Cross Border Xpress, a New Way to Travel to Mexico

Cross Border Xpress, a New Way to Travel to Mexico
When you live on the border, you become accustomed to the presence of gates in your daily life. Crossing from Tijuana to the United States and from the United States to Tijuana through San Ysidro or Otay is part of the daily routine for many people who reside in this binational region. The time and crossing relationship form part of that routine; where long lines of cars and pedestrians accompanied by the sound of motors, street vendors, and heat or cold make this crossing a unique experience that, even when accustomed to it, does not stop being loud, tiring, and often unbearable.

Perhaps this situation can be endured if it is part of daily life and there is no other option. Now, let’s imagine traveling to Mexico for vacation or to visit family or friends. Having to endure a border crossing experience with these characteristics is not ideal, and it pushes us to seek other alternatives.

Traveling within Mexico cuts down on airline fees and taxes

Flying from Los Angeles or San Diego to a destination in Mexico can be inconvenient for several reasons: access to the Los Angeles Airport is complicated due to traffic; and the frequency and amount of direct flights offered by both airports is limited.

Tijuana International Airport has the second highest connectivity in Mexico

Considering that the Tijuana International Airport has the second highest connectivity in the country - it offers 34% more flight frequency that the Los Angeles Airport, flies to more than 30 destinations in Mexico, soon flying to all the beaches in the country, and the airfare is up to 40% cheaper - the possibility of traveling from Tijuana increases.

If we add to these advantages that Cross Border Xpress, a terminal located in San Diego, California connected to the Tijuana airport through a pedestrian bridge, first opened in December 2015, the idea of traveling to Mexico and returning to the United States quickly, comfortably, and without the need to cross through the regular gates becomes a reality.

Cross Border Xpress Services

  • Food & snacks- There are a couple of small restaurants, vending machines, as well as a Starbucks and Wetzel’s Pretzels.
  • Rental cars - On the US side: Hertz, Mex Rent a Car, and Budget Car Rental
  • Currency exchange booth
  • Duty-free shop
  • Free WiFi
  • Free carts for transporting your luggage
  • Cross Border Xpress, better known as CBX, is for the exclusive use of Tijuana airport passengers. Using the bridge requires a crossing ticket, boarding pass, and valid official documents both to cross north to the United States and south to Mexico.