Airport Hubs:
TIJ → San Diego, California (via Cross Border Xpress) Updated for 2026

How to Cross from Tijuana Airport (TIJ) to San Diego via CBX

Distance 1 km
Fastest 15 min
From $19.95 - $25.00 USD
Top Pick Cross Border Xpress (CBX) Enclosed Skybridge to USA
Quick 10-Second Verdict:

The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is an enclosed 120-meter pedestrian skybridge connecting Tijuana Airport directly to its terminal in Otay Mesa, San Diego. Arriving flight passengers simply collect luggage, walk across the skybridge in 10-15 minutes for $19.95 - $25.00 USD, and clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). On the US side, CBX shuttle buses, Uber, and rental cars reach downtown San Diego in 25-30 minutes.

The revolutionary Cross Border Xpress bridge allows US travelers to fly affordable domestic Mexican airline routes into TIJ and cross directly into California without enduring traditional vehicular border crossing delays at Otay Mesa or San Ysidro.

All Transfer Options Compared (2026 Fares)

Transport Option Typical Time 2026 Fare Frequency Best For Booking / Info
Cross Border Xpress (CBX) Skybridge to San Diego Best Overall
15–25 min
$19.95 - 25.00 USD
$20 - $25 / ~€18 - €23
 Continuous walk (24/7) All travelers heading to California and the United States Book CBX Crossing Ticket
CBX Shuttle Bus to Downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot) Best Overall
35–50 min
$15.00 USD
$15.00 / ~€14.00
 Every 45-60 min Travelers without a private car ride arriving on the US side of CBX Book CBX Shuttle & Passes

Detailed Step-by-Step Transfer Options

Option #1 Best Overall

Cross Border Xpress (CBX) Skybridge to San Diego

$19.95 - 25.00 USD $20 - $25 / ~€18 - €23
Travel time 15–25 min
Frequency Continuous walk (24/7)
Operating hours 24/7 continuous
Where to buy tickets Online at crossborderxpress.com, airline ticket add-on, or at CBX terminal kiosk.
Main advantage: Crosses international border in 10-15 min; bypasses hours of street border waits; 24/7 CBP processing.
Keep in mind: Requires ticket ($20-25) and valid flight boarding pass within 2 hours of landing.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. Retrieve baggage in the TIJ baggage hall.
  2. DO NOT exit into Mexico! Follow the purple overhead signs to "CBX / Cross Border Xpress".
  3. Scan your CBX ticket barcode and airline boarding pass at the turnstiles.
  4. Walk across the 120-meter enclosed skybridge over the international border.
  5. Clear US Customs and Border Protection inspection in Otay Mesa, San Diego.
Book CBX Crossing Ticket
Option #2 Best Overall

CBX Shuttle Bus to Downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot)

$15.00 USD $15.00 / ~€14.00
Travel time 35–50 min
Frequency Every 45-60 min
Operating hours 06:00 - 23:00 daily
Where to buy tickets Buy online at crossborderxpress.com or at the CBX US Terminal transport desk.
Main advantage: Direct motorcoach from the US CBX terminal; drops off at Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego and San Diego Airport (SAN).
Keep in mind: Fixed scheduled departures; more expensive than public bus transfers.

Step-by-step from arrivals:

  1. After clearing US Customs & Border Protection at the CBX building, enter the main US terminal hall.
  2. Present your ticket at the CBX Shuttle desk or board directly at the bus curb outside.
  3. Ride non-stop along I-805 / I-5 straight to Santa Fe Depot (Amtrak / Trolley hub) in Downtown San Diego.
Book CBX Shuttle & Passes
ARRIVAL CONNECTIVITY & RIDE-HAILING TIP

Need Mobile Data at the Terminal for Uber / DiDi & Maps?

Airport Wi-Fi often drops outside the terminal curb where Uber / DiDi pickup zones are located. Install a local eSIM before your flight so you can order a ride, translate station signs, and show digital train QR tickets immediately after landing.

Get Mexico eSIM on Airalo →Compare Mexico Airport eSIM on Klook →
STRESS-FREE DOOR-TO-DOOR OPTION

Prefer a Driver Waiting at Tijuana / San Diego (TIJ) Arrivals?

Traveling with heavy suitcases, young children, or landing after midnight? Pre-book a fixed-price private airport transfer or express rail pass on Klook with instant confirmation and no meter haggling.

Check Tijuana / San Diego Transfers & Rail Passes on Klook →View Airport & City Hotels on Klook →

Tickets, Luggage & Late-Night Arrivals

How Tickets & Payments Work

You must purchase a CBX ticket ($19.95 online advance / $25.00 peak) online at crossborderxpress.com or at kiosks before the bridge entrance. You must cross within 2 hours of flight arrival and hold a valid flight boarding pass, passport, and US entry credentials (ESTA, visa, or US passport).

Traveling with Suitcases

Luggage carts are free on both sides of the bridge, and elevators connect all concourses seamlessly.

Arriving After Midnight

The CBX skybridge and US Customs & Border Protection facility operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Common Mistakes & Airport Scams to Avoid

  • Exiting through the regular Mexican airport exit doors into Tijuana street traffic—once you leave the secure arrivals hall, you CANNOT enter CBX! Follow the signs for "CBX / San Diego" inside baggage claim.
  • Forgetting that non-US citizens entering the US via land border may need to register an I-94 permit online beforehand.
  • Buying individual tickets at peak prices when family packs or advance online purchases save money.
  • Crossing via CBX eliminates standard border wait times. In the Mexican terminal, use authorized taxi kiosks (Taxi Dorado) or Uber to reach central Tijuana or Playas de Tijuana.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take to cross the CBX bridge?

Walking across the bridge takes about 5 minutes; clearing US border inspection typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.

How do I get to downtown San Diego from the CBX terminal?

The CBX San Diego terminal offers CBX shuttle buses to Santa Fe Depot downtown ($14), rental cars, and Uber ($30–$40 USD).

Other Popular Destinations from Tijuana International Airport (General Abelardo L. Rodríguez) (TIJ)