BajaNomad

How secure is the parking structure at the airport in TJ?

bajajurel - 8-3-2011 at 10:22 AM

With the 50% off Volaris tickets I'm thinking that instead of paying someone to drive me round trip that I would park at the airport. Does anyone have any experience parking at the airport?

OK...

Dave - 8-3-2011 at 10:45 AM

Canadian or Scottish:

Which is it? :rolleyes:

sancho - 8-3-2011 at 11:14 AM

I've parked for a short time at the TJ airport structure
you mentioned, not sure if that is the same place
one would park for longer periods (week or so),
seems secure. If it were me, I might consider parking
on the US side, either in San Diego or Otay has a
couple lots at the Border Crossing. I believe that
the TJ airport parking is a bit more expensive than
commonly thought

Woooosh - 8-3-2011 at 11:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
I've parked for a short time at the TJ airport structure
you mentioned, not sure if that is the same place
one would park for longer periods (week or so),
seems secure. If it were me, I might consider parking
on the US side, either in San Diego or Otay has a
couple lots at the Border Crossing. I believe that
the TJ airport parking is a bit more expensive than
commonly thought

I'd check to see if the valet lot there will accept your 50% coupon.

scouter - 8-3-2011 at 11:21 AM

years ago i was doing lots of work thru out mexico and central areas and would fly out of TJ all the time never had a problem use caution just like LAX or any other place

gallesram - 8-3-2011 at 11:53 AM

I have never had a problem parking in the structure (right across from the terminal). The spaces are a little tight but otherwise it's just like parking at an airport in the US. We go to Acapulco several times a year and always park there. Just remember that (1) the daily rate is expensive (I think it's 180 pesos/day) and (2) if you're leaving the structure on a weekday in the morning, the lines getting out can be pretty long.

Roberto - 8-3-2011 at 08:46 PM

Personally, I would not leave my vehicle there overnight or longer. Just too much "stuff" going on in TJ, and I doubt there is any real security there overnight.

I would park in the lot on the U.S. side that's next to the duty free store, and take a cab. Or, even better take the bus to the airport from San Diego. There is Greyhound service from various locations, and other services that can be easily found by googling "san diego bus tijuana airport". Takes a little longer, but no worries whatsoever.

toneart - 8-3-2011 at 09:14 PM

I agree with Roberto that you may be taking a risk parking at the TJ Airport. I have no personal experience to validate my opinion. It is just a gut feeling. However, I can't see how it would be any safer on the San Ysidro side of the border.

Years ago, I would look for a hotel north of the border with security and make a deal with their management. Being that I now drive to Mulege each time, I haven't had to find secure airport parking.

tripledigitken - 8-3-2011 at 10:37 PM

bajajurel,

Living in San Diego as you do, why not get family/friend to at least take you to a Trolley Station and ride to the end of the line/or better yet drive you to the Border and then take a cab to the TJ airport. We have done that ourselves with much less to worry about and cheaper too.

Ken

Bob and Susan - 8-4-2011 at 05:39 AM

roberto is right

actually
there is a great spot at the tj border crossing
safe

walk across and take a taxi
150 pesos plus tip

taxi back later
walk across
walk to your car

if you car has problems in the usa
insurance will cover it

the parking is safe too

bajabound2005 - 8-4-2011 at 06:31 AM

we left ours there for 2 weeks - no problem. $$$ but it was still there when we returned.

BajaGringo - 8-4-2011 at 07:56 AM

I have left vehicles parked at the Tijuana airport for days on many, many occasions. Never once had a problem.

DENNIS - 8-4-2011 at 07:57 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
we left ours there for 2 weeks - no problem. $$$ but it was still there when we returned.



See??? There is something positive to be said about never washing your car. :lol:

bajajurel - 8-4-2011 at 02:53 PM

Thanks to all for the replies. I know it is a crap-shoot even on the US side. Walking across the border is sometimes impractical when you have a rod tube, tackle, a bag and a wheeled cooler full of fish. I know I could do it as I haul everything through the airport anyway.

I guess I'll roll the dice next time and see how it plays out.

Contact Baja Nomad - fdt

Gypsy Jan - 8-4-2011 at 03:21 PM

Fernando manages the Hotles Corpnas family business in Tijuana and Rosarito.

I am sure that he could arrange secure parking and transportation for you on the SOB side in TJ.

Our Telnor DSL connection is damaged right now; I don't know if my response will get out, but look up Fernando on the Nomads Members' List as "fdt" and you can contact hem easily.

Wishing you all the best, GJ

danaeb - 8-4-2011 at 03:35 PM

I cross about every 6-8 weeks for my flights on Volaris to La Paz. I think I've discovered about every possible way to do it. TJ airport is just too expensive (about $16/day). My new favorite is Delta Truck Parking in Otay Mesa.

http://www.otaymesaparking.com/

It's $5/day flat, regardless of when you enter/leave. They drive you to the pedestrian crossing walkway when you go down and pick you up a block from immigration when you cross back. You just call them once you pass thru immigration and they come get you. FYI - crossing on foot at Otay is much faster than TJ.

They are really nice people. I think it's a family-owned business. Lily usually answers the phone and she picked me up last time. The lot is totally secure and easy to get to. The ride to the border from their lot is about 5min. You have to get a taxi on the other side and you get a discount if you show their card to the taxi driver ($10 cab fare).

They have a youtube video on their site that shows you exactly how to walk across the border to get a taxi to the airport.

You'd have to do the math of $16/day at the tj airport vs $5/day parking plus cab fare of $10-12 each way from/to border.

U2U if you want more info.