Getting to Tijuana
Most tourists enter Tijuana through the border crossing at San Ysidro, which is the busiest border crossing in the world. The crossing can be made by car, bus, bicycle or on foot. Only 30 minutes drive from San Diego, Tijuana is easily accessible if you are coming from the US border.
By air
There are two airports which operate flights to Tijuana. Tijuana International Airport is served by major Mexican airlines, while San Diego International Airport is about five kilometres north of the international border and can be used as a transit point for travellers who want to visit Tijuana.
Tijuana International Airport, also known as General Abelardo L Rodrguez International Airport, is Mexico's second northernmost airport. Tijuana's airport is a hub for Avolar, a new low-cost airline which has been operating since August 2005. The first low-cost airline in Mexico, many tourists choose to use Avolor to fly to Tijuana. The airport receives flights from other parts of the country such as Mexico City and Guadalajara, while the only international services are to Oakland and Tokyo Narita.
The terminal offers several main floor restaurants, an upstairs restaurant and a bar with a view of the runway as well as several retail shops, bureaux de change, telephones, fax and ATM machines. Car rental booths are located inside as well as many travel agencies.
San Diego International Airport, also known as Lindbergh Field, is located in San Diego, California. The second busiest single-runway commercial airport in the world, San Diego Airport receives a number of flights from all over the world. The facilities of the airport include more than 30 restaurants and bars, a huge shopping area, business centre, four luxurious lounges and facilities for passengers with special needs.
From both airports, there are shuttle and taxi services waiting to take you to your destination. You can also take a bus from one airport to the other.
By trolley
The easiest way to get to Tijuana from downtown San Diego is to get on the bright red San Diego Trolley headed for San Ysidro and get off at the last stop, San Ysidro. From the trolley stop, cross the street and take the ramp to access the border-crossing bridge. You can find Tijuana's shopping and nightlife district, Avenida Revolucin, within a short taxi ride of the border or you can walk into the tourist area. The trolley is simple and inexpensive, and it only takes 40 minutes from downtown San Diego.
By bus
Alternatively, you can take a bus to Tijuana. Mexicoach buses leave from the parking area on the US side of the border and cross into Mexico, dropping you off at the bus station on Revolucion Avenue in the middle of the downtown tourist district. These buses run during the day, everyday.
By car
If you want to travel by car from the US, take I-5 or I-805 south to the international crossing at San Ysidro, California. You can park your car at the border and drive into Mexico. Driving across the border from Mexico to the US may involve a long wait during evening rush hour or on holiday weekends. Mexican insurance is required, which can be bought immediately before crossing the border or you can purchase it online before your trip. You can also take a taxi or a tourist bus, which depart from the large parking lot located west of I-5 freeway into Tijuana.
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis in Tijuana, and these are divided into two categories: yellow taxis and taxi libre. Yellow taxis do not have meters, so you have to make an arrangement with your driver in advance about the price. Taxi libre have meters and are cheaper than the yellow ones, but you also have to make sure you remind the driver to activate the meter.