The Cross Border Xpress, known as CBX, is a pedestrian bridge that connects a terminal in San Diego’s Otay Mesa neighborhood directly to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) in Mexico. Opened in December 2015, it lets air travelers cross the U.S.-Mexico border without waiting in the regular border lines. It’s a popular way for San Diego residents and visitors to catch flights to destinations across Mexico, often at lower fares than flying from U.S. airports. This guide explains how CBX works, who can use it and how to plan your trip.
In this guide
For more border information, see our San Diego neighborhood guide. For other ways to get around the region, read getting around San Diego and car rental San Diego.
Policies, prices and requirements change. Always check the official Cross Border Xpress website and the U.S. Department of State before traveling.
How the Cross Border Xpress Works
CBX is a privately operated facility. Travelers check in at the U.S. terminal, walk across an enclosed bridge over the border and arrive directly inside Tijuana International Airport. On the return trip, arriving passengers walk back across the bridge and clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inside the CBX facility.
Who Can Use CBX?
CBX is for air passengers. You generally need a boarding pass or flight reservation for a flight departing from or arriving at Tijuana International Airport within a set time window. It’s not intended for general pedestrian border crossings. If you just want to visit Tijuana, use the San Ysidro or Otay Mesa land ports of entry.
Tickets
You must buy a CBX ticket to cross the bridge. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the terminal. One-way and round-trip options are available, and some airlines sell CBX tickets as part of a package. Prices change, so check the website. Buying in advance can save time.
Documents You’ll Need
Traveling to Mexico
- Valid passport (or other accepted documents for your nationality).
- Boarding pass for your TIJ flight.
- CBX ticket.
- Mexican immigration form (FMM), if required for non-Mexican citizens. Check current Mexican requirements.
Returning to the U.S.
- Valid passport, passport card or other WHTI-compliant document for U.S. citizens.
- Visa or other entry documents for non-U.S. citizens, as required.
- Customs declaration for goods.
Check current requirements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Getting to CBX
The CBX terminal is in Otay Mesa, near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, roughly 20 to 30 minutes’ drive from downtown San Diego without heavy traffic.
Driving and Parking
CBX has on-site parking lots with daily rates. Off-site parking services may also be available. Reserve parking in advance during busy travel periods.
Rideshare and Taxi
Rideshare and taxis can drop off and pick up at the terminal.
Shuttles
Shuttle services have operated between CBX and points in San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County. Check current schedules.
Public Transit
Public transit to CBX is limited compared to downtown destinations. Check MTS for routes.
At the Terminal
- Check-in: Some airlines offer check-in and bag drop at the CBX terminal.
- Security: You’ll go through Mexican airport security after crossing the bridge.
- Amenities: The terminal has seating, food, shops and currency exchange.
- Arrival time: Plan to arrive early, as you’ll need time for the bridge crossing, Mexican immigration and airport security.
Airlines at Tijuana Airport
TIJ is a major hub for Mexican airlines, with domestic flights to cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, Cancún and many others, plus some international routes. Check airline websites for current routes.
Why Use CBX?
- Avoid long border lines at San Ysidro.
- Lower fares. Domestic Mexican flights from TIJ are often cheaper than international flights from U.S. airports.
- More destinations within Mexico.
- Convenience for San Diego residents.
Tips for Using CBX
- Buy your CBX ticket online before you arrive.
- Arrive early, especially on holidays.
- Have documents ready.
- Check baggage rules for your airline.
- Know customs rules for food, alcohol and medications when returning.
- Check real-time wait information on the CBX website or app, if available.
CBX vs. Flying From San Diego International Airport
San Diego International (SAN) has U.S. domestic and international flights. CBX and TIJ are better for domestic Mexican destinations. Compare total costs, including CBX tickets, parking and travel time.
Safety
The CBX facility is secure, with customs and immigration officials. When traveling in Mexico, check U.S. State Department travel advisories for the states you’ll visit.
Returning to San Diego
After landing at TIJ, follow signs to CBX. Present your boarding pass and CBX ticket, walk across the bridge and clear U.S. customs. Then exit to parking, rideshare or shuttles.
Who Benefits Most From CBX
San Diego residents flying within Mexico are the biggest users. Instead of flying to Mexico City or Guadalajara from Los Angeles or San Diego on an international ticket, many travelers book a domestic Mexican flight from Tijuana and walk across the bridge. Visiting friends and relatives also use CBX heavily, especially around holidays. Travelers from Los Angeles and Orange County sometimes drive or take a shuttle to CBX because Tijuana’s domestic network can have more direct routes and lower fares.
CBX may be less useful if your final destination is outside Mexico, if you have a very tight schedule or if you’re traveling with documents that make re-entry to the U.S. complicated.
Busy Periods
The bridge gets especially busy around Christmas, New Year, Easter week (Semana Santa) and summer holidays. During these periods, buy CBX tickets and parking in advance, arrive extra early and expect longer lines at check-in, immigration and customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cross Border Xpress?
A pedestrian bridge connecting a terminal in San Diego to Tijuana International Airport.
Do I need a passport to use CBX?
Yes, or another accepted travel document. Check requirements for your nationality.
Can I use CBX if I’m not flying?
No. CBX is for passengers with flights at Tijuana International Airport.
How much does CBX cost?
Prices vary. Check the official website for current fares.
Where is CBX located?
In Otay Mesa, San Diego, near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
How early should I arrive at CBX?
Arrive well before your flight to allow time for the bridge, immigration and security. Check your airline’s guidance.
Related guides: Weekend Trips From San Diego, Julian CA Day Trip: Apple Pie, Hikes & Weather and Old Town San Diego: History & Visitor Guide.
Official resources: CBP border wait times.
Photo credits
Featured image: Ncysea / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; How the Cross Border Xpress Works: OtayMesa_HarrisonPhoto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Public Transit: Ruff tuff cream puff / Wikimedia Commons, CC0; Airlines at Tijuana Airport: Planet Labs, Inc. / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; CBX vs. Flying From San Diego International Airport: Mertbiol / Wikimedia Commons, CC0; Getting to CBX: OtayMesa_HarrisonPhoto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Driving and Parking: Edward Russell / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; At the Terminal: OtayMesa_HarrisonPhoto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
