How to Use the Cross Border Xpress: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

(updated July 2024)

You like to save time and money when you travel, right? Yeah, me too! I’m here to fill you in on how to use the Cross Border Xpress from the U.S. to Tijuana, Mexico.  You may think it’s a hassle or dangerous to fly from Tijuana International Airport. Rest assured, I have lived in San Diego for over twenty years and have personal experience flying from CBX.

To use the CBX bridge, first book your flight. Buy a CBX pass through the airline, at the CBX website or upon arrival at the terminal. Bring a completed FMM form, valid passport, CBX pass and boarding pass to scan at the automatic gate. Then proceed across the pedestrian bridge to Tijuana airport.

Now you can save yourself time, stress, and money.  The next time you fly, consider crossing the border from Southern California to the Tijuana Airport for your flight.

DISCLOSURE: PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME LINKS BELOW CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. I EARN A MINIMAL COMMISSION THAT SUPPORTS MY SMALL BUSINESS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

What Is the CBX Border Crossing From San Diego to Mexico?

The Cross Border Xpress, or CBX, is a 390 foot long binational pedestrian sky bridge. Built in 2015, CBX expands international travel between the United States and Mexico.

CBX border crossing connects across the U.S./Mexico Border. The bridge originates in San Diego and connects to the Tijuana Airport on the other side. San Diego is just 17 miles and 20 minutes from the Mexican border, so CBX is a convenient departure point. Once you reach the Tijuana Airport, you have access to both the CBX terminal and main terminal. 

“The Cross Border Xpress will serve the approximately 2.4 million passengers who already cross the border as part of their travels, and will help them avoid unpredictable, often long delays at congested San Ysidro and Otay Mesa land ports of entry.”

Businesswire.com

Where Is the CBX Border Crossing?

The U.S. portion of the CBX Bridge is located in Otay Mesa, California. Here are approximate drive times (without traffic):

• San Diego International Airport to CBX San Diego- 30 minutes
• John Wayne Airport to CBX Border Crossing in Otay Mesa- 1 hour 45 minutes
• Los Angeles International Airport to CBX Border Crossing in Otay Mesa- 2 hours 15 minutes 

CBX Address: 2745 Otay Pacific Drive San Diego, CA 92154

Seeking Stamps Tip: You can use apps for Cross Border express directions. Make sure to have taxis and Ubers use the address above. DO NOT follow directions to Otay Mesa Port of Entry between the US/Mexico Border. You do not want to walk across this Tijuana border crossing.

Cross Border Xpress Location

How to Use the Cross Border Xpress: Steps From the U.S. To Tijuana

1. Book Your Flight in Advance

Book your airline reservation, as usual, weeks in advance of your travel dates. Check in for your flight before you arrive or at CBX. Aeromexico or Volaris kiosks are available for check-ins on site. Get luggage tags but DO NOT apply them to your luggage until you cross the border.

Want to know the best way to sleep on your flight? Read more in this blog post!

2. Buy CBX Tickets

There are three ways to buy your CBX pass ticket:

• Buy a CBX pass directly on their website before you arrive.
• Add it to your plane ticket purchase when you book your flight.
• Buy the CBX airport pass at the kiosk once you arrive at the CBX terminal.

Before your vacation, shop my favorite travel products!

3. Fill Out Your Mexico FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)

If you are a US Citizen or foreigner, you need to complete a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FFM) to cross into Mexico. The FMM Mexican immigration form is available online or at the CBX Crossing entrance. 

After you check in for your flight, get your luggage tags, and CBX pass. Then proceed to the FMM station. There are agents there to assist you, if needed. Simply fill in your information on their computer terminals and print it. This is free and takes about 5 minutes depending on lines. 

4. Prepare Your Documents For the Border Express Tijuana

Once you have your FMM, follow the border crossing signs to the secure area. Here you need:

• Your Passport
• Boarding Pass
• CBX Tickets
• Completed FMM

Scan your documents and proceed through the automatic gates.

5. Proceed Across the CBX Bridge to the Tijuana Airport

Signs mark your way along the CBX skybridge. Keep walking , but keep your eye out for the placard indicating the U.S/Mexico Border.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Pack lighter than I did! UGH! Free luggage trolleys are available at the CBX entrance if you need them.

6. Go Through Immigration in Mexico

Next, you will reach security agents and a queue. Fortunately, the area was almost empty when we arrived!

An agent will ask how long to plan to vacation in Mexico. If you want to stay in Mexico for less than seven days you do not need to pay a tourist permit fee. It is approximately $30 for 8-180 days in Mexico. Learn more about Mexico’s FMM rules and restrictions. Present your passport, boarding pass and FMM. 

Seeking Stamps Tip: Save your receipt for the return visit home!

7. Attach Baggage Claim Stickers and Check Your Luggage

Following immigration, check your luggage. Counters are available in CBX if you are flying Aeromexico or Volaris. Otherwise, you have to check luggage at the airline counter in the Tijuana Airport terminal. 

8. Pass Through Security and Enter Tijuana Airport

Last but not least, pass through security and enter the Tijuana Airport. Proceed to your gate as usual. 

