General Reports

[ScatManDoo]

Does anyone know if there is any private buses that go from downtown to San Ysidro.

From downtown Anaheim? Azuza? Or Cucamonga?

Of course a convenient way to go from downtown San Diego to San Ysidro is to take the BlueLine Trolley. That would be faster and cheaper than any bus.

[ClamSlammer]

...let's start by getting rid of the ClamSlammer noise. Practically ignore these parts of his posts because they are incorrect.

It seems that ClamSlammer is concerned about the cost of the $1 shuttle bus, but not about the $5 cab ride from PedEast to LZ.

ClamSlammer wants you to pay $9. 50, but I think it can be easily done for $3. 50. From the Airport, take the FREE shuttle that goes from the airport to the Trolley's Greeline Middleton station. Then for $2. 50 take the Greenline, transfer to the Blueline onto PedEast (end of line) . Then take the $1 shuttle from PedEast to Pedwest. You can walk the rest of the way to the Arch / La Zona.

LOL! Just laughable! It seems Scatman doesn't seem to understand the most basic concept: veterans of Tijuana aren't on here asking for the cheapskate route from the airport to ZN. No one is asking for the absolute cheapest route. Yeah, if you want the absolute cheapest route with no regard for time or your personal safety, then listen to Scatman's advice. Newbies are asking for the optimal route, balancing time, comfort, convenience, safety, simplicity and cost. Something Scatman has miserably failed to consider. Scatman obviously lacks the mental capacity to consider that many newbies will be arriving after dark. And he is recommending that newbies walk a mile, at night, lugging a suitcase through one of the most dangerous sections of Tijuana, a city with the 5th highest murder rate in the world. A gringo monger flush with puta-cash walking with a suitcase towards ZN will surely attract the attention of rateros and policia alike. And why take this risk? Because Scatman's route will save you a grand total of $1 USD! Why take Scatman's $1 shuttle from PedEast to PedWest and then walk a mile through Homicide Row when you can just take an Uber or bar shuttle from PedEast to ZN for $2 USD? You'd only be spending $1 extra and saving 45 minutes along with possibly your wallet and life.

So a question for you newbie mongers. What sounds better to you?

1) Get off trolley, cross at PedEast, take $2 Uber and arrive safely in ZN. (ClamSlammer).

OR.

2) Get off trolley, wait for $1 shuttle to PedWest, cross, then walk a mile with your bags and a pocket full of cash through one of the most dangerous sections of the #5 murder capital of the world in order to save $1. (ScatMan).

[Hargow20]

Does anyone know if there is any private buses that go from downtown to San Ysidro. I believe there is a Greyhound bus. I know there is a lot of buses that the Mexicans take from San Ysidro to Orange County and other locations. I would like to find website that lists the various bus services. ?

I went back to VegasGambler9's original post, so I could answer what you asked. It seems as if you want to travel from San Diego's airport, to the trolley, and then to Pedwest. Overall cost is a concern, I know, a lot of gamblers in Las Vegas are strapped for cash. I assume that by a better alternative, you are asking for cheaper route, not necessarily a faster route. I also assume that you specified PedWest, because that is a short walk from Pedwest to LZ, not needing further busses or taxis. Afterall, for the fastest way you could just get a +$50 cab ride. To help end the confusing noise found in the dozen or so posts attempting to assist you, let's start by getting rid of the ClamSlammer noise. Practically ignore these parts of his posts because they are incorrect.

It seems that ClamSlammer is concerned about the cost of the $1 shuttle bus, but not about the $5 cab ride from PedEast to LZ.

ClamSlammer wants you to pay $9. 50, but I think it can be easily done for $3. 50. From the Airport, take the FREE shuttle that goes from the airport to the Trolley's Greeline Middleton station. Then for $2. 50 take the Greenline, transfer to the Blueline onto PedEast (end of line) . Then take the $1 shuttle from PedEast to Pedwest. You can walk the rest of the way to the Arch / La Zona.

[ScatManDoo]

Hello all,

I'm so lost please help. How do I get from San Diego airport to the trolley? Will the trolley take me to the Pedwest crossing? And about how much will this all cost to go from the airport to the border? I think I read something saying if I take a cab or maybe it was a bus to the trolley then my ride on the trolley is free but I don't know. I would appreciate any help on guiding me from the Airport to Pedwest. Or if you know a better way to cross let me know how to do this Please. This web forum has been very helpful and I was a paying member up until about two months ago, Thanks.

