San Diego to Mexico: What to know about the U.S.-Mexico border crossing
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.
Traveling from San Diego to Mexico?
This article is for you!
The border between San Diego and Tijuana is the buesiet in Western Hemisphere, with over 100 million crossings per year. It’s a huge number, and waiting times can be very long, especially around major holidays.
Although many of the people crossing the border are residents of Mexico heading to work in San Diego and back, there are also plenty of travelers who use the San Diego-Tijuana border crossing as a gateway to Baja California.
I’ve crossed the Tijuana border multiple times, and in this article, I will share my expertise with you, so you can avoid the common pitfalls and save time on the road, as both pedestrian and car lines can take hours!
Whether you want to take a day trip from San Diego to Mexico or want to head further south along Baja California after crossing the border, let’s take a look at how the cross of crossing the border between San Diego and Tijuana works.
Where is Tijuana?
Tijuana is the largest city in Baja California, a state in the northwestern part of Mexico. It is situated just south of the United States border, adjacent to San Diego, California.
✅ Find out: Is Baja California in Mexico?
Tijuana, Mexico map
How far is San Diego from the Mexican border?
The Mexican border is only 17 miles from San Diego, and you can get there by taking a Blue Line of San Diego Trolley that will take you straight to the border with Mexico.
How to cross the border from San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico?
You can cross the border to Tijuana on foot, by car or by bus.
Crossing the border from San Diego to Tijuana on foot
Crossing the border between San Diego and Tijuana on foot is a popular option, and you can do it by catching Uber or taking a San Diego Trolley, a lightrail train that stops at several stations in downtown San Diego.
San Diego Trolley runs seven days a week from early morning to the late evening.
➡️ Read: Best Ensenada Beaches
San Diego Trolley
The easiest way to reach the Mexico border is by catching the Blue Line of the San Diego trolley in the city’s downtown. The trolley will take you straight to the San Ysidro Transit Center at the U.S.-Mexico border. When you arrive at the final station, follow the signs toward the pedestrian crossing.
I took the Blue Line from the Santa Fe Depot, and paid $2.50 for a one-way ticket to San Ysidro. You can buy tickets at the vending machine with credit cards or cash.
➡️ Check: How to spend a day in Ensenada
How to take the San Diego Trolley to San Ysidro from San Diego Airport?
If you are going to Mexico from San Diego Airport, take the MTS bus 992 to downtown San Diego outside the main terminal. Exit at the intersection of Broadway and Kettner and cross the street toward the American Plaza Transit Center from where you can catch the San Diego Trolley to the Mexican border.
You can walk to Tijuana when the train arrives at the last station. Crossing the border from San Diego to Tijuana is an adventure in itself, as it offers a glimpse into the dynamics of the U.S.-Mexico border region.
Crossing to Tijuana by car
Many travelers drive their cars to Tijuana. It’s a popular way of travel if you plan to venture beyond the Tijuana tourist route.
Should you do the Tijuana border crossing by car?
While you can cross the Tijuana border by car, crossing by foot is a lot easier and faster. Once you cross the border, you can rent a car in Tijuana to have more freedom and drive down the coast to visit places like Ensenada, Rosarito, and Valle de Guadalupe.
That’s exactly what I did when I did my road trip in Baja Norte. As soon as crossed the border, I took an Uber to Tijuana Airport and rented my car with Avis. I paid $300 for 10 days during which I did a road trip.
Renting a car in Tijuana
Renting a car in Tijuana is easier than driving your vehicle to Mexico because you don’t have to deal with the documents and crossing the border.
Not many car rental companies in San Diego will allow you to take their cars to Mexico, but the good news is that rental cars in Tijuana are very inexpensive, especially if you book them ahead of time.
You can find plenty of car rentals in Tijuana through DiscoverCars, a platform that has listings from many car rental companies in Tijuana and other popular destinations in Mexico.
Additionally, when you rent your car through DiscoverCars, you can also purchase Mexican car insurance required to drive in the country.
Baja California Travel Insurance
Get a comprehesive car insurance for your trip to Baja California from Baja Bound, a service which is trusted by thousands of travelers.
