Tijuana International Airport, officially known as General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, is one of the most important airports in northern Mexico. Located just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) east of downtown Tijuana, and adjacent to the U.S.–Mexico border, it serves as a vital hub for cross-border travel and domestic air connectivity. The airport’s proximity to San Diego, California, makes it unique, as it allows millions of U.S. passengers to access Mexican flights conveniently through the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) facility.
The airport opened in 1951 and has since developed into a modern, international-standard aviation hub managed by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), which also operates airports in Guadalajara, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta. TIJ features a single runway measuring 2,960 meters (9,711 feet), capable of handling large aircraft including wide-body jets. It is the fourth busiest airport in Mexico, handling over 12–13 million passengers annually, with a steady upward trend due to its cross-border appeal.
📖 Historical Background
- 1951 – Airport inaugurated and named after General Abelardo L. Rodríguez, a former Mexican president.
- 1980s–1990s – TIJ expanded with new terminal infrastructure to accommodate increasing traffic.
- 2015 – Launch of the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), a 120-meter pedestrian bridge that connects the airport directly to San Diego, marking TIJ as the first truly binational airport in the world.
- 2020s – Continued growth in passenger numbers, fueled by TIJ becoming a hub for Volaris Airlines, offering competitive fares to over 30 Mexican cities.
📊 General Airport Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport |
| IATA Code | TIJ |
| ICAO Code | MMTJ |
| Location | 6 km east of Downtown Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico |
| Operator | Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) |
| Year Established | 1951 |
| Runway | 1 runway (2,960 m / 9,711 ft, asphalt) |
| Passenger Terminal | 1 main passenger terminal + dedicated CBX cross-border facility |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | ~12–13 million (2023 figures) |
| Main Hub Airline | Volaris (largest domestic carrier in Mexico) |
| Other Airlines | Aeroméxico, Viva Aerobus, Calafia Airlines |
| Domestic Destinations | Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún, Oaxaca, Mérida, Puebla |
| International Routes | Lima (Peru), seasonal charters, and cargo operations |
| Cargo Significance | Handles international freight including routes to Shanghai |
| Time Zone | Pacific Standard Time (GMT-8) |
🌍 Role as a Mexico–U.S. Gateway
One of TIJ’s most distinctive features is the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), which directly connects passengers in the U.S. to the airport in Mexico:
- Eliminates long queues at San Ysidro or Otay land border crossings.
- Provides a safe, quick, and efficient passage for travelers holding a valid TIJ boarding pass.
- Especially popular among California travelers seeking affordable flights to destinations across Mexico.
- Has positioned TIJ as an attractive alternative to San Diego International Airport (SAN) for many domestic and leisure routes.
Thanks to CBX, Tijuana International Airport is functionally binational, serving both Mexican and U.S. passengers without them having to clear traditional border checkpoints.
✈️ Hub Airline and Connectivity
- Volaris Airlines – TIJ’s main hub airline, offering low-cost flights to over 30 destinations in Mexico, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún, Oaxaca, Mérida, León, and Puebla.
- International Reach – TIJ also connects to international cities, with scheduled flights to Lima, Peru, seasonal charter operations, and significant cargo services.
- Domestic Reach – As a domestic hub, TIJ is especially important for business travelers, families, and tourists connecting to Mexican cultural and leisure destinations.
🏆 Key Highlights of Tijuana International Airport
- 4th Busiest Airport in Mexico: Surpasses many regional airports due to cross-border travelers.
- Economic Engine: Drives business, tourism, and trade between Mexico and the U.S.
- Tourism Gateway: The main airport serving Baja California’s beaches (Rosarito, Ensenada) and the Valle de Guadalupe wine region.
- Growth Hub: Passenger traffic increased sharply after the CBX opening, with projections indicating continued growth in 2025 and beyond.
