Official Off-Site Shuttles

10-minute shuttles from Otay lots beat CBX’s own parking rates

Official Off-Site Shuttles here really means the private Otay Mesa lots about 1 mile from CBX that bundle a shuttle ride into their daily parking price. Reddit users quote saving several dollars per day versus CBX’s on-site garage, with the shuttle ride to the Main Terminal via CBX usually taking around 10 minutes in light traffic.

Most of these off-site operations advertise 24/7 shuttle service, but reviews flag thinner frequency late at night, with waits stretching to 15–25 minutes after midnight or before 5:00 a.m. One Google review notes their driver vanished for about 20 minutes after arrival, so don’t cut it close for a 6:00 a.m. TIJ departure from the Main Terminal or CBX side.

Shuttles typically run every 30 minutes at quieter times and tighten to roughly every 10–15 minutes around daytime departures. Some vans drop you directly at the CBX front entrance, while others stop nearer the border crossing itself, leaving a short 2–5 minute walk with your luggage to the CBX building doors.

Google reviews repeatedly mention tips: drivers often hint for cash, and regulars say USD or MXN bills work fine, usually in the $2–$5 range per ride for a family with bags. Vans can get packed during holiday peaks like Christmas and Semana Santa, with luggage stacked in the aisle and every seat filled.

What regulars do: they call or WhatsApp the lot a few minutes before clearing CBX customs, so the return shuttle lines up within about 10 minutes. Many screenshot the lot’s phone or WhatsApp number in advance in case mobile data drops near the border buildings.

Practical tip: on your departure day, pad your schedule by at least 30 minutes beyond the posted shuttle interval, especially for late-night or early-morning flights from TIJ’s Main Terminal or via CBX.