i have taken hwy 54 that runs past the monterrey airport now for 3 or 4 years. its 2 hours to roma tx where i have a very easy crossing, then rt on hwy 83, 5 miles to rm 649, left on 649, 50 miles to hwy 16 then rt on 16 to san antonio tx and loop 410 and ih 35. not many trucks or cars the whole way. i waited 2 minutes to cross at rome this last monday morning, just follow the periferico around monterrey and go PAST the laredo turn off. after about 7 or 8 miles there is a toll booth on the periferico, past it take the 2nd rt turn to miguel aleman-hwy 54. thats the one you want. if you want a good motel there is the cuna del estado in cerralvo 1200 pesos, and hotel raga in miguel aleman 850 pesos. there are no good hotels in roma!!!