Contact Information and Border Express Hours of Operation

CBX Border Crossing Hours of Operation: CBX is open 24 hours per day/365 days per year. 

CBX Border Crossing Phone Number: Toll-Free: (888) 229-4636

Border Express Email: support@crossborderxpress.com

Seeking Stamps Tip: Get the CBX App to buy Cross Border Xpress tickets, CBX parking, and use the interactive map.

Why Should You Consider Crossing to Tijuana for Your Flights?

Fly to Worldwide Destinations

You should consider using the Cross Border Xpress to reach worldwide destinations. It is a convenient alternative airport from San Diego, Orange County or even Los Angeles. There are flights out of Tijuana to 39 cities within Mexico. You can even fly to many international destinations from Tijuana CBX!

Flights From Tijuana May Be Less Expensive

Flying from Tijuana Airport may be less expensive than flights from US airports. When you fly from the US to Mexico, you have to pay a tourist tax. It costs approximately $30 dollars per person. Departing from Mexico, you can skip these fees. 

Flights from Tijuana Airport Have More Non-Stop Flights

Tijuana offers non-stop flights to a variety of destinations in Mexico. In fact, Tijuana Airport has over 6000 flights per month according to the CBX website. Popular Mexican destinations with nonstop flights from Tijuana include:

• Cabo San Lucas
• Cancún
• Guadalajara
• Mazatlan
• Mexico City
• Puerto Vallarta

For example, when I recently flew to Mexico City, the only flights from San Diego had long connections. However, the flight was non-stop from CBX. This saved me time and money because my ticket was also less expensive flying out of Tijuana Airport CBX.

Learn Whether Mexico City Is Worth Visiting In This Blog Post! 

Requirements for the Cross Border Xpress

The CBX Tijuana bridge is available to cross within 24 hours of your flight. These are the requirements for using the Cross Border Xpress:

Requirements for Mexican Nationals

You must have a CBX ticket and one of the following:

• Valid Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Mexican Nationality Certificate or Consular Card
• INE Credential

Requirements for US Citizens/Foreigners

You must have a CBX ticket and the following: 

• Valid Passport 
• FMM Form 
• Payment of Migratory Rights (if stay is over 7 days)
• Boarding Pass

Learn How to Avoid Unexpected Travel Expenses. . . .

What Airlines Fly From the Tijuana Airport?

Airlines that provide services within the CBX are Aeromexico, Volaris and VivaAerobus. Ticket agents are available onsite to assist you with reservation changes and luggage. You can print your boarding passes for Mexican Airlines in Tijuana at CBX. Aeromexico and Volaris have kiosks in the CBX airport terminal. 

There are a variety of airlines that fly from Tijuana. Options include:

• Aeromexico
• Volaris
• KLM
• Air Europa
• Air France
• Avianca
• Frontier
• Iberia
• Calafia
• GOL
• LATAM
• VivaAerobus

Check out this post about common travel mistakes and how to avoid them!

How to Get to the CBX Border Crossing

Drive Your Private Car to CBX

The easiest way to reach the CBX cross border is via private vehicle. Simply follow directions to the address listed above. Keep reading to find about options for parking at CBX.

Take a Rideshare to the Cross Border Xpress

You can also use rideshares to/from CBX. Drivers are not allowed to wait in the arrival parking lot, but they can drive in once you are ready to be picked up. 

Use the Limousine Express

The Limousine Express offers transportation to San Ysidro, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix, El Paso, and Tucson. You can make reservations on their website or by calling 866-691-9732.

Cross Border Xpress Shuttle

The Cross Border Xpress Shuttle is also an option for transportation to CBX Otay Mesa. Routes include:

• San Diego
• Los Angeles
• Orange County
• Sacramento
• Las Vegas
• Texas
• Arizona

Cross Border Xpress Parking

Parking at the Cross Border Xpress is readily available and convenient. CBX parking rates depend on the lot you choose. All lots are well lit with 24 hour security. 

Valet Parking at CBX:

• 0-4 Hours $22
• Daily $32

Self Parking at CBX:

• Parking on the Street: $15/day
• Lots A, B, C, D, & E: $19/day
• Lot 1: $20/day
• Lots 2 & 3: $27/day
• Premium Lot: $27/day
• Reserved Parking: $27/day

You can reserve parking at CBX. Your spot in premium or lots 2/3 is guaranteed even if parking is full. No in and out privileges are allowed. 24 hours notice is required to cancel. 

How Much Does It Cost to Cross the Border at CBX?

Ticket prices to use the CBX Xpress vary. Prices are based on low, standard or high season rates at CBX.

• Low Season: most of February-May, and September/October. Spring break is excluded.
• Regular Season: includes early April, end of May-August, and early November.
• High Season: is November-January coinciding with the holidays.

Cross Border Xpress prices range from $19.95- $29.95 one way. CBX round trip tickets for one person are $37.95- $49.95.

There are family rates for 4-6 people, commuter plans, military discounts, and CBX tickets for unaccompanied teens. Children under 2 are free.

