The Cross Border Express: Your Smartest Way to Fly from the US to Mexico (and Beyond)

Here's something most US travelers don't know: you can walk from San Diego directly into a Mexican international airport — no long drives, no connecting flights. It's called the Cross Border Express (CBX), and it's genuinely one of the best-kept secrets in budget travel. ✈️

You park your car, stroll across a pedestrian bridge, and step straight into Tijuana International Airport. From there, dozens of airlines fly direct routes all over Mexico and beyond — often at a fraction of what you'd pay flying out of San Diego or LAX.

The CBX opened in 2015 with a vision of Tijuana as the Pacific gateway, and the numbers back it up: 25 million travelers have crossed since then, roughly 10,500 per day.

---

Getting There 🚗

You've got a few options:

Parking — Several lots surround the bridge, ranging from $15–$45/day, with valet available. You can reserve your spot online in advance, which is worth doing during busy periods.

Shuttle — CBX runs shuttle service from various Southern California locations. A quick search turned up LA–CBX for just $35 one way — hard to beat.

Uber/Lyft — Rideshare works well getting there (we paid $44 from Mission Valley), but factor in the return trip before committing. Prices can swing significantly — Uber quoted us $110 on the way back. Also note: drop-off is right at the entrance, but rideshare pick-up is near Lot 2.

---

Your CBX Ticket 🎟️

There are three ways to buy:

• Online (recommended) — Head to the CBX website. Prices vary by season, and there are options for families, groups, military, unaccompanied teens, and assisted travelers needing wheelchair access or other support.
• Kiosk inside the walkway — This works, but lines can form and slow you down. Skip it if you can.
• Bundled with your flight — Some airlines include the CBX ticket at checkout. Compare that price against buying directly from CBX before assuming it's a deal.

---

At the Bridge 🛂

Have three things ready: your CBX pass, boarding pass, and passport. Then settle in for the walk — it's not short. Free luggage carts are available on the bridge, which is a lifesaver with heavy bags. One heads-up: there are no restrooms on the crossing, so plan accordingly.

Once you're through, you'll enter TIJ near the check-in counters. Drop your checked bags there, then head to security.

---

Timing ⏱️

For us, the whole process — parking, crossing, check-in — took 45 minutes or less. That said, give yourself extra cushion during high season or holidays. It's a smooth process, but travel always rewards a little patience.

Want more personal help using points and miles for almost FREE travel? Join my Travel Coaching Program and we will design your personal strategy to travel for almost FREE and guide you through the process. Right now, you can use the promo code "FREETRAVEL" to get $50 off the program. 

Or you can book a consulting call with us for just $100. I would love to help you make priceless family memories affordable. 

***In honor of every new paid client, we will make a donation of 10% to one of our favorite charities.