BajaNomad

How far to walk from San Ysidro Trolley station to TJ?

walterbyrd - 4-3-2014 at 10:54 AM

Also: is the area just south of the border called "Avenida Revolucion?"

About how far would I have to walk? Half a mile?

Thanks in advance.

sancho - 4-3-2014 at 11:15 AM

Walking across into TJ, at the newer ped crossing, at the
end of your mentioned SD Red Trolley stop at the border,
which is on the East side of Hwy 5, as opposed to the old
crossing on the west side, if you want to walk to Revo
Ave., it is approx 1 mi, or so, maybe 20/25 min., there is
a ped bridge over the TJ River you walk over, I would NOT
walk that bridge at nite. You probably could get a cab
to Revo Ave., for $5 or so

bajalearner - 4-3-2014 at 11:21 AM

The distance from the trolley to the final "release" point on the MX side is about a 5 minute walk. Currently, you have to walk on a paved path up a slope and down a flight of stairs to get to the street on the MX side. Then if you want to get to the taxi's, you have to climb stairs to the sky bridge and cross the northbound traffic lanes to get to the taxi stand.

It's not bad if you are able bodied.

The area just south of the border is Not Ave. Revolucion. That's about a 7 minute taxi ride away. I think there is a walkway to that area but I have never walked there. It might be a mile walk or less.

The area south of the entry point I think is a boundry between two neighborhoods. To the Left (east) is Colonia Libertad and the area to the right (west) , I don't know the name but it is a narrow space because the riverbed is only a few hundred yards west. The other side of the river bed is Paza Rio area.

I think the taxi's want 5 dllrs to get to revolucion.

dasubergeek - 4-3-2014 at 11:40 AM

The pedestrian entry to Mexico is five hundred feet south of the trolley stop. Just follow all the people back past the McDonalds, around the back of the old customs house, and you'll see the Mexico gate.

The area directly south of the border is technically called Colonia Federal. There is not much there to tempt a tourist. There's a giant McDonalds, a cheese factory, a small market and a bus station. And a million, jillion taxis.

Avenida Revolución is a street which is 1.5 km walk (that's about 0.9 miles) from the border crossing. It's certainly doable, and many people do it, but if you have mobility issues, you can take a taxi for just $3-$5 instead.

Note that if you have mobility issues, the pedestrian crossing can be an issue, especially for wheelchairs, because there are stairs on either side. I believe the north (pre-customs) side has an elevator somewhere, but I don't know about the south (post-customs) side.

walterbyrd - 4-3-2014 at 12:02 PM

Thanks everybody.

My final destination is not Avenida Revolucion. My final destination is about 16 miles, or 25 kilometers, down hwy 1D. Across from a place called "Real Del Mar Golf & Resort"

I am thinking my best bet would taxi libre. I wish I could find out what that would cost.

DavidE - 4-3-2014 at 12:20 PM

i would consider GREYHOUND from downtown S.D., then a collectivo from the bus station. Then again, my walking ability is severely limited.

Alm - 4-3-2014 at 12:22 PM

Are you looking for the cheapest, the easiest, or the fastest way?

There used to be plenty of buses down Hwy1 libre to Ensenada, from the old ped crossing. I think there still are. As it's been said, you need to walk there - not too far - from the new ped crossing.

With anything but a small backpack this would be a pain.

Udo - 4-3-2014 at 12:24 PM

The taxi ride would be between $25.00-$30.00 US, and is negotiable depending on the driver.
The libres you don't want to take bebause they have to wait until they have a full cab to get going.
Quote:
Originally posted by walterbyrd
Thanks everybody.

My final destination is not Avenida Revolucion. My final destination is about 16 miles, or 25 kilometers, down hwy 1D. Across from a place called "Real Del Mar Golf & Resort"

I am thinking my best bet would taxi libre. I wish I could find out what that would cost.

dasubergeek - 4-3-2014 at 12:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
Are you looking for the cheapest, the easiest, or the fastest way?

There used to be plenty of buses down Hwy1 libre to Ensenada, from the old ped crossing. I think there still are. As it's been said, you need to walk there - not too far - from the new ped crossing.

With anything but a small backpack this would be a pain.


Real del Mar isn't on the libre, it's on the cuota south of Playas.

It only costs $20-$25 to go in a taxi libre to Rosarito, so I can't imagine it would be more than $15 to Real del Mar, plus you'd probably have to pay the taxi's toll (potentially both ways, 31 pesos each way, or about $5 total).

walterbyrd - 4-3-2014 at 12:41 PM

I suppose I should have mentioned, I will be traveling with a friend. Also, I will be traveling very late Saturday night, or very early Sunday morning. Would two people be considered a full cab?

I suppose they would charge more for two people, but at the prices I am seeing, I am okay with that.

