Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing: How To Use CBX With Ease
Thinking about using the Tijuana airport bridge crossing from San Diego? But, not sure how, what documents are needed and if it’s difficult or not? Let me assure you that CBX (Cross Border Xpress) is the easiest way to fly to more than 35 destinations in Mexico from Southern California.
I once had the same questions and apprehensions about flying out of Tijuana wondering how hard it would be and whether it was safe.
These are the biggest concerns I get from others when I tell them I would rather from out of Tijuana using the Cross Border Xpress as it is easier, nicer, and cheaper than flying out of San Diego.
In addition to those positives, you can fly direct to cities in Mexico such as Oaxaca, Mexico City, Queretaro, Guadalajara, Cancun, and Cabo.
I always prefer to take a direct flight so I don’t need to worry about missing my connection and avoid issues with my luggage making it.
So, flying out of Tijuana from San Diego is the perfect option for me and everyone I’ve told about!
In this post I’ll take you step-by-step regarding everything you need to know about using the CBX border crossing to fly out of the Tijuana Airport.
By the end, you’ll be confident and ready to make your next trip to Mexico using the CBX bridge!
What Exactly Is CBX Border Crossing?
The CBX or Cross Border Xpress is a pedestrian only enclosed bridge connecting the United States to the Tijuana Airport.
It gives passengers direct entry into the Tijuana Airport that is very easy and simple to use.
The CBX crossing is ONLY for people flying in or out of Tijuana (TIJ) with a valid plane ticket.
You would not use this to gain entry into Mexico if you have no intentions of flying from TIJ.
This is a convenient way for people to fly to several cities in Mexico from Tijuana instead of the airports in San Diego, Orange County, or Los Angeles.
Why Should I Use Tijuana Cross Border Xpress?
I’ve flown several trips to Mexico using CBX and it is consistently much cheaper than flying out of San Diego.
In addition to being more expensive (from San Diego), I always have a layover in Phoenix or in somewhere in Texas which makes it a full day of travel.
Whereas when I fly out of Tijuana, I fly direct and can reach my Mexico destination in 2 to 3 hours.
As a bonus, checking my bags and going through security is a breeze with little or no lines.
And once in the terminal, you are flying a domestic flight!
The airport has been completely renovated and is nicer than most airports in the United States equipped with modern amenities that you would expect.
How To Get To CBX From San Diego
One of the most common questions I get about flying out of Tijuana from San Diego is where to access the CBX crossing.
The CBX border crossing is NOT at the San Ysidro border where you would drive or walk across into Mexico.
CBX border access is further east approximately 6.9 miles from the San Ysidro crossing directly south of the 905 highway and Brown Field Airport. See map below for a visual.
The easiest ways you can reach the CBX bridge:
- Dropped off via a family member, friend, or Uber
- Take a CBX shuttle
- Park at the CBX onsite parking lot
Taking A CBX Shuttle
You can reserve a seat on a CBX shuttle from San Diego, other cities in California, and Las Vegas.
Go to the official CBX website and purchase a shuttle ticket so you don’t need to worry about parking.
What To Know About CBX Parking
Personally, I have parked at the CBX parking lot and gotten a ride from a family member.
If you don’t mind paying for parking or it just fits your schedule better, parking at the CBX lots couldn’t be any easier.
There are a few parking lots all right next to each other directly across from the entrance to CBX.
Each lot will vary a little on price but you can reserve your specific parking spot ahead of time.
Do you have to reserve your parking spot ahead of time?
No, but if it is around a holiday or busy time of the year I recommend it and it can be cheaper than day of purchase.
There are around 10,000 parking spots with prices varying between $17.00 and $43.00 per day depending on the lot and season (low vs high).
3 Ways To Purchase CBX Crossing Tickets
There are 3 options to purchase a CBX border crossing ticket.
This ticket allows you to walk over the bridge connecting the U.S. to Mexico’s Tijuana Airport.
On my first trip using CBX, I wasn’t aware of this fee and paid onsite but on future trips I always select option #1 or #2 below as it alleviates any travel day stress.
When purchasing make sure you purchase for the date of your flight.
1. Purchase When Buying Your Flights
The three main airlines that fly out of Tijuana are Volaris, Aeromexico, and Viva.
For each of these airlines, you can include your CBX ticket when purchasing your flight.
This is convenient and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to buy it later.
2. Buy A CBX Ticket Online Before Trip
If your flight is already booked and you didn’t buy your CBX ticket at that time, no problem.
You can go to the CBX website and purchase a ticket for the date of your flight up until the day of your flight.
A ticket will cost around $48 round trip if bought online.
3. Get Your CBX Ticket At A CBX Kiosk
If you weren’t aware of needing a CBX ticket or just forgot, you can always buy your CBX ticket at one of the kiosks at the CBX terminal.
The only downside to this is it adds time to your travel day and it will be more expensive than buying them with options #1 and #2.
Tip: I recommend printing out your flight and CBX tickets, take a photo of them, or download them ahead of time.
Steps For Using Tijuana Airport Bridge Crossing (CBX)
1. Have All Your Necessary Documents Ready
If you already purchased your CBX ticket in the above steps, make sure you have all the necessary documents to cross over to the Tijuana Airport via the CBX bridge.
You’ll need all of these documents:
- Your Valid Passport
- Flight Boarding Pass (printed or downloaded to phone)
- CBX ticket (printed or downloaded to phone)
- FMM Form (Forma Migratoria Multiple)
- Tourism Tax (if stay is longer than 7 days)
Valid Passport
Must have a valid passport that does not expire during your stay in Mexico. I personally wouldn’t travel unless you have at least a few months left just to be on the safe side.