I went back to VegasGambler9's original post, so I could answer what you asked. It seems as if you want to travel from San Diego's airport, to the trolley, and then to Pedwest. Overall cost is a concern, I know, a lot of gamblers in Las Vegas are strapped for cash. I assume that by a better alternative, you are asking for cheaper route, not necessarily a faster route. I also assume that you specified PedWest, because that is a short walk from Pedwest to LZ, not needing further busses or taxis. Afterall, for the fastest way you could just get a +$50 cab ride. To help end the confusing noise found in the dozen or so posts attempting to assist you, let's start by getting rid of the ClamSlammer noise. Practically ignore these parts of his posts because they are incorrect.

The cost of the bus is $2.25 I think. Trolley costs $2. 50. You have to pay, there are no free rides.

I would have to respectfully disagree. The above is not sound advice. Actually it is horrendous advice if directed at a newbie who's never crossed before. Crossing into Mexico on foot, PedEast is rarely congested. Sure, the line at PedWest may be 30 seconds shorter than PedEast, and thus may be preferable to cross at if you're arriving at the border in anything other than the trolley. But if you're taking the trolley, PedEast is BY FAR the superior option. Get off the trolley, walk to the Customs building, get cleared, then walk to the taxis. Why complicate matters and waste 30 minutes in order to save 30 seconds in a slightly shorter line? You have to wait for the shuttle / Uber / Lyft to arrive, then the ride over to PedWest can be quite long during rush hour, and you have to waste money paying for an unnecessary ride. Plus PedWest closes at a certain hour. Additionally, directing someone to walk from PedEast to PedWest if an even worse piece of advice. It's not a short walk, and it's even longer if lugging a duffel bag or suitcase in tow. If you're taking the trolley, do not even think of crossing over at PedWest. It's a complete waste of time / money / effort and you're guaranteed to be worse off for it.

It seems that ClamSlammer is concerned about the cost of the $1 shuttle bus, but not about the $5 cab ride from PedEast to LZ.

ClamSlammer wants you to pay $9. 50, but I think it can be easily done for $3. 50. From the Airport, take the FREE shuttle that goes from the airport to the Trolley's Greeline Middleton station. Then for $2. 50 take the Greenline, transfer to the Blueline onto PedEast (end of line) . Then take the $1 shuttle from PedEast to Pedwest. You can walk the rest of the way to the Arch / La Zona.

[Hargow20]

If you taking the Lyft or cab than it is probably faster. I always walk to the Zona and I find that taking Ped east to be a hassle. I hate having to go take the walkway all the way over to Frontera and double back over to the pedestrian bridge.

I would have to respectfully disagree. The above is not sound advice. Actually it is horrendous advice if directed at a newbie who's never crossed before. Crossing into Mexico on foot, PedEast is rarely congested. Sure, the line at PedWest may be 30 seconds shorter than PedEast, and thus may be preferable to cross at if you're arriving at the border in anything other than the trolley. But if you're taking the trolley, PedEast is BY FAR the superior option. Get off the trolley, walk to the Customs building, get cleared, then walk to the taxis. Why complicate matters and waste 30 minutes in order to save 30 seconds in a slightly shorter line? You have to wait for the shuttle / Uber / Lyft to arrive, then the ride over to PedWest can be quite long during rush hour, and you have to waste money paying for an unnecessary ride. Plus PedWest closes at a certain hour. Additionally, directing someone to walk from PedEast to PedWest if an even worse piece of advice. It's not a short walk, and it's even longer if lugging a duffel bag or suitcase in tow. If you're taking the trolley, do not even think of crossing over at PedWest. It's a complete waste of time / money / effort and you're guaranteed to be worse off for it.

[ClamSlammer]

Personally I recommend taking Pedwest. Pedwest is less congested and is located on the west side of the I-5 freeway. Either walk or take Lyft. Walking is fairly easy just head southwest through the shopping mall and over the bridge. Keep heading towards the arch. This is Revolucion & Primera st. Walking to Tijuana is safe during the day. The only downside is the smell from the Tijuana river.

