Cross Border Xpress (CBX) lets you fly from Tijuana without waiting in the regular border lines. It is a terminal in Otay Mesa, San Diego, with a covered walkway that crosses the border straight into Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). Many San Diego travelers use it for cheaper nonstop flights to Mexico. This guide explains how CBX works, what it costs, which documents you need and how to get to the terminal from anywhere in San Diego County.
Quick answer: CBX is open 24 hours a day, every day, and only passengers with a flight at Tijuana airport can use it. You need a CBX ticket, your boarding pass and a valid passport (book or card). In the 2026 regular season a one-way ticket starts at $31.99 and a round trip at $51.99 when you book more than two days ahead. CBX is at 2745 Otay Pacific Drive, San Diego, CA 92154, about 30 minutes from downtown San Diego. Trip Limo Service drops you off at the CBX terminal on the U.S. side. We do not drive into Mexico, and we do not offer pickups at CBX.
Book Your RideWhat is Cross Border Xpress?
Cross Border Xpress is a private border crossing built only for airline passengers. The U.S. terminal in Otay Mesa has ticket counters, parking and rental cars. An enclosed pedestrian bridge leads straight into the Tijuana airport, so you skip the car lines at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa.
- Address: 2745 Otay Pacific Drive, San Diego, CA 92154 (Otay Mesa, right at the border)
- Hours: the terminal and the bridge run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Who can use it: only people with a flight departing from or arriving at Tijuana airport. Friends and family cannot walk across to see you off.
- Average crossing time: 15 to 20 minutes, according to CBX
- Flights: CBX says Tijuana has nonstop flights to more than 35 destinations in Mexico
Tijuana airport’s official name is General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (code TIJ). It is one of the busiest airports in Mexico.
Who can use CBX: the boarding pass rule
CBX is not a general border crossing. Every person who walks across must hold a boarding pass for a flight at Tijuana airport. There are also time limits on each side.
- Going to Mexico (southbound): you may only use the bridge within 24 hours of your flight’s departure.
- Coming to San Diego (northbound): you may use the bridge within 2 hours of landing at Tijuana airport.
- After landing in Tijuana: do not leave through the exit in the baggage claim area. Collect your bags and follow the signs to the CBX entrance. If you exit into Tijuana by mistake, you are no longer on the airport side.
So plan your drop-off for the day of your flight, inside the 24-hour window.
CBX ticket prices for 2026
You need a CBX ticket for each crossing, bought online, in the CBX app or at the terminal. The lower rates below apply when you buy online or in the app more than two calendar days before you cross. Later purchases are “last minute” and cost more.
| Ticket type | Regular season | High season | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, one way | From $31.99 ($37 last minute) | From $36.99 ($42 last minute) | Valid for one person in either direction |
| Single, round trip | From $51.99 ($57 last minute) | From $62.99 ($68 last minute) | Best value for most solo travelers |
| Family, one way | $150 for 6 people | $190 for 6 people | For 4 to 6 people; the whole group must be at the gates together |
| Family, round trip | $245 for 6 people | $295 for 6 people | Same group rules as one way |
| Assisted pass, one way | From $60 | From $70 | Wheelchair help on the bridge, help with luggage and documents |
| Military, round trip | From $40 per person | Not offered | Valid military ID; sold only at CBX counters |
CBX says a ticket is valid for one year from purchase. Teens aged 13 to 17 crossing alone can use the Unaccompanied Teen service (same price as the assisted pass). Check the official CBX ticket page before you buy, since prices change by season.
Documents checklist
CBX staff check documents at the bridge entrance, so keep these in your hand bag.
Flying out of Tijuana (going south)
- U.S. and other foreign passport holders: valid passport (book or card), boarding pass for a flight leaving Tijuana and a southbound or round-trip CBX ticket.
- FMM visitor permit: foreign visitors (not Mexican citizens or residents) need the FMM form and must pay Mexico’s non-resident fee only if they stay in Mexico 7 days or more, or if Mexico is a layover. Shorter tourist or business trips do not need it. You can fill out the FMM on the CBX website when you buy your ticket or at kiosks inside Tijuana airport.
- Mexican citizens and residents: a valid passport, INE card, birth certificate, consular card or Mexican nationality certificate, plus a boarding pass and CBX ticket.
Flying into Tijuana and coming to San Diego (going north)
- U.S. citizens and residents: valid passport (book or card) or Green Card, the boarding pass for the flight you arrived on and a northbound or round-trip CBX ticket.
- Other visitors: valid passport, valid U.S. visa, boarding pass and CBX ticket. If you will travel more than 25 miles from the border or stay more than 30 days, you need an I-94 permit. CBX lists the cost as $30 per person and recommends applying and paying online before you cross.
- Global Entry and SENTRI: CBX has lanes for both. Bring the physical card; photos and screenshots are not accepted.
How to use CBX step by step
Flying from Tijuana
- Book your flight from TIJ and check in online with your airline.
- Buy your CBX ticket online more than two days ahead to get the lower rate. Complete the FMM at the same time if your trip is 7 days or longer.
