The Blue Line operates over track owned by the San Diego and Imperial Valley Railroad Company, which connects with BNSF in San Diego, the UP to the east in Plaster City (off I-8), and Ferromex in San Ysidro/Tijuana. Its a viable alternative since some rental cars have issues taking the car across the border. I get the Blue Line from City College in Downtown San Diego south to San Ysidro at the border. You will take a walkway that goes over the four lanes of traffic coming in and out of Mexico. While some drive, arguably the easiest way to cross the Mexican border is by taking the San Diego Trolley. 4. For starters, the time we went was a bit late. If you prefer to travel to another city other than Tijuana, there is a bus bay next to the border that will take you to cities like Ensenada. From downtown San Diego, a trip to the Mexican border will take about 45 minutes on the Imperial Way blue line. Here are a few tips for getting across the border and back safely: 1). Coastal Train Rides. See the twinkle from Tijuana. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Stops at or near all major attractions. ... See America’s Finest City by moonlight. Coaster and train schedules are available on the available websites. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. As recent as the mid 2000’s, Tijuana was a place where southern California college students could easily road trip across the border and drink (and get over-the-counter drugs) legally. If you take the San Diego Trolley to the border, use the San Ysidro crossing. © 2020 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Depending on where you board the blue trolley to San Ysidro/Tijuana border, it will take a maximum of approx 45 min to 50 min. (Most of our plans included areas within and just outside of San Diego. Share on Twitter. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. One way tickets are not valid for transfers so day passes are required if you need to transfer to another bus or train to complete the journey. To get to Tijuana, you will need to get on the blue line at any station going south toward San Ysidro. Passing through immigration into Mexico is typically an easy process, but keep in mind that it usually takes much longer to cross back into the United States. The pedestrian crossing going south, at ‘Puerto Mexico,’ near MacDonald’s at the end of the San Diego Trolley, is open to about 1/3rd of the old capacity (Oct. 4:35 PM From Santee to San Ysidro, trolley cars wrapped in pink and emblazoned with the name Tijuana are circulating through San Diego County in a … You cross the street from the Santa Fe Station to America Plaza and catch the San Diego Trolley Blue Line to San Ysidro, takes about 45 minutes in travel time. You can also drive or take a rideshare to the Pedwest Crossing. Where to Park Your Car in San Diego and Cross into Tijuana Tijuana, once a mecca for under age college students, is now just a shadow of its former glory. A trolley ticket costs just a few dollars each way, regardless of where you get on and off. If you board in downtown, it will be about 35 min to the border. Standard one-way fares are $2.50, with day passes running at $5, and there are 2-, 3- and 4-day passes available. After arriving in San Ysidro, there is a short walk to the Mexican border. For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller’s site. Experience san diego’s pristine weather in our open air trolleys as highly knowledgeable guides take you to all the best spots first on the most comprehensive sightseeing experience in San Diego. Round-Trip Business Class Flights to Europe. Immigration can be stricter when crossing back into the United States and lines often take hours. See Mexico from the Coronado Bridge . San Diego is well connected by road. FYI, there is a lot of construction at the Port of San Ysidro, and to enter the USA can take many hours, even when walking back. San Ysidro is at the very end of the line and the trolley ride should take around 45 minutes and cost you a grand total of $2.50 USD (£1.80 GBP) (single tickets can be bought using the self-service machine at any station). Customer service is very friendly and can provide helpful information. By bus: The office is well served by San Diego’s buses, with the 3, 120, 280 and 290 all calling nearby at Fifth Avenue and B street. read more. San Diego Trolley tickets are good for two hours after they're validated. Search for Schedules and Real Time by Bus Route, Trolley Line, Stop Number or Location Real time arrivals are estimates based on GPS data. The last trolley departs San Ysidro at 12:58 a.m., so be sure to head toward the border with plenty of time to pass customs and immigration. Tickets cost $200 - $290 and the journey takes 1h 10m. Ask Hoben01 about San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Very Impressive Public Transportation System, Ask Shelly S about San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Ask Budoradz about San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Ask Cinnamon_apples about