Tijuana
Border Crossing
& Visitor Information
Getting
There
Less than 20 miles south of downtown San Diego lies the world's
busiest port of entry -
the international border crossing between San Ysidro, CA and Tijuana, Mexico.
Here are several ways to get to the border:
Getting
There By Boat
Guidelines and requirements necessary to enter a vessel into Mexico, either
for sport or recreational purposes.
Please Note: There is NO border charge to enter Tijuana.
By Bus: (800) 231-2222
Greyhound Bus Lines offer daily service from San Diego to Tijuana. Costs between
$5 and $9.
By Car: Drive to the
border, park at one of several pay parking lots on the U.S. side and walk
across. Parking rates average $2 per half-hour or between $6 and $10 for 24
hours.
By Trolley: (619)
231-8549 The San Diego Trolley is an excellent alternative; regular service
is provided from downtown San Diego. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes
and the cost is $2.00
By Air: TIJUANA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Located 5 miles east of downtown. The front
of the terminal is right across the street from the fence separating Mexico
and the United States. Several commercial flights arrive and depart daily,
including Aerocalifornia, Mexicana, and AeroMexico, but air traffic is generally
light all day long. The terminal offers several main floor restaurants, an
upstairs restaurant and bar with a view of the runway, several retail shops,
3 money exchange booths, telephones, a fax and an ATM machine. Car rentals
booths are inside (Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National) and TAXIS are outside,
as well as BUSES. A travel agency is also available in the terminal on the
ground floor. Luggage and arrivals are located at the far east end of the
terminal (left side when facing the terminal), and ticketing and most departures
are located at the west end (right side). Parking is easy and close by, on
the west end of the terminal. For further information, telephone 011-52 (66)
83-2418. AEROMEXICO Tel. 011-52 (66) 85-4401 and (800-237-6639). MEXICANA
AIRLINES Telephone 011-52 (66) 85-7879 and (800) 531-7923 * Diego Rivera #1811,
Enificio Fontana. AEROCALIFORNIA Telephone 011-52 (66) 81-7211 and (800) 237-6225
* Paseo de los Heroes.
Mexican Auto Insurance:
If you plan to take your car into Mexico, you must purchase Mexican automobile
insurance prior to crossing the border. Most U.S. policies are not valid in
Mexico. In the unfortunate event of an accident, only a Mexican insurance
policy will be recognized as valid.
Border Insurance Services:
(800) 332-2118 Mexican Insurance by phone. Representing the largest and most
reliable Insurance Company in Mexico.
Mex-Insur, Inc.: (619)
428-1121 213 Sycamore Road, I-5 at the Via de San Ysidro exit San Ysidro,
CA 92173
Border
Crossing Stations
Visitors to the northern part of Baja California do not need passports
or tourist cards if staying in the country for 72 hours or less. If you plan
to stay longer or travel beyond Ensenada, you'll need to obtain a tourist
card. This document is free of charge; proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
San Ysidro Station: (619) 639-7100 (open 24 hours)
Otay Mesa Station: (619) 661-3249 (6AM-10PM)
Tecate Station: (619) 478-5545 (6AM-Midnight)
Important
Phone Numbers
When calling Mexico from the United States,
dial the international code and country code, 011-52,
then the 2 digit city code ( ) and 6 digit local phone number.
Mexican Consulate: (619) 231-8414
Mexican Government Tourism Office: (310) 203-8191
Mexican Ministry of Tourism: (800) 482-9832
Within Mexico: 91 (800) 903-92
San Ysidro Border Station Tourist Information: (619) 428-6200
4570 Camino de la Plaza San Ysidro, CA 92173
The San Ysidro parking facility houses an information center for
Tijuana/Baja California bound travelers and also serves as a Tijuana shuttle terminal.