The problem with buses is: I will probably be traveling very early Sunday morning - like 01:00 AM. Most buses do not run at that hour. Then I would have to find a cab from where the bus stops. I don't think I want to wait around, at night, for the bus to leave. If a cab costs my friend, and I, $20 each, I think I can live with that.

bajaguy - 4-3-2014 at 12:46 PM

How are you going to get from Real del Mar to Ensenada??
Quote:
Originally posted by walterbyrd
My final destination is not Avenida Revolucion. My final destination is about 16 miles, or 25 kilometers, down hwy 1D. Across from a place called "Real Del Mar Golf & Resort"

Alm - 4-3-2014 at 12:51 PM

Expect to pay the same for 2 people as for 6 in total. It's a total cab fare, they don't care how many people.

walterbyrd - 4-3-2014 at 12:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
How are you going to get from Real del Mar to Ensenada??

Cab, I guess. A bit expensive, I would imagine. But, I don't know any other way.

Maybe some real estate agent will pick me up to show me some places. I really am in the market.

Alm - 4-3-2014 at 12:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
How are you going to get from Real del Mar to Ensenada??

They didn't say they were going to Ensenada. Only somewhere south of the Playas.

If I were to go to Ensenada, the easiest way would be taking a Greyhound from SD to Camionera Central and then a bus to Ensenada, without wandering around the border. Not the fastest way, but safe and comfortable.

[Edited on 4-3-2014 by Alm]

Ensenada

bajaguy - 4-3-2014 at 12:56 PM

You might want to read his other thread

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=73089
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
How are you going to get from Real del Mar to Ensenada??

They didn't say they were going to Ensenada. Only somewhere south of the Playas.

Rosarito to Ensenada

bajaguy - 4-3-2014 at 01:08 PM

You can take an ABC bus from Rosarito to Ensenada.....about $12USD. Just ask the taxi driver at Real del Mar to drop you off at the ABC stop/casita

http://www.abc.com.mx/InfoDestinos.aspx

dasubergeek - 4-3-2014 at 02:25 PM

Where did Ensenada come from????

Ensenada??

bajaguy - 4-3-2014 at 03:22 PM

You might want to read his other thread

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=73089
Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek
Where did Ensenada come from????

walterbyrd - 4-3-2014 at 04:22 PM

Quote:

How are you going to get from Real del Mar to Ensenada??


I do want to visit Ensenada. And the bus sounds like a good option.
Quote:

If I were to go to Ensenada, the easiest way would be taking a Greyhound from SD to Camionera Central and then a bus to Ensenada, without wandering around the border. Not the fastest way, but safe and comfortable.


I do not plan to wander around. My plan is: get the 992 from the airport, take the 992 to the SD trolley, take the SD trolley to San Ysidro, walk across the border, make a bee line for the cabs, take a cab to my hotel - which is 16 miles down hwy 1D.

To use the buses, I would have to find a place to stay in Ensenada. I would also have to be concerned about getting to the bus station from the airport, the greyhound schedules, the ABC schedules, and getting a taxi in Ensenada to my hotel there. Might work, I don't know if it's any less trouble.

BajaBlanca - 4-3-2014 at 07:30 PM

I just took the trolley a couple hours ago.

I took the green line to the main station downtown san diego and from there took the blue line straight to san ysidro. after a mango smoothie at jack in the box, i walked to the border with the hordes of others, crossed over the raod that cars enter the US from, crossed the pedestrian line wanting to enter the states and crossed the street. from there you follow the street toward the left and you will see many taxis. negotiate the price before you get in or get ready to be taken to the cleaners! I took the bus, which is around the corner from the taxis, about 2 minutes. nice bakery on that corner BTW. That is where I took the bus to Ensenada where I am right now as I write (((:
I suppose you could rely on taxis if you really cant rent a car, but I think it will make the experience much less pleasureable. that's my opinion ...

Alm - 4-3-2014 at 07:58 PM

If you need to stay in Rosarito area and visit Ensenada, then it's (slightly) different than going straight to Ensenada.

When I have any luggage other than a daypack, for SD-Ensenada I prefer Greyhound to Camionera Central and ABC from there, there is less walking then. Negotiating steps with heavy bags or lifting it into the trolley is not too enjoable. Bus schedule to Ensenada is not an issue, they leave every 20-30 minutes. Greyhound is less frequent, but in daytime you'll have enough of those.

I think in that another thread people already suggested spending the night somewhere at the starting point, and then move on in the morning. Less stressful this way.

walterbyrd - 4-6-2014 at 01:05 PM

Would this work?

There is a Greyhound that is scheduled to leave San Diego at 11:35 PM, and arrive in TJ Central at 12:45 AM. Then an ABC leaves at 01:00 AM. The next ABC does not leave until 05:00 AM.

This is only a 15 minute window. Which makes me a little nervous. At what point would I go though customs? At the Greyhound station before I leave? At the TJ Central station when I arrive?

Also, can I count on the Greyhound getting there at 12:45? Could the bus get held up at the border?

bajaguy - 4-6-2014 at 02:31 PM

S/B Mexican Customs at San Ysidro

I wouldn't bet on any schedules being on time or even close....especially in Baja

Find some place to park in San Diego/Chula Vista and cross in the morning.

I still think a rental car is your best bet, you can go where you want and on your schedule........less stress, more fun, more exploring
Quote:
Originally posted by walterbyrd
Would this work?

There is a Greyhound that is scheduled to leave San Diego at 11:35 PM, and arrive in TJ Central at 12:45 AM. Then an ABC leaves at 01:00 AM. The next ABC does not leave until 05:00 AM.

This is only a 15 minute window. Which makes me a little nervous. At what point would I go though customs? At the Greyhound station before I leave? At the TJ Central station when I arrive?

Also, can I count on the Greyhound getting there at 12:45? Could the bus get held up at the border?

walterbyrd - 4-6-2014 at 02:39 PM

I am fine with a rental car,

But, I think I might be better off renting in Baja. If I rent in SD, then I have to wait for hours to cross the border, each way.

I suppose I could take a Greyhound to TJ Airport and rent from there.

bajaguy - 4-6-2014 at 02:46 PM

You only have to wait crossing back into the US, no wait going into Baja unless you stop and get an FMM
Quote:
Originally posted by walterbyrd
I am fine with a rental car,

But, I think I might be better off renting in Baja. If I rent in SD, then I have to wait for hours to cross the border, each way.

I suppose I could take a Greyhound to TJ Airport and rent from there.

DENNIS - 4-6-2014 at 03:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by walterbyrd
I am fine with a rental car,

But, I think I might be better off renting in Baja.


Let us know how that works out for you. There have been negative reports on renting cars in Mexico.

walterbyrd - 4-6-2014 at 05:52 PM

I don't know if it's true. But I have read that going north, into San Ysidro, is not that bad, if you cross between midnight, and 3am.

I was not sure about going south. Renting a car is sounding a lot better.

aguachico - 4-6-2014 at 06:12 PM

if you are going to a hotel close to real del mar, just walk across the border and catch a cab. Yellow are cabs are more pricey then taxi libres. No cab will need to be full to take you - only the calafias need to be full.

Ask the cab how much in what ever currency you plan to use. repeat the price. make sure you and he know how to arrive at your destination.

I catch a cab from centro to mariano for $200 pesos. So you should only have to pay about the same.

0100 on the weekend is an ok time to cross, just keep walking and don't stop to chitchat or listen to the sob stories.

BTW avoid using your smart phone until you are in the cab. The ratas are fast fast and fly like the wind.

suerte. If you get in a jam feel free to send me a text or call at 619-246-4190.

mtgoat666 - 4-6-2014 at 06:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by walterbyrd
I suppose I should have mentioned, I will be traveling with a friend. Also, I will be traveling very late Saturday night, or very early Sunday morning. Would two people be considered a full cab?

I suppose they would charge more for two people, but at the prices I am seeing, I am okay with that.

The problem with buses is: I will probably be traveling very early Sunday morning - like 01:00 AM. Most buses do not run at that hour. Then I would have to find a cab from where the bus stops. I don't think I want to wait around, at night, for the bus to leave. If a cab costs my friend, and I, $20 each, I think I can live with that.


Why are you doing this in middle of night? Just stay the night in San Diego, and travel during the day,... If you are trying to go cheap cheap, then stay at a hostel, there are several in downtown San Diego.

BajaBlanca - 4-6-2014 at 06:21 PM

Crossing south is a breeze, literally. Going north in the middle of the night should be a walk in the park as well.

wilderone - 4-7-2014 at 07:17 AM

FYI, the Greyhound bus station in San Diego is not on Bdwy/2nd anymore. It's across the street from the Imperial Ave. trolley transfer station - NOT within walking distance from the last 992 bus stop. But don't take the Greyhound to the central bus station. They don't go direct anymore. The Greyhound takes you to the SY side of the border and drops you at a tiny collectiva station, then you wait a few minutes for a collectiva which then waits around in a parking lot in SY for more passengers, then it finally leaves, dropping everyone off where they need to go and also pick up passengers at the little ABC station at the plaza. No joke it took TWO hours from the SD Greyound office to Central bus station. And it cost $17. The trolley costs about $2.25 (senior rate is $1.25). You don't have to go to the central bus station to get a bus to Rosarito - that little ABC station is about a block from all the taxis as soon as you walk across the border - just cross the street and bear left. Don't ask the taxi drivers - they'll say they don't know where it is.
Also, if you don't want to catch a TJ cab in the middle of the night to your destination, there's another cheap place to spend the night on Broadway, San Diego, 2 blocks from America Plaza trolley stop, a converted YMCA: 500West Hotel, 500 W. Broadway, (619) 234-5252, http://www.500westhotelsd.com

BajaBlanca - 4-7-2014 at 12:57 PM

Ditto what wilderone said. i did in months ago and never again.

dasubergeek - 4-7-2014 at 02:50 PM

Also, you will have to wait to cross north whether you are on foot or whether you are in a car. At the weekend the pedestrian line at San Ysidro can be 2 hours.