Are you tired of the San Ysidro border wait time?
The international border between Mexico and San Diego is the most frequently crossed international border in the world.
I, along with many others, are thrilled over the changes happening at the San Ysidro border. Stop waiting in hour-long lines, and say hello to PedWest!
Both the U.S. and Mexican governments have been making moves to improve the port of entry (both ways!) by implementing a new west side pedestrian crossing.
Decrease Your San Ysidro Border Wait Time with PedWest
About the United States/Mexican Border
The Tijuana/San Diego border crossing is notoriously awful. The border is open 24 hours a day and it’s the most crossed port of entry in the world. So you can surely expect delays.
If you choose to cross by car, be aware that the wait to cross back into the United States is a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour. I have personally waited up to 7 hours during a holiday weekend.
Read more: San Ysidro Border Crossing: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting Tijuana
If crossing on foot, you might get lucky depending on the day and time, but a wait of a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour can be expected. It has become the norm to wait 2 hours or more. I have personally waited 2 hours when crossing during a normal weekend.
Introducing PedWest
However all of these frustrations with the San Ysidro border wait times are being resolved. #YAY
Say hello to San Ysidro’s new port of entry, PedWest.
PedWest opened July 15th, 2016, and is for pedestrians only.
The new PedWest port of entry impacts 20,000+ pedestrians who cross on a daily basis.
Currently the crossing is only open from Mexico into the United States.
There are 8 lanes open, with 6 more coming soon. I used PedWest in my most recent trip (during a weekend) and there was no wait.
Guys, this is amazing!
Actually I’ll say it one more time: there was no wait. ?
However just so you know, this is likely to change as more people become aware of the existence of PedWest. But in the meantime, let’s all enjoy having a very short wait time.
How to Get to PedWest from Tijuana
Although PedWest is located west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry, it is still part of the overall complex.
PedWest is located near the Las Americas Premium Outlets right next to the border.
If you are coming from Tijuana’s Zona Centro (downtown), take the bridge next to the Mercado de Artesnías, between Avenida Negrete and Avenida internacional.
This bridge will connect to a ramp leading to the entry of PedWest.
How to get from PedWest to the San Diego Trolley
I know what you’re thinking, “but wait, how do I get back to the trolley or my parked car?”
The Virginia Avenue Transit Center has implemented a system to provide access to the public buses and trolley system. These changes also allow private vehicle and taxi pick up, which was unavailable in the old port of entry.
You can take the 907 bus (roughly 5-minute drive) back to the San Diego trolley, or of course you could walk. I chose to walk, and it’s an easy (and safe) half a mile or so.
Pro Tip: If you arrived via the trolley, the 907 bus is at no extra cost to you.
I hope this post about PedWest is helpful for you! I hope your trip is smooth and there aren’t any wait times. 🙂
Going to Mexico? Check out these popular posts:
- San Ysidro Border Crossing: Everything You Need to Know for Visiting Tijuana
- Discover 18 (Amazing!) Things to Do in Tijuana
- A Guide to the Guadalupe Valley Wineries
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Ready for no more San Ysidro border wait time? Love to know your thoughts below!
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