Cross Border Xpress (CBX) from San Diego to TIJ (Tijuana)

Flying out of Tijuana for Mexico domestic flights instead of San Diego can save you money and CBX (Cross Border Xpress) makes it easy to access the Tijuana Airport. It costs $45.95 roundtrip for access to CBX. If you are staying in Mexico for more than 6 days you will need to pay the Mexican tourist tax which was 717 MXN pesos as of July 2024.

Step 1: Purchase your CBX ticket from https://www.crossborderxpress.com/en/

Step 2: Fill out the immigration form (FMM) on https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html and use https://www.crossborderxpress.com/en/fmm/ as guidance on how to fill it out

Step 3 (if applicable): Pay the Mexican tourist tax (DNS)

Step 4: Print out your CBX ticket QR code, FMM form and DNS payment receipt (if applicable)

Step 5: Bring the printed items your digital boarding pass from online check-in and your passport when you arrive at CBX (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpXbV8iN8TVwT1Jx7)

My journey crossing from San Diego to TIJ took just 9 minutes from the curb to the Aeroméxico check-in counter. You first start by scanning your CBX QR code and airline boarding pass to enter the initial gates. Proceed over the long bridge which goes over the border.

After entering Mexico, they check your FMM form, DNS payment receipt (if applicable) and passport. Once you pass immigration, they x-ray your baggage. The ticket counters are just past the x-ray scanners. Super easy!

Once inside TIJ, I proceeded to the VIP Lounge to relax before my redeye flight to Mexico City which accepts Priority Pass.

VIP Lounge Tijuana

Pro Tip: In order to use the Global Entry lanes when returning to the USA, ensure you have activated your Global Entry card. They aren’t activated by default. To activate your card, log into your Trusted Traveler Program (TPP) (https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov/) account. After you log in, click on the “Activate Membership Card” button under the Program Membership(s) section.

Back to USA!

Conclusion: I wouldn’t hesitate to fly out of Tijuana (TIJ) if the price of the flights were significantly cheaper or would be a nonstop flight to my destination. CBX makes it super easy and the facilities are top notch. Both ways it took less than 10 minutes to cross. Very efficient!