BajaNomad

San Ysidro Crossing

phoenix2121 - 11-9-2008 at 03:16 PM

If I'm living in Rosarito, and the San Ysidro crossing is always packed, is the Otay crossing a good alternative? How far out of the way is it on a Rosarito to San Diego trip?

David K - 11-9-2008 at 06:29 PM

The Blvd. 2000 (just south of Rosarito next to the former Foxploration studios/ Popotla) goes right to Hwy. 2-D just east of the Otay border.

Road log and photos on the Baja Road Conditions forum, here: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24396 Note, locals may warn you to not use this excellent highway after dark!

Here is the route in blue, from space:



[Edited on 11-10-2008 by David K]

blvd-r.JPG - 50kB

Udo - 11-9-2008 at 06:36 PM

I always drive the few extra miles and cross at TECATE. Sunday crossing before noon has averaged 20 minutes. A few times it was five minutes and few other times we drove right up to the gate. Plus the customs inspectors are smiling when one drives up.

David K - 11-9-2008 at 06:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by udowinkler
I always drive the few extra miles and cross at TECATE. Sunday crossing before noon has averaged 20 minutes. A few times it was five minutes and few other times we drove right up to the gate. Plus the customs inspectors are smiling when one drives up.


Yes, and the Blvd. 2000 takes you right to the Tecate toll road entrance, east of Otay as a super fast route to Tecate from Rosarito area.

Book5 123r.JPG - 21kB

Ken Cooke - 11-9-2008 at 08:14 PM

Thanks for the info Udo and David.

phoenix2121 - 11-10-2008 at 04:06 PM

Thanks for the great info, but I guess what I was asking is how far out of the way is it on a trip from Rosarito to San Diego? i.e. what is the drive time using the Otay or Tecate crossing? I've heard it's about 40 minutes from Rosarito to San Diego using the San Ysidro crossing (barring major backups)... how long does it take you guys to make the trip using Otay or Tecate instead?

Udo - 11-10-2008 at 04:13 PM

Driving from Rosarito to SDGO is definitely shorter if you go through Otay by using Blvd 2000 (the new highway).
Going through Tecate from Rosarito would be about 35 miles out of the way because you end up near the 8 & 125, and it would pay if your destination is some where near Miramar or going to the North county.

David K - 11-10-2008 at 05:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by phoenix2121
Thanks for the great info, but I guess what I was asking is how far out of the way is it on a trip from Rosarito to San Diego? i.e. what is the drive time using the Otay or Tecate crossing? I've heard it's about 40 minutes from Rosarito to San Diego using the San Ysidro crossing (barring major backups)... how long does it take you guys to make the trip using Otay or Tecate instead?


If you click the link to the report, I gave milages and driving time from Otay border to Hwy. 1 at Popotla...

Oh heck, I will copy and paste it here for you...
========================================================

MEXICO at Otay Border: Mile 0.0, Time 0:0

Head straight south, staying in left lanes. Follow signs for TECATE.

LEFT TURN at signal, slight curve to left just before signal: Mile 1.1, Time 0:03

Heading east on Blvd. Industrial... soon becomes divided highway!

Take new highway south, signed for Rosarito, Popotla, Ensenada (toll highway 2-D to Tecate curves to left, see toll gate, Big Horn Sheep monument almost unseen heading south): Mile 6.0, Time 0:13

Free Hwy. 2 (TECATE) interchange, continue south then southwest: Mile 13.0, Time 0:22

Cross the Rodriguez/ Tijuana reservoir and head into the hills...

Pass under the toll highway (Mex. 1-D) and come to the free highway (Mex. 1)... Mile 31.3, Time 0:38.

They will have it connected to the toll highway, but that work seems stalled. Too bad, but until then go a few miles on the free road to almost Puerto Nuevo where you can hop on the toll road for free.

Fox Baja Studio entrance is just to your right, Puerto Nuevo and access onto the toll highway is about 6 miles to your left.

=================================================

38 minutes (31.3 miles)

Gr8Piper - 11-10-2008 at 09:10 PM

I cros at Otay with my SENTRI and the average wait is under 15-20 minutes including Sundays

Tom
(Gr8piper)

bajaguy - 11-10-2008 at 09:53 PM

Use Otay and Blvd 2000.........it's a great way to save time. Been using it now for about 3 years.....no problema

barneyb - 11-10-2008 at 11:34 PM

On the US side it's about a 15 minute drive from the Otay Mesa crossing to the 805 freeway. There are many traffic signals and big rigs on the 905 that slow you down. There is a new toll road near Otay that is faster than the 905 if you don't mind paying the extra tolls to get to the 54.

About the same extra driving time on the mexican side. So I would add about 30 minutes, discounting the border wait and heavy traffic, if you cross at Otay.

I live north of Rosarito and always cross at SY. There are 4 sentri lanes at the SY crossing while only 1 at Otay.

[Edited on 11-11-2008 by barneyb]

tjBill - 11-11-2008 at 12:17 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by barneyb
There are 4 sentri lanes at the SY crossing while only 1 at Otay.


San Ysidro is usually quicker than Otay in the Sentri lane. Otay is usually quicker in the regular lanes and the pedestrian crossing.

In the regular lanes at Otay, the left lane moves faster because it opens into additional lanes.