Flight Boarding Pass
You will need to show your flight boarding pass to the agent and scan it at the CBX turnstiles in the next step.
CBX Ticket
In order to cross over the CBX bridge you need the CBX QR code on the ticket or saved onto your phone to walk over the bridge (enclosed tunnel).
FMM Form
The FMM form or Multiple Migration Form is necessary when entering Mexico and is a tourist card (Free).
In the past, you needed to fill this out when entering Mexico by land or air but currently you just need it to cross the CBX bridge/land travel.
Print the FMM form out as they stamp it. You can fill it out ahead of time, print and have it ready.
Or fill it out and print at the CBX San Diego side.
Mexican Tourist Tax (stays of 7 days or longer)
When you pass through Mexican immigration, they will ask how long your stay in Mexico is and check your tickets.
If you are staying less than 7 days: no need to pay anything and continue on your way.
Stays longer than 7 days: You will need to pay $575 pesos or approximately $30 US dollars for stays up to 180 days.
You can pay this tax at the CBX border crossing or ahead of time online.
2. Scan Your CBX QR Code & Cross The CBX Bridge
After entering the CBX terminal and with your documents ready, approach the CBX turnstiles.
You will scan the QR code of your CBX ticket or your boarding pass.
The turnstile will turn green and the doors will open giving you access to cross the bridge/tunnel.
It will take no more than 5 minutes to walk across (390 feet long).
Tip: There are free luggage carts to use if needed.
Note: Keep your CBX ticket for your return trip if you bought a round trip ticket.
3. Pass Mexican Immigration Check Point
As you are walking over the CBX bridge you’ll see a sign welcoming you to Mexico half way through.
Once you cross over, you’ll put all your bags and luggage through a scanner before going through Mexican immigration.
They will ask to see all your documents (passport, FMM form, boarding pass) and ask your reason for visiting.
Since I am visiting for tourism I always say for vacation and sightseeing.
The Mexican immigration officer will stamp your passport. Make sure this happens!
On one of my trips, I didn’t notice that they didn’t stamp my passport and had trouble coming back.
They wanted to charge me for not getting the stamp but luckily I explained the situation and they let me through.
4. Check-In & Drop Off Luggage
After passing through immigration, you’ll see a staff member directing you to the airline bag drop off.
If you don’t need to check your bags and already have a boarding pass, then you can skip this step.
5. Go Through Airport Security
Unlike most airports in the United States where there is a frustrating long line to go through security, this isn’t the case for the Tijuana Airport!
It’s one of the reasons I love flying from here as I have only seen a few people in line ahead of me at most.
It’s very easy and not stressful at all. Proceed through security as you would any other airport.
6. Continue To Your Gate
Once through airport security you are now in the Tijuana Airport!
Head to your gate, use the restroom, or grab something to eat while you wait.
Tip: I was able to use US dollars, credit card, or pesos at the stores/restaurants in the terminal.
Using CBX To Return The United States
1. Get Luggage From Baggage Claim
If you have a checked bag, collect your luggage after exiting the plane. No bags, skip this step.
As much as I travel, I always check a bag. But I do always include this handy bag locator in my suitcase just in case it doesn’t arrive and I can track it.
2. Walk Through The CBX Turnstiles
After passing baggage claim, you’ll approach a huge sign hanging clearly displaying the CBX Cross Border Xpress.
There will be a row of turnstiles where you will need your CBX QR code to scan.
Note: This is the same one you used coming into Mexico if you purchased a roundtrip ticket.
Have your boarding pass ready from the flight you just got off of and scan this too.
After scanning, you’ll get a green light, the doors will open and continue across.
Tip: If you forgot to purchase a return CBX ticket, don’t worry as you can buy one at a kiosk near the gate or online.
3. Cross The CBX Bridge To The United States
Walk across the bridge (tunnel) connecting the Tijuana Airport to the U.S. side the same way you traveled at the start of your trip.
Signs clearly display an arrow directing you to the United States.
As mentioned before, it won’t take more than 5 minutes to walk across.
4. Go Through U.S. Customs
Have your travel documents ready to pass through U.S. Customs once you have arrived at the end of the CBX bridge.
Want documents do you need?
- U.S. Passport or valid passport of the country you reside from
- FMM form that you got stamped coming to Mexico
- Boarding Pass
Your bags will also be scanned to proceed through customs.
5. Continue To The Parking Lot or Your Ride
Upon passing through U.S. Customs, welcome back to the United States.
From here you can head to the parking lot or to the curb where you can get your Uber or ride home.
FAQ About Using CBX Border Xpress
How Long Does It Take To Cross The CBX Bridge?
Time can obviously vary especially if it is a holiday or peak travel time but on each of my trips it never took longer than 10 to 15 minutes.
That includes scanning documents, walking across the bridge, and going through immigration/customs.
But I would allow more time to be on the safe side and not feel rushed if it is your first time.
What Is The Difference Between CBX And Tijuana Airport?
The CBX bridge is a pedestrian only bridge (tunnel) that connects the United States directly into the Tijuana Airport for those with a boarding pass and correct travel documents.
Is CBX Only For U.S. Citizens?
No, anyone can use the convenient CBX border crossing if they have a valid passport and/or VISA plus a boarding pass that allows them to travel between the United States and Mexico.
Map Of CBX Border Crossing
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Vanessa Shields
Vanessa Shields is the founder of Traveling Ness helping people with trip ideas, itineraries, travel planning, and boosting confidence for female travelers to take a solo trip. She has been a travel writer and content creator since 2019.