BajaNomad

From TJ airport to OC

Hook - 11-4-2017 at 08:48 PM

Looks like I might be flying up to TJ and then figuring out how to get to South OC from there, using public transportation. What's the easiest way? Will I be using the CBX bridge? If so, what then?

rdrrm8e - 11-4-2017 at 08:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
Looks like I might be flying up to TJ and then figuring out how to get to South OC from there, using public transportation. What's the easiest way? Will I be using the CBX bridge? If so, what then?


Metrolink?
Amtrak?
Uber?

Or maybe I will pick up Earl and we can drive down and pick you up?

woody with a view - 11-5-2017 at 07:28 AM

Tj
Trolley to downtown SD
Cross street to Amtrak station
Viola

rhintransit - 11-5-2017 at 08:24 AM

TJ airport, CBX crossing, no trolley there. you can Uber to downtown SD/Amtrak station. I think that some of the airlines have/had transport to SD, but don't have info on that. ask your airline. or check TJ airport and/or CBX websites for transportation options.

bajaguy - 11-5-2017 at 08:38 AM

This is perfect, inexpensive with the least hassle.
Uber or Lyft from the TJ Airport or CBX to San Ysidro, Blue line trolly to American Plaza, walk across the street to Santa Fe station, take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to Santa Ana, Irvine or Anaheim .

Great ride, free coffee, juice and pastry on the Surfliner
Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Tj
Trolley to downtown SD
Cross street to Amtrak station
Viola


[Edited on 11-5-2017 by bajaguy]

Bob and Susan - 11-5-2017 at 08:43 AM

hook...its east to get to OC but with NO CAR you are screwed...

you could cross at CBX crossing and then get enterprise to pick you up to rent a small car

there is NO easy around southern California without a car

bajaguy - 11-5-2017 at 08:48 AM

Lyft is very inexpensive, cheaper than renting a car
Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
hook...its east to get to OC but with NO CAR you are screwed...

you could cross at CBX crossing and then get enterprise to pick you up to rent a small car

there is NO easy around southern California without a car

Bob and Susan - 11-5-2017 at 08:58 AM

there is NOTHING better than having your own transportation sitting in the driveway or parking lot

i'd rent a car for the trip...unless hes going north to buy a car or truck

bajaguy - 11-5-2017 at 09:59 AM

Used Lyft to travel all over Seattle last week from 1:30am arrival to 7am departure. Easy, inexpensive and fast. Did not wait any longer than 5 minutes for any ride. No cash transactions between you and driver. Three days of Lyft rides were cheaper than renting a car and parking fees..........if you have not tried it, don't knock it

https://www.lyft.com/signup
Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
there is NOTHING better than having your own transportation sitting in the driveway or parking lot

i'd rent a car for the trip...unless hes going north to buy a car or truck

Bob and Susan - 11-5-2017 at 10:18 AM

but...that's NOT southern california

bajaguy - 11-5-2017 at 10:21 AM

Comparable Bobby. Research it.

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
but...that's NOT southern california

pacsur - 11-5-2017 at 10:58 AM

I just returned from flying into San Diego a week ago after a 4 day trip, we used uber for all local travel, rented a car for 2 days to go up to south oc.
My opinion is if your staying at somewhat decent hotels nowadays the parking fees make using uber or lyft an easy decesion, uber was also less than half the price of an airport taxi downtown.
Otherwise, use uber/lyft to trolley, then train as others recommend, I think it comes down to how much time you will be up there, and if you will need a car when you reach your destination?

fandango - 11-5-2017 at 11:44 AM

Hook: if you use lyft let us know your expenses. Will be good info for others in the future.

bajaguy - 11-5-2017 at 11:52 AM

I believe you can go to their web site and get estimates
Quote: Originally posted by fandango  
Hook: if you use lyft let us know your expenses. Will be good info for others in the future.

fandango - 11-5-2017 at 11:54 AM

Here is some pricing.
Lyft from cbx to san Amtrak: 30-32.00
Amtrak unreserved coach seat SAN-SNC: 22.00

Hook - 11-5-2017 at 12:11 PM

Getting some interesting offers from The Dark Side and, conversely, organic growers. Those offers are much appreciated but, guys, you are a ways away. This is SD, where the traffic can be worse than LA, right? At least it used to be. I'm not saying NO...........yet! But let me see how easy I can do this on my own. Good practice for Italy, Croatia and Slovenia next spring, this public transportation planning.........