Driving your car from San Diego to Tijuana
If you are driving your own car to Mexico from San Diego, make sure you have Mexican car insurance – a legal requirement for driving in the country.
What road do I take to get from San Diego to Mexico?
To travel from San Diego to Mexico, you have a few options depending on your destination in Mexico:
Interstate 5 (I-5) South
This is the most direct route from San Diego to the Mexican border. You’ll take I-5 South until you reach the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the busiest land border crossing in the world.
Interstate 805 (I-805) South
Another option is to take I-805 South, which runs parallel to I-5 but can sometimes have lighter traffic. It also leads to the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
State Route 125 (SR 125) South
If you’re further east in San Diego, you can take SR 125 South, also known as the South Bay Expressway. It connects to the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, another border crossing into Mexico.
Interstate 8 (I-8) East
If you’re heading to destinations like Mexicali or points further east in Mexico, you can take I-8 East. This route will take you through the mountains and desert of eastern San Diego County and eventually connect to highways leading to the Calexico Port of Entry.
San Diego to Tijuana bus
Several bus companies offer service from San Diego to Tijuana. One of the most popular options is the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) shuttle, which provides transportation directly to the Tijuana International Airport from San Diego.
Greyhound also offers frequent bus service from San Diego Bus Station located at 1303 National Avenue to Tijuana Bus Station. Check their schedules and fares online before planning your trip, as they may vary depending on the day and time of travel.
What border crossings can I use to get from San Diego to Tijuana?
San Ysidro Port of Entry
This is the busiest land border crossing in the world, connecting San Diego, California, with Tijuana, Baja California. It has pedestrian and vehicle lanes.
Otay Mesa Port of Entry
Located southeast of San Ysidro, the Otay Mesa Port of Entry also has both pedestrian and vehicle lanes. It’s less congested than San Ysidro, but it’s a bit further from downtown San Diego.
Tecate Port of Entry
Further east of San Diego, the Tecate Port of Entry connects Tecate, California, with Tecate, Baja California. It’s a smaller crossing than San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, but it’s less crowded and offers a more scenic route.
After crossing the border at Tecate, you can enjoy a scenic drive along La Rumorosa, a mountain pass between Tecate, and Mexicali, the capital of Baja California.
➡️ Check waiting times at the Tijuana border
What documents do I need to get from San Diego to Mexico?
To cross the border between San Diego and Mexico on foot, you will need a valid passport. If you are crossing the border by car, you will need additional documents required for driving in Mexico.
📍Valid passport (or passport card)
📍Valid driver’s license
📍Mexican car insurance
📍Car registration
📍Car title (or documents from your lender)
📍FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) that can be obtained at the border or online
Do you need a passport to go to Tijuana?
Yes, you need a valid passport to go to Tijuana and back to the United States.
Day trip from San Diego to Mexico: What you need to know
If you want to enjoy a quick day trip from San Diego to Tijuana, be ready for some cultural changes.
Here are some quick tips that will help you have a better experience when visiting this city:
✅ Taking the San Diego Trolley is the easiest way
Taking the San Diego Trolley is the easiest way to reach the Mexico border. You can catch the trolley from Downton San Diego to San Ysidro Transit Center from where you can walk to Tijuana via pedestrian crossing.
However, you can also travel from San Diego to Tijuana pretty fast by car if there’s no traffic on highways leading to the border. It’s the return trip that you have to worry about, as it could be a real drag.
Consider applying for the Trusted Traveler Program so you could use use Ready Lanes, which allow to clear the border in the expedited manner.
✅ Tijuana is not safe
Tijuana frequently makes the list of one of the most violent cities in the world. While you won’t be in grave danger once you set your foot across the border, you should be careful about where you go. Tijuana is not a city where you should wander into unfamiliar places, as some parts of the city are very sketchy. Do your research, if you want to visit a specific area.
✅ Adopt a different driving style
If you are driving your car from San Diego to Mexico, adjust your driving style, as people in Mexico drive differently from the United States. To avoid trouble, get Mexican insurance (a legal requirement for driving in the country) ahead of your trip.
Note that you can’t purchase Mexico insurance at the border.
