Staci y Sam
Staci y Sam
Travel
Rosarito Beach Hotel
Check-in time: 4 pm
Check-out time: 12 pm
Rosarito is a coastal town in Baja California, Mexico, roughly ~30 minutes south of the U.S.–Mexico border (Tijuana).
Car/rent a car, the parking fee for hotel guests is $68.00 pesos per night (per vehicle) ($3.68 US Dollars).
San Ysidro Border Crossing
There are three ways to cross the San Ysidro Border Crossing, walking, driving, or hotel shuttle.
1. How to Walk to Tijuana
Check Crossing Times: https://bwt.cbp.gov/
– Step 1: Take the San Diego Trolley Blue Line to San Ysidro Station ($2.50). This is the end of the line. Alternatively, you can drive to San Ysidro and park in a border parking lot on the U.S. side of the border ($10-$25 per day).
– Step 2: Walk one block to Mexican immigration. You’ll need your passport. Here, you will fill out an FMM visitor’s permit. You get the form at the border. If you’re staying in Mexico for less than 7 days, the permit is free. If you’re staying more than 7 days, it costs 687 pesos ($38).
- Step 3: After exiting immigration, walk about one block to Frontera street. Take a Taxi (recommended), Uber, or shared minibus to your destination in Rosarito.
The line to cross into Mexico is usually short. Expect to wait 20-30 minutes to cross into Mexico. The line to cross back into the U.S. is usually long. Expect to wait 3-4 hours depending on the time and day of the week that you cross.
Coming back to the US via walking:
Consult (https://bwt.cbp.gov/details/09250401/PED) for wait times.
If you would like to bypass the wait to cross, take an Uber to the Camille’s de Paso a EU, tickets to take a bus across are $10!
- Step 4:
Uber/Taxi from border to Rosarito Beach Hotel ~$35-50 USD.
2. How to Shuttle from San Ysidro Border Station through Hotel
Shuttle Service - $55 per person
Don’t wait in line to return to the US! Book your trip to Rosarito Beach Hotel & take the shuttle in SY, CA.
Departures from San Ysidro Border Station
THURSDAY: 12 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m
FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SATURDAY: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Service provided by SDTJ Passport. Get your tickets:
☎️ (619) 428 0011 ☎️(619) 253.8291
3. How to Drive Across the Border
Check Crossing Times: https://bwt.cbp.gov/
San Ysidro processes millions of crossings yearly. CBP officers are strict about documentation requirements.
Don't risk being turned away - ensure you have valid documentation.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. Passport (most widely accepted)
U.S. Passport Card
SENTRI Card
Enhanced Driver's License (WA, MI, MN, NY, VT)
Birth certificate + photo ID is NOT sufficient
Expert Tips for San Ysidro Crossing
Enroll in SENTRI: Save 1-2 hours per crossing ($100 for 5 years)
Use Ready Lane if eligible (passport with RFID chip)
Download Border Times app for live wait times before leaving
Have change ready for trolley/public transit on U.S. side
DO NOT under-declare - penalties are severe
Be honest about time in Mexico and purchases made
Remove items from trunk for faster inspection
If bringing medication, have prescription or original labels
Children: Bring birth certificates and custody proof if traveling alone
Expect random inspections - do not take photos during inspection
Tijuana International Airport
1. Uber/Taxi from Tijuana International Airport to Rosarito Beach Hotel ~$25 USD.
2. Rent a car in Tijuana. US car rentals are not eligible to cross international borders. Please ensure your rental is insured (see below for insurance information).
CAR INSURANCE
If you plan to drive your own vehicle or rent a vehicle in Mexico, Mexican law requires that you carry valid Mexican auto insurance — U.S. policies are not recognized for liability coverage across the border. We recommend purchasing short-term Mexican insurance before you cross.
I have used Baja Bound for quick online policies and easy proof of coverage: https://www.bajabound.com. You can purchase for just the dates you’ll be in Baja and download your documents instantly so you have them ready if needed at checkpoints or in the event of an accident.
FAST PASS INFORMATION
The Rosarito Beach Hotel offers the fast pass to overnight guests only, please request it at the Front Desk.
The border fast pass program, officially called FastLane, which is a single-use pass that gives you access to a special lane designated for tourists. This lane will significantly reduce your wait time to get back into the U.S. The goal of the fast pass program is to give our tourists a way to return to their country fast, easy and safe. FastPass system is managed by an off-site third-party, Rosarito Beach Hotel cannot guarantee FastPass availability at a given time.
This program is coordinated by the City Hall of Tijuana with the following rules:
- Only OneFastPass per room per stay.
- Your vehicle MUST have a USA or Canadian License Plate (Motorcycles & vehicles with trailers or no License plates on the vehicle --are NOT eligible).
- Only the SAN YSIDRO border crossing has a Fast Pass Lane (Otay Border crossing does NOT have a Fast Pass Lane).
- Subject to availability
- A recovery fee will be charged.
FAST PASS DIRECTIONS: https://youtu.be/eTZr7iOT10k
Fast pass directions for All Traffic: https://goo.gl/maps/QSfmoGiuhSyAaNYx8