Tijuana General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Layover Guide (TIJ)

What are you looking for in TIJ?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Tijuana Airport (TIJ) is an international airport located in Tijuana, Baja California. It’s situated about 8 km (5 miles) from downtown Tijuana. The airport officially began operations in 1951. Tijuana is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities and a major hub for cross-border commerce and tourism. It’s known for its dynamic cultural scene, bustling culinary offerings, and its proximity to San Diego via the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge.

Can you leave Tijuana Airport (TIJ) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Tijuana Airport (TIJ) during a layover, but you must clear Mexican immigration controls and hold proper entry documentation. Most travellers, including US, Canadian, and EU citizens, only need a Mexican Tourist Card (FMM), obtainable online or at border checkpoints. Some nationalities still require a visa obtained beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Avenida Revolución Bustling historic street filled with colorful shops, street vendors, and lively bars, perfect for a quick cultural immersion in Tijuana’s heart and vibrant atmosphere of art, music, and cuisine scenes. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or public bus line 4 in 20 min.)
• Tijuana Cultural Center Iconic museum and cultural complex housing contemporary art exhibitions, IMAX cinema dome, and botanical gardens offering insight into Baja California’s history, science, and regional traditions for curious travelers and workshops. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 12 min or public bus line 4 in 25 min.)
• Mercado Hidalgo Vibrant traditional market offering a kaleidoscope of fresh produce, local cheeses, spices, and artisanal crafts, where travelers can sample regional snacks, mingle with vendors, and experience authentic local flavor delights. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or public bus line 4 in 25 min.)
• Playas de Tijuana Scenic coastal boardwalk overlooking the Pacific Ocean, where visitors can stroll along sandy beaches, admire border wall art, and enjoy casual seafood stands against a backdrop of stunning sunset views. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or public bus line 5 in 30 min.)
• Caesar’s Restaurant Historic restaurant famed as birthplace of the Caesar salad, featuring classic Italian-Mexican dishes in an intimate courtyard setting that transports diners to 1920s Tijuana culinary elegance and rich ambiance traditions. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 12 min or public bus line 4 in 25 min.)
• Pasaje Rodríguez Charming pedestrian passageway adorned with colorful murals, street art, and boutique shops, offering a creative peek into Tijuana’s emerging art scene and off-the-beaten-path cultural discoveries and local independent galleries Enjoy. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or public bus line 4 in 20 min.)
• Plaza Santa Cecilia Quaint plaza known as birthplace of norteño music, where outdoor musicians, colorful fountains, and traditional restaurants create a festive ambiance showcasing authentic Mexican folk culture every weekend vibrancy and traditions. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 10 min or public bus line 4 in 20 min.)
• Tijuana Arch Iconic twin arches marking the city’s entrance, illuminated at night, a popular photo spot with panoramic city views, embodying Tijuana’s spirit and beautifully symbolizing local heritage and pride cultural significance. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 8 min or public bus line 4 in 15 min.)

Things to Do in Tijuana Airport (TIJ)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
TIJ offers two pay-per-use lounges—the Grand Lounge and SNAI Club—both featuring comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, flight information displays, Wi-Fi access and charging stations. Open to all travelers regardless of airline, they provide a tranquil environment away from terminal crowds, perfect for unwinding before your flight. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is no on-site airport hotel, but several accommodations lie within a five-minute drive, including Hotel Ticuán and Grand Hotel Tijuana. Many offer free airport shuttles, 24-hour reception and modern amenities like pools and fitness centers. Ideal for early flights or layovers, advance booking during peak seasons is recommended. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
TIJ lacks a dedicated sleep zone, but quieter gate areas near the terminal’s south end feature padded benches. Seating is limited and security patrols the terminal overnight. A handful of electrical outlets and dimmed lights help, but for guaranteed rest, consider a nearby hotel or the lounges with day-use options.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, free for the first 20 minutes via any device. Afterward, passengers may extend access through a paid pass. Connection speeds are moderate, supporting email, messaging and basic browsing. A few cafés also offer their own Wi-Fi for patrons.

SIM/eSIM Card: Multiple telecom kiosks in arrivals sell prepaid SIM cards from Telcel, Movistar and AT&T, with data packages starting at 1 GB. eSIM activations are available via QR codes after purchase. Top-ups and support are provided on site, making it easy for travelers to stay connected in Mexico. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official taxis depart from the ground-level curbside taxi stand. Rates are fixed by zone and paid at the booth before boarding. Vehicles are modern sedans driven by licensed operators. For safety, insist on the booth-issued ticket, which shows your destination zone and fare, then present it to the driver.

Train: TIJ has no direct train service. However, the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) pedestrian bridge connects to San Diego, where you can access the local Trolley Green Line station. For more detailed schedules and connections, (more info).

Bus: Several public and private bus lines serve TIJ, including Ruta Express and SITT buses linking the airport with downtown, Zona Río and Otay Mesa. Buses depart from the lower level curbside; tickets are purchased onboard or at kiosks. Frequent departures throughout the day make this a budget-friendly option (more info).

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels and private operators offer shuttle services between TIJ and central Tijuana or San Diego via CBX. Schedules, booking and costs vary by provider. Shuttles usually require advance reservation and meet arriving flights. Confirm pickup points in the arrivals hall and allow extra time for border crossing traffic.

Car rentals: All major car rental companies—Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise and local agencies—have desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact cars to SUVs, with optional insurance packages. Drivers must present a valid license, passport and credit card. Reservations are recommended to secure preferred models and rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: TIJ provides both short-term and long-term parking lots adjacent to the terminal. Short-term is ideal for drop-offs and pickups, charged by the hour. Long-term parking offers daily and weekly rates, with shuttle buses to the terminal every 15 minutes. Lots are well-lit and patrolled.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official luggage lockers inside TIJ. Temporary baggage storage services are available just outside the terminal through third-party companies. Rates depend on bag size and storage duration. Alternatively, some hotels and CBX facilities offer luggage holding for a small fee—check availability before arrival. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Tijuana Airport (TIJ) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks