Otay Mesa Border Crossing?

[goodluckwithhat]

I've always known this border crossing as the one "from the back." At least that's how my brothers from 'nother mother and I refer it as when we talk about it. I don't recall crossing back by foot but by car. And it hasn't been any faster than San Ysidro.

Oh yes this crossing has given me memorable moments with CBP. I got grilled so hard once I thought they were going to take me in. My buddy told me he would've gone with me anywhere CBP would've taken me. Nice to call him my buddy. Another time CBP gave me the impression they were corrupt. What CBP? So true so true LOL!

 

[Pineapple Shortcake]

No. The Otay crossing doesn't have mongering opportunities.

 

[Rydia]

I've crossed by car and on foot many times at Otay (and, of course, at San Ysidro). I have a friend who lives in Otay and crosses daily on foot to work in San Diego.

Almost always crossing on foot is faster than at San Ysidro. But it's a hassle getting to Otay and and crossing getting from Otay to someplace in San Diego. Often the extra time washes out the time saved.

 

[xEmmywemix]

Wait is sometimes considerably less on foot, but there sometimes is a strip club or massage parlor close, but I don't think any of them have ever lasted long.

 

[Pompal 09.]

It sounds like your walking anyway. Don't waste your time going all the way to Otay. There's basically the same wait time, but the taxis and the drive time are not worth it.

 

[Casca]

Are there bars and girls next to the Otay Boarding Xing?

 

[davght]

I believe both the car and pedestrian line are open 24 hours.

 

[iuli]

I have not used the Otay crossing in a while but I remember that it closed at a certain hour of the night and then you were stuck having to go to San Ysidro and start the line there.

 

[Nancy M]

It is generally faster to cross at Otay. I just use San Ysidro since the lines have not been bad recently and it puts me where I want to be on the US side of the border.

 

[josh k]

Mongers

Has anyone tried the Otay Mesa border crossing?

An Mexican acquaintance of mine visits TJ weekly for legitimate purposes. He visits family members down there and gets dental work and vet work. He does not monger but tells me that Otay Mesa crossing is better than San Ysidro because it is not utilized as much.

He tells me that the wait times to cross into Mexico and back to USA are quite quick. However, the drawback is that the taxi cab ride is much longer to downtown TJ than the San Ysidro border point.

Has anyone tried this route instead of San Ysidro?
Where to park?
Pros and cons compared to San Ysidro?

Thanks