NEW TRAVEL INFO: The pedestrian access...

NEW TRAVEL INFO: The pedestrian access to Mexico changed in late September. The prior 'best advice' was to take the last US exit, use one of the big parking lots just as you exit, and then walk to the nearby crossing point. The pedestrian crossing point has been moved. Now if you park in one of the big lots on the west side of the freeway you have to walk across a the longest pedestrian bridge that I have ever seen. That takes you to the Trolley Plaza.

You then go through the plaza, between and behind some buildings, up a long path, then cross the border, then take a further twisty path through a temporary Mexican immigration building, then along along a row of shops then up and across another pair of pedestrian bridges to the taxi plaza. Estimate at least a half hour of walking from one of the west side parking lots to the taxis stand.

You can cut much of the walking distance by crossing over and parking on the east side of the freeway rather than the west (Those lots are also cheaper; $5 instead of $10) but you may find spaces only in the far reaches. Even better, use the bus or trolley to get to the border. Several of the stations have free parking ( http://www.sdmts.com/trolley/trolleystationinfo.asp ) and the day pass is $5. Just remember that the last trolley leaves San Ysidro at 12:58 ( http://www.sdmts.com/Trolley/documents/TrolleyTimetable.pdf )