Crossing Tijuana Mexico CBX
Looking for an easy, affordable way to fly into Puerto Vallarta? One of the best travel hacks we’ve discovered recently is CBX – the Cross Border Xpress, which connects the U.S. directly to the Tijuana International Airport via a pedestrian bridge.
Mike and I had our first experience with this ultra-modern facility, and I can confidently say that it won’t be our last.
What Is CBX?
CBX is a sleek, secure pedestrian bridge that allows travelers to walk directly from San Diego into the Tijuana Airport terminal, bypassing the hectic land border crossings. It’s a total game-changer for frequent travelers to and from Mexico.
Getting There: Uber Over Shuttle
After landing in San Diego, we needed to get to the CBX terminal. There are shuttles available, but honestly? Between juggling luggage and multiple transfers, they felt more like a hassle than a help. Shuttles can take up to 2.5 hours due to bus station transfers. Instead, we opted for a direct Uber ride from the airport to CBX. It cost us USD 51, but for the 30-minute door-to-door convenience, it was well worth it. Lyft is also an option.
At the CBX Terminal
As soon as we arrived, a Volaris airline agent greeted us warmly. While Volaris is a no-frills airline, it gave us exactly what we needed: a low-cost, comfortable flight to Puerto Vallarta.
Check-in was easy. Since we had purchased our CBX and airline tickets together, we couldn’t check in online, but the in-person check-in was quick and painless.
What You Need to Cross
If you’re a tourist, you must fill out the FMM form (your tourist visa). You can do this online ahead of time at CrossBorderXpress.com or using the kiosks right at the terminal.
If you’re a Temporary or Permanent Resident of Mexico, you can skip the FMM entirely—show your passport and residency card at the checkpoint.
You can buy your crossing ticket there if your boarding pass doesn’t include the CBX fee.
The Walk Across
The bridge walk takes about 7 minutes, and yes—wheelchair assistance is available. There are clear signs and directions every step of the way, plus conveniently located restrooms throughout the facility.
Mexican Immigration & Security
Once you reach the Mexican side, you’ll go through Immigration:
Tourists: Present your passport and FMM; they’ll stamp your passport.
Residents: Present your passport and residency card; no stamping is needed—they simply scan your documents.
After that, all luggage goes through a quick X-ray screening, and then you’re inside the Tijuana International Airport. If you’re checking bags, this is where you’ll do it. We had prepaid for our single 55lb bag, which made it a breeze.
Inside the Airport
The airport is small but efficient, with two gate corridors, shopping, restaurants, and bars—everything you need to relax before takeoff. Our flight departed on time, and we landed in Puerto Vallarta happy and hassle-free.
Pro Tip: Plan Ahead Online
The CrossBorderXpress.com website has everything you need:
- Bridge tickets
- Parking info
- Shuttle schedules to and from cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Fresno, and more
We bundled our CBX ticket with our airline ticket at checkout, making the entire experience smooth from start to finish.
Did you know?
Using CBX can often result in lower airfare to destinations like Puerto Vallarta. Airlines flying out of Tijuana typically offer better prices than their U.S. counterparts—and you avoid the crowds at U.S. border crossings!
Whether you’re a tourist or a Mexico resident like me, CBX is a smart and seamless way to travel. We’re already planning to use it again. Give it a try—you might just love it.
