Hola,
Just a quick question - about how long a piece of string may be!!
But I was wondering is there a "best" time of day for the San Diego/Tijuana border crossing in either direction?
I've noticed loads of people seem to say leave San Diego around 5 or 6 am - is that just because of the long drive afterwards, or is it also significantly quicker to get through then?
What might it be like at say 3pm in the afternoon?


And, is there a time when the queues are shorter "normally!" going back into the USA?

Sorry if this all sounds very naive but I live in Asia and am planning a holiday there so I'm still just trying to plan it, and with a 5 yr old and 6 yr old in the car I want to do whatever I can to keep the vehhicle moving as much as possible!!!

Many thanks for any advice you might have
Cheers

I've crossed into Baja thru the San Diego border many times at any hour of the day or night-- going into Baja has never presented a problem. Getting out is another matter. It can be as easy as 15 minutes or as lousy as a few hours, and the time of day doesn't seem to be a factor. The week around Easter can be rough, in or out. Keep a cool head, positive and non-judgemental attitude, and go with whatever flows your way. I've found that a smiling face and open mind serves me well.

Once I clear the top of the hill dropping down towards the border (driving north) I call the border wait info line (1-619-690-8999) - program it into your cell phone!. That gives me enough time to determine whether San Ysidro or Otay crossing is warranted. Sometimes San Ysidro can be an hour or more long wait, while Otay is 10-15 minutes. The trick is knowing how to get over to the Otay crossing without getting lost (like I did the first time in the middle of the night - after driving 11 hours up from San Ignacio).

We just purchased in the baja and are just getting used to everything and will be making routine long weekend trips across the border (as soon as this Friday). How long does it take to get to the Otay crossing? Are the directions complecated? If not, can you post them please?

South on I-805 from San Diego to I-905. East on I-905 past "Brown's Airfield", then south on access road to OTAY BORDER CROSSING.

"Wait Times" at border crossing can be found at:
http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/

Dorado

quote:

Originally posted by La Bufadora beach bums:
We just purchased in the baja and are just getting used to everything and will be making routine long weekend trips across the border (as soon as this Friday). How long does it take to get to the Otay crossing? Are the directions complecated? If not, can you post them please?

How about heading North? From looking at some maps it looks like it may be complicated getting to Otay.

Yes it can be complicated - If I had to retrace my path the first time I went through I don't think I could do it. The simplest way (at least looking at mapquest) is from Mex D1 - instead of turning through the cloverleafs to San Ysidro crossing, continue straight to Av Paseo De Los Heroes. At the second roundabout head northeast on Av Puente Cuauhtemoc - it turns into Blvd Cuauhtemoc part way up. This will lead you right to the border fence next to TJ airport where the street name changes again to Blvd Al Aeropuerto. Follow the road East around the airport and turn left to Blvd Tercera Oeste. From there a left to Blvd Garita De Otay is the crossing. There are supposedly signs leading to the crossing, but you know mexico...

We just returned from the Baja on Monday, crossed the border at Tijuana around 11 a.m. and it took 15 minutes....a welcomed suprise.

Hello everyone my name is Arturo, Iam a new member to baja fourm. This fourm is very helpfull for people like my self who frequently visit Baja.
Back in December of 2005 I was in Punta Chivato and spoke to "TACO" he told me that the next time I came out here to fish, I should look up a man by the nick name "San Marcos Mike".
I have not been able to reach him, Can any one help?

If you have an xm radio tune to channel 233 (the San Diego (traffic, weather& alerts station)you will find exactly what you are looking for concerning border crossing times.

quote:

Originally posted by ARTURO:
Hello everyone my name is Arturo, Iam a new member to baja fourm. This fourm is very helpfull for people like my self who frequently visit Baja.
Back in December of 2005 I was in Punta Chivato and spoke to "TACO" he told me that the next time I came out here to fish, I should look up a man by the nick name "San Marcos Mike".
I have not been able to reach him, Can any one help?

I think you might be able to reach him via email at kidjurel@mac.com But I am not sure. Next time you pass thru Ejido San Lucas, drop down to the RV park someone can put you in touch with him.