🗂 TIJ Facilities Snapshot (Traveler-Oriented)
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Passenger Terminal | Modern design, multiple gates, CBX cross-border integration |
| Immigration & Customs | Equipped with international arrivals processing |
| Parking | Short-term, long-term, and premium options available |
| Car Rentals | On-site counters for Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc. |
| Dining | Mix of international fast food and authentic Mexican eateries |
| Shopping | Duty-free stores and travel essentials |
| Lounges | VIP lounges for frequent flyers and business travelers |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible facilities throughout |
| Public Transport | Shuttle services, taxis, and cross-border connections |
Getting to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
By Road from Downtown Tijuana
TIJ sits about 6 km / 3.7 mi east of Centro. In light traffic, the Vía Rápida Oriente and Blvd. Alberto Limón Padilla get you to the terminal in 12–20 minutes. Plan for 30–45 minutes at weekday rush (7–9 am, 4:30–7 pm) or holiday weekends. Use only authorized airport taxis or ride-hailing pick-up zones; avoid flagging cars on the street with luggage. Short-term parking (drop-off) is right by Departures; long-term lots sit a few minutes’ walk or shuttle from the terminal. If you’re picking up arrivals, wait in the cell-phone lot until the passenger clears immigration and baggage.
Local tip: Screenshots of your boarding pass and booking help at checkpoints if mobile data is spotty. Carry small cash (MXN) for tips/tolls.
From San Diego via CBX Cross-Border Bridge
CBX (Cross Border Xpress) links the U.S. directly to TIJ through a secure pedestrian bridge in Otay Mesa, San Diego. Park or get dropped at the CBX Terminal (U.S. side), present a valid passport, your same-day (or within 24h) TIJ boarding pass, and a CBX ticket, then walk the enclosed bridge (about 5–10 minutes). After Mexican immigration, you arrive inside TIJ Departures—no land-border traffic. Typical total time: 20–45 minutes, longer on holiday peaks.
CBX tips
- Buy CBX tickets online to save queue time.
- Keep documents in hand (passport, boarding pass, CBX QR).
- Arrive 2–3 hours before flight for popular routes/weekends.
- Return trips to the U.S. also use CBX (customs screening on U.S. side).
Public Transport, Shuttle & Taxi Options
Airport-authorized taxis quote fixed zones; ask for the rate card before boarding. Ride-hailing (designated app zones) is often cheaper off-peak; confirm your door/door letter in-app to avoid mis-pickups. Several hotel shuttles and private shared vans serve TIJ; prebook for early flights. Public buses/collectivos run nearby main avenues, but they aren’t ideal with large luggage—use them only if you know the routes. For groups, a pre-arranged van can beat two taxis and simplifies curbside loading.
Handy Distance & Time Snapshot
| Origin / Mode | Approx. Distance | Typical Time (off-peak) | Peak Time Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Tijuana → TIJ (car/taxi) | ~6 km / 3.7 mi | 12–20 min | 30–45 min |
| Zona Río → TIJ (car/taxi) | ~8 km / 5 mi | 15–25 min | 35–50 min |
| CBX U.S. Terminal → TIJ gate area (walk + formalities) | — | 20–45 min total | 45–70 min (holidays) |
| San Diego (Downtown) → CBX (car) | ~35 km / 22 mi | 25–35 min | 40–60 min |
Pro move: If you’re U.S.-based, compare “drive to SAN” vs “CBX + TIJ fare.” CBX often wins for lower fares and faster border crossing on busy days.
Airlines & Destinations
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) is a major hub for Volaris, with strong domestic coverage also from Viva Aerobus and Aeroméxico. Long-haul international connectivity is led by Hainan Airlines with the Beijing–TIJ–Mexico City service, giving TIJ a rare direct link to Asia in the San Diego–Tijuana region. Schedules change seasonally, but year-round you’ll find frequent nonstops to Mexico’s biggest cities—Mexico City (MEX/AIFA), Guadalajara, Monterrey, Cancún, Los Cabos, Hermosillo, La Paz—plus select leisure and secondary markets.
Snapshot: As of September 2025, TIJ has ~38+ nonstop destinations (primarily domestic) served by ~7 airlines. Always check the current schedule before you book.
