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Airport Transportation

General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport

Also known as: Tijuana Airport, Tijuana International Airport, TIJ Airport.

TIJ · MMTJ · Tijuana

Airport facts

Name
General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport
IATA code
TIJ
ICAO code
MMTJ
City
Tijuana
Country
Mexico
Coordinates
32.5410, -116.9700
Time zone
America/Tijuana

About General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport

Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), officially General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, serves Tijuana and northern Baja California, Mexico. It lies about 5 km northeast of downtown Tijuana, right on the US border: its runway runs about 300 metres south of the border fence, facing Otay Mesa in San Diego.

The airport is a domestic gateway for much of Mexico. Volaris and Viva Aerobus fly from Tijuana to dozens of Mexican cities, including Guadalajara, Mexico City, Cancún, Monterrey, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Oaxaca, and Aeroméxico and Mexicana add flights to Mexico City. Hainan Airlines flies to Beijing.

Its special feature is the Cross Border Xpress (CBX): a 120-metre pedestrian bridge from a terminal in San Diego straight into the airport, used by about a third of the airport's passengers. Travelers from Southern California cross the border on foot with a boarding pass and fly from Tijuana without driving through the land crossing.

The main terminal has two concourses, A and B, with 20 gates, and a newer building opened in 2022 handles cross-border arrivals, immigration, customs, check-in and security.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP)

Runway

One asphalt runway, 09/27, 2,960 m (9,711 ft)

Passengers per year

About 12.65 million in 2025, of which about 4 million used the CBX terminal

Opened

May 1, 1951

Cross Border Xpress

Pedestrian bridge to San Diego, opened December 9, 2015

Arrival tips for General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International Airport

How you arrive depends on where your flight comes from. On a domestic flight, you collect your bags in the main terminal and walk out into the public arrivals hall. International passengers clear Mexican immigration and customs first, in the cross-border processing building that opened in 2022.

If you are heading to the United States through the Cross Border Xpress, follow the CBX signs after baggage claim. You need your boarding pass and a CBX ticket to use the bridge, and you clear US customs on the San Diego side.

Report missing or damaged luggage at your airline's desk before leaving baggage claim. In the public arrivals hall, use only the licensed airport taxis or your pre-booked ride: ordinary city taxis can drop passengers off but cannot pick up at the terminal. Car-rental desks are also in the hall. Pre-booked drivers wait at the meeting point named in your confirmation.

Ground transportation

A pre-booked transfer or a licensed airport taxi suits most travelers; city taxis can't pick up at the terminal.

  • Private transfer from Tijuana airport

    A driver meets you in arrivals and takes you to your hotel or address in Tijuana, Rosarito or Ensenada. The simplest option with luggage or a group.

  • Licensed airport taxi

    Licensed airport taxis serve passengers from the arrivals hall, at higher fares than city taxis, which can drop off but not pick up at the terminal.

  • Cross Border Xpress to San Diego

    Walk across the bridge to the CBX terminal in San Diego with your boarding pass and a CBX ticket, then continue by shuttle, ride app or rental car on the US side.

  • City bus

    Bus routes link the airport with downtown Tijuana, Zona Río and Otay. The cheapest option, but hard with heavy luggage.

  • Rental cars

    Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Mex Rent a Car and Veico have desks at the airport.

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Terminals

Check your boarding pass for the gate; most flights are domestic.

Concourse A

Domestic flights, with nine gates: 1 to 5 with jet bridges and 6 to 9 at remote stands.

Concourse B

Domestic and international flights, with eight gates: 10 to 14 with jet bridges and 15 to 18 at remote stands. Gates 19 and 20 at the east end board from the apron.

Cross-border processing building

Opened in 2022 for cross-border passengers, with immigration, customs, check-in and security, connected to the Cross Border Xpress bridge to San Diego.

