TRAFFIC SNARL-UP AT PLAYAS DE TIJUANA EXIT

Updated December 25, 2009:

There is a detour, as well as a military check point, on the border road from the San Ysidro Port of Entry at the Playas de Tijuana exit. I was told that traffic officers are directing the lane change at the Playas exit.  Both Kurt (who travels the road every day) and Amy have indicated to just follow the signage to the Cuota and stay out of the Playas lanes, which is where they are doing the construction. 

Others have said they had to go into Playas and make a U-turn to access the Rosarito exit ramp from Playas.

Another suggestion was to take the southbound HWY 2 rather than exit from the border road to Playas.  HWY 2 southbound will take you to the careterra libre near la Gloria, which leads to Rosarito.  There is apparently construction activity on the careterra libre southbound lane from TJ to Rosarito as well; however I was told that the best way to get from Rosarito to TJ is to take the northbound careterra libre.

I was told the project will last at least a month. Expect a two-hour delay during evening commute times. Apparently, there is less traffic in the late morning or early afternoon.

I would appriciate any info regarding traffic conditions on HWY 1D, the border road (Bulevardo International) Corredor 2000 Tijuana-Rosarito, or the Tijuana-Rosarito careterra libre, as I have received several inquiries.

Those who are without personal transportation can cross the border on Mexicoach from San Ysidro and vice-versa. Their website is at URL: www.mexicoach.com. I was told there there was a problem at the San Ysidro Trolley stop because the bus did not show up there the other day.

FYI, I cut and pasted the following information from the Mexicoach website:

§ San Ysidro Trolley Stop

Take the Blue Line trolley south to its last stop. Mexicoach may pick you up on the other side of the roundabout under the “Downtown Tijuana” sign.

§ Border Station Parking

Drive down the I-805 or I-5 south and take the last U.S. Exit (Camino de La Plaza). You will see the Border Station Parking Lot to your right. At the entrance of the parking lot you will find the Mexicoach waiting area:

4570 Camino de la Plaza
San Ysidro California USA 92173

(619) 428-9517
(619) 662-3905

§ Old Town

The VIC is in the heart of Old Town, just in front of the water shooting cowboys. 2415 San Diego Ave. San Diego, CA 92110

Tijuana
§ Tijuana Tourist Terminal

The Mexicoach terminal is located on Avenida Revolución between 6th and 7th street:
Terminal Turística Tijuana Av. Revolución 1025 Between 6th & 7th Streets
Zona Centro, Tijuana, BC, C.P. 22000

Phone: 011+52(664) 685 1470

Rosarito
§ Rosarito Beach Hotel

Mexicoach stops inside Rosarito Beach Hotel located on Rosarito’s main street (Boulevard Benito Juárez).

Here is the Mexicoach schedule (Thanks to Laura!):

From SAN YSIDRO (USA)

To Tijuana

ONE WAY - $4.00 dlls

ROUND TRIP - $6.00 dlls

Rosarito*

ONE WAY - $13.00 dlls

ROUND TRIP - $20.00 dlls

From/To Rosarito, Tijuana

ONE WAY - $7.00 dlls

ROUND TRIP - $14.00 dlls

*Transfer in Tijuana Tourist Terminal

Departure Times:

San Ysidro - Tijuana

8:00 am a 8:00 pm, Monday-Sunday

Departure from San Ysidro to Tijuana are "every hour".

Tijuana – San Ysidro

5:30 am to 8:00 pm, Monday-Friday

6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday

7:00 am to 8:00 pm, Sunday

Departures from Tijuana to San Ysidro are "every hour".

Tijuana – Rosarito, 12:00 (Noon) & 4:00 pm, Monday - Sunday

Rosarito -Tijuana, 10:00 am & 2:00 pm, Monday - Sunday
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It appears that timing is everything as far as traveling into Rosarito is concerned.  The sooner, the better.  If you make the trip in the late afternoon or in the evening, you will be faced with traffic lines.