California Mexico Border Crossings | Where to Cross the Border
- Last Updated: July 2, 2021 by Roxanna Brock McDade
- Categories:
- Baja, Border Crossing
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 California Mexico border crossings.
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 or 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.
California only borders the Mexican state of Baja California and a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) is not required to drive on the Baja Peninsula. However, if you plan to travel outside of the free zone, you will want to purchase a TIP before you go. Read our blog entitled Who Needs a Temporary Importation Permit for more information.