General Reports

[QUOTE=AdCortex;2027315]Last time I was crossing into US from Tijuana via Pedwest, I couldn't believe how long they were at the time. But there was no clear cut sign for Sentri. I remember two signs splitting the lines into two long lines. I think one was ReadyLane and one was Standard Lane. I was waiting in the line where I saw most American-looking people.

Now I have Sentri and want to go back. Which line do I have to stand in for Sentri- the right or left. Or, do you just walk between the 2 lines and walk to the front? Because last time I noticed there were people that just passed and walked on through between us.[/QUOTE]Just walk between the two lines until you get to the front. You will eventually see an entrance for SENTRI.

Thank you gentleman for the great info! Now back to researching.

[QUOTE=AdCortex;2027315]Last time I was crossing into US from Tijuana via Pedwest, I couldn't believe how long they were at the time. But there was no clear cut sign for Sentri. I remember two signs splitting the lines into two long lines. I think one was ReadyLane and one was Standard Lane. I was waiting in the line where I saw most American-looking people.

Now I have Sentri and want to go back. Which line do I have to stand in for Sentri- the right or left. Or, do you just walk between the 2 lines and walk to the front? Because last time I noticed there were people that just passed and walked on through between us.[/QUOTE]You can also walk against the flow of people leaving until you get nearer the front and just cut over. If you're standing in an impossibly long line and you are Sentri or Global Entry, then you are standing in the wrong place.

[QUOTE=UltraHappy;2027491]You can also walk against the flow of people leaving until you get nearer the front and just cut over. If you're standing in an impossibly long line and you are Sentri or Global Entry, then you are standing in the wrong place.[/QUOTE]That technique applies to PedEast. The PedWest northbound should have no flow of people against you. Or, has southbound traffic started at PedWest since my last visit?

[QUOTE=IdKay;2027127]Does anybody know the best route into Tijuana from LA. I plan on flying into LA in June and would like to stay in Tijuana for a few night.[/QUOTE]405 south to 5.

5 south to 805.

805 south to border.

The 805 is actually more direct that the 5, and stays away from downtown congestion. (IMO, YMMV).

[QUOTE=HorseTrader;2027794]That technique applies to PedEast. The PedWest northbound should have no flow of people against you. Or, has southbound traffic started at PedWest since my last visit?[/QUOTE]Not sure where he is referring to. There is no flow of people leaving at Ped East or West.

[QUOTE=BaxterSlade;2027957]Not sure where he is referring to. There is no flow of people leaving at Ped East or West.[/QUOTE]I believe UltraHappy and HorseTrader are referring to the path taken by pedestrians entering Mexico. At PedEast the taken by pedestrians entering Mexico is right next to the pedestrian line for folks leaving Mexico and entering the United States.

[QUOTE=ScatManDoo;2027972]I believe UltraHappy and HorseTrader are referring to the path taken by pedestrians entering Mexico. At PedEast the taken by pedestrians entering Mexico is right next to the pedestrian line for folks leaving Mexico and entering the United States.[/QUOTE]I would have to wonder when the last time you entered Mexico on foot. Because those lines no longer cross and the change occured over a year ago.

Over the past several months, I've seen many references to Pedeast and Pedwest. Just read a quick breakdown of it on San Diego Red. Still not so clear to me and wasn't able to glean so much from RTFF. Can I get a little help in gaining a better understanding? Haven't been to Tijuana since February 2016. Thanks.

1. Pedwest can only be used to enter USA, correct?

2. Is Pedeast or Pedwest quicker?

3. Can I easily get to Pedwest from the old cab drop off spot, "La Linea"? How?

[QUOTE=BaxterSlade;2028212]I would have to wonder when the last time you entered Mexico on foot. Because those lines no longer cross and the change occured over a year ago.[/QUOTE]I usually cross by car.

Now that I think about it, you are correct BS. The last time I entered Tijuana on foot was in January, and the path into Tijuana after customs was all east of the pedestrian lines going into the US.

And yes, that path was no longer crossing, and adjacent to the general & ready lines.

[QUOTE=LongDonSilva;2028363]Over the past several months, I've seen many references to Pedeast and Pedwest. Just read a quick breakdown of it on San Diego Red. Still not so clear to me and wasn't able to glean so much from RTFF. Can I get a little help in gaining a better understanding? Haven't been to Tijuana since February 2016. Thanks.

1. Pedwest can only be used to enter USA, correct?

2. Is Pedeast or Pedwest quicker?

3. Can I easily get to Pedwest from the old cab drop off spot, "La Linea"? How?[/QUOTE]1. As of now yes. At some point in time you will be able to enter there.

2. Several factors come into play on this one. To unpredictable if you are crossing at a time of day when the lines are pretty bad. Pedwest seems a better option to handle larger crowds. However if its say 11 at night and you are going to the trolley or parked by Jack in the box. Pedeast would most likely be quicker.

3. If you want to try Pedwest just tell the cabbie to take you to Chapparel.

When you approach the border, the line of waiting cars is much longer on 805 than on 5.

The busiest times on Friday and Saturday afternoon, the car line is much shorter on 5. Try it.

[QUOTE=WombatEd2;2027939]405 south to 5.

5 south to 805.

805 south to border.

The 805 is actually more direct that the 5, and stays away from downtown congestion. (IMO, YMMV).[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=CaptainSolo;2028447]When you approach the border, the line of waiting cars is much longer on 805 than on 5.

The busiest times on Friday and Saturday afternoon, the car line is much shorter on 5. Try it.[/QUOTE]I've been crossing about twice a week for over a year now. Usually around 2:00 PM on a Tuesday or Thursday. I usually let Waze pick my route; and it usually picks the 805.

I've never seen any significant difference between the "line of waiting cars". In fact, I've only seen any line at all about twice, when the Border Patrol was creating a bottleneck right at the border.

[QUOTE=WombatEd2;2028721]I've never seen any significant difference between the "line of waiting cars". [/QUOTE]That is because of the time and days you are crossing. Friday and Saturday in the late afternoon / evenings are quite different.

[QUOTE=Tomjackin;2028722]That is because of the time and days you are crossing. Friday and Saturday in the late afternoon / evenings are quite different.[/QUOTE]Yes, if you go after 11 pm, US entry takes 10 min. If you go on Sunday evening, it takes 1 hour +. There are websites out there that will show you current wait times.

In general are you observing a lower traffic volume between the two countries? Gone are the consistently long (40 min+) wait times in the afternoons. Thu I crossed into USA at 4 pm and was the 5th car in line (wait time 5 min) and only 5 regular lanes were open. So in all only 30 cars were waiting to cross the border. Wow.

Volaris has canceled flights from Oakland (SF Bay area) to Tijuana due to lack of passengers. Seems the Trump effect is scaring off Mexicans. Hopefully our hobby is not impacted.