Where to Cross the California/Mexican Border
If you've traveled by car or foot across the U.S / Mexican Border, you know that it can often entail a long wait to get through customs. The good news is there's more than just one crossing point, and depending on your situation, that can save you a lot of time. So whether you're just walking across the border for a short trip, or driving the whole family for a vacation, here's a comprehensive list of the best places for you to cross the border.
PedWest
Location: San Ysidro, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: Virginia Avenue/Plaza Viva Tijuana
Minor Crossing:
- Foot traffic only. This crossing was made a two-way crossing on August 1, 2017 (previously northbound only).
- Accepts Sentri.
San Ysidro
Location: San Ysidro, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: I-5/Fed. 1
Mid-Size Crossing:
- No Trucks.
- Accepts Sentri.
- Accepts Ready Lane Pass.
- Accepts Fast Track Passes.
- Banjercito location.
San Ysidro
Location: San Ysidro, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: San Ysidro Boulevard/Rampa Xicoténcatl
Minor Crossing:
- Pedestrian only.
- Accepts Sentri.
- Accepts Ready Lane Pass.
- Accepts Fast Track Passes.
- Banjercito location.
Cross-border Terminal
Location: Otay Mesa, San Diego, California/Tijuana International Airport
Access: Otay Pacific Drive/Carretera Aeropuerto S/N, colonia Nueva Tijuana
Minor Crossing:
- Pedestrian only.
- Ticketed passengers only.
- Accepts Sentri.
Otay Mesa
Location: Mesa de Otay, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: SR 905/Boulevard Garita de Otay
Major Crossing:
- Trucks Permitted.
- Accepts Sentri.
- Accepts Ready Lane Pass.
- Banjercito location.
Tecate
Location: Tecate, California/Tecate, Baja California
Access: SR 188/Avenida Presidente Lázaro Cárdenas
Major Crossing:
- Trucks Permitted.
- Accepts Sentri.
- Banjercito location.
Calexico West
Location: Calexico, California/Mexicali, Baja California
Access: SR 111/Fed. 5 (Calzada Adolfo López Mateos)
Mid-Size Crossing:
- No Trucks.
- Accepts Sentri.
Calexico East
Location: Calexico, California/Mexicali, Baja California
Access: SR 7/Mexicali Boulevard Abelardo L. Rodríguez
Major Crossing:
- Accepts Sentri.
- Banjercito location.
Andrade
Location: Andrade, California/Los Algodones, Baja California
Access: SR 186/Ave. Mariano Lee y calle 2a.
Major Crossing:
- Accepts Sentri.
- Banjercito location.
If you want to check out the border crossing wait times before you go, use the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol website.