I would have to respectfully disagree. The above is not sound advice. Actually it is horrendous advice if directed at a newbie who's never crossed before. Crossing into Mexico on foot, PedEast is rarely congested. Sure, the line at PedWest may be 30 seconds shorter than PedEast, and thus may be preferable to cross at if you're arriving at the border in anything other than the trolley. But if you're taking the trolley, PedEast is BY FAR the superior option. Get off the trolley, walk to the Customs building, get cleared, then walk to the taxis. Why complicate matters and waste 30 minutes in order to save 30 seconds in a slightly shorter line? You have to wait for the shuttle / Uber / Lyft to arrive, then the ride over to PedWest can be quite long during rush hour, and you have to waste money paying for an unnecessary ride. Plus PedWest closes at a certain hour. Additionally, directing someone to walk from PedEast to PedWest if an even worse piece of advice. It's not a short walk, and it's even longer if lugging a duffel bag or suitcase in tow. If you're taking the trolley, do not even think of crossing over at PedWest. It's a complete waste of time / money / effort and you're guaranteed to be worse off for it.

[Hargow20]

Personally I recommend taking Pedwest. Pedwest is less congested and is located on the west side of the I-5 freeway. Either walk or take Lyft. Walking is fairly easy just head southwest through the shopping mall and over the bridge. Keep heading towards the arch. This is Revolucion & Primera st. Walking to Tijuana is safe during the day. The only downside is the smell from the Tijuana river.

From the San Diego airport bus number 992 (2. 25 exact change) to America Plaza. Transfer to the trolley "Blue Line" to San Ysidro / Tijuana (buy a ticket from the machine - $ 2. 50) one way, travel time 45 minutes. Get off at the last station of San Ysidro. (This is pedeast crossing not pedwest). Go to Mexico and take a taxi from the official taxi stop only. It is behind the revolving gate. Take a taxi to Hong Kong or Adelita $ 5 one way. Link to San Diego transit www.sdmts.com Taxi from San Diego airport to border can be as expensive as $ 50 one way or more. The traffic can be crazy, yesterday was gridlock for a few miles before entering Mexico on I-5. Trolley is maybe not too comfortable but cheap and a sure way to get to the border.

[StRobert]

Hello all,

I'm so lost please help. How do I get from San Diego airport to the trolley? Will the trolley take me to the Pedwest crossing? And about how much will this all cost to go from the airport to the border? I think I read something saying if I take a cab or maybe it was a bus to the trolley then my ride on the trolley is free but I don't know. I would appreciate any help on guiding me from the Airport to Pedwest. Or if you know a better way to cross let me know how to do this Please. This web forum has been very helpful and I was a paying member up until about two months ago, Thanks.

From the San Diego airport bus number 992 (2. 25 exact change) to America Plaza. Transfer to the trolley "Blue Line" to San Ysidro / Tijuana (buy a ticket from the machine - $ 2. 50) one way, travel time 45 minutes. Get off at the last station of San Ysidro. (This is pedeast crossing not pedwest). Go to Mexico and take a taxi from the official taxi stop only. It is behind the revolving gate. Take a taxi to Hong Kong or Adelita $ 5 one way. Link to San Diego transit www.sdmts.com Taxi from San Diego airport to border can be as expensive as $ 50 one way or more. The traffic can be crazy, yesterday was gridlock for a few miles before entering Mexico on I-5. Trolley is maybe not too comfortable but cheap and a sure way to get to the border.

[Frank Lucas]

Exact change is good advice. I have a re-loadable card. If you need to buy the card, it's $2. There is an automated MTS machine directly across from baggage claim (in terminal 1, at least). But on a visit about a year ago, on the 992 bus, an exchange student that spoke very little English put a $50 bill in expecting change. She nearly broke down in tears when she understood that was not possible. The driver told her she could write MTS and maybe get a refund in 4-6 weeks. So exact change is recommended. But if you go more than once, I'd suggest the one time $2 fee for a card.

I wouldn't recommend chancing it without paying. I'd estimate at least half of my rides from america plaza to San Ysidro have had the trolley police checking tickets.

Nice ending to the story. Everyone on the bus chipped in and refunded the student her change.

There is an MTS app called Compass Cloud you can load on your phone and then use it to pay for everything even before you get to SD. If transit police question you on the trolley as they did me, just show them your screen. If your battery dies it will be like you do not have a ticket and yes you will be fined, so charge up amigos.

[Dcrist0527]

The cost of the bus is $2.25 I think. Trolley costs $2. 50. You have to pay, there are no free rides. I suppose you can get on the trolley without buying a ticket but you'd risk getting busted by the transit police which would put a damper on your mongering vacation all because you're extremely cheap and tried to steal a $2. 50 service. Bring exact change because I'm not sure you can buy a day pass for $5 unless you already have a MTS card. You may be able to or may not. Just cross at PedEast where the trolley lets off. There's no reason really to complicate matters by crossing through PedWest.

Exact change is good advice. I have a re-loadable card. If you need to buy the card, it's $2. There is an automated MTS machine directly across from baggage claim (in terminal 1, at least). But on a visit about a year ago, on the 992 bus, an exchange student that spoke very little English put a $50 bill in expecting change. She nearly broke down in tears when she understood that was not possible. The driver told her she could write MTS and maybe get a refund in 4-6 weeks. So exact change is recommended. But if you go more than once, I'd suggest the one time $2 fee for a card.

I wouldn't recommend chancing it without paying. I'd estimate at least half of my rides from america plaza to San Ysidro have had the trolley police checking tickets.

Nice ending to the story. Everyone on the bus chipped in and refunded the student her change.

[ScatManDoo]

It may be that this free bus line is no longer running. The link that I provided seem to no longer be active.

I wrote this sentence in error. Unbeknownst to me, my computer was set to block pop-ups. The link, and presumably the free shuttle from the airport to the trolley's green line, are still operating.

[ScatManDoo]

Around ten months ago, in a different thread, I wrote about a new, free bus that took passengers directly between the airport and the trolley's green line. Here's that post:

Yes. There is a free shuttle from the trolley's green line Middleton station to the airport. https://www.voiceofsandiego.org/topi...for-commuters/.

I am not talking about the bus route 992, which is not free.

It may be that this free bus line is no longer running. The link that I provided seem to no longer be active.

[ClamSlammer]

Hello all,

I'm so lost please help. How do I get from San Diego airport to the trolley? Will the trolley take me to the Pedwest crossing? And about how much will this all cost to go from the airport to the border? I think I read something saying if I take a cab or maybe it was a bus to the trolley then my ride on the trolley is free but I don't know. I would appreciate any help on guiding me from the Airport to Pedwest. Or if you know a better way to cross let me know how to do this Please. This web forum has been very helpful and I was a paying member up until about two months ago, Thanks.

The cost of the bus is $2.25 I think. Trolley costs $2. 50. You have to pay, there are no free rides. I suppose you can get on the trolley without buying a ticket but you'd risk getting busted by the transit police which would put a damper on your mongering vacation all because you're extremely cheap and tried to steal a $2. 50 service. Bring exact change because I'm not sure you can buy a day pass for $5 unless you already have a MTS card. You may be able to or may not. Just cross at PedEast where the trolley lets off. There's no reason really to complicate matters by crossing through PedWest.

[Member #0001]

Thank you for sharing this very important detail. I'm so glad I was able to get this info before my travels.

Could I ask you to also help me with some of my questions I had asked in my original post about hotels / motels? I could use everyone's help to create a travel guide on which hotels / motels are this and that based on some of my inquiries.

What would be some of your favorites and why?

I might not stay in Norte area maybe more East Rio, etc.

[Travv]

Most major hotel chains have joined a "[CodeWord908]" network to report guests to the US Government and NGOs like the SPLC. The major hotel chain employees get training on how to spot "human traffickers". Examples of suspicious activity include: guests who back their car into a parking space. Paying cash for a hotel room. Bringing a girl or girls up to your hotel room. Traveling with foreign women. This profile fits many male guests, so if you do not want to be spied on by the hotel staff and put on a blacklist, avoid major hotel chains. I would be extremely wary of renting a room in a chain like Marriott. Small foreign hotels not part of a US chain of hotels would be preferable.

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for a complete list of motels and hotels in Tijuana from someone who can also answer some of these questions in detail.

1) Do you have a complete list of motels and hotels that are girl friendly?

2) What motels (IE motel premier) have a weekend 4 hour limit window? And on what days does that start and end?

3) In terms of cleanliness which motels rank the highest and the worst?

4) Any additional comments for each motel or hotel such as where to park, or hurdles to overcome when inviting a girl into the room..