Residente Permanente

I was planning on walking from the San Ysidro bus no. 907 stop about 20 minutes, or 1 mile, to the border crossing. I thought it was a short walk to the airport after that, but it sounds like I need to take another Tijuana bus after that? Also, I thought that the “visa” cost was included in my Aeromexico plane fare that I already paid, and all I need to do is fill out a short form on the plane...

Hmmm. I am not sure why you are taking the 907 bus. (Maybe you are thinking of the 905A bus which will take you close to the CBX, Cross Border Express?) It is way better to simply get on the Trolley (Blue Line to San Ysidro) and take it all the way to the end of the line. You are dumped off at the pedestrian crossing in Tijuana. The airport is not definitely not within walking distance. If you want to take the bus, cross the border and follow the other pedestrians to downtown Tijuana. (Look for the arch -- you won't miss it -- and just keep walking toward the arch. Others will be walking that way also. You could take a short bus ride to downtown Tijuana but unless you catch the bus right as it is leaving, it will be faster to walk.)

Once you are in downtown Tijuana under the arch, cross Avenida Revolucion and walk along the pedestrian mall to the next block. The buses to the airport leave from Avenida Constitucion and Calle Segunda (Second Street). Don't be afraid to ask for directions. Many Tijuanenses want to practice their English. The bus is definitely the tightwad's preferred method of transit. However, in this age of Covid, even this card-carrying, founding member of the Abstemious Traveler's Club is using the CBX.

There are numerous taxis as soon as you exit the border crossing. A taxi ride from the pedestrian border crossing should cost you between US$15 and US$20. (They will most likely start at US$20.) Be sure to get the price beforehand. If you have pesos, you should be able to negotiate MX$250 pesos which is about US$12.50. Actually, I have not used a taxi to the airport in quite some time so I am not sure of the price anymore.

Speaking of pesos, if you take the Trolley to San Ysidro, you may want to bring some dollars with you and convert them to pesos before you cross the border. You will get a very decent rate of exchange just a block away from the Trolley station. (There are Casas de Cambio right at the Trolley station but if you just cross the street, you will almost always get a better rate of exchange. It may take some time to cross the street as the lights are long.)

Regarding the tourist visa, we always fly from the Tijuana airport so I have never had the price of the visa included in the airline ticket. You will want to confirm that with Aeromexico.

Have the time of your life!