Airline → Destinations → Typical Frequency (approx.)
| Airline | Example nonstop destinations from TIJ | Typical frequency* |
|---|---|---|
| Volaris (Y4) | Mexico City (MEX), Guadalajara (GDL), Monterrey (MTY), Cancún (CUN), León (BJX), Mazatlán (MZT), Oaxaca (OAX), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), San José del Cabo (SJD), Mérida (MID), Puebla (PBC), Tuxtla Gutiérrez (TGZ), Morelia (MLM) | Multiple daily on trunk routes (MEX/GDL/MTY); daily to several-weekly on others. |
| Viva Aerobus (VB) | Mexico City (MEX/AIFA), Guadalajara (GDL), Hermosillo (HMO), Culiacán (CUL), La Paz (LAP), SJD, Cancún (CUN), Monterrey (MTY), Puerto Vallarta (PVR) | Daily to several-weekly, varies by season/route. |
| Aeroméxico (AM) | Mexico City (MEX) | Multiple daily depending on season and day-of-week. |
| Mexicana de Aviación (MXA) | Mexico City–AIFA (NLU) | Several-weekly to daily (new/relaunched carrier; check dates). |
| Hainan Airlines (HU) | Beijing (PEK) via TIJ (PEK–TIJ–MEX–TIJ–PEK pattern) | 2x weekly → up to daily after Dec 2024 per filings; verify travel week. |
*Frequencies are indicative; airlines adjust by season, day-of-week, and demand.
Notes & tips
Always reconfirm: Routes and frequencies can shift; cross-check with the official TIJ airline list (GAP) and current schedules before planning.
Asia link: Hainan’s PEK service positions TIJ as the only passenger link to China in the binational metro area; connections within Mexico are available on Volaris/Viva/Aeroméxico.
Domestic breadth: Volaris operates the widest TIJ network; consider them first for secondary cities and leisure markets. Viva complements most trunk/leisure routes.
Terminals & Airport Map
Layout at a glance. Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) operates with a single, modern passenger terminal arranged on two primary levels: Departures (upper level) and Arrivals (ground level). Landside, you’ll find check-in halls, ticket counters, ATMs, currency exchange, cafés, retail, and car-rental desks. Airside, security funnels into a central concourse that branches to multiple gate clusters; wayfinding is clear with large bilingual signage (ES/EN) and flight info displays. Seating areas, nursing rooms, charging points, and accessible restrooms are distributed along the concourse. Immigration and customs areas sit adjacent to international gates/arrivals, with dedicated lanes for families and passengers needing assistance.
CBX integration. Unique to TIJ is the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) connection—a secured, enclosed pedestrian bridge that links the U.S.-side CBX Terminal in Otay Mesa (San Diego) directly to the Mexican side of TIJ. If you enter via CBX, you’ll pass U.S. exit formalities at the CBX building, scan your CBX ticket + passport + TIJ boarding pass, walk the bridge (approx. 5–10 minutes), and then clear Mexican immigration before emerging inside TIJ Departures, steps from check-in and security. On return, CBX has its own U.S. customs/CBP inspection area, luggage belts, and rideshare/taxi pick-up zones. Signage for CBX is purple/black themed and clearly marked throughout the TIJ terminal.
Navigation & maps. TIJ’s interior is intentionally linear: follow Departures → Security → Concourse → Gate; or Arrivals → Baggage Claim → Customs → Ground Transport. For first-timers, grab a printed terminal directory at information counters or load the downloadable terminal map (PDF) on your phone before you travel. The CBX website/app also provides bridge and building maps, queue status, and guidance for document checks. If traveling with reduced mobility, request PRM assistance at least 48 hours in advance; elevators and ramps connect all public areas.