Seeking Stamps Tip: Follow Cross Border Xpress social media accounts for Cross Border Xpress promo codes and special offers.

How Long Does It Take to Cross CBX ?

In total, it takes approximately thirty minutes from the San Diego Cross Border Xpress to reach Mexico. Holidays and weekends may affect CBX border crossing time if there are crowds. 

Facilities at the CBX Border Crossing and Tijuana Airport

There are a variety of services available at the CBX border crossing Tijuana. Dine at CBX and Tijuana Airport restaurants. Browse Tijuana Airport shops for travel items or souvenirs. You will also find ATMs, currency exchange booths and a pharmacy. Additionally, the Tijuana Airport Lounge is a fabulous place to pass some time waiting for your flight.

Arrivals From Tijuana Returning to San Diego

How to Use the Cross Border Xpress: The Return From Mexico

1. After your flight lands in Tijuana, deplane and retrieve your luggage.
2. From the baggage claim area there are obvious signs marking the way towards the CBX terminal. You will have to walk for about 10-15 minutes, but the route is mostly flat. There are escalators and elevators at points in the return.
3. Make your way to customs and show your passport and CBX ticket to the agent.(Keep reading for Global Entry information below).
4. You will declare any items and go through a security screening. 
5. Follow the sign to the CBX skybridge and walk across. 
6. Exit the U.S. CBX terminal and arrange transportation home.

Seeking Stamps Tip: U.S. citizens do not need to fill out an I-94 document when returning to the United States. Stay in line and proceed to customs.

Global Entry at Cross Border Xpress

Global Entry and Sentri are available for your return to the US from the Tijuana Airport. Lines are marked with signs. A Global Entry card is required at land border crossings.

CBX Transportation Options When You Return

Finally, you are set for departure from the Otay Cross Border Xpress facility. You can contact rideshares and wait for them to drive through the parking area. A taxi stand is also immediately available at the exit. Shuttles are located at the booth next to the CBX doors.

How to Use the Cross Border Xpress: CBX FAQ’s

1. Is it Safe to Use the CBX?

When you fly from Tijuana Airport via CBX Cross Border Xpress, it feels very safe. Airport security has a strong presence. The CBX bridge itself is indoors and completely enclosed. To use CBX you do not have to leave the confines of the airport. However, Tijuana is safe during the daytime in tourist areas. Tijuana can be dangerous at night.

2. How Long Is the Walk Across the Cross Border bridge?

It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish to get through the CBX crossing to the Tijuana Airport. It’s only about a 3 minute walk (390 feet) across the CBX Bridge. You will have to navigate escalators or elevators. Luggage carts are available to help with your baggage. 

3. Is the CBX Bridge Wheelchair Accessible?

The CBX airport border crossing is wheelchair accessible. 

4. What Types of Currency are Accepted at CBX?

US Dollars and credit cards are accepted at the CBX crossing.

5. How Much Does it Cost to Use the Cross Border Xpress?

CBX tickets are roughly $30 depending on season and other discounts.

6. Can I Buy a CBX Pass at the Airport?

There are three ways to get a Cross Border Xpress pass. You can buy a ticket online on the CBX website. You can also purchase it when you purchase your airline ticket. Additionally, you can buy one at kiosks in the CBX terminal.

7. Can I Use the CBX Bridge to Pick up Arriving Passengers?

The CBX is only for passengers with flight reservations. It can not be used for pick up or drop offs at the airport.

8. Do You Have to Have a Passport to Use the CBX?

The CBX website states all tourists entering Mexico through the Cross Border Xpress need a valid passport book or card. This includes infants and children. All US citizens need valid passports if they are reentering the country by air.

9. Can U.S. Citizens That Are Children Enter the United States From Mexico With a Birth Certificate?

According to US Customs & Border Protection, if U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 arrive by land or sea from Mexico they may present an original or copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate. Confirm on the website before you travel.

10. How Early Do I Need to Arrive at CBX Before My Flight?

Allow a minimum of 30-45 minutes to cross the bridge into Mexico. On busy weekends or holidays give yourself more time. You need to arrive in the Tijuana Airport terminal (after CBX) at least 2-3 hours before your flight depending on your final destination. 

11. Is Using CBX Worth It?

Using the Cross Border Xpress is worth using. Tijuana offers non-stop flights to a variety of destinations in Mexico saving you time. If you use the CBX you can save money when you travel by avoiding additional tourist fees. 

12. Can I Use My CBX Pass Multiple Times?

Although a CBX pass is valid for one year after it is purchased on the website or app, it can only be used one time. CBX passes are not valid for multiple entries.

13. Is There a Currency Exchange at the Cross Border Xpress Terminal?

There is a currency exchange kiosk at the Cross Border Express terminal. There are also ATMs located in the main terminal at Tijuana Airport. Before getting cash, make sure to check for “adjustment fees” on ATM transactions which can be costly.

How to Use the Cross Border Xpress: Final Thoughts

I hope this clears up how to use the Cross Border Xpress from the U.S. to Tijuana, Mexico. Save time, stress, and money the next time you travel. Fly from Tijuana Airport via the CBX Cross Border Xpress!