Where to Cross the California/Mexican Border

July 7, 2017 by Roxanna Brock McDade
Categories: Baja, Border Crossing, California

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.