I am Uber and Lyft compliant. I really dont need a car at my destination as my old friends from 55 years of living in the OC will take care of me. I hope. Heck, maybe THEY will come get me; I just want to have this method in my back pocket, if needed.

So, it looks like that model of practical thinking, bajaguy, is describing the best plan. But one point of clarification: can I actually take Uber or Lyft ACROSS THE BORDER, and avoid the CBX bridge? Wont he/she have to get in line at the Otay vehicle crossing, after picking me up?

Or is it more desirable to simply cross the CBX bridge and request an Uber/Lyft driver to meet me on the US end of the CBX bridge. They must be very familiar with that.

Another advantage with Uber/Lyft is that they would probably allow me to bypass the trolley; taking me straight to the Amtrak station.

Am I on the right path, here?

Hook - 11-5-2017 at 12:15 PM

Man, oh man, I am so glad to have the Nomad Travel Agency at my disposal. This is great!

And no stinkin' Facebook, so far.............

Doug, you gotta keep this site going. The new social media sites are sooo Brave New World to us oldsters.

bajaguy - 11-5-2017 at 12:30 PM

Take the CBX across to the US side, get Lyft to either the Blue Line or the Santa Fe station.....yup, you are on the right track (pun intended)
Quote: Originally posted by Hook  
Getting some interesting offers from The Dark Side and, conversely, organic growers. Those offers are much appreciated but, guys, you are a ways away. This is SD, where the traffic can be worse than LA, right? At least it used to be. I'm not saying NO...........yet! But let me see how easy I can do this on my own. Good practice for Italy, Croatia and Slovenia next spring, this public transportation planning.........

I am Uber and Lyft compliant. I really dont need a car at my destination as my old friends from 55 years of living in the OC will take care of me. I hope. Heck, maybe THEY will come get me; I just want to have this method in my back pocket, if needed.

So, it looks like that model of practical thinking, bajaguy, is describing the best plan. But one point of clarification: can I actually take Uber or Lyft ACROSS THE BORDER, and avoid the CBX bridge? Wont he/she have to get in line at the Otay vehicle crossing, after picking me up?

Or is it more desirable to simply cross the CBX bridge and request an Uber/Lyft driver to meet me on the US end of the CBX bridge. They must be very familiar with that.

Another advantage with Uber/Lyft is that they would probably allow me to bypass the trolley; taking me straight to the Amtrak station.

Am I on the right path, here?

danaeb - 11-5-2017 at 12:44 PM

Yes Hook you are on the right path. Get your CBX ticket online before you go and print it out. Uber and Lyft drivers know the flight arrival times and I've never waited longer than 5 mins to meet the ride. Go straight to Amtrak (if that's what you decide to do). I live in North Park and my fare is +/- $30. I would think it would be similar distance to Amtrak.

Elena La Loca - 11-5-2017 at 12:47 PM

I, too, am researching options for flying into TIJ & getting to Oceanside after we do our Baja 1000 duties. In years past, I've taken Cruceros straight from the airport for something ridiculously cheap (like $15 if I remember correctly). Haven't booked anything yet and am waiting for the frugal Baja Nomad Travel Agency to come up with more options.

danaeb - 11-5-2017 at 12:53 PM

Elena - you can do the same thing, except take the "Coaster" from Amtrak to Oceanside.

bajaguy - 11-5-2017 at 12:55 PM

If you want frugal, walk across the CBX bridge to the US side, take Lyft or Uber to the nearest Blue Line trolly. Blue line to American Plaza downtown, walk across the street to the Santa Fe station and take the Coaster from San Diego to O'side
Quote: Originally posted by Elena La Loca  
I, too, am researching options for flying into TIJ & getting to Oceanside after we do our Baja 1000 duties. In years past, I've taken Cruceros straight from the airport for something ridiculously cheap (like $15 if I remember correctly). Haven't booked anything yet and am waiting for the frugal Baja Nomad Travel Agency to come up with more options.

surfhat - 11-5-2017 at 01:03 PM

Hook, I can't compete with Uber or Lyft, but with my MB Sprinter van limo at your call, you can travel in comfort and style to the OC. I sometimes do drop offs and pickups at LA airport anytime, day or night, and charge for the trip, not by the person.

