One of my friends who worked together when I was in LA moved to Mexico with her boyfriend. From LA to the border, it takes about 2.5~3 hours by a car so I decided to visit there to see her and explore Mexican culture!
It is how I went through from the U.S to Tijuana.
1. Parking Near the Border
There are plenty of 24-hour parking options near the Otay Mesa border. We used US Gasoline Parking: US Gasoline Parking Location.
-
Parking Procedure: After parking, take note of your parking block number and go to the shop’s front desk to pay. You’ll receive two receipts—one for displaying on your car and one to keep with you for later when you return to pick up your keys.
- Payment Process: Park in a numbered spot, take the parking block number to the store front, pay, and you’ll receive two receipts—one for your vehicle and one to keep for when you pick up your keys.
- Cost: $22 on weekends, $18~$20 on weekdays including other parking lots.
⭐️⭐️Parking Tip: Park between cars rather than at the edge of a row, as it lowers the chance of scratches.
2. Walking to Mexican Immigration
Once parked, follow the path leading to the border crossing on foot. You’ll navigate through the parking lot and past some stores until you reach a walkway that leads toward the border.
-
Crossing the Footbridge: Continue up the stairs to reach an overhead pedestrian bridge. This bridge crosses over the roadway and leads directly toward Mexico. After crossing, take the stairs down and head to the first turnstile.
-
Through the Turnstiles: Pass through this initial turnstile, walk ahead, and you’ll see a second turnstile. Once you pass through this second turnstile, you’ll arrive at the Mexican Immigration Office (Immigration Mexico Otay).
4. Entering Mexico Tijuana
I made it! My friend waited for me just out of the gate. So now, it’s time to have fun in Tijuana!
