Do you want to know how far Tijuana is from San Diego?
A mere 20 miles (32 kilometers) south of bustling San Diego lies a completely different world. It’s hard to believe that such a short distance can change your surroundings so dramatically. But that’s exactly what you’ll find in Tijuana- a bustling, vibrant city full of life and color. From the delicious food to the friendly locals, Tijuana is a place that you’ll never want to leave.
There is a stark contrast between the United States and Mexico when it comes to quality of life. In the United States, people enjoy many luxuries and privileges. In contrast, people in Mexico are living in poverty. This inequality is evident when you compare the two sides of the street. It really is a striking contrast. However, if you take a step over the border from the USA into Mexico, you’ll notice a significant change – the car horns will have stopped, and instead, you’ll be able to smell tacos sizzling on roadside carts. You’ll also be able to hear Spanish floating in the breeze.
You’ll be welcomed to Mexico with open arms by the locals! They’re hospitable and kind, and they genuinely want you to enjoy your stay in their country. From the food to the culture, there’s so much to explore in Mexico. So dive right in and immerse yourself in all that this vibrant country has to offer!
Around 35 million people visit San Diego annually, but far fewer take short trips from San Diego to Tijuana. In fact, less than a third of all tourists who come to San Diego bother to cross the border into Mexico. However, although Tijuana is only a short drive from San Diego, many tourists are deterred by the negative reputation of the city. Tijuana has a reputation for being dangerous and dirty, but there are many parts of the city that are perfectly safe and clean. With its close proximity to San Diego, its rich culture, and its unique atmosphere, Tijuana is definitely worth a visit.
Some people are hesitant to visit Tijuana because they perceive it as unsafe. Others feel that there’s no need to venture beyond San Diego. For others, the process of crossing the border into Mexico seems too complicated.
How far is Tijuana from San Diego
The bustling city of Tijuana is located just 20 miles from San Diego, California, making it a quick 45-minute drive from downtown San Diego to the San Ysidro border crossing. The area where the US and Mexican borders meet is called San Ysidro. Hence, the name is San Ysidro border. While both are great places to visit, you will definitely want to check out Tijuana if you are looking for an adventure! The area is named for San Ysidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. The neighborhood includes a commercial district that serves as the primary shopping and dining area for residents of Tijuana, Mexico.
To take the trolley from Gaslamp Quarter
One of the most convenient ways to travel from San Diego to Tijuana is by taking the San Diego Trolley. The trolley is a tram that runs from downtown San Diego all the way to the San Ysidro border, making it easy and hassle-free to get between the two cities. The trolley makes stops at key points along the way, making it a convenient option for travelers. The trolley is a great way to see the sights and sounds of the city without having to worry about parking or traffic.
In order to get to the UC San Diego Blue Line, you will need to start at the American Plaza Transit Centre. The American Plaza Transit Centre is located near Fifth Avenue in San Diego’s Gaslamp District. The Gaslamp District is a popular tourist area, so there should be no trouble finding it.
The blue line will take you directly from Gaslamp to San Ysidro. The front of the trolley says “Tijuana” indicating that this is the correct line to take in order to connect to the tram going into Tijuana, Mexico. If you want to connect to the tram from another part of San Diego or from another line, you can find the trolley map to find the right connection.
The trolley is part of the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. For just $2.50, you can ride the trolley to your destination.
The trolley ride takes around 45 minutes. You’ll be able to sit back and relax as you take in the sights of the city.
How to take the San Diego Trolley to San Ysidro from San Diego Airport
To get to the border from San Diego International Airport, you’ll need to take a bus. The number for this bus is 992. The bus will take you from the airport to America Plaza, which is right next to the San Diego Trolley station. From there, you can take the trolley directly to the border. This bus will take you directly to Broadway and Kettner. In order to catch the blue line trolley, you will need to cross the street to the American Plaza Transit Centre from the Silver Line stop. The bus ride should take around 15 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
You’ll need to have the exact change for the airport bus, or you won’t be able to ride it. The fare is $2.25.
Planning on driving to Tijuana by car?
We’ve never personally taken a car across the border, so we can’t offer first-hand experience. However, if you’re just looking to cross from San Diego to Tijuana, we would advise traveling by foot because it is very easy. There are plenty of people who do it every day and the process is pretty straightforward. Plus, it saves you the hassle of having to deal with your car once you’re in Tijuana.
There are several reasonably priced car parks on the US side if you are planning to drive to the border. We left the car in one of these and had no problems when we returned.
If you’re planning on taking a car from the United States to Mexico, it’s important to make sure that it’s covered by insurance. You should also check to see if taking the car across the border is allowed under the terms of your rental agreement. Taking a car can be helpful if you’re planning on driving down Baja California’s route 1. Alternatively, you could choose to hire a car in Tijuana. We did this on our last trip and the rates were much cheaper. This is a great option if you plan to do a lot of driving while on vacation.
How to cross the Tijuana border into Mexico by walking
Once you arrive at the border, simply follow the signs to the appropriate lane. Cross through the turnstile, and you’re in Mexico! You usually won’t have to wait in line to cross the border into Tijuana. If you use the same border crossing when coming back into the US, you’ll notice a dramatically different experience. The main difference you’ll find is that the US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) are much more stringent when it comes to screening returning citizens. So be prepared for a thorough inspection of your belongings and questions about your activities while abroad.
Tijuana border crossing times
The San Ysidro border is a 24/7 operation. However, as we would advise in any country, it’s best not to hang out around the border, drunk in the middle of the night because that’s just asking for trouble. It’s better to find somewhere else to drink and party if you’re looking for a good time. This border is a place where people are trying to cross into the United States illegally, and they are often desperate. This can lead to dangerous situations, even if you’re not doing anything wrong.
Are they in a different time zone?
Although Tijuana and San Diego are separated by a border, there is no difference in terms of time. In other words, the time in Tijuana is the same as the time in San Diego. This is helpful to know because it makes coordinating plans between the two cities much easier.