.30 for an 8pm ferry. first stop was the customs check... she needs the tip form, you then get to press the button to see if you're selected for a search... we got red which panicked me but the search was very cursory. onto the next step where they weigh and measure the car and check your tickets.
then into the line to queue for the boat... only the driver can go with the car, anyone else gets on as a foot passenger (and much quicker!) if you have a cabin give them the cabin ticket or they have to wait for the driver.. cabin number is on the ticket.
dinner included, nice enough!

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As described. We took the TMC Ferry to Mazatlan, get dinner and breakfast, slept in our RV on the upper deck (Santa Marcela). Everybody was very friendly and most of them spoke english. We paid 4747 pesos for the Van (6m) and 2 people and would do it definitly again. Great way to go 😊

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Super easy process with TMC, it took us 30 mins to purchase tickets and get weighted. Everybody is very friendly and helpful. We paid 7477 pesos for 2 people and a 7,4 m truck camper. First you go through inspection, then weigh your vehicle and with the weight receipt you go to the office to purchase you ticket. We were able to sleep in our camper on the top deck.

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we showed up at 3:30 and had no problem getting on the 5 o'clock boat. we got to park up top as well which helped with the heat across the sea. overall this was a very easy process. we have a 100lb chocolate lab and were able to take him all over the boat with us and sleep in the van. I 100% recommend TMC over Baja ferries for anyone with a dog for the simple fact you can have them with you the whole trip, it got pretty hot at sunset and he drank a lot of water. I don't think you can check on your dog on Baja Ferries. dinner and breakfast included, showers are also available but they are group showers.

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Military check upon arrival was quite a harassment. Keep an eye on the guys as long as your vehicle is open. Also you have to pass a gamma ray scanner (no passengers, driver only).

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We ferried from La Paz to Mazatlan with TMC. We paid 4,747 pesos for a Toyota Tacoma with a work top camper on it. We had a dog also. I've never taken Baja ferries but our experience with TMC was fantastic. we showed up at 2:30pm without a reservation and jumped on at 5:00pm. Staff was super friendly and pointer out jumping whales and Reyes. We were able to walk on almost all parts of the boat with our dog. We asked for the top deck to avoid sleeping with truckers idling and getting their fumes in our truck camper. The 18 hours were perfect as you can watch the sunset sleep and then watch the sun rise. Great experience all and all. They also have hot showers, breakfast and dinner included.

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stay in the right lane. after being inspected/photographwd, continue around the bend. stay in the right lane for the 2 military checkpoints.

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caught the tmc ferry over in a 20ft rv with no problems, slept in the van and was easy! we didn't pre book we just arrived that day and weighed in and then paid. we paid 9000 pesos for the trip for 2 people

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TMC: Easy process. Reservation can be made online upfront for big rigs. With smaller cars just go to the terminal 4 hours before departure. People can sleep in the camper. For our 11m rig to Mazatlan the costs were as a truck/rabon 9800 Pesos, which is almost half the prize for the Baja Ferry. (We booked this arrangement online).

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There are two ferry companies operating in La Paz; Baja Ferries & TMC. We opted for TMC because it's cheaper and most importantly we have a dog and she is allowed to stay with us as opposed to being confined to a crate for the entire trip (Baja Ferry policy). We paid $4,250 pesos to Mazatlan which includes 2002 Toyota Tundra and FWC Eagle slide in and 2 people.

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