Terminal Snapshot & Wayfinding Tips
| Area / Zone | What you’ll find | Pro tips |
|---|---|---|
| Departures (Upper Level) | Airline check-in, bag-drop, security | Screenshot boarding pass; peak queues 6–9am & evenings |
| Airside Concourse | Gates, cafés, shops, VIP lounges, charging | Walk to far gates for quieter seating; keep boarding screens in view |
| Arrivals (Ground Level) | Baggage claim, customs, car rentals | Use luggage carts; rideshare/taxi zones are signposted outside |
| CBX Corridor & Halls | Ticket scan, immigration/customs, bridge | Keep passport + CBX QR ready; allow extra time on holidays |
| Ground Transport | Taxis, app pick-ups, hotel shuttles, parking | Confirm pickup door/letter in apps; verify taxi zone rates |
Good to know: Family rooms, water refill points, and multi-faith prayer spaces are signposted on the terminal map; Wi-Fi is strongest near cafés and central seating clusters.
Parking & Transportation Options
Short-term & Long-term Parking
TIJ offers multiple parking zones on the Mexico side designed for different trip lengths. Short-term lots sit closest to Departures/Arrivals—ideal for drop-offs, quick meetings, or pickups under 6–12 hours. They’re typically covered or semi-covered, with pay-on-exit kiosks and card/cash acceptance. Long-term lots are a short walk or a brief shuttle ride from the terminal and are optimized for multi-day/weekly stays with capped daily/weekly pricing. Expect 24/7 CCTV, patrols, and clearly marked pedestrian paths. If you’re entering via CBX on the U.S. side, note that the CBX terminal has its own parking structures with separate pricing; choose the side (U.S. vs. Mexico) that best fits your border plans.
Good to know: Accessible bays are located nearest to elevators and terminal doors; display your permit. Some facilities provide EV chargers—arrive early during peak periods to secure a charging stall.
Parking Rates (daily, weekly) — Sample Structure
(Use this matrix as a publishing template. Replace figures with the current official rates before go-live.)
| Facility (example name) | Intended use | Distance / Access | Typical daily cap* | Typical weekly cap* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P1 Short-Term | 0–12 hrs, pickups | 2–4 min walk to Departures | $— | $— | Covered, height limits apply |
| P2 Long-Term | 1–7 days | 5–8 min walk / shuttle | $— | $— | Best value for week trips |
| Premium Covered | Business, overnight | 1–2 min walk | $— | $— | Wider bays, CCTV dense |
| Economy Surface | Budget, 3–14 days | 8–12 min walk / shuttle | $— | $— | Uncovered; bring sunshade |
| CBX Parking (U.S. side) | CBX users only | Inside CBX complex | $— | $— | Separate policy & payment |
*Figures are illustrative placeholders. Verify and update from the TIJ/GAP and CBX official pages pre-publish.
Payment & tickets: Keep your entry ticket dry/flat; lost-ticket fees default to the daily max plus admin. Most kiosks accept credit/debit; keep some MXN cash as backup.
Car Rental & Rideshare Pick-up Zones
Major brands (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) operate on-site counters at Arrivals with vehicle yards adjacent to the terminal. Bring a physical credit card matching the driver’s name; digital cards are often refused. For ride-hailing, follow terminal signage to designated app-pickup islands and confirm the door/letter in the app to avoid mis-matches. Traditional airport taxis use zone-based fares—consult the official rate card at dispatch before boarding.
Peak tip: Around holidays and late-evening banks, pre-book your car or rideshare; queue times can stretch 20–40 minutes.
Bicycle Parking Availability
Cyclists will find bike racks near primary terminal entrances and along the ground-transport curb. Use a U-lock + cable and remove accessories. If you’re checking a bicycle as luggage, arrive 30–45 minutes earlier to handle oversize screening and paperwork. For CBX users, verify bike-box allowances and bridge policies in advance; some carriers require deflated tires and specific packaging.
Pro move: Photograph your stall/row marker and drop a pin on your phone—TIJ lots are large, and late-night returns make wayfinding harder.
Hotels near Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Staying close to TIJ is smart when you’ve got an early flight, late arrival, kids, or checked sports gear. The immediate Otay area (Mexico side) has business-class chains with reliable Wi-Fi, on-site dining, and early breakfasts. If you’re entering/exiting via CBX on the U.S. side, a few Otay Mesa hotels are minutes from the CBX building—handy if you prefer to sleep in the U.S. and cross the bridge in the morning. Always reconfirm shuttle times, as some hotels run on fixed windows or require advance booking; rideshare pick-ups are widely available on both sides.