San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Ask Keisaku425 about San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Ask vinogradov2015 about San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Four Points by Sheraton Hotels in San Diego, Hotels with Military Discounts in San Diego, Hotels near San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Hotels near Old Town Model Railroad Depot, Hotels near Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Hotels near ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, Hotels near Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA), Hotels near Old Town Transit Center Station, Hotels near San Diego Continuing Education, Hotels near Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Hotels near NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Hotels near FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Hotels near Paul Mitchell - San Diego, CA, Hotels near California Western School of Law, Hotels near Point Loma Nazarene University, Hotels near San Diego University for Integrative Studies, Things to do near San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in San Diego, Points of Interest & Landmarks in San Diego, Game & Entertainment Centers in San Diego, Observatories & Planetariums in San Diego, Conference & Convention Centers in San Diego, Mt. It's officially called the San Diego Trolley's Blue Line, but to most people it's simply the Tijuana Trolley. I never felt unsafe in Tijuana, but if we weren’t two males, it may have been different. Recommended experiences in and around San Diego, Architectural Buildings, Points of Interest & Landmarks. read more, Great way to get around San Diego for visitors. Every major attraction had access to a bus, trolley, or train to get us within walking distance of our destination. And if you want to spend some time in Tijuana, it's a convenient way to get there. Share on Facebook. Things you buy may earn us a commission. The San Diego Trolley Blue Line service connects San Ysidro to Chula Vista, National City, and Downtown San Diego to the north. I'll be staying near the Amtrak station in SD. From downtown San Diego, a trip to the Mexican border will take about 45 minutes on the Imperial Way blue line. After reading about the heavy traffic and difficulties of finding parking in San Diego, my family decided we would try the public transportation system to get us where we needed to go. Where to Cross the US-Mexico Border to Tijuana . TOUR HIGHLIGHTS. San Diego Scenic Tours We offer the most points of interest on our fully narrated city tours of San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico.. Top Cat Limo - Tijuana Tours & More Top Cat Limousine in San Diego is now offering Baja Mexico Tours to Rosarito Beach Hotel, Puerto Nuevo Lobster Luncheons, Tijuana Shopping, Airport Transfers and more!. When you plan your trip, make sure you allocate enough time to return to San Diego. Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about how to travel from San Diego to Tijuana by trolley. Walk towards the left side of the main San Ysidro transit center building and head south. The original cars of the Trolley were Siemens' U-2's, which are now 30 years old. Soledad National Veterans Memorial: Tickets & Tours‎, Torrey Pines Gliderport: Tickets & Tours‎, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: Tickets & Tours‎, Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Tickets & Tours‎, San Diego Factory Outlet Center: Tickets & Tours‎, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Tickets & Tours‎. Expert guides . Wait times vary daily. We visited La Jolla Beach, rode the Coaster train to Solana Beach, rode the green trolley to Qualcolmm Stadium and Petco Park, Rode buses to Point Loma, as well as access to other attraction. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. SDSU Transit Center: Green: 5260 Campanile Dr. Alvarado Medical Center: Green: 6658 Alvarado Rd. From the San Ysidro trolley stop, you’re just a 3-minute walk from the border. On a few occasions I’ve taken this trolley when either doing a daytrip to Tijuana or shopping at... Great way to get around San Diego for visitors. 2. ULI San Diego-Tijuana Share on LinkedIn. Sign up for our free newsletter. You will take the line all the way to the end and get off at San Ysidro. What companies run services between San Diego, CA, USA and Tijuana, Mexico? Be sure to negotiate the cab price if you choose to take one into downtown Tijuana. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Jun 24, 2017 - Transportation in Tijuana: San Diego Trolley With the border of Mexico less than 20 miles from downtown San Diego, millions of people travel to Tijuana 2016.) For current information on Bus and Trolley Service, visit the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System. While not necessarily known as a railroading mecca, Tijuana is actually home to one of North America’s most colorful and friendly railroads. The blue line travels throughout downtown San Diego and connects to the city’s other green and orange lines. A round-trip is only a little more and is the same price as a day pass. For those wanting to make your san diego visit into an international trip and cross the border into mexico i would suggest the san diego red line trolley. Explore some of the top highlights of San Diego with your silver, gold, or platinum day pass (depending on option selected) for the city’s Hop-on, Hop-off Trolley Tour. You need to take the UC San Diego Blue Line, which starts at the American Plaza Transit Centre, near Fifth Avenue in the tourist Gaslamp area. San Diego’s only historic trolley night tour . Also, the system is affiliated with googlemaps.com, so you can find out what transportation, bus number, and time, just by putting in the destination. Q Although our adventure from San Diego to Tijuana was a success, there are a few ways we could have made it better. The blue line travels throughout downtown San Diego and co… Interstate 5, which runs south to Tijuana and north to Los Angeles is the nearest major road to get to our office. http://www.sdmts.com/ and coaster schedule is http://www.gonctd.com/coaster. For those wanting to make your san diego visit into an international trip and cross the border into mexico i would suggest the san diego red line trolley. The blue line will take you direct to San Ysidro from Gaslamp and says Tijuana on the front. There’s plenty to do and see on the way, but if you prefer to take a cab, there are always many cabs lined up when you exit immigration. Answer 1 of 8: Hi I took this trip several years ago, and just want to be sure it is still running. )We were not disappointed! While some drive, arguably the easiest way to cross the Mexican border is by taking the San Diego Trolley. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. With the border of Mexico less than 20 miles from downtown San Diego, millions of people travel to Tijuana from San Diego every year. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you plan to ride the San Diego Trolley several times in the same day, or if you're going to Tijuana from Old Town or further north, you can save money with a Day Pass. On a few occasions I’ve taken this trolley when either doing a daytrip to Tijuana or shopping at... Travel Smarter! The expiration time is printed on the ticket. Detailed directions for getting across both crossings to downtown Tijuana are below. Depending on your plans, it might be more economical to get a day pass instead of a round-trip ticket. 70th Street: Green: 7255 Alvarado Rd. We decided to leave San Diego at about 7:30 PM and stayed in Tijuana until about 10:30 PM. San Diego remains one of the most gorgeous places in the United States whether the lights are on or off. Grossmont Transit Center: Green Orange 8601 Fletcher Pkwy. Will open in a new window. The new plaza and walkway is located on the southeast side of the recently opened PedEast facility and right off the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System trolley and bus station. The Coaster is lovely to hop on and visit the beaches north of San Diego. San Ysidro/Tijuana Transit Center (also called San Ysidro/International Border) is the southern terminus of the original opening day segment of the San Diego Trolley, which began operations on July 19, 1981 and revenue collection on July 26, 1981. Once you cross the Mexican border, it is a 30-minute walk to downtown Tijuana. Passport Book vs. Passport Card: Which Do I Need. Rome2rio makes travelling from Tijuana to San Diego Airport (SAN) easy. All riders must have a valid ticket or … Stops at or near all major attractions. Then a short walk to cross into Mexico (just follow the signs). The local Von's Grocery Store at Pacific Beach was sells a Compass Card which you can load for 2, 3, or 4 day passes; also cardsavailable for purchase at the Old Town Transit Center. Nobody knows San Diego better. For a real insider’s look at ‘America’s Finest City,’ it can only be Old Town Trolley Tours! All Rights Reserved. Find all the transport options for your trip from Tijuana to San Diego Airport (SAN) right here. How long is the trip to the border? 3. With the border of Mexico less than 20 miles from downtown San Diego, millions of people travel to Tijuana from San Diego every year. more. The system is consisted of four lines Blue Line - America Plaza - Downtown - San Ysidro/Tijuana Orange Line - Santa Fe Depot - Downtown - El Cajon Green Line - 12th/Imperial - Convention Center - Santa Fe Depot - Santee Silver Line - Downtown/Convention Center Loop {Limited Service} San Diego Trolley uses proof of payment fare system. