TIJ Airport Live Departures

Checking in at Tijuana Airport

With close to 13 million passengers a year, Tijuana Airport can get busy. However, it is a well-organised hub with a streamlined crossing process for passengers leaving the US.

Departures at Tijuana Airport take place in the Main Terminal on the Mexican side. However, passengers travelling from the US carry out immigration and customs checks at the CBX Terminal in San Diego before accessing the Main Terminal via a pedestrian bridge or a shuttle. Remember that to use the CBX Terminal, you must purchase a ticket and fill out the Mexican Immigration form. Other travel documents might be necessary depending on your trip’s length or nationality, so it’s best to double-check the requirements in advance.

The airlines’ check-in counters are on the Ground Floor, to which you will need to go if you have a checked bag or have not checked in online. Airlines advise checking in online to save time at the airport and avoid paying a fee for your boarding pass to be issued on the spot. Online check-in is generally open between 30 and 24 hours before departure.

Tijuana Airport Departures—Check-in counters are on the Ground Floor in the Main Terminal.

When to arrive at Tijuana Airport?

For domestic flights, plan to arrive at Tijuana Airport at least 2 hours before departures and 3 hours for international destinations. Factor in enough time to go through the immigration and customs checks if you’re crossing from the US. In high season, wait times are longer, and the pedestrian bridge to reach the Main Terminal is busier, which means a slower walking pace. If you’d like to assess how busy the terminal will be, have a look at Tijuana Airport departures today in the live tracker above. Also on the list are Tijuana Airport departures for tomorrow.

What’s next?

After dropping off your baggage, you will go through customs and security checks before heading to the First Floor, where the departure gates are. You will not be asked to take your electronic devices out of your bag, so the checks can be very quick, depending on the time of the day and period of the year. You need to scan your boarding pass to access the security checks, so make sure you have it within your hand’s reach.

What to do in Departures at Tijuana Airport?

On the first floor, you will find various services and amenities. Tijuana Airport food options include a selection of snacks, drinks, and cooked meals. There are waiting areas and free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals. For last-minute shopping, you can look at the offers in the Tijuana Airport duty-free shop or visit some of the outlets for travel accessories, fashion, souvenirs, and local products. At Tijuana Airport departures, the only smoking area is the VIP lounge on the First Floor.

For a closer look at Tijuana Airport amenities, check out our complete Tijuana Airport Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to Tijuana Airport?

Tijuana Airport is easily accessible. It is a 25-minute car ride from the city centre. If travelling from the US, you can use the Cross Border Xpress Terminal in San Diego to speed up access. You will go through the Mexican immigration checks there before walking to the departure terminal on the Mexican side.

Where is the drop-off area at Tijuana Airport?

When to arrive at Tijuana Airport?

How long does it take to get through security at Tijuana Airport?