I am forty five minutes north of the border on a good day avoiding rush hours. Another hour and half or so from there to the OC at my $60/hourly rate should be about $150 or so, at the most. Uber and Lyft and public transportation on trains can add up to hours of your invaluable time.

I once took the bus and train from the SD airport to my North County SD train station for $5.50, and another $12 taxi ride to my home, a scant two miles away. Can't beat those costs, as long as time is not a factor. What is your time worth?

Peace, love and fish tacos to all nomads. Thanks to all here.

BTW, honor our veterans on Veterans Day. They are owed so much more than we could ever give back by our words of thanking them for their service to our nation.

woody with a view - 11-5-2017 at 01:08 PM

Surfhat has a good biz model. What’s your day worth? Trains stop every 15-20 minutes and are no faster than driving.

LaTijereta - 11-5-2017 at 01:08 PM

If Cruceros is still running those buses to the Oceanside Transit Station.. cheapest way to go from TJ Airport.. maybe not the quickest with the wait times..
To get back to South O, I have been flying into TJ and using the CBX to cross to a waiting ride...

ncampion - 11-5-2017 at 01:11 PM

The CBX makes crossing super easy, no messing with immigration or custions. don't even consider saving the $15. Uber is right outside the door and waiting, last time it was $24 to Amtrak station. Amtrak was $22 to San Juan Capistrano. Can't be easier.

surfhat - 11-5-2017 at 01:19 PM

Hey Woody, it would be a pleasure to meet you and drive you wherever you and your party may want to go.

As for my daily rate, that depends on the definition a day, and how many hours might be involved. As a fellow Baja lover, I am sure I can beat any other private transportation service out there by a half to a third, with the exception of Uber and Lyft.

A local friend who has a taxi service charges over a $100 to the SD airport, and that might be by the person. I charge $70 for the trip, no matter how many passengers.

Wine country and brewery runs, airport drop offs and pick ups from here in SD up to LA, Vegas, and select Baja destinations are all possible. Guadalupe Valley and Shari's Magical Tours would be most welcome. Thanks to all here.

danaeb - 11-5-2017 at 01:21 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ncampion  
The CBX makes crossing super easy, no messing with immigration or custions.


Well, not exactly. When you cross the bridge and enter the US side you do have to go thru CBP and the luggage Xray, but the lines are short and move pretty quickly.

Hook - 11-5-2017 at 03:07 PM

Wondering about the return to TJ, right now. How long should I figure the walk to the TJ "skygates" will take me, from the time public/private transportation drops me at the US end of the CBX bridge? I am trying to work backwards from the flight departure at 0922 from TJ, to see how early I would have to leave the San Clemente train stop.

[Edited on 11-5-2017 by Hook]

Bob and Susan - 11-5-2017 at 03:23 PM

lets say the plane leaves at 9:22 wouldn't you want to be at the airport by 7am

do the trains run that early from OC?

I did the bus/train thing a couple of times...its NOT fun
it can be done in a pinch but a ride or car is way better

you WILL NOT have a good time and it WONT be cheap

wilderone - 11-5-2017 at 03:42 PM

For a general comparison, check out Greyhound at TJ Central bus station (very near airport), and get transportation to OC. You'll be in the TJ bus line, cross for customs, but re-board and head to final US destination.

Hook - 11-5-2017 at 03:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
lets say the plane leaves at 9:22 wouldn't you want to be at the airport by 7am

do the trains run that early from OC?

