SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cross Border Xpress (CBX), an unprecedented border crossing that connects a new terminal in San Diego directly into the Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), will open its doors on December 9, 2015 at 9:00 am PST. The facility features a 390-foot enclosed pedestrian skybridge that spans the U.S./Mexico border, and a full-service airline passenger terminal in Southern San Diego. CBX tickets are now available for advance purchase at www.crossborderxpress.com.
The CBX border crossing can only be used by ticketed TIJ airport passengers flying out of the airport within 24 hours, or ticketed TIJ airport passengers who have flown into the airport and wish to use the CBX border crossing within two hours after landing. The rest of the CBX terminal is accessible to the general public who may be dropping off or picking up passengers.
The CBX terminal is located right along the border in San Diego, in between the existing San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings. CBX is easily accessible from Interstates 5, 805 and 15, by connecting to Highway 905 then exiting Britannia Boulevard south to Siempre Viva Road east. Passengers can then follow the Cross Border Xpress signs to the terminal building located at 2745 Otay Pacific Drive.
“CBX will transform the border crossing experience for millions of travelers,” said Carlos Laviada, an investor in the project, and frequent flyer. “We started the planning and approvals for CBX over eight years ago, and it has garnered incredible support on both sides of the border. Intercountry travel for leisure and business is a critical economic driver for this entire region.”
CBX was designed in conjunction with U.S. Department of Customs and Border Protection to serve the two million annual TIJ passengers who already cross the U.S./Mexico border as part of their travels. Normal passport, visa and other border crossing protocols must be followed by passengers who use the CBX bridge, but the TIJ passengers currently cross the ports of entry in San Ysidro and Otay Mesa that are often congested with other travelers, enduring unpredictable border wait times and often lengthy delays. United States Customs and Border Protection processing is located in the CBX terminal, while southbound passengers will access Mexico Immigration & Customs upon crossing the CBX bridge into TIJ.
CBX OPEN FOR TRAVEL: WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9
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● Hours: |
24 hours per day, seven days a week |
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● Tickets: |
On sale December 7 at www.crossborderxpress.com |
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| On-site sale at CBX beginning December 9 | |||
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Welcome Week – crossing fee waived for travel December 9-18, 2015 |
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After December 18: $18 one Adult, one way; 20% savings for Seniors 65+ and Children ages 3-12 (Children 2 and under are free) |
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Soon to be announced: Purchase CBX tickets as part of travel packages on Aeromexico, Interjet and Volaris airline websites |
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The new state-of-the-art CBX terminal is open 24/7, and features:
- Short- and long-term secure parking in the United States
- Convenient passenger pick-up and drop-off zones
- Numerous ground transportation options on site including taxi, bus, shuttle and Uber access, as well as major rental car companies will be located on site
- Luggage/porters
- Assistance for disabled travelers
- Trusted traveler programs, including SENTRI and Global entry, are available, I-94
- Duty-free shopping
- Friendly bilingual customer service
- Food and beverage options
- Outdoor patios
- Air conditioned guest areas
- Free Wi-Fi
Tijuana International Airport serves more than 4.5 million passengers per year. Passengers can access affordable flights to 34 destinations throughout Mexico operated by four major airlines, plus three weekly flights to Shanghai, China. TIJ has new and expanded facilities to conveniently accommodate CBX bridge access.
“This will be a great new option for travel between the US and Mexico,” said Jerry Sanders, President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and then-Mayor of the City of San Diego when the project was approved by the City. “It is unique in the world, and we expect the CBX will be a catalyst for economic growth in our region on both sides of the border.”
The CBX facility design is a result of a collaboration between Legorreta + Legorreta and Stantec, blending Southern California style and Mexican heritage to create a distinctive landmark. The iconic elements of the CBX building and bridge are among the last commissioned works of the late Ricardo Legorreta, world-renowned and internationally acclaimed for his signature influence, bold references to Mexican culture, vibrant palette and unique design aesthetic. Stantec, an international planning, engineering and architecture firm with extensive experience designing airports and transportation facilities, is the Architect of Record.
CBX broke ground in May 2014 and was completed in November 2015. The construction was defined by the placement of six 75-ton steel skybridge sections, which were crane-lifted into place over the six-lane Via de la Juventud Ote Highway in Mexico. The delicate positioning of the massive structure included fitted entry into an opening of the newly renovated TIJ terminal with only a 9” diameter clearing around the bridge. The process included a team of more than 70 experienced professionals to successfully complete the maneuver.
NOTES to media: Please contact CBX in advance to facilitate a timely tour. This is a federally controlled border crossing and all reporters must be fully escorted.
Attached visuals include: CBX Fact Sheet, Passenger Flow Chart and photos