Can I fly out of Tijuana airport from San Diego, and how does the CBX bridge work?
Yes — the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a 390-foot pedestrian bridge from a terminal in Otay Mesa straight into Tijuana International Airport; you need a boarding pass for a TIJ flight and a CBX ticket (from $19.95 one-way, $37.95 round trip, varying by season).
- One-way / round trip
- From $19.95 / $37.95
- Who can cross
- TIJ flyers only
- Departing window
- Up to 24 hrs before flight
- Arriving window
- 2 hrs after landing
The short version
- CBX opened December 9, 2015; the U.S. terminal is at 2745 Otay Pacific Drive in Otay Mesa, about 25 minutes from downtown by car.
- Only ticketed air passengers can use it: departing travelers can cross up to 24 hours before their flight, and arriving travelers have two hours after landing.
- Tickets start at $19.95 one-way and $37.95 round trip per the airport operator, and prices vary by date; kids under 2 don't need a ticket.
- You clear Mexican immigration and customs on the bridge's far side, and U.S. customs on the way back — no standing in the San Ysidro or Otay Mesa car lines.
- Tijuana airport's operator, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, bought CBX in December 2025 for $2.2 billion.
Tijuana International Airport sits directly against the border fence, and it's a big hub for flights across Mexico — often much cheaper than flying the same route from San Diego. The CBX lets you use it without driving into Tijuana: you park or get dropped off in Otay Mesa, walk across an enclosed bridge, and you're in the airport.
How a CBX departure works
- 01
CBX terminal, Otay Mesa
2745 Otay Pacific Dr · parking, drop-off, rideshare
- 02
Buy or scan CBX ticket + show boarding pass
Up to 24 hours before your flight
- 03
Walk the 390-ft bridge
Enclosed pedestrian bridge over the border
- 04
Mexican immigration and customs
Passport; FMM tourist permit for many visitors
- 05
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Airport security · Domestic Mexico flights and international routes
Flying to Mexico: San Diego airport or Tijuana via CBX?
| San Diego International (SAN) | Tijuana (TIJ) via CBX | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | Minutes from downtown; Route 992 bus | Drive or ride to Otay Mesa; no Trolley stop |
| Mexico routes | A few nonstops to major beach cities | Many domestic Mexican routes on Mexican carriers |
| Extra cost | None | CBX ticket, from $19.95 each way; parking |
| Border | Handled at your destination | Crossed on the bridge, usually far faster than the car lanes |
| Verdict | — | Worth it when the fare difference beats the CBX fee |
What it costs
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico lists CBX from $19.95 one-way and $37.95 round trip, and CBX's own site says "prices may vary based on the type of ticket, and dates of purchase and travel" — the final price appears in the cart. There are family passes for groups of four to six, military round-trip discounts, and passes for unaccompanied teens. CBX says booking ahead can save up to 20%. Children under 2 ride free.
Before you go
- 01
Book the flight first
You can't use CBX without a boarding pass for a TIJ flight.
- 02
Bring a passport
You're entering Mexico. Non-Mexican visitors typically need the FMM tourist permit; CBX has a page on getting it.
- 03
Buy the CBX ticket online
It's cheaper in advance, and you skip the kiosk line.
- 04
Leave time
Treat it like an international departure: CBX check-in, the walk, immigration and airport security.
- 05
Coming back
You have two hours after landing to use the bridge; then you clear U.S. customs in the Otay Mesa terminal.
- Parking: lots at the terminal, including long-term options; CBX advertises discounts for booking ahead.
- The terminal has airline check-in counters, food, ATMs and currency exchange.
- Getting a day trip into Tijuana itself? That's the Trolley and San Ysidro, not CBX — see our border trolley tip.
KEEP READING
SOURCES
Everything above traces back to one of these. Follow them — if one has changed and we haven't, that's our mistake, not yours.
- PrimaryCross Border Xpress
Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (Tijuana airport operator) · 2026-09-29
$19.95 / $37.95; 390-ft bridge; terminal services
- PrimaryBuy your CBX tickets
Cross Border Xpress · 2026-09-29
Ticket types; prices vary; under-2 free
- PrimaryCBX parking
Cross Border Xpress · 2026-09-29
Address; lots; advance-booking savings
- BackgroundCross Border Xpress
Wikipedia
Opening date; 24-hour/2-hour windows; GAP acquisition