I did the bus/train thing a couple of times...its NOT fun
it can be done in a pinch but a ride or car is way better

you WILL NOT have a good time and it WONT be cheap


No, I wouldnt want to be at the airport at 7am. It isnt an international flight. If I am at the gate at 0815-0830, I am fine.

I have NEVER observed the 2 hours/1 hour thing for international/domestic and never missed a flight. It's government propaganda for dimwits. :biggrin:

I will be carry-on only; just like my 5 week trips to Europe. Check-in, boarding pass in hand, head to the gate. I will have already cleared Mex Customs (such as it is :lol: ) at the CBX crossing.

Bob and Susan - 11-5-2017 at 03:53 PM

post your adventure...I might do it too ...one day

include the costs

remember its $311 hermasillo to john wayne in orange county

Hook - 11-6-2017 at 05:26 AM

I will keep track.

Who flies direct from HMO to John Wayne? I hadnt searched that, because I didnt think that existed.

Hook - 11-6-2017 at 05:51 AM

It doesnt exist, near as I can tell.

The most direct is a nearly seven hour flight that routes through Phoenix for 668 R/T on Kayak, using American Airlines. Looks like taking Volaris, using Uber/Lyft (based on quotes posted here) and Amtrak would be about 350.00 R/T. And it would probably be a shorter trip, timewise, in one direction. Returning, it looks like a shorter layover in Phoenix.........but it is still 4.5 hours en transit.

The only "inconveniences" on the TJ route are the walk across the CBX bridge and whatever wait I might have at the Amtrak station for a train, north. I dont consider Uber/Lyft an inconvenience. My experience has been very positive, in all cases. So interesting to talk to drivers about these start-up firms and their experiences.

[Edited on 11-6-2017 by Hook]

mtgoat666 - 11-6-2017 at 06:28 AM

fastest and most convenient route is the bus from TJ to Santa Ana. I think the uber, trolley, Amtrak combo has potential to waste a lot of time in transfers.

Hook - 11-6-2017 at 07:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
fastest and most convenient route is the bus from TJ to Santa Ana. I think the uber, trolley, Amtrak combo has potential to waste a lot of time in transfers.


Mebbe, but I am not liking the idea of loading onto a bus, getting off at US customs, waiting in line with all the other bus passengers for customs and reloading onto the bus. That sounds longer than the cursory inspection at the CBX crossing. Remember, one carry on bag.

I think I would rather walk across the CBX bridge and get in a waiting Uber car. That seems preferable even with a minor wait in the Amtrak station. And if the timing is right (short wait at Amtrak) it is likely to be faster than the bus because that bus is going to stop a lot longer at places between SD and South OC than the train is.

Lot of hypotheticals here, admittedly.............

[Edited on 11-6-2017 by Hook]

pacsur - 11-6-2017 at 09:39 AM

A lot depends if your trying to save time or money?
If you take an uber/lyft to San ysidro, there are vans leaving all the time to LA and Santa Ana, my buddies who live in San Clemente use it, it's usually $20usd to get dropped off at Cristianitos, you could probably get dropped off at almost any off ramp on the way north---go Tritons...

[Edited on 11-6-2017 by pacsur]

mtgoat666 - 11-6-2017 at 09:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacsur  
A lot depends if your trying to save time or money?
If you take an uber/lyft to San ysidro, there are vans leaving all the time to LA and Santa Ana, my buddies who live in San Clemente use it, it's usually $20usd to get dropped off at Cristianitos, you could probably get dropped off at almost any off ramp on the way north.


you are right. there are oodles of vans and busses departing san ysidro for points north in socal. if you go to amtrak in san diego, the trains only run every 2 hours at mid-day, so likely long wait for a train.

woody with a view - 11-6-2017 at 09:49 AM

We rode the train from SD to LA once. It took longer than if we would have driven even accounting for traffic. It isnt quick!

bajaguy - 11-6-2017 at 09:51 AM

Nope, but it is fun, you can get up and walk around and you don't have to put up with other drivers
Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
We rode the train from SD to LA once. It took longer than if we would have driven even accounting for traffic. It isnt quick!