Booking tips:
- If you need the airport shuttle, message the hotel to schedule it (some charge a small fee).
- Ask for a quiet room away from the roadway; Otay freight traffic can hum through the night.
- For CBX users, factor the bridge time (20–45 min) into your morning schedule.
Nearby Hotels (Mexico & CBX side)
| Hotel Name | Distance to TIJ / CBX* | Shuttle / Transfer | Avg Price Range (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiesta Inn Tijuana Otay Aeropuerto (MX) | ~1.5–2.0 km to TIJ | Often scheduled shuttle; confirm times | $$ |
| City Express by Marriott Tijuana Otay (MX) | ~2–2.5 km to TIJ | Limited shuttle; rideshare easy | $$ |
| Hampton by Hilton Tijuana (Otay) (MX) | ~3–4 km to TIJ | By request / paid; check policy | $$–$$$ |
| Holiday Inn Express Tijuana Otay (MX) | ~3–4 km to TIJ | Scheduled AM/PM; verify in advance | $$ |
| Gamma Tijuana (MX) | ~4–5 km to TIJ | No regular shuttle; taxi/app | $$ |
| Hotel Lucerna Tijuana (Zona Río, MX) | ~7–8 km to TIJ | No regular shuttle; taxi/app | $$–$$$ |
| Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego–Otay Mesa (CBX/US) | ~5–8 min to CBX | Local shuttle by request | $$–$$$ |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego–Otay Mesa (CBX/US) | ~5–8 min to CBX | Limited hours; confirm | $$–$$$ |
Dining & Shopping at TIJ
Flying through Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) means you’ll find a practical mix of fast food, sit-down dining, cafés, duty-free shopping, and travel essentials. The main concourse and departures hall host most outlets. Service hours typically match the day’s first and last flights (early morning to late night), but 24-hour coffee kiosks and snack bars are available in peak travel seasons.
The food court sits airside after security, central to all domestic and international gates. Expect a mix of global brands like Starbucks, Subway, Carl’s Jr., and Domino’s alongside local Mexican eateries serving tacos, burritos, tortas, pan dulce, aguas frescas, and espresso. Some cafés offer grab-and-go boxed meals handy for short-haul flights.
For shopping, TIJ includes a duty-free store (in the international departures wing) offering perfumes, liquor, chocolates, travel-size cosmetics, and electronics. Landside shops near check-in provide books, magazines, SIM cards, snacks, bottled water, and souvenirs such as Baja wine, craft beer, and artisan gifts. Many brands accept major credit cards and MXN pesos; a few also accept USD.
If you have a layover, combine a quick taco meal at a local counter with a last-minute souvenir or duty-free purchase before boarding. For the fastest turnaround, keep receipts handy and know your boarding gate cut-off time.
TIJ Dining & Shopping Snapshot
| Type | Examples | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee & Quick Bites | Starbucks, Cielito Café, local pan dulce stands | Pre- and post-security | Good for early flights; most open before 5 am |
| Fast-Food / Casual | Carl’s Jr., Subway, Domino’s, Pizza del Aeropuerto | Food-court style, airside | Family-friendly, efficient |
| Local Mexican Flavors | Tacos Don Julio, Tortas Locas Hipocampo, La Fonda Mexicana | Airside near gates | Best for regional tacos, burritos, aguas frescas |
| Duty-Free | Dufry Duty-Free | International departures zone | Perfumes, liquor, chocolates, electronics |
| Convenience & Travel Essentials | OXXO, Hudson-style newsstands, souvenir kiosks | Landside & airside | Snacks, SIMs, Baja wine, basic toiletries |
Tip: For domestic flights, clear security first, then dine near your gate; for international flights, check duty-free allowances before purchase.