- Get to the CBX terminal in Otay Mesa. Allow time for the 15 to 20 minute crossing, plus your airline’s check-in deadline and security in Tijuana.
- Show your documents to CBX staff, scan your ticket and boarding pass at the e-gates and walk across the bridge.
- Clear Mexican immigration and customs, check in and go to your gate.
Flying into Tijuana and heading to San Diego
- Land at TIJ and collect your bags.
- Follow the CBX signs. Do not use the regular exit in baggage claim.
- Scan your ticket and boarding pass, walk across the bridge and clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Walk out into the CBX terminal in San Diego and meet your ride.
How long it takes to get to CBX
CBX sits on the border next to the Otay Mesa port of entry. Most of the county reaches it by I-805 or I-5 and State Route 905. Times below are for normal traffic; rush hours add time.
| Starting point | Approx. distance | Typical drive |
|---|---|---|
| Chula Vista | About 10 miles | 15 – 25 min |
| Downtown San Diego / Gaslamp | About 20 miles | 25 – 40 min |
| San Diego airport (SAN) | About 22 miles | 30 – 45 min |
| Coronado | About 22 miles | 30 – 45 min |
| La Jolla | About 32 miles | 35 – 55 min |
| Del Mar / Carmel Valley | About 38 miles | 45 – 65 min |
| Carlsbad / North County | About 55 miles | 1 hr – 1 hr 30 min |
Connecting from a flight into SAN or LAX to a flight from Tijuana? Leave a big buffer. You are changing airports and crossing a border on separate tickets. Staying near the border the night before? We also drive guests from San Diego airport to Otay Valley Hotel.
Getting to CBX: your options
Parking at CBX
CBX has its own lots, from valet at the door to unpaved lots a 10 to 15 minute walk away. In the 2026 regular season, reserved daily rates run from $14 (long-term lot, 6 days or more) to $39 for valet, and more in high season. On a week-long trip that adds up, and you still drive home after a late flight.
CBX car rental
Rental counters are inside the CBX terminal on the U.S. side: Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar; Avis and Budget; Mex Rent A Car; and Sixt. They generally open 6 a.m. to midnight, so check hours if you land late.
Shuttles, taxis and a private car
Shuttle companies run buses from CBX to cities across Southern California, and taxis serve the terminal. A private car is simplest for a family with bags, a very early flight or a late arrival: door to door, one fixed price for the whole vehicle.
Our CBX drop-off (U.S. side only)
Trip Limo Service drives you to the CBX terminal in Otay Mesa. We do not drive into Mexico or to the Tijuana airport. You walk across the bridge; we handle the San Diego side.
- Drop-off: from your home, hotel or SAN to the CBX car service area.
- Vehicles: Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon XL or Chevrolet Suburban. Each takes up to 6 passengers and 5 large bags.
- Price: a fixed price per vehicle, shown before you book. It covers the vehicle, chauffeur, fuel and tolls. Gratuity is not included.
- Book early: please book at least 24 hours before your drop-off.
Traveling with family
Every traveler, including children, needs their own documents and boarding pass. If a child flies with one parent or another adult, check your airline’s and both countries’ rules first. Child seats are $20 each, up to 2 per vehicle; add them when you book. A family of six fits in one SUV and can cross together on one CBX family ticket.
Need a ride to or from San Diego airport on the same trip? See our San Diego airport car service. Flying through Los Angeles instead? We also run LAX to San Diego transfers. You can compare our SUVs on the fleet page.
FAQ
Can I use CBX without a flight?
No. Everyone crossing must show a boarding pass for a flight at Tijuana airport.
How much does Cross Border Xpress cost?
In the 2026 regular season, a single one-way ticket starts at $31.99 and a round trip at $51.99 when bought online more than two days ahead. Last-minute tickets cost more, and high season prices are higher. A family ticket for up to six people starts at $150 one way.
Is CBX open 24 hours?
Yes, every day of the year. Rental car counters keep shorter hours, generally 6 a.m. to midnight.
Do I need a passport for CBX?
Yes. U.S. citizens need a passport book or card; Green Card holders can return with the card. Other visitors need a passport and, to enter the U.S., a visa.
Do I need an FMM to fly from Tijuana?
Only if you are a foreign visitor staying in Mexico 7 days or more, or using Mexico as a layover. Trips shorter than 7 days for tourism or business do not need it, according to CBX.
How long does it take to cross at CBX?
CBX gives an average of 15 to 20 minutes. Leave extra time at busy holiday periods.
Do you drive to Tijuana airport?
No. We drive you to the CBX terminal on the U.S. side in Otay Mesa. You cross the bridge on foot into the Tijuana airport. We do not drive into Mexico.
Can you pick me up at CBX after my flight lands in Tijuana?
No. We offer drop-offs at CBX only. For the trip from CBX, use a taxi, a shuttle or a rental car at the terminal.
Book your ride to CBX
Enter your pickup address, the CBX terminal and your flight time on our booking page to see the fixed price for each SUV before you pay. For hourly service, use our hourly booking page. Questions? Call us at (858) 413-8888.
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