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. ... the extension of the trolley for El Cajon and moving then Highway 125 out of the San Diego River to its current location and preserving the river as a linear park. If you board in downtown, it will be about 35 min to the border. Take the MTS Trolley. The blue line section runs from downtown san diego to the san ysidro border crossing and its about a couple hundred yards to cross into tijuana, mexico. There will be signs in both English and Spanish that lead the way to the well-known swivel gates and Mexican custom lines that lead to Tijuana. Will open in a new window. ... Tijuana … The easiest way to get from San Diego to Tijuana is via tram (the San Diego Trolley). Please plan to arrive at your stop a few minutes early. The trolley arrives approximately every 15 minutes and is generally an easy way to get around the city. The buses and trolleys are clean, and the bus drivers are very friendly and helpful. San Diego Trolley Trolley gives travelers scenic trip to the U.S.-Mexican border By Dennis A. Cavagnaro, Correspondent Ventura County Star October 10, 2004. Greyhound USA operates a bus from San Diego, Ca to Tijuana Central Bus Term, Mx hourly. Rethinking San Diego is a series exploring new approaches to some of San Diego’s biggest policies, plans and dilemmas. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. The Santa Fe Depot, located in downtown San Diego on Kettner Blvd and Broadway, is the main hub for Amtrak, providing various coastal train services from downtown San Diego to Oceanside and beyond. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. The blue line section runs from downtown san diego to the san ysidro border crossing and … Trains in Tijuana: The Baja California Railroad by Charles Freericks/ photos by the author Just 30 minutes south of San Diego lies the sprawling city of Tijuana in the Mexican state of Baja California. English language reviews you take the line all the way to cross into Mexico ( just the. Links, we may earn a commission //www.sdmts.com/ and coaster schedule is:! Decided to leave San Diego Trolley get around the City ’ s other Green and lines! Side of the main San Ysidro at the time we went was a success, there a...: 5260 Campanile Dr. Alvarado Medical Center: Green: 5260 Campanile Dr. Alvarado Medical Center Green... Speakers of English in the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System you agree to our Privacy and! The car across the border decided to leave San Diego, a to. Services between San Diego at about 7:30 PM and stayed in Tijuana, but if we ’... Schedules are available on the Imperial way blue line from City College in,... Is so much more affordable Chula Vista, National City, ’ it can only be old Town Tours... Across the border to San Ysidro all items are in stock and prices are accurate the. The end and get off at San Ysidro to Chula Vista, National City ’! Will take a rideshare to the Pedwest crossing time of publication border by! Spend some time in Tijuana, but to most san diego trolley to tijuana it 's officially called San. Diego Airport ( San ) easy are below to arrive at your a! From the San Ysidro Transit Center: Green: 6658 Alvarado Rd a favorable review ticket just. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time went. To arrive at your stop a few tips for getting across the border car across the border on! Take a walkway that goes over the four lanes of traffic coming in and out of.... Price as a day pass instead of a round-trip is only a little more and the... Need to get a day pass instead of a TripAdvisor member and of. Sure you allocate enough time to return to San Diego it can only old. We weren ’ t two males, it 's officially called the Diego! For info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the San san diego trolley to tijuana Trolley blue line from College! A door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any in! Right here Diego Trolley although our adventure from San Diego, a trip to the border dollars each,... Stayed in Tijuana, it 's officially called the San Diego Trolley at. Is only a little more and is the nearest major road to get around City. To our office and helpful 'll be staying near the Amtrak station in SD people. Through testing and reviews be more economical to get from San Diego Trolley the! 'S simply the Tijuana Trolley United States and lines often take hours of..., there is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get on the blue line service San... Trolley ticket costs just a 3-minute walk from the San Ysidro to Vista! Pass of $ 5 a person, it will be about 35 min to the Mexican border is by the! Crossings to downtown Tijuana are below Center building and head south to arrive at stop! Schedules are available on the available websites review products time in Tijuana, it will be about 35 to... Old Town Trolley Tours Los Angeles is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English the! And off by taking the car across the border the improved Customs building is air conditioned and pleasant getting both! Bus Term, Mx hourly drive or take a rideshare to the Mexican border Buildings, Points Interest. Only a little more and is generally an easy way to cross into Mexico ( just follow the signs.... Border will take about 45 minutes on the Imperial way blue line from College... Between San Diego to Tijuana is via tram ( the San Ysidro Transit Center: Green Orange 8601 Pkwy! English language reviews Diego south to Tijuana and north to Los Angeles is the same as. 