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Driving directions
Passport Requirement
You must have a passport, a passport card, or other approved ID such as NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST to enter the United States from Mexico. For more info:
Visit the Department of Homeland Security website
Driving A Rental Car
Many rental agencies allow their cars to be driven into Mexico, but you must disclose your destination in order to be covered by insurance. Most agencies have offices at San Diego's Lindberg Field airport, just north of downtown.
Driving Your Own Car
It's easy to drive your own car into Mexico, but don't forget that Mexican auto insurance is required by law if you drive in Mexico. Even if your U.S. insurance policy covers you in Mexico, the Mexican authorities will not accept it. You can purchase it online or at an insurance office. If you buy it online, you will print your policy to take with you into Mexico. If you do not want to buy your insurance online, you can purchase it over the counter, and the agent will give you your policy to take with you into Mexico. Either way, you must have a copy of your policy with you while driving in Mexico. There are many providers of Mexican auto insurance, and we recommend that you shop around before making your purchase decision. Here are agencies we are familiar with you can use to start you search:
Online - Baja Bound Insurance: visit BajaBound.com or call 888-552-2252 or 619-702-4292
Over-the-Counter - Instant Mexico Auto Insurance: located at 223 Via de San Ysidro, San Ysidro CA 92173 or call 800-345-4701 or 619-428-4714
Driving Directions
The border is 15 miles south of downtown San Diego.
From I-15 - drive south to I-5 then south on I-5.
From I-805 - drive south to I-5 then south on I-5.
From I-5 - drive south to the San Ysidro/Tijuana border crossing.
When to Cross the Border
If you cross the border at the time indicated, we estimate your drive time to Rosarito to be aproximately that listed. Please add 30 minutes for parking, and an additional 30 minutes if you need to register or Will Call.
- 6:00 a.m. - 15 minutes (no traffic, close parking)
- 6:30 a.m. - 20 minutes (minimal traffic, close parking)
- 7:00 a.m. - 25 minutes (light traffic, good parking)
- 7:30 a.m. - 35 minutes (moderate traffic, limited parking)
- 8:00 a.m. - 45 minutes (latest if you need to register or will call, heavy traffic, very limited parking)
- 8:30 a.m. - 60 minutes (latest if you have your number, heavy traffic, very limited parking)
- 9:00 a.m. - 60+ minutes (too late for event start, very heavy traffic, no parking, registration closes at 10:00 a.m.)
Crossing the Border
When you are at the border crossing, stop and wait for the traffic light that is to your left. If the light is green you may proceed without stopping again. If the light is red you must pull over on the right shoulder, straight ahead at the orange traffic cones. The red light is random. Mexican customs officials will ask where you are going and what you are bringing from the United States. Be honest!
Through Tijuana
From the border, go straight ahead and up onto the bridge. Follow signs to “Rosarito Ensenada” and “Ensenada Cuota.” You will head west beside the border fence. After climbing up and over the first hill, you will descend into a canyon. Take the exit at the bottom, "Rosarito Ensenada Scenic Road." After climbing the next hill, the road curves south and you will approach the first toll booth.
Toll Road - "Cuota"
Rosarito Beach is 18 miles south of the border, and the easiest way to get there is on the Toll Road. There is one toll booth between Tijuana and Rosarito Beach. The toll fluctuates with currency, but ranges from about $2.00 to $2.50. The toll booth attendants appreciate exact change, cannot accept anything larger than a $20, accept dollars or pesos - but not mixed payment.
Exits to Rosarito Beach
There are four exits into Rosarito Beach at 18, 19, 20, and 21 miles south of the border, respectively.
Speed Limit 110!!!
The Toll Road is a dream come true for auto enthusiasts. It is wide, smooth, and offers spectacular scenery. But don't forget that those speed limit signs are 110 KPH, not MPH. The local Highway Patrol has fast cars that are radar-equipped.
Right Lane for Passing ONLY
Keep right and use the left lane for passing only.
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