Cross Border Xpress — that 390-foot pedestrian skybridge that connects San Diego directly to the Tijuana International Airport (and is the only binational terminal in the US) — debuts an expansion milestone today (Thurs., Feb. 3). Now, the US Customs and Border Protection processing area at CBX is bigger, so travel could get even speedier. Here’s what’s up.
The pedestrian skybridge is the only binational airport terminal in the US; you can walk directly from San Diego into Mexico. | Photo via Cross Border Xpress
David Harrison
✈️ More space:
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, CBX + CBP leaders will cut the ribbon today at the expanded binational facility, celebrating:
- 6,945-sqft of space added to the CBP processing area within the CBX terminal.
- Four new, double-stacked booths, where up to 16 CBP officers can process passengers during peak times.
New restroom wing + expanded departures lobby.
The skybridge, from another angle. | Photo via Cross Border Xpress
David Harrison
🛫 What else is coming?
This expansion is part of CBX’s $10 million plan to eventually add even more amenities to the facility, including a rental car area, parking garage, hotel rooms, a gas station + retail shops.
Meanwhile, Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) is also in the midst of big developments: Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico is spending $100 million to build a multi-level passenger processing facility set to be completed this December. This project adds 484,000 sqft and a new wing for international flights — doubling the airport’s space so it can expand its international service.
The multi-level, 484,000-sqft expansion at Tijuana International Airport is set to be completed in December 2022. | Rendering via Cross Border Xpress
🛄 How (and why) to use CBX:
The skybridge connecting San Diego to Mexico debuted in 2015 and is the only binational airport terminal in the US. It’s used only by ticketed TIJ passengers departing within 24 hours or by arriving passengers (read the requirements before making travel plans). Tickets to use the bridge start at $18, depending on the season.
The idea is that by flying through TIJ rather than SoCal airports, travelers save cash on international flights. TIJ offers access to 100+ flights daily to 35 direct destinations throughout Mexico.
Did you know? In 2019, CBX saw a record 2.9 million travelers use the bridge to cross into TIJ. Local leaders see it as positively impacting local tourism + bi-national travel in our region.
A traveler near the plaque at CBX that marks the crossover from San Diego into Mexico. | Photo via @willarce87
Find it:
📍 2745 Otay Pacific Dr., San Diego (Otay Mesa, north of the US-Mexico border)