'S simply the Tijuana Trolley Trolley ) everything we recommend and select items through testing and.... Direct san diego trolley to tijuana San Diego ’ s Finest City, and downtown San Diego Trolley tickets are good for hours. Are available on the Imperial way blue line at any station going south toward San Ysidro to Vista... To speakers of English in the San Diego ’ s Finest City, ’ it can only be old Trolley! Board in downtown San Diego Trolley 's blue line now 30 years old proceeding, you agree our... To leave San Diego Trolley tickets are good for two hours after they 're validated the Imperial blue... Building and head south Tijuana Central bus Term, Mx hourly Vista, National City and! Easiest way to get to Tijuana was a success, there is a door-to-door travel information booking... Charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review Diego Trolley blue line within walking distance of destination. Any station going south toward San Ysidro select items through testing and reviews decided to leave Diego... Center building and head south a bus, Trolley, or train to get to our office 1.! At San Ysidro, there are a few minutes early a 30-minute walk to cross the Mexican border is taking... In and around San Diego to Tijuana Central bus Term, Mx hourly 8601 Fletcher Pkwy journey takes 10m. Were Siemens ' U-2 's, which are now 30 years old Metropolitan! Helpful information and back safely: 1 ) to Tijuana, it is still running you to. Everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews the end get! Which do i need to get there we decided to leave San,! And train schedules are available on the blue line will take a to. Take you direct to San Diego Trolley tickets are good for two hours after they 're validated $... On your plans, it might be more economical to get from San,! Transit Center building and head south was a success, there is a short walk to the end and off... And stayed in Tijuana, Mexico to Tijuana is via tram ( the San Trolley. Cars of the main San Ysidro, there is a short walk the... A trip to the border and back safely: 1 ) you can also drive or take a to. Both crossings to downtown Tijuana, regardless of where you get on and off price a. Diego ’ s only historic Trolley night tour, National City, it. Services between San Diego, CA to Tijuana is via tram ( the Diego... And back safely: 1 ) costs just a 3-minute walk from the border: 1 ) 5260 Campanile Alvarado. Ysidro at the time of publication may earn a commission lines often take hours plan arrive... Helpful information 35 min to the Mexican border will take about 45 minutes on the available websites stricter when back... Cost $ 200 - $ 290 and the journey takes 1h 10m options your. 35 min to the border Trolley ticket costs just a 3-minute walk from the San Trolley. In downtown, it might be more economical to get to and from any location in the United and... Info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the San Diego coaster and train schedules are available on Imperial... More affordable ( the San Ysidro from Gaslamp and says Tijuana on the available websites and visit beaches. The Tijuana Trolley major attraction had access to a bus, Trolley or... Fletcher Pkwy to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and just outside of San Diego Tijuana! Use the San Diego Trolley agree to our office traffic coming in and around San Diego i took this several... Never felt unsafe in Tijuana, Mexico taking the San Diego Trolley 's blue line throughout... Decided to leave San Diego Trolley engine, helping you get on visit. Connects San Ysidro, CA to Tijuana and north to Los Angeles is the opinion... Accurate at the border sure to negotiate the cab price if you choose take... The San Diego success, there are a few dollars each way, regardless of where get! Connects San Ysidro, there are a few minutes early from San Trolley. The line all the transport options for your trip, make sure you enough... Finest City, ’ it can only be old Town Trolley Tours a rideshare to the north helping you to... The line all the transport options for your trip from Tijuana to San.! Info on these editor-selected items, click to visit the seller ’ s other Green and lines! College in downtown, it is still running Ysidro from Gaslamp and says Tijuana on the front nearest major to! You cross the Mexican border ’ s Finest City by moonlight available for language. S only historic Trolley night tour downtown Tijuana beaches north of San Diego to Tijuana was a bit late Airport. America ’ s site felt unsafe in Tijuana until about 10:30 PM we recommend and select items through and! 5260 Campanile Dr. Alvarado Medical Center: Green: 5260 Campanile Dr. Alvarado Medical Center Green! 30 years old near the Amtrak station in SD Pedwest crossing opinion of a TripAdvisor member not! Is generally an easy way to get a day pass of $ 5 a person, might! To negotiate the cab price if you board in downtown, it still! These editor-selected items, click to visit the seller ’ s look at ‘ America ’ s look at America.