CBX Bridge & Border Crossing
The Cross Border Xpress (CBX) is what makes Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) unique. Opened in 2015, CBX is a 120-meter enclosed pedestrian bridge that links TIJ’s passenger terminal in Mexico directly to a modern U.S.-side facility in Otay Mesa, San Diego, California. For U.S. travelers, CBX eliminates the need to drive through the often-busy San Ysidro or Otay land ports of entry. Instead, you park or arrive by taxi/rideshare at the CBX terminal in San Diego, walk the bridge, and enter the TIJ departures area in minutes.
How it works:
To use CBX, you must have all three:
- A valid passport (U.S. citizens can use a passport book or card; other nationalities use their regular international passport and visa/ESTA if required).
- A confirmed TIJ airline boarding pass for a flight departing within 24 hours (or an arriving boarding pass for return to the U.S.).
- A CBX ticket (purchased online or at kiosks on either side; round-trip discounts available).
Upon arrival at the CBX building, scan your CBX ticket QR code and documents, cross the enclosed walkway (about 5–10 minutes), clear Mexican immigration and customs, and emerge inside the TIJ departures concourse ready to check in or go straight to security. Returning to the U.S. is the reverse: you walk back over CBX and clear U.S. CBP inspection at the Otay Mesa facility.
CBX Quick Reference
| Feature | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Bridge Length | ~120 m / 390 ft, fully enclosed & climate-controlled |
| Operating Hours | 24 / 7; peak wait times during holidays and weekend mornings |
| Required Documents | Passport + TIJ boarding pass + CBX ticket |
| Typical Crossing Time | 20–30 min off-peak; 40–60 min at holiday peaks |
| CBX Ticket Fees | Vary by season & direction (~USD 16–20 one-way; ~USD 30–38 round-trip); kids < 2 yrs free |
| Baggage Facilities | Luggage carts, oversize-item lanes |
| Parking (U.S. side) | Short- and long-term lots at CBX terminal with shuttles to entrance |
| Benefits | Skip land-border traffic, safer/faster cross-border transfer, seamless access to 30+ Mexican cities from TIJ |
Traveler tips:
- Buy CBX tickets online to avoid kiosk lines.
- Keep all documents in hand; border officials may ask to see both boarding pass and CBX QR.
- Arrive 2–3 hours before flight departure, especially on peak weekends or holidays.
- If traveling with pets or bikes, review CBX’s special-item policies in advance.
Useful Traveler Tips
Best times to travel. For smooth sailing, target Tue–Wed midday flights and avoid Mexican long weekends, U.S. holidays, and summer (June–August) when TIJ and CBX lines swell. Morning banks (6:00–9:00) and late evenings (20:00–23:00) are busiest; mid-afternoon often sees shorter queues. If you must fly peak, add 45–60 extra minutes to your plan.
Security & check-in. Check in online and screenshot your boarding pass (Wi-Fi can hiccup). At TIJ, liquids follow standard 100 ml rules; pack meds and electronics on top for fast inspection. Use airline bag-drop if available; keep passport + CBX ticket (if crossing) handy. Aim to reach the terminal 2–3 hours before domestic departures when using CBX on weekends/holidays.
Seasonal considerations. Winters can bring morning fog and occasional delays; summers are hot and dry—carry a water bottle (fill after security). Around Holy Week, Dia de Muertos, Christmas/New Year, and spring break, both TIJ and CBX see sustained peaks. Summer UV is high: sunshade for cars, hat for curbside waits.
Families & groups. Pre-assign seats and tag every bag with a phone number. Strollers/child seats: verify airline policies; allow extra time for oversize screening. Choose nearest family restrooms (marked on the terminal map) before boarding. For groups, pre-book a van or two rideshares to keep everyone together; share a live location pin. If traveling via CBX, buy round-trip CBX tickets in one go and keep the QR in each adult’s phone wallet. Pack a small “terminal kit”—snacks, wipes, power bank, and a pen for immigration forms—to keep lines stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (TIJ – Tijuana International Airport)
1) Where is Tijuana International Airport?
