How to Get to Cross Border Xpress CBX?

If you have been following this page for a bit, you know that I love going to Mexico. We love to drive or walk over the border for a quick visit to Tijuana, Valle de Guadalupe, or Ensenada. But when we fly to a destination in Mexico, we always use CBX – Cross Border Xpress to cross into Mexico and fly from the Tijuana Airport. It is so much cheaper and easier to cross via CBX and then fly within Mexico than flying from San Diego International Airport.

But how do you get to Cross Border Xpress? There are quite a few options for you and it is super easy.

By Car/Parking at CBX

Obviously, you can drive there. Parking at CBX is very convenient and available at various price points. If you park in a lot a little further away and traveling with 2 or more people, I would recommend dropping 1 person with the luggage and then parking the car.

Prices vary depending on season. Low Season is January – May & September – November, and High Season is June – August and December.

Street Parking – $14.95/day – 8-15 minute walk

Parking on the street near CBX used to be free, but they have since installed meters. As you are paying anyway, I would recommend parking at the secured parking lots at CBX.

Economy Parking – $17-20/day – 10-12 minute walk

Parking Lot G is the cheapest lot and still only about a 10-minute walk to the Terminal. This is a great option if you are going on a longer trip.

Standard Parking A – $20-25/day – 8-15 minute walk

Parking Lots E – F – H are a bit hit or miss. You can get lucky and find a spot just a few rows away from Premium Parking or you could be all the way in the back and Economy Parking could actually be closer.

Standard Parking B – $23-27/day – 8-15 minute walk

Parking Lots C – J are a bit hit or miss as well. You can get lucky and find a spot just a few rows away from Premium Parking or you could be all the way in the back and Economy Parking could actually be closer.

Premium Parking – $27-33/day – 3-5 minute walk

Parking Lots A – B are a super close to the Terminal and perfect, if you are running short on time, have a lot of luggage and are traveling by yourself, or simply, if you want to keep things simple.

Covered Parking – $30-35/day – 5-8 minute walk

Parking Lot D is the covered parking option, which is a great option if you want to protect your car from the elements.

Valet Parking – $33-39/day – curbside

Of course, the most convenient option is the Valet Parking at CBX. Just get out, take your ticket and hand over the keys. And off you go! And the best part? If you leave them your flight details, your car will most likely be waiting for you as you walk out. You’ll be back home in no time. I have done this twice now, and it is sooo nice to just hand over the keys vs circling the parking lot and carrying your luggage. Definitely worth it!

By Shuttle

While CBX does not provide a shuttle service themselves, they have several partners that can help you get to CBX easily. In the San Diego area, there are pickup points at Santa Fe Station, San Ysidro, San Diego International Airport, and Escondido. From Santa Fe Depot, the round trip costs about $14 (at the time of writing) and runs about every 2 hours between 9 AM and 11 PM.

But there are shuttles to and from as far as Sacramento, Modesto, and even Las Vegas. And they are cheap! A round-trip ticket to Las Vegas is only around $84 (at the time of writing).

You can book the shuttle on the CBX website here>>

By Private Transfer

If you are traveling with a group or don’t want to wait for a shuttle or drive, a private shuttle is a fantastic option. There are different zones and prices, ranging from $35-65 for South Bay and downtown San Diego, $170 for La Jolla/UTC, Oceanside $300 and Los Angeles $500 (at the time of writing). That sounds like a lot, but if you have a group of people and don’t want to worry about driving, it is a very convenient and easy option.

Public Transport

To be honest, using public transport to get to CBX is not very convenient. From downtown San Diego, it would take me over 2 hours and several transfers and modes of transportation to get there. I would not recommend it. The only thing I could see myself doing is taking the Trolley to San Ysidro and then calling a Lyft or Uber to take me the rest of the way.