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How to Get to Tijuana
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Tijuana, located in the Mexican state of Baja California, is one of the busiest border cities in the world. It attracts millions of visitors each year for tourism, business, and transit. Travelers may arrive in Tijuana by land, air, or sea, depending on their point of departure.

Legal Entry Requirements

Mexican Citizens

  • Mexican citizens can freely enter Tijuana using a valid INE (voter ID) or passport;
  • No additional permits are required when traveling domestically.

Foreign Visitors

  • Passport: All foreigners must carry a valid passport;
  • Visa / FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple): Most travelers require an FMM (tourist permit) if staying in Mexico for more than 7 days or traveling beyond the border zone;
  • Visa exemptions: Citizens of the United States, Canada, the European Union and certain other countries do not require a visa for tourism (up to 180 days). Others must obtain a visa before traveling;
  • For official information, check the Mexican Government Immigration Portal.

Transportation Methods

  • By Ground: Car, bus, or on foot through the U.S.–Mexico border crossings;
  • By Air: Flights into General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport (TIJ);
  • By Sea: Via Ensenada, then onward to Tijuana by car or bus.

Entry Points Depending on Origin

From Within Mexico

  • Domestic Flights: Travelers from other Mexican cities can fly directly to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ);
  • Bus & Car: National bus lines (e.g., ADO, Greyhound Mexico, ABC) connect Tijuana with major cities in Baja California and beyond. Driving by car requires valid license, insurance, and vehicle documentation.

From the United States (Neighboring States: California, Arizona)

  • Cruces Fronterizos Terrestres:
    • San Ysidro (el cruce más transitado para peatones y vehículos).
    • Otay Mesa (usado principalmente para carga y vehículos privados).
    • Tecate (menos concurrido, ruta escénica).
    • Calexico (conecta con Mexicali).
  • Cruces Peatonales: Muchos viajeros cruzan a pie en San Ysidro u Otay por conveniencia.
  • Cross Border Xpress (CBX): Un puente peatonal que conecta San Diego directamente con el Aeropuerto Internacional de Tijuana.

From Other International Locations

  • By Air: Travelers must fly into Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). The airport handles direct flights from many Mexican cities and some international destinations.​
  • By Sea: Tijuana itself does not have a cruise port. The nearest port is Ensenada, about 100 km south, where cruise ships dock. From Ensenada, travelers can reach Tijuana by bus, shuttle, or car.

How to Save on Flights Between California and Mexico

If you live in California or along the U.S.–Mexico border, you might be sitting on one of the best travel hacks around — saving money by mixing international and domestic routes.

Let’s imagine you’re flying between San Diego and Guadalajara (though this works just as well for Los Angeles–Mexico City, Tucson–Monterrey, and many other routes).

You usually have two main options:

  • Take a direct international flight from San Diego to Guadalajara — prices often start around $130 USD one way.
  • Cross into Tijuana (TJ) and catch a domestic Mexican flight from Tijuana to Guadalajara — prices can start from $47 USD (plus your short transfer across the border).

For solo travelers, the difference might seem modest, but for families or groups, this smart combination can lead to huge savings — sometimes hundreds of dollars per trip!

What makes this trick even more appealing is the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge that directly connects San Diego to Tijuana Airport, making the transfer smooth and secure. Once in Tijuana, you can easily fly to dozens of destinations across Mexico at local prices.

This option is not only budget-friendly but also gives travelers a taste of both sides of the border — from Southern California’s relaxed coastal vibe to the colorful warmth of Mexico’s cities.