Airlines and destinations

Aeroméxico

Mexico City–Benito Juárez, Guadalajara (seasonal)

Airline guide

Hainan Airlines

Beijing–Capital

Airline guide

Mexicana de Aviación

Mexico City–Felipe Ángeles

Viva Aerobus

Cancún, Culiacán, Guadalajara, La Paz, León/El Bajío, Mazatlán, Mexico City–Benito Juárez, Mexico City–Felipe Ángeles, Monterrey, Morelia, Oaxaca, Puebla, Puerto Vallarta, Querétaro, San José del Cabo and more

Airline guide

Volaris

Acapulco, Aguascalientes, Cancún, Chihuahua, Ciudad Juárez, Culiacán, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, La Paz, León/El Bajío, Mazatlán, Mérida, Mexico City–Benito Juárez, Monterrey, Oaxaca and more

Airline guide

Facilities

  • Restaurants and food outlets

    Food outlets are available in the terminal.

  • Duty-free shopping

    Duty-free shops serve passengers on international flights.

  • Car-rental desks

    Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Mex Rent a Car and Veico operate at the airport.

  • Cross Border Xpress

    A pedestrian bridge from the airport to a terminal in San Diego, for passengers with a boarding pass and a CBX ticket.

  • Lost luggage

    For baggage that does not arrive or is damaged, contact your airline's baggage-service desk before leaving the terminal.

Airport lounges

  • VIP Lounge

    The terminal has a VIP lounge. Access through an eligible ticket, membership or paid entry; check hours and conditions with the lounge.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Ask your airline for wheelchair service or other help when you book, or at least 48 hours before you fly. Assistance is arranged by the airline and its ground-handling company.

  • Reduced mobility

    Several gates are remote stands or board from the apron. Tell your airline in advance if you need help boarding, and ask about assistance across the CBX bridge if you use it.

  • Service animals

    Confirm the documents and travel conditions for a service animal with your airline, and with US and Mexican border rules if you cross by CBX.

  • Assistance on arrival

    If you requested assistance, tell the cabin crew before you leave the aircraft so airline staff can meet you.

Parking

Short- and long-term parking

Lots near the main terminal in Tijuana. Check the posted rates on entry and keep your ticket.

CBX parking (San Diego)

Parking at the Cross Border Xpress terminal on the US side, for travelers who cross the bridge on foot.

Frequently asked questions

What is the official name of Tijuana airport?

Tijuana's airport is officially called General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, after a former Mexican president. Most travelers call it Tijuana International Airport. Its IATA code is TIJ and its ICAO code is MMTJ, so look for TIJ on your ticket and baggage tags, including flights you book through the Cross Border Xpress.

What is the Cross Border Xpress (CBX)?

The Cross Border Xpress is a 120-metre pedestrian bridge that links Tijuana airport with a terminal in San Diego. Passengers with a boarding pass for a flight from or to Tijuana and a CBX ticket can cross the US–Mexico border on foot, without using the land crossing. About a third of the airport's passengers use it.

How far is Tijuana airport from downtown?

Tijuana airport is about 5 km northeast of downtown Tijuana, right on the US border near Otay. The trip into the city is short by taxi or pre-booked transfer, and city buses run to downtown, Zona Río and Otay. Rosarito and Ensenada lie farther south along the Baja California coast.

Can I take a regular taxi from Tijuana airport?

Only licensed airport taxis can pick up passengers at Tijuana airport. Ordinary city taxis can drop off at the terminal but are not allowed to collect passengers there. Airport taxis serve the arrivals hall at higher fares; a pre-booked transfer or a ride from the US side of the CBX are the alternatives.

Which airlines fly from Tijuana airport?

Volaris and Viva Aerobus operate most flights at Tijuana, connecting it with dozens of Mexican cities, from Guadalajara and Mexico City to Cancún, Los Cabos and Oaxaca. Aeroméxico and Mexicana fly to Mexico City, and Hainan Airlines flies to Beijing. US airlines do not fly to Tijuana; travelers from the US often use the CBX instead.

How early should I arrive at Tijuana airport for my flight?

A common guideline is to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight from Tijuana. If you are coming through the Cross Border Xpress, add time for the CBX check-in and Mexican immigration on the bridge. Always follow your airline's own recommendation.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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