Main Terminal

Main Terminal lot sits right beside TIJ departures doors

This is the on-airport parking directly at TIJ’s Main Terminal, a 5‑minute walk from the check‑in area if you end up in the outer rows. You park on the Mexican side, walk straight into departures, and skip the CBX bridge, Otay shuttles, and border queues entirely. People flying Volaris and other Mexican carriers often pay extra here just to stay on the TIJ side and keep things simple.

The lot runs 24/7 in front and to the sides of the Main Terminal, so late‑night and early‑morning flights are covered. Several Google reviews from Sunday nights mention spending 15–20 minutes circling for a space near the terminal doors. When the front rows fill, you can be 5–10 minutes on foot from your car to the departures entrance.

Pricing runs higher than Otay private lots or CBX parking, which is why regular cross‑border flyers on r/Tijuana usually only use this lot for same‑day or one‑night trips. For longer trips of 3–7 days, many switch to cheaper Otay lots or CBX parking and accept the shuttle or bridge walk to save money. Think of this as paying a premium for that short walk and staying entirely in Mexico.

Several reviewers mention informal “caretakers” and windshield washers working in the open sections of the lot, especially near the outer rows. They look after cars and help with backing out, and they usually expect a small cash tip of around 20–40 MXN when you return. They are not official airport staff, so keep valuables out of sight and lock up like you would in any city lot.

Payment trips people up: some Google reviews describe getting stuck at the exit barrier because they tried to pay there. Look for the pay machines inside the Main Terminal and in the walkway areas, and pay before you reach your car. Keep the ticket and receipt handy for the exit scanner; losing either can mean delays and higher fees while staff sort it out.

One common local move is to drop bags and passengers at the departures curb right in front of the Main Terminal doors, then the driver heads to the lot and walks back solo. That avoids hauling luggage from the distant rows and cuts the walk to about 3–4 minutes from car to check‑in.

Practical tip: for Sunday evenings, holidays, or flights after 21:00, plan an extra 20 minutes to find a spot in the Main Terminal lot and pay at the machines before you exit.