Best Times to Cross San Ysidro
San Ysidro is the busiest land border crossing in the world, with over 70,000 vehicle crossings daily.
Wait times can vary dramatically from 10 minutes to over 3 hours depending on day and time.
- BEST: Monday-Thursday between 5:00 AM - 6:30 AM (typically 15-30 minutes)
- GOOD: After 10:00 PM on weekdays (20-45 minutes)
- AVOID: Friday 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM (2-3+ hours)
- AVOID: Sunday 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM (1.5-3+ hours)
- SENTRI: Usually 10-20 minutes even during peak hours
- Holidays: Add 1-2 hours to normal wait times
- Consider Otay Mesa as alternative during peak times
Required Documentation for San Ysidro
San Ysidro processes millions of crossings yearly. CBP officers are strict about documentation requirements.
Don't risk being turned away - ensure you have valid documentation.
U.S. Citizens
- U.S. Passport (most widely accepted)
- U.S. Passport Card
- SENTRI Card
- Enhanced Driver's License (WA, MI, MN, NY, VT)
- Birth certificate + photo ID is NOT sufficient
Permanent Residents
- Valid Green Card (not expired)
- Passport from country of origin highly recommended
Visa Holders
- Valid passport (valid for 6 months minimum)
- Valid B1/B2 visa stamp
- I-94 if previously entered the U.S.
- Mexican tourist visa (FMM) if spent time in Mexico
Vehicles & Goods
- Vehicle registration in your name
- Proof of auto insurance
- TIP permit if traveled beyond Ensenada
- Declare ALL food items - fines start at $300
- Declare cash over $10,000 USD
Expert Tips for San Ysidro
As the busiest crossing, San Ysidro requires extra preparation and patience.
Follow these tips from frequent travelers for a smoother crossing experience.
- Enroll in SENTRI: Save 1-2 hours per crossing ($100 for 5 years)
- Use Ready Lane if eligible (passport with RFID chip)
- Download Border Times app for live wait times before leaving
- Consider PedEast for pedestrian crossing (faster than vehicle during peak)
- Fill up gas in Mexico - usually cheaper
- Have change ready for trolley/public transit on U.S. side
- DO NOT under-declare - penalties are severe
- Be honest about time in Mexico and purchases made
- Remove items from trunk for faster inspection
- If bringing medication, have prescription or original labels
- Children: Bring birth certificates and custody proof if traveling alone
- Expect random inspections - do not take photos during inspection
Parking Options at San Ysidro
San Ysidro has multiple parking options on both the U.S. and Mexican sides.
Parking on the Tijuana side is generally cheaper.
PedEast Parking (U.S. Side)
Official parking near pedestrian crossing. Very secure and convenient.
$12-15 USD per day, weekly rates available
San Ysidro Lots
Multiple private lots on Camino de la Plaza and Dairy Mart Road.
$8-12 USD per day
Trolley Station Parking
Park at San Diego trolley stations and cross via public transit.
$5-8 USD per day
Tijuana Lots (Mexico Side)
Parking near Plaza Viva Tijuana and border area.
100-150 Mexican pesos ($6-9 USD) per day
Pedestrian Crossing at San Ysidro
San Ysidro has two pedestrian crossing options: PedWest (classic) and PedEast (new, 2019).
PedEast is generally faster and less crowded. Open 24/7.
Pedestrian wait times are typically 20-60 minutes, significantly faster than vehicles during peak hours.
Pedestrian Ready Lane available with RFID documents (chipped passport, SENTRI).
Help Us Improve This Guide
Know something we missed? Have updated information about parking, hours, or crossing tips? We'd love to hear from you!
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