Baja Bound is the preferred choice of many travelers from the United States and Canada who drive their cars to Baja California.
✅ Take Uber to get around Tijuana
Besides downtown Tijuana, you shouldn’t walk around the city given its high crime rate. I recommend catching an Uber in Tijuana after you cross the border. You can get a ride in Tijuana’s Zona Norte as soon as you cross the pedestrian bridge. You can also find plenty of taxis in Tijuana, but they are usually more expensive than Uber and you need to speak at least basic Spanish to be able to communicate with the driver.
✅ Tijuana is in the high drug trafficking corridor
Tijuana has always been associated with drug trafficking due to its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. Although drug-related violence may not directly affect tourists, you should always be aware of the potential risks.
✅ Use the San Diego Trolley
The Blue Line of San Diego Trolley is the quickest and easiest way to reach the U.S.-Mexico border. The ride from downtown San Diego to San Ysidro Transit Center takes about 45 minutes, give or take, and costs only $2.25.
✅ Cross the border early morning
For a better experience, cross the border early morning. This way, you can avoid long lines and start your day in Tijuana early before tourist crowds begin to arrive.
✅ Lines at the border could be very long
Tijuana border crossing is known for its long lines. While there are usually no lines crossing into Mexico, it’s not unusual to spend a few hours in line on your way back to the United States. Always check the situation at the border before planning your trip back.
✅ Catch a cross-border shuttle on the way back
For only $10 per person, you can catch a cross-border shuttle from Tijuana to San Diego. This is a perfect way to avoid the long lines if you are crossing on foot. The shuttle runs a quick route from Avenida Revolucion to San Ysidro every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can help you save hours.
How to plan a day trip in Tijuana?
Although Tijuana doesn’t have the most stellar image thanks to its high homicide rate, it remians a popular day trip for many residents of Southern California who come here to try authetic street food, fix their cars and do shopping.
If you are visiting Tijuana on a day trip, here are some suggestions on how to plan it.
Morning exploration
- Start your day by visiting the iconic Tijuana Arch (El Arco) located on Avenida Revolución. This arch marks the entrance to Tijuana’s tourist zone and is a great spot for some photos.
- Explore Avenida Revolución, which is known for its shops, restaurants, and vibrant street art. You can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and sample some authentic Mexican cuisine like tacos, chilaquiles or nachos. Tijuana is famous for its tacos, and you can’t visit the city without trying them!
- Visit the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) where you can explore exhibitions, watch a movie at the IMAX theater, or stroll through the botanical garden.
Lunch time
- Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Tijuana’s famous taco stands or local restaurants. Try some authentic street tacos, ceviche, or seafood dishes.
Afternoon activities
- Walk across the border to visit the Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Diego, California, if you’re interested in shopping for designer brands at discounted prices.
- Alternatively, spend the afternoon exploring Tijuana’s burgeoning craft beer scene. Visit one of the many craft breweries such as Insurgente, Border Psycho Brewery, or Mamut Brewery Co. for a tasting session.
- If you like art, check out Pasaje Rodriguez, an alleyway filled with galleries, studios, and street art.
Evening entertainment
- Experience Tijuana’s nightlife by visiting one of the city’s bars or clubs. Avenida Revolución offers a variety of options for drinks, live music, and dancing.
- If you’re interested in something more cultural, catch a performance at the Tijuana Cultural Center or check out the schedule at Cine Tonalá, a cinema and cultural center showcasing independent films and live music.
Dinner
- Enjoy a late dinner at one of Tijuana’s restaurants. From traditional Mexican cuisine to international fusion dishes, there’s something for every palate.
Getting back from Tijuana to San Diego
Getting back to San Diego from Tijuana is pretty straightforward. There are general traffic lanes, and express lanes, which require special approval, so if you are crossing the border from Mexico to the United States for the first time, you should use a general lane.
The Ready Lane
The Ready Lane is accessible from the eastern side of Tijuana and requires special documentation such as the Ready Lane Logo and RFID chip.
The SENTRI lane is another express lane that requires a special permit.
