I’ll be driving to the border on my next trip to Tijuana. I could drive across and park at my hotel but don’t want to risk getting pulled over by crooked police or something happening with a rental car in Zona Norte.
Where is the best place to park for convenience and price? I’ve seen references to near Jack in the Box but I don’t know if it is their lot itself or some other official parking lot. Thanks for suggestions.
The only risk is that the trolly station parking has a 24 hour limit and leaving a car at those stations risk vandalism. I drive across all the time and park at the hotel just make sure you have GE and register your car or the return trip is ridiculous. I don’t drive late at night and never drive into the Zona.
Driving a rental car over the border is a bad idea and often not as convenient as parking in San Ysidro. The lot behind the Jack in the Box is the closest to PedEast, about a five minute walk. It can also be a pain to get out of as the intersection that gets you on the road to the highway can be very congested. There is also a big lot across from the outlet mall and PedWest (which is still closed to foot traffic, I think). It's a 10 minute walk to PedEast but it's easier to get out of and accepts plastic. There are also smaller lots scattered around but they tend to be pricier and only worth it if it's really busy.
It's been a while since I've driven all the way down there but I think the two big lots are around $20 for a full day and the smaller lots are slightly more.
Thanks for the comments. After posting this I happened to read a HK review where the poster references Tiangus lot for a $10 lot near Jack in the Box for 24 hours.
I have Global Entry/Sentri but don’t want to risk taking a rental car over there and then getting hung up and missing my flight out of San Diego the next day.
I do like the park somewhere along the blue line trolley suggestion but not really looking to add another mode of transport to this journey if I can help it.
I have had no problem parking at a trolley stop for a few days. just do not park at Byer avenue trolley stop. it's usually quite congested.
Plus it should be noted that ALL rental contracts explicitly prohibit driving into Mexico, because US car insurance is no good there.
If you drive your own car you must buy Mexican car insurance, avail online or from kiosks near the money changers at the boarder. It is usually about $10 a day.
You should also know that parking costs at the border, including the Jacks-in-the-box lot are more than $10 a day. It is something like $6 per 8 hours and the price doubles on the weekend. Haven’t used them in over a year though.
Thanks all. Will report back following my trip if find an option that is solid.
Why bother renting a car; better than anything else is to take an Uber or bus and then the trolley to the border and enjoy the trip and walk across the border and use the FREE limo service to bring you to the Happiest Place on m Earth 🌍 (according to Krusty.)
And remember Pics and Vids or it didn’t happen.
:D
Only renting a car since my trip starts up in LA even though I will fly out of San Diego
@captainfun
Even better; Take the train from Los Angeles Union Station (Metrolink to Oceanside and transfer to the Coaster from Oceanside to San Diego) or take Amtrak LA to San Diego.) and enjoy the relaxing experience of Train Travel like they do in Europe.
Make it a Vacation experience to visit the Happiest Place on Earth, about all the stress of driving in California, because it is not a good experience.
You will be traveling like a VIP comfortable and relax enjoying the experience.
:D
Amtrak actually somewhat intriguing. I may check that out.
@captainfun
Sorry to inform you that the railroad tracks from Los Angeles to San Diego are being closed due to some coastal erosion in San Clemente.
You can still travel by bus, wit the Greyhound or a premium/VIP bus service…
In any case I would recommend to avoid yourself driving.
Let’s just be careful out there.
Thanks CJK
Research parking at a free trolley station parking location and take the trolley. It stops right at the border. You can walk across after you get off the trolley.