Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing: Guide to using CBX (Cross Border Xpress)
One of the major advantages of living in San Diego is the ability to take advantage of cheaper flights out of the Tijuana airport. With the opening of the Tijuana Airport bridge crossing (CBX Cross Border Xpress) in 2015, it is now easier than ever to do this. However a lot of people still aren’t taking advantage of this because they aren’t completely sure how to use it.
Which is fair. Since this isn’t your standard way of going to the airport there are some differences you need to know about to make sure you have a smooth and easy trip.
As a San Diego local who travels to Mexico often, I’ve done this many times now. The first time I was a bit nervous because it seemed like a lot of extra steps and hassle. But now that I know how easy it actually is, it has become my go to way to save money on flights to Mexico and the countries south of it.
After reading this guide, you will be fully prepared to start taking advantage of this service as well! I share everything you need to know including tips from my personal experience and the step by step process to cross into the Tijuana Airport.
What is the Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing?
The Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing (formally called the CBX Cross Border Xpress) is essentially a terminal allowing pedestrians to easily cross the US / Mexico border directly into the Tijuana airport via an enclosed pedestrian bridge. This service allows people coming from the United States an easy way to utilize the Tijuana Airport taking advantage of its usually lower priced flights to Mexico, Central, and South America.
Historically to fly out of the Tijuana International Airport from the US you would have to walk across the border through the normal border crossing in Tijuana or San Ysidro and then get a cab to the airport. The CBX border crossing eliminates that and makes it so much easier to access now.
Benefits of Using The CBX Border Crossing
- Flights are usually cheaper to destinations within Mexico and other Central and South American countries.
- Can find direct flights you might not be able to find out of other airports like San Diego. Not only does this make your travel easier, but it also generally means a lower impact on the environment.
- Don’t have to go through customs once you land (if you’re traveling within Mexico). I don’t know about you, but I’m always eager to just get to my destination once I land so getting customs out of the way at the beginning is a huge win for me.
Requirements for Using the CBX Crossing
Since this isn’t your standard trip to the airport there are a few different requirements to be aware of and prepare for.
CBX border crossing ticket – You must buy a ticket to use the Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing in advance. You can buy a one-way ticket or a round trip. Ticket prices vary based on how many people are crossing and the time of year you are crossing. They can range from $20-$30 round trip for one person or there are discounts for groups of 4-6.
You can purchase this through the CBX website or depending on the airline you are flying with, you may be able to add this on while you are buying your flight.
Passport – The CBX border crossing is considered an airport terminal and not a land crossing so the rules are a bit different than walking or driving across at other border entries. Therefore, even if you have global entry/sentri you will still need your passport.
Boarding pass – You can only use the airport bridge if you have a flight booked out of the airport and have your boarding pass. There are check-in counters at the crossing entrance if you haven’t pre-checked into your flight. You will also need to make sure you have your boarding pass with you when you are crossing back into the US.
FFM Immigration form – Once you get to the airport you will need to fill out your immigration form. There are computer right by the entrance where you scan you ticket where you can fill this out. You can also do this ahead of time but it’s super easy just to do it once you are there.
Payment of migratory rights – If you will be in Mexico for over 7 days you will have to pay the migratory rights fee. If you do need to pay for migratory rights, make sure to save your receipt for your entrance back home as proof of purchase.
Getting To The Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing
The CBX border crossing is located in between the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings not at either one of them.
Depending on what time of day you are going, make sure to build in a time buffer for traffic. I’ve had friends who’ve actually missed their flight for not factoring traffic into their plan to get there.
You can use Google Maps to estimate your driving time by changing the date/time you plan on leaving to see what traffic is usually like. However still make sure to check the day of, just in in case you need to leave a bit earlier.
For your departure, you can cross into Tijuana up to 24 hours before your departure time. Then upon arrival, you will need to cross back into the US at least 2 hours after your arrival time.