SENTRI Lane
SENTRI is a program that allows travelers to cross the U.S.-Mexico border without waiting in line. It usually takes a while to get a SENTRI permit as it requires a rigorous screening and interview, but if you cross the Tijuana border frequently, the long process is worth the effort. Note that if you get into the SENTRI lane without a specialized permit, you risk getting a hefty fine.
Tijuana tours from San Diego
If the sole goal of your trip is to enjoy the highlights of Tijuana, join a guided tour of Tijuana from San Diego that will take care of all the logistics and allow you to explore the city.
The tour begins with a pick-up in San Diego and takes you through the border. Once in Tijuana, you will participate in a guided tour and have a chance to try signature Baja tacos before going back to San Diego.
The best tours of San Diego from Tijuana
Hotels near the Tijuana border
- Quartz Hotel & SPA – Quartz and Spa boasts great reviews from guests who praise its super customer service, clean rooms, and modern facilities. The hotel is also within walking distance of many restaurants and stores.
- Grand Hotel Tijuana – One of the best hotels in Tijuana, Grand Hotel has top-notch amenities, an on-site buffet restaurant, and an outdoor pool.
- City Express Suites by Marriott Tijuana Rio – A popular stay near the US-Mexico border, City Express has amazing amenities and is within walking distance of grocery stores. It has a welcoming and friendly staff and free breakfast.
San Diego to Mexico: FAQ’s
What is the time difference between Tijuana and San Diego?
There is no time difference between Tijuana and San Diego.
Do they speak English in Tijuana?
While you will hear plenty of English in tourist zones of Tijuana, speaking Spanish could be a game-changer, as it will help you communicate easier and have a better awareness of what’s going on around you.
Is it worth going to Tijuana from San Diego?
Tijuana isn’t one of the most interesting cities in Mexico, but it makes for an interesting trip from San Diego if you want to see a different culture and see what life is like in Mexico’s border town.
What is the closest place in Mexico to San Diego?
The closest place in Mexico to San Diego is Tijuana, which is easily accessible by car via Interstate 5 or by foot through the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
Can I drive to Tijuana from San Diego?
Driving is a popular way of getting to Tijuana from San Diego. Have your documents ready and use the correct lane toward the entrance to Mexico.
Can you enter Mexico from San Diego?
Pedestrians crossing into Tijuana at the San Ysidro crossing need to complete a Mexico Visitor’s Permit (FMM ‒ FREE if the trip is 7 days or less and you cross by land) and present a passport. This form will be provided by the airline or at the port of entry. You can also complete this form online here.
How long does it take to drive from San Diego to the Mexico border?
From downtown San Diego to the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the distance is approximately 15 miles (24 kilometers). Without heavy traffic, the drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes.
Baja California trip planner
Do I need a visa for Baja California?
If you are traveling to Baja California from the United States and Canada or Western Europe, you don’t need a visa. Click here to check Mexico visa requirements for your country. iVisaa website that can help you with a visa to Mexico.
Do I need a car in Baja California?
You need a rental car to see the best of Baja California, as most places aren’t accessible by public transportation. I use DiscoverCars for car rentals in Baja and other parts of Mexico, and love their budget-friendly prices and flexible cancellation policy.
Click here to check prices on car rentals in popular detsinations in Baja.
Do I need a travel insurance in Baja California?
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
Do I need a car insurance to drive in Mexico?
A Mexico car insurance is required for ALL vehicles entering the country. Note that your US insurance will not be valid in Mexico. Baja Bound Mexican Insurance is a popular website to find insurance for your car, RV, boat, motorcycles and other types of transportation.
Where can I find the best Baja tours?
the best websites for finding tours all over Baja is Viator. Guided tours are usually available in bigger cities like Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, La Paz and Tijuana.
Where can I book flights to Baja?
Click here to find cheap airline tickets to Baja
Where do I find cheap hotels in Baja?
Booking.com is the best website to find hotels all over Baja, but you can also use HostelWorld to find hostels. VRBO is a perfect place to find apartments and home-style places to stay in Baja.
Can I drink water in Baja California?
While major cities like Cabo and La Paz treat their water, it’s generally not advised to drink water in Baja California. Always carry your water bottle with you, or better yet, buy a water bottle with filtration for your trip.