Tijuana Travel Forum

We are meeting with some relatives in Tijuana and returning to the U.S., does anyone know what is the less worse bridge to cross back and forth? The best timing as well... this is for early november.

We are only driving to the Airport of Tijuana and back.

If there is change of plans, I might do the same for Mexicali in case they end traveling there.. If someone knows more info, I would really appreciate your input!

Thanks in advance!

Your question is not really clear to me, but if you want to know which border crossing in Tijuana would be easiest to travel through to get to the Airport in Tijuana, I'd say the Otay Mesa crossing would most likely be the easiest as it is very near the Tijuana Airport and it is usually the quickest.

You can check this website to compare waiting times between San Ysidro and Otay Mesa crossings to see what the average for the day of the week and the time you will most likely be crossing and then choose which would be best for your needs.

http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/index.asp

Yes, it seems I made a questions making another.
We are possibly meeting my relatives in Tijuana, we are driving from the U.S. and coming back, and then traveling around here and possible driving down there to drop them at the airport and returning to Phoenix at the end.

We are trying to find information about the best or most convinience border crossing, you know, there are some too crowded or they have best schedules, like midnight! or veeeeery early in the morning, or just one random crossing where at least less people stuck in line.

It sounds they are flying to Tijuana so far.. ah! about what to bring.. is it necessary to cover insurance for the car for just a few days in mexico and should we take care with banjercito about the importation, the farthest we are traveling is the airport but it's in two different days the same week...

I really don't know how close to the city should i stay to not consider importantion since we are not going very far.

Thanks a lot!

>>>...is it necessary to cover insurance for the car for just a few days in mexico

The answer to this would depend on you and your present car insurance. If your personal car insurance will cover you while in Mexico, then no you won't need to get extra. If it doesn't cover your car while in Mexico, it is wise to buy it here before going over, about $10.00 to $18.00 a day. There are several "Mexican car insurance" places in San Ysidro, and probably at Otay Mesa, but I don't know that for sure as I haven't been out that way for quite some time.

It is a law in Mexico that your car should be insured, but as with all laws in Mexico they are not strictly enforced. However, if you are unfortunate enough to get into an accident while there, your only recourse would be to pay for it then and there. If you see what I mean.

>>>...and should we take care with banjercito about the importation, the farthest we are traveling is the airport but it's in two different days the same week...

Here in San Diego we would only do this if we were going further than Ensenada (or rather La Bufadora)for more than a few days, it doesn't matter how often you cross.

>>>I really don't know how close to the city should i stay to not consider importantion since we are not going very far.

I'm not understanding this. Which city? San Diego or Tijuana? The Tijuana airport is in the city of Tijuana so that shouldn't be an issue. Plus, if you wanted to go to Rosarito Beach or Ensenada for the day, that too wouldn't make a difference.

The Otay Mesa border crossing is within eye-sight of the airport, so it is actually the easiest way to go and most often the fastest crossing. The Otay Mesa border is connected to the I-905 freeway which will take you west to the I-805 (north and south) and a bit farther to the I-5 (north and south)so, depending on where you will go after the Tijuana Airport there will be a decent freeway to get you there.

Gatopardo (great Colombian magazine) You dont have to import your car. forget about this. Also ALWAYS factor in 1 hour for crossing to USA. I cross twice a day every day. Early morning is always the longest (people going to work or school) 11 am or 4 pm MIGHT be best, but its always a crap shoot. SALUDOS

Hi,

Just a note to tell you that I went out to Otay Mesa near the border crossing and found at least two places where you can buy Mexican Auto Insurance.

They are not located in free standing buildings as they are in San Ysidro, but easy to get to from the I-905.

At the "Food Mart"
2535 Otay Center Dr.
Phone # (619) 710-0049

There is a window inside the Food Mart that offers Mexican Auto Insurance, they were closed today and I'm guessing Sundays also.

La Rosa Insurance Agency
2455 Otay Center Dr. Suite 118
Phone # (619) 661-5950

She said she would give you a quote over the phone and they close at 2 pm Saturdays and all day Sunday.

There may be other places, but I quit looking after finding two.

You need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico even for a day. It's not expensive or hard to get, but you don't want to be without it.

Otay Mesa crossing is within a mile or so of the airport. It also closes at night...maybe 5 pm, though that might have changed. The San Ysidro crossing is 24 hours.

Consider doing this all by taxi. You can park close to Otay Mesa, and there are city buses that go within a hundred yards of the gate (Bus 905) Walk across and there will be cabs there. They will ask you for 12 dollars or more to go to the airport, but generally will do it for 8. Naturally it's easy to get a cab from the airport...and they should be able to get you pretty close to the crossing for your return.

You can take a nice bus from the airport directly across at San Ysidro for around $12 a person. It will let you our fright at the border/trolley stop or in downtown san diego.

This might sound complicated, but consider that you might spend a few hours in your car waiting to cross.