Owais Crawford
Tijuana International Airport is located in Mexico, less than 30 kilometres from San Diego International Airport in the United States. The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a pedestrian bridge that connects the two airports, allowing passengers to bypass traditional border crossings. The CBX officially opened in December 2015, aiming to transform Tijuana Airport into a geographically binational airport. The bridge has been well-received for its convenience and innovation, attracting travellers from Southern California and Baja California. Tijuana Airport also serves as a hub for cross-border travellers heading to Mexican cities, with Volaris as the largest operator, offering flights to over 35 domestic destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tijuana International Airport |
| Location | Tijuana, Mexico |
| Nearest US airport | San Diego International Airport, California |
| Distance from San Diego Airport | Less than 30 kilometres (19 miles) |
| Terminals | 2 (including Cross Border Xpress) |
| Cross Border Xpress (CBX) | A pedestrian bridge connecting Tijuana Airport to San Diego |
| CBX length | 120 metres (390 feet) |
| CBX benefits | Bypasses traditional land border crossings, reducing travel time |
| CBX services | Parking, shuttle services, duty-free shopping, free WiFi, food and beverage options, baggage carts, porters |
| CBX ticket | Can be purchased online, at the terminal, or via kiosks |
| General Aviation Building (GAB) | Used for general/non-commercial aviation or private jets |
| GAB capacity | Designed for up to 120 persons per hour |
| GAB area | 420 square metres (4,500 sq ft) |
| GAB facilities | Government offices, administrative offices, pilots lounge, passenger lounge |
| Airlines | Hainan Airlines, Volaris |
| Volaris destinations | Over 35 domestic destinations, Las Vegas (US), Cancun (Mexico) |
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What You'll Learn
Cross Border Xpress (CBX)
The CBX offers a seamless travel experience between the two countries. Departing passengers check-in for their flight on the US side, walk over the bridge, and proceed through Mexican customs and airport security. Arriving passengers walk over the bridge and clear US customs and immigration before exiting on the US side. The CBX eliminates the need for travellers to navigate traditional border crossings, bypassing potential lengthy wait times.
The CBX terminal is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring continuous access for travellers. It offers a range of amenities, including parking, shuttle services to various locations in the US, duty-free shopping, free WiFi, and food and beverage options. The terminal also provides baggage carts and porters for added convenience.
The concept of a cross-border terminal dates back to the 1960s when Mexico's Minister of Public Works, Gilberto Valenzuela Ezquerro, proposed modernising the country's airports and transportation system. In 1965, he approached the mayor of San Diego with the idea of jointly developing a Tijuana-San Diego airport on Otay Mesa, but it was considered too remote at the time. Despite setbacks and challenges, the CBX project was conceptualised in 1989 by Ralph Nieders and became a reality in 2015, transforming Tijuana Airport into a geographically binational airport.
The CBX bridge has proven to be a popular choice for travellers, with 600,000 passengers using it within the first seven months of its opening. It has received recognition for its design and innovation, including awards from Engineering News-Report (ENR) and the Airports/Transit Best Project in California. For travellers flying from San Diego to Mexican cities, the CBX offers a cost-effective and time-saving alternative, making it a preferred option for many.
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Tijuana International Airport's growth
Tijuana International Airport, officially known as the General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport, has experienced significant growth and development over the years, transforming into a geographically binational airport. The airport's proximity to the Mexico-United States border makes it an appealing option for cross-border travellers.
Historical Growth
Tijuana International Airport was inaugurated as the 'Aeropuerto Federal de Tijuana' on May 1, 1951. In 1954, Mexicana de Aviación initiated direct flights from Tijuana to Mexico City, marking the beginning of the airport's growth. During the 1960s, the growing population of Tijuana led to an increased demand for flights, and the airport became part of the government-owned corporation, Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA).
In the 1970s, Tijuana experienced rapid growth, leading to expansions in both the terminal and parking areas to meet the escalating airport demand. However, by the 1980s, the terminal space and passenger parking became insufficient again. In 1990, Mexico initiated its first two 10-year joint ventures with private investors, which included expansion projects for the airport.
Recent Developments
Between 2011 and 2012, significant renovations were made to the passenger terminal, including enhancements to Concourses A and B, and the construction of a new bus terminal. The airport's growth continued with the opening of the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) on December 9, 2015, establishing a physical connection between the Tijuana passenger terminal and a new terminal in San Diego. This innovative project facilitates seamless passenger crossings between Mexico and the United States, allowing passengers with a boarding pass to walk across a bridge over the border.
In 2022, an expansion of the passenger terminal, named 'Nuevo Edificio Procesador', was constructed to attract flight services to Asia and South America. The expansion included additional check-in counters, security lanes, boarding gates, and improved immigration facilities. The airport also unveiled plans for further major expansions, including a new terminal building (Terminal 3), an additional runway, and enhanced parking facilities to accommodate the increasing passenger demand.
Airlines and Destinations
Tijuana International Airport has served as a strategic hub for various airlines over the years. Volaris, the largest operator at the airport, offers flights to more than 35 domestic destinations within Mexico. In 2024, Hainan Airlines resumed its Beijing-Tijuana-Mexico City route, providing the only direct passenger connection to China in the San Diego-Tijuana metropolitan area. Additionally, Volaris initiated direct flights to Las Vegas, further expanding the airport's international reach.
