How Californians Are Using a Little-Known Border Crossing for Cheaper Cabo Flights

Flights from California to Los Cabos have become a bit more scarce—and pricey—this summer, according to a new report.

Many sunny-seekers are finding that snagging a good deal out of Los Angeles or San Diego can mean digging deep into your wallet—or settling for odd schedules and inconvenient connections.

That’s why more of you are discovering the Cross Border Xpress (CBX) in Tijuana: a private pedestrian bridge linking directly to a Mexican airport terminal where bargain airlines like Volaris and Viva Aerobus often undercut U.S. carriers.

Why Flights to Cabo Are Getting Tougher

This year, California departures to SJD (Los Cabos International) have dipped as carriers shuffle aircraft and focus on larger hubs.

Fewer nonstop seats means higher fares and longer layovers. Rather than waiting out skyrocketing ticket prices, savvy travelers are packing their carry-ons, crossing the border on foot, and boarding a cheap flight south of the line.

It’s a small detour that can save you hundreds of dollars—plus a bit of southern charm en route.

How Cross Border Xpress Works

CBX isn’t a bus or shuttle; it’s a fully secured, private bridge connecting Otay Mesa (in San Diego County) to the Tijuana airport’s Mexican Immigration Hall. Here’s the quick rundown:

• Buy your CBX ticket online or at the terminal (currently about $48 roundtrip).
• Park or drop off on the U.S. side—no need to queue at the main border crossing.
• Cross the bridge (it’s air-conditioned and covered) in just a few minutes.
• Check in and board your airline as usual on the Mexican side.

Because the terminal is part of the Tijuana airport, you go through Mexican immigration first—then hop onto a Mexican carrier with far lower operating costs than U.S. airlines. In practice, that means you, the traveler, get dramatically cheaper tickets without sacrificing comfort or safety.

Real-World Savings

We looked up fares today to see how this strategy pays off in real time for date July 7-14, 2025. Here’s what we found:

• Tijuana → Los Cabos on Volaris: $237 round-trip
• CBX foot-bridge fee: $48 round trip
  • Total: $285
• San Diego → Los Cabos on Alaska Airlines: $445 round-trip

That’s a $160 saving—enough to splurge on a whale-watching tour or four lobster tacos in Cabo!

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Before you lace up your sneakers and head south, keep these pointers in mind:

• Passport & Entry Requirements: You’ll clear Mexican immigration at CBX, so bring your passport (and any visa if required).
• Allow Extra Time: Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure—CBX lines can build up on weekends and holidays.
• Parking & Transit: Ample parking is available; ride-shares and shuttles serve the U.S. terminal too.
• Baggage Rules: Follow your airline’s size and weight limits; there’s no extra CBX baggage check.

Is Border-Hopping Worth It?

For many Californians, that extra 15–30 minutes walking across the bridge is a small price for major savings. You’ll dodge crowded U.S. airport terminals, avoid swirl-around layovers, and get to Cabo with money left over for margaritas on Médano Beach. Plus, the novelty of starting your vacation with an international “mini-adventure” tends to set the mood for the entire trip.

Rate Watch: For current CBX schedules and to lock in the latest Volaris deals, visit the official Cross Border Xpress site at https://www.crossborderxpress.com/en/.

Whether you’re chasing a last-minute escape or planning months ahead, don’t overlook this cross-border gem. We at The Cabo Sun can’t wait for you to experience the sunny shores of Baja Sur—your wallet (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.