California Mexico Border Crossings | Where to Cross the 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 California Mexico border crossings.

 

PedWest

Location: San Ysidro, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: Virginia Avenue/Plaza Viva Tijuana

Minor Crossing:

 

San Ysidro

Location: San Ysidro, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: I-5/Fed. 1

Mid-Size Crossing:

 

San Ysidro

Location: San Ysidro, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: San Ysidro Boulevard/Rampa Xicoténcatl

Minor Crossing:

 

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:

 

Otay Mesa

Location: Mesa de Otay, San Diego, California/Tijuana, Baja California
Access: SR 905/Boulevard Garita de Otay

Major Crossing:

 

Tecate

Location: Tecate, California/Tecate, Baja California
Access: SR 188/Avenida Presidente Lázaro Cárdenas

Major Crossing:

 

Calexico West

Location: Calexico, California/Mexicali, Baja California
Access: SR 111/Fed. 5 (Calzada Adolfo López Mateos)

Mid-Size Crossing:

 

Calexico East

Location: Calexico, California/Mexicali, Baja California
Access: SR 7/Mexicali Boulevard Abelardo L. Rodríguez

Major Crossing:

 

Andrade

Location: Andrade, California/Los Algodones, Baja California
Access: SR 186/Ave. Mariano Lee or Calle 2a

Major Crossing:

 

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.