Cross Border Express (CBX): Your Ticket from TJ Airport Right to San Diego, Easy Peasy

Ever think about ditching those crazy expensive non-stop flights into US airports? What if you could bag, like, a super solid deal on plane tickets just by flying into Tijuana, Mexico? Then, just wander across the border, right into San Diego. Wild, right? Well, heads up, because that’s exactly what the Cross Border Express (CBX) makes happen. Not just a bridge. It’s a total game-changer for anyone hitting up Southern California.

CBX means cheaper flights than flying straight into US airports

Okay, for tons of people, landing at Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) just cracks open a totally different universe of flight bargains. TIJ hooks you up. To around 40 Mexican cities. And from there? You literally just walk over a pedestrian bridge directly into the U.S. Because straight-up, this often means huge savings on your flight ticket. Especially compared to flying right into San Diego or LAX. Seriously, it’s a slick trick for your travel cash.

You’ll need all your docs: passport, visa (if you need one), and boarding pass

Crossing any international border? Means a bunch of paperwork, huh? CBX is exactly the same deal. You just gotta have solid travel documents, same as any other border hop. So, your current passport. Or Green Card if you’re a US citizen or permanent resident. And if you’re coming from Mexico or somewhere else and roll with a B1/B2 tourist visa, that valid visa is non-negotiable. Don’t even think about forgetting your flight’s boarding pass AND, super important, your CBX ticket. Keep every single thing ready. They check. Everything.

Gotta deal with more border stuff: vax status and I-94 permits if you’re going far or staying long

Oh, and there are a couple more things to sort out. If you’re not a US citizen and got a B1/B2 visa, make darn sure you have your full COVID-19 vaccination record. ‘Cause that means FDA or WHO-approved vaccines. Kids under 18? No vaccines needed. But they better be with a totally-vaccinated grown-up. And another thing: for non-US citizens? The I-94 permit. You absolutely gotta have this thing if your trip pushes you past 25 miles from the border. Or if you’re chilling in the U.S. for more than 30 days. And it’s super smart to pay for and get that I-94 done online using the U.S. government website or the CBP One app before you even hit the crossing.

Once you cross CBX, you get ALL kinds of rides on the US side: rentals, taxis, Uber/Lyft, shuttles to just about anywhere

Listen up. Once you’ve zipped through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the American side, you’re not stuck out in the middle of nowhere. Nope. The whole vibe? Full-on Southern California easy mode. You’ll stumble on a ton of ways to get around, just waiting. Rental car spots, taxis, and ride-shares like Uber and Lyft are standing by. But, hey, gotta go a bit farther? Shuttle services are always running. To San Ysidro. Downtown San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento. They even go way out to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, and El Paso, Texas. I mean, holy cow, they connect you to basically everywhere!

Grab your CBX tickets online, on the app, or right there at the TJ airport

Seriously, don’t dilly-dally. Waiting for the absolute last second? Bad idea. Your smartest play is nabbing your Cross Border Express tickets before you even touch down in Tijuana. You can snag ’em from their official website or on their totally free mobile app. And boom, you’re good to go. But, ya know, if life just throws a wrench in your plans and you totally spaces it? No biggie. Kiosks and help counters are right there at the Tijuana airport. Just buy ’em then and there. Pretty easy-going spot to get those final must-haves.

Honestly, the actual crossing? Super smooth. You just zap your flight’s boarding pass and your CBX ticket, then you’re walking through the Tijuana airport’s new, bigger setup. Huge space. Really modern. Made for zippier crossings. Also, get this: on the U.S. side, they’ve even got free rapid COVID testing and vaccination spots. For everyone. And that means CBX folks, too. Plus, you’ll find a food truck patio loaded with choices, a Starbucks even. Just a simple, quick way to start your California trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I gotta be vaxxed for COVID-19 to use CBX?

Okay, so if you’re not a US citizen and you’re rolling with a B1/B2 tourist visa, yeah, usually you’ll need a full COVID-19 vaccination record. Gotta be FDA or WHO-approved vaccines. Kids under 18? They’re off the hook, but a vaxxed grown-up has to be with ’em.

Where can I buy CBX tickets?

You can snag CBX tickets online from their website, use the app on your phone, or just buy ’em at the kiosks and service counters right there in the Tijuana airport terminals.

Once I cross into the US using CBX, what are my ride options?

After you pass into the U.S., you’ll see a bunch of car rental spots, taxis, Uber/Lyft ready to roll, and different shuttle services. Those shuttles connect you to places like San Diego, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, and El Paso.