How to get to Tijuana

Tijuana is not just the largest city in the state of Baja California, but also the most visited "gateway" to Mexico, located right on the border with the USA. When planning a trip to Tijuana, travellers will find a colourful mix of cultures and gastronomy here, which can be reached by air via the local international airport or by land from neighbouring California. Whether you choose a plane, bus, or car, the question of how to get to Tijuana is easily solved thanks to the region's well-developed transport infrastructure.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the city is to take a flight to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). This major aviation hub welcomes millions of passengers annually and is excellently connected to major domestic destinations. The airport is located right at the border, making it a unique transport facility.

An alternative option for travellers is flying into neighbouring US cities and then crossing the border. The nearest air hubs are located in Imperial Beach (just 10 km away) and San Diego (SAN), situated 24 km from Tijuana. A bit further away, at a distance of 76 km, lies the airport of Carlsbad.

There is no passenger railway station directly in Tijuana itself, so it is not possible to get here by a direct train. Rail transport in this region of Mexico is not widely developed for passengers and is oriented primarily towards freight transport.

However, tourists often combine modes of transport by taking a train to border cities in the USA. The nearest stations are in Imperial Beach (10 km) and the major transport hub of San Diego (24 km). There is also rail service in the city of Carlsbad (76 km), from where you can continue your journey to the border by bus or taxi.

Bus services are a popular and budget-friendly option for those travelling from the US side. A trip from neighbouring Imperial Beach will take about 1.3 hours, covering a distance of just 13 km, whereas the route from the major city of San Diego (37 km) will require approximately 2.1 hours, taking potential stops into account.

For travellers departing from more distant points, for example, from the city of Carlsbad, the 94 km journey will take about 4.5 hours. This is an excellent opportunity to reach the border comfortably while observing the changing landscapes of Southern California.

Travelling by car ensures maximum flexibility and speed, especially when driving from border areas. The road from Imperial Beach is almost instantaneous — a journey of just 12 km will take about 20 minutes (0.3 h), while the drive from the centre of San Diego (27 km) will last approximately 25–30 minutes (0.4 h) assuming there are no queues at the border.

Even from the more distant Carlsbad (80 km), you can reach Tijuana in less than an hour (about 0.8 h). It is worth considering that travel time may increase due to border control procedures when entering Mexico, and remember the necessity of arranging Mexican car insurance.

Tijuana is a dynamic and contrasting city, a visit to which will leave vivid impressions with the right preparation. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is mild and semi-arid. During the day, it is comfortable in light clothing (t-shirts, shorts), but evenings can be cool, so be sure to take a hoodie or windbreaker. Comfortable shoes are a must for long walks.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is safest and most convenient to use official taxis or apps like Uber. Local minibuses ("calafias") are cheap but can be difficult to navigate without knowing the city.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Mexican Peso, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. However, the exchange rate when paying in dollars may be unfavourable, so it is better to carry pesos for small expenses. Cards are accepted in major restaurants and shops.
4. Health and Safety: Drink only bottled water and avoid drinks with ice in street cafes. Stick to tourist zones (for example, Avenida Revolución) and avoid unlit outskirts after dark.
5. Communication: The official language is Spanish. Due to the proximity to the border, many locals, especially in the service sector, speak or understand English well.
6. Local Etiquette: Mexicans are very polite and friendly. It is customary to greet people ("Hola" or "Buenos días") when entering a shop or getting into a taxi. Tipping (propina) of 10–15% is the norm.
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph people without their permission and try not to attract attention with expensive jewellery or large amounts of visible cash.
8. Additional Tip: If you are crossing the border on foot, be prepared for queues on the return journey to the USA. On weekends, the wait can last for several hours.

Observing these simple rules will help you enjoy the atmosphere of Tijuana, its famous cuisine, and cultural attractions without unnecessary worries.