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) sits about 6 km (3.7 mi) east of downtown Tijuana in Baja California, Mexico, right next to the U.S.–Mexico border. It’s connected to San Diego, California by the enclosed Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pedestrian bridge, which lets eligible passengers cross directly into TIJ’s departures area without using the busy land border crossings.
2) How to get to Tijuana International Airport from San Diego?
Drive or rideshare to the CBX Terminal in Otay Mesa (San Diego), park or get dropped off, and cross the CBX bridge with your passport, CBX ticket, and TIJ boarding pass. The enclosed walk takes 5–10 minutes; total process is typically 20–45 minutes off-peak. Alternatively, you can drive through the Otay or San Ysidro ports of entry and then continue to TIJ on the Mexico side.
3) What airlines fly out of TIJ?
TIJ is a hub for Volaris and is also served by Viva Aerobus and Aeroméxico on major domestic routes. Schedules can include select international services and seasonal/charter operations. Because routes and frequencies change, always verify current options on airline sites or the official airport page before booking, especially around holidays and peak travel months.
4) Is TIJ airport busy?
Yes—especially during morning (6–9 am) and evening (8–11 pm) departure banks, long weekends, and holiday periods on both sides of the border. Traffic has grown significantly thanks to the CBX. To avoid stress, arrive 2–3 hours before departure, check in online, and allow extra time for parking, bag-drop, and security during peak seasons.
5) Is Tijuana International Airport closed at night?
TIJ operates 24/7, but airline counters, security lanes, shops, and restaurants follow flight schedules. Some cafés and convenience outlets open very early and close late; a few may run extended hours on peak days. If you have a red-eye or dawn departure, confirm your airline’s check-in times and consider nearby airport hotels for easier early-morning access.
6) Why is Tijuana not an international airport?
It is an international airport—officially General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport. The confusion often comes from travelers using TIJ primarily for domestic Mexican flights via CBX. TIJ has immigration and customs facilities and handles international arrivals/departures when scheduled; it also supports international cargo and select passenger services beyond Mexico.
7) How far is San Diego International Airport from TIJ?
SAN → TIJ is roughly 35–40 km (22–25 mi) by road, depending on your route. If you use CBX, you won’t drive to TIJ directly; you’ll go to the CBX Terminal (U.S. side) in Otay Mesa (about 25–35 minutes from downtown San Diego off-peak), then walk across the bridge and emerge inside TIJ Departures.
8) Does TIJ have a VIP lounge?
Yes, TIJ typically offers VIP/airline lounges near the departures concourse. Access rules vary (membership programs, premium cabins, or day passes where available). Hours align with flight banks, so early mornings and late evenings may have limited services. Check your airline benefits or lounge apps to confirm eligibility, location, and operating hours for your travel day.
9) Is there long-term parking at TIJ?
Yes. TIJ has long-term lots on the Mexico side with daily/weekly caps, plus short-term options near Departures. The CBX Terminal (U.S. side) also has its own short- and long-term parking if you’re crossing the bridge. Rates, availability, and EV-charging spots vary—always check current pricing and consider advance reservations during holidays.
10) Are there hotels near TIJ?
Several business-class hotels sit within a 5–10 minute drive on the Mexico side (Otay area), and multiple Otay Mesa hotels are close to CBX on the U.S. side. Many properties offer scheduled shuttles or easy rideshare pick-ups. For early flights, a nearby hotel can save 30–60 minutes and reduce the risk of peak-hour traffic delays.
11) Is CBX faster than driving to the border?
Often, yes—especially during weekends, holidays, and rush hours. CBX lets eligible passengers bypass land-border car queues, moving directly from the U.S. terminal to TIJ Departures via the enclosed bridge. Typical end-to-end time is 20–45 minutes off-peak. On extremely busy dates, allow more time, buy CBX tickets in advance, and keep documents ready.
12) What documents do I need to use CBX?
You must present (1) a valid passport, (2) a CBX ticket (QR code), and **(3) a TIJ airline boarding pass for a flight departing within the permitted window (usually within 24 hours). Non-U.S. citizens should verify visa/ESTA requirements. Keep all three items handy at checkpoints to speed up the process on either side of the bridge.