Passenger Traffic
Tijuana International Airport has witnessed a significant increase in passenger traffic. In 2022, it became the fifth airport in Mexico to surpass ten million passengers in a calendar year. This growth continued, with the airport handling 8,925,900 passengers in 2019 and reaching 12,545,800 passengers in 2024. The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) terminal alone handled more than 4 million passengers in 2024, contributing to the airport's overall growth and ranking as the fifth busiest airport in Mexico.
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San Diego International Airport proximity
Tijuana International Airport is located less than 30 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of San Diego International Airport. The proximity of San Diego International Airport, along with the high transportation taxes for international flights in Mexico, has made it difficult for Tijuana International Airport to retain international destinations.
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a border crossing and port of entry that connects San Diego International Airport in the United States with Tijuana International Airport in Mexico. The CBX consists of a terminal building in the Otay Mesa community that is connected to the airport via a 120-metre (390-foot) pedestrian bridge that spans the United States-Mexico border. The CBX allows travellers to avoid conventional border crossings, potentially saving them a lot of time.
The CBX terminal opened in December 2015, establishing a physical connection between the passenger terminal in Tijuana and a new terminal in San Diego. This transformed Tijuana Airport into a geographically binational airport with direct access from both Mexico and the United States. Within seven months of opening, 600,000 passengers had used the CBX, with a single-day record of 5,800 passengers.
The CBX terminal offers a range of services and amenities to enhance the travel experience, including secure parking, shuttle services to various locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, duty-free shopping, free Wi-Fi, food and beverage options, baggage carts, and porters. The terminal is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring travellers can access it at any time.
The Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM) in San Diego, California, is just over 1,900 metres (6,200 feet) north of Tijuana International Airport, with a similar runway length and orientation. The close proximity of these airports provides travellers with convenient options when travelling between the United States and Mexico.
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Direct flights to US, China, and Mexico
Tijuana International Airport, also known as General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, is located approximately 14.6 miles from San Diego Airport. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between San Diego Airport and Tijuana International Airport. However, there are cheap flights available with at least one stop, with prices starting from $115 for a one-way ticket and $282 for a round-trip. The flight duration is approximately 5 hours and 4 minutes.
When flying from San Diego to Tijuana, it is recommended to carry multiple travel and health documents, such as a national ID card, driver's license, and a passport valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date.
As for direct flights to other destinations, here is some information on direct flights from San Diego to the US, China, and Mexico:
Direct flights to the US:
San Diego International Airport offers direct flights to various destinations within the US, including Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), Honolulu (HNL), and New York (JFK).
Direct flights to China:
Based on the sources provided, there is no direct information or specific mention of direct flights from San Diego International Airport to China.
Direct flights to Mexico:
While there are no direct flights from San Diego Airport to Tijuana International Airport, there are likely direct flights to other destinations in Mexico. However, the provided sources do not explicitly mention specific Mexican destinations other than Tijuana.
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CBX amenities and services
Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is a border crossing and port of entry that connects San Diego, California in the United States and Tijuana International Airport in Mexico. It is a pedestrian bridge that allows travellers to bypass traditional border crossings and their lengthy wait times.
CBX offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a seamless and convenient experience for travellers. Here are some of the key amenities and services offered by CBX:
Transportation Options
CBX is easily accessible by various transportation options, including car, public transportation, and shuttle services. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) offers bus services to CBX via Route 225, departing from the Iris Avenue Transit Center. Additionally, shuttle services such as City Captain Transportation, SDACS Car Service, and City Captain Limo Service provide door-to-door transportation to and from CBX, which must be booked in advance.
Parking Facilities
There are several parking options available at the CBX terminal, including off-site parking facilities like Park 'N Fly and WallyPark, which offer competitive rates and complimentary shuttle services.
Ticketing and Documentation
CBX tickets can be conveniently purchased online, at the CBX terminal, or through participating airlines. It is recommended to arrive at CBX at least 2-3 hours before your flight's departure, depending on whether it is a domestic or international flight. Passengers should ensure they have the necessary documents, including a valid airline boarding pass for a flight departing or arriving at Tijuana Airport.
Nearby Accommodations
For travellers seeking accommodations near CBX, there are a variety of options available, ranging from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, eco-friendly accommodations, and family-friendly suites. Hotels such as the Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront offer eco-conscious travellers a sustainable stay with LEED-certified design and energy-efficient practices. Kimpton Hotel Palomar caters to guests with pets, offering pet-friendly rooms and personalized pet services. Homewood Suites by Hilton provides family-friendly amenities such as a pool and complimentary breakfast.
These amenities and services offered by CBX and the surrounding area aim to provide a convenient, accessible, and enjoyable experience for travellers crossing the border between San Diego and Tijuana International Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The Tijuana San Diego Airport refers to the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), a pedestrian bridge that connects the Tijuana International Airport in Mexico with a terminal in San Diego, California.
The CBX officially opened on December 9, 2015, with an official opening ceremony on April 7, 2016.
The CBX allows passengers to bypass traditional land border crossings, reducing travel time and enhancing convenience. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and offers various amenities, including parking, shuttle services, duty-free shopping, and free WiFi.
There is a fee for using the CBX bridge, with ticket prices varying depending on whether you purchase a one-way or round-trip ticket.
After landing in Tijuana, collect your checked bags and follow the signs for the Cross Border Express. Scan your CBX return ticket to go through the turnstiles, proceed through customs, and then exit into San Diego.