Address: 2745 Otay Pacific Dr, San Diego, CA 92154
Coordinates: 32°32′54″N 116°58′28″W / 32.54833°N 116.97444°W
Shuttle Service
Helping to make it even easier for travelers, there is also a shuttle service you can use to get there. They have shuttle options from all over California, Phoenix Arizona, Las Vegas Nevada, and El Paso Texas. Head to their website to see the most up to date shuttle schedules and routes.
Parking
There are multiple lots to park in that range in quality and convince. I’ve parked in the closest/nicest lots and the farthest gravel lots. Both options are perfectly fine but of course, the farther gravel lots take a bit more walking and you have to get your bags over the gravel to get to the front door.
Parking prices range from $15/day – $40/day.
I recommend booking in advance because lots do fill up and you don’t want to get there and not be able to park anywhere.
How Long Does it Take to Get Through CBX?
To give yourself enough time to use the Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing, you should plan to get there at least 2-3 hours in advance. I’ve experienced the full gamut of lines here. I’ve basically walked right through to my gate but I’ve also stood in long lines. So it’s best to prep for long lines and best case you hang out and start your vacation early with some airport margaritas.
Coming back into the US there is a Global Entry lane that you can use if you have Global Entry which speeds up the process a bit for sure. But overall I’ve never seen a long line coming back even in the non-Global Entry lines.
Steps For Crossing
As we’ve discussed already, using the Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing is a bit different than a normal airport terminal. Therefore I’ve detailed out all of the steps you take on the day of your trip. Luckily they’ve began marking everything much better than the first time I used it and there are workers stationed through out to help if you get confused for any reason.
Make sure you have read through the requirements part of this post for the things you need to do before your trip.
Step 1 – Walk in under the large CBX sign into the CBX Terminal (pictured above). It’s very large and bright purple so you can’t miss it.
Step 2 – If you haven’t already checked in or need to check bags head to the check in desks. If you are checking bags, you will still need to transport your luggage across the border yourself and officially check them once you get to the Tijuana departures. They will ask you not to put the luggage tags on until you go to officially check them in at the Tijuana airport.
Step 3 – Fill out your immigration form. There will be some kiosks to do this right before the Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing where you can do this or you can complete this step before your trip online.
Step 4 – Go through the first gates to officially enter the crossing. Scan your CBX ticket to enter and then follow the signs to get to customs.
Step 5 – Next, you will come upon customs. This is just like going through customs anywhere else, they will scan your baggage, ask to see your passport and boarding pass, ask you questions about your trip, and then send you on your way.
Step 6 – You will then walk across the border into the departures terminal. This bridge is 390 feet long which isn’t that far, however if you have a lot of luggage you are carrying, I would suggest grabbing a trolly to make the walk a bit easier.
Step 7 – After the bridge, you will see airline desks. This is where you will check any bags if you plan on doing that. If you don’t see your airline, you will need to keep going to the check in area at the Tijuana airport to check your bags.
Step 8 – Once your bags are checked, you will then need to head down the escalator and go through security into the airport terminals. This is just like any other airport terminal, except if you are from the US and have TSA precheck, you will not have that option here.
Step 9 – Find your gate and maybe some food or a margarita to start your trip!
There are plenty of places for food and drinks once you are through customs but a surprising lack of Mexican restaurant options. For Mexican food, head over by gates 1-9 where there are 3 options for Mexican food which is my personal go to.
Steps For Coming Back
When you come back to the US, you will need to make sure you follow the CBX Crossing signs. They are clearly marked so you shouldn’t have any issues finding them. Just make sure you don’t exit the airport into Tijuana.
You will need to collect your bags from baggage claim and then walk across the CBX bridge. Once you walk across the bridge you will go through customs and will come out back into the CBX terminal that you originally came through.
At the exit there will be some food vendors including the Baja Fish Taco and Burgers food truck if you want one last burrito or taco for the road!
Planning a Trip to Mexico?
If you’re reading this it’s safe to assume you are planning a trip to Mexico or somewhere else in Central or South America. Make sure to check out my other guides to some of my favorite places south of the border.
