Today I’m sharing some tips for using the CBX border crossing to fly out of the Tijuana airport.
The CBX border crossing location in Otay Mesa allows travelers to go through customs before entering a long corridor that leads to the Tijuana airport. The CBX terminal walkway leads directly into the Tijuana airport, so you basically go through customs and cross the border on the walkway, go through security, and then hop on your flight!
At first glance, using the CBX border crossing might sound like a major hassle–I was skeptical the first time we did it. But if you’re flying to Mexico from the San Diego area, the flights out of Tijuana are much cheaper. There are also a lot more direct options to various locations all over Mexico. For example, there are no direct flights from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, but there are several daily direct options from Tijuana.
Example: Our round trip flights from Tijuana to Cabo cost $90 each, compared to almost $300 per ticket to fly out of San Diego. Even adding in the CBX ticket cost of $32 each, the Tijuana route was much more affordable.
By using the CBX border crossing to pass customs in both directions, travelers are able to fly domestically within Mexico which can cut a ton off your total travel time and help you save on flights.
We have done this two times now, once flying Volaris and once Viva Aerobus. Both are kind of classic budget airlines where you get what you pay for, but they get the job done.
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ToggleTips for using the CBX Border Crossing
Overall, I can’t overstate how much easier this was compared to flying internationally on previous trips to Mexico. The customs process at CBX–going both directions–went SO much quicker than airport customs that we’ve experienced both in Mexico and LAX/SAN in the past.
It felt totally safe, and the CBX is actually only 30 minutes from our house which isn’t that much further than the 20 minute drive to the San Diego airport. I would absolutely recommend this route to anyone traveling from Southern California to Mexico.
The process might seem complicated, but as long as you follow the requirements listed on the website, you’ll be good to go. And then once you get there, there are signs everywhere and it’s pretty simple to navigate.
Parking At Otay Mesa Border
The CBX is located in Otay Mesa, about 25 minutes from downtown San Diego. The CBX is located about 15 minutes east of the border crossing in San Ysidro. We drove and left our car in the premium parking lot which cost $20 per day. This lot was really close to the entrance and made getting in and out very easy.
I recommend booking your parking in advance to make sure you get a spot in the premium lot, as it can fill up on busier weeks.
CBX ticket prices
A single round-trip ticket to use the CBX costs between $37-45 depending on the season, and you can purchase a family pack for a slightly discounted rate on the website.
CBX border crossing requirements
United States citizens need the following to use the CBX to get into Mexico:
- a valid passport book or card (they are really strict about this)
- CBX ticket: you can purchase your ticket on the app or in person. You can also purchase your CBX ticket with the airline when you book your flight, so your entrance is included on your ticket.
- boarding pass
- FMM immigration form (we filled ours out and printed them ahead of time at home, but you can do this easily at the CBX entry point if you don’t fill it out ahead of time)
- payment of migratory rights (only if your stay is longer than 7 days)
If you are traveling into TIJ, you can cross the CBX bridge anytime within 24 hours of your flight departure. If you are traveling back into the US from TIJ, you must cross the CBX within 2 hours of your flight arrival.
To get back into the US, you need the CBX ticket, your passport, and your boarding pass.
COVID requirements for US Citizens
There are no COVID testing requirements to use the CBX border crossing.
How Long Does It Take To Cross CBX?
The CBX website suggests arriving 2-3 hours prior to your departure time, the same as any international flight. Our flight from TIJ was at 11:40am, and I think we arrived at 9:20am. We made it over the CBX and through customs and security in about an hour, giving us plenty of time to let the kids run around before our flight boarded.
Getting back into the US was even quicker, actually. The CBX on the Tijuana side is located directly next to the baggage claim area.
CBX Hours Of Operation
The CBX is open 24 hours a day.
It’s never easy flying to Mexico, but I have to say that overall this route was pretty simple and cheaper than flying out of San Diego.
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