Border CrossingSan Diego–Tijuana
Live border wait times at Otay Mesa & San Ysidro between San Diego and Tijuana, with official CBP data.
Live CBP data · 1:00 am PDT
The San Diego–Tijuana crossing is the busiest in the world and includes the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports, open 24 hours.
Otay Mesa
Passenger
Vehicle
50 min
1 lane
Pedestrian
0 min
Ready Lane
50 min
24 hrs/day
San Ysidro
Vehicle
160 min
4 lanes
Pedestrian
5 min
SENTRI
5 min
Ready Lane
110 min
24 hrs/day
San Ysidro
Cross Border Express
Vehicle
0 min
Pedestrian
0 min
24 hrs/day
San Ysidro
PedWest
Vehicle
–
Pedestrian
–
6 am-2 pm
Into Mexico
LIVE
LIVE
LIVESouthbound traffic · Caltrans
San Ysidro vs Otay Mesa: which to use
San Ysidro is the busiest land port in the world and connects straight to downtown San Diego and the trolley, so it tends to have long lines, but it is the most convenient if you are on foot or heading downtown. Otay Mesa is farther east, handles heavy commercial and vehicle traffic, and often flows better for driving across. Compare the live times above before you decide.
Best times to cross into San Diego
Northbound, the heaviest hours at San Ysidro are weekday afternoons, Sundays, and holidays, when weekend travelers head back. The fastest crossings are usually early morning and mid-morning on weekdays. Since it is a 24-hour crossing, if your schedule is flexible, leaving very early makes a big difference in the wait.
SENTRI, Ready Lane and pedestrian lanes
Both San Ysidro and Otay Mesa have SENTRI and Ready Lane, which cut the wait dramatically if you have the document. San Ysidro also has pedestrian crossings, including PedWest, and at peak hours walking across and taking the trolley is sometimes faster than waiting in the car. If you cross often, SENTRI is the best time investment.
More Border Crossings
San Diego–Tijuana crossing FAQ
Which crossing is faster between Tijuana and San Diego?+
It depends on the time. San Ysidro is the world's busiest and usually has longer lines; Otay Mesa often flows better for vehicles. Compare the live times above before you go.
What time has the shortest wait at San Ysidro?+
On weekdays, early morning and mid-morning usually have the lightest waits. Afternoons, Sundays and holidays are heaviest. Check today's live number above.
Does San Ysidro have a pedestrian crossing?+
Yes. San Ysidro has pedestrian crossings, including PedWest. During peak hours, walking across is sometimes faster than driving.
Does SENTRI work to cross into San Diego?+
Yes. San Ysidro and Otay Mesa have SENTRI and Ready Lane, which greatly reduce wait times if you have the document.