Crossing into Mexico at Tijuana border

All/anyone have any info on boarder crossing into and back at CA/Tijuana boarder. I have a passport, I plan to stay 3-5 days, travel about an hour or so south to the coast to Playa La Mission. I know I need insurance and if I top off my tank in USA I should be able to get there and back across without needing gas in Mexico. I also know don't argue with police and have money for the tolls.
1. But if needed is the gas ok to use and do they have premium and is worth the extra cost?
2. Can I split the traffic at the crossing to get up to the check point or is there a motorcycle lane and if I split it will I get in trouble?

Any other info and recommendations are greatly appreciated and thank you

Steve

jsphillips said:

All/anyone have any info on boarder crossing into and back at CA/Tijuana boarder. I have a passport, I plan to stay 3-5 days, travel about an hour or so south to the coast to Playa La Mission. I know I need insurance and if I top off my tank in USA I should be able to get there and back across without needing gas in Mexico. I also know don't argue with police and have money for the tolls.
1. But if needed is the gas ok to use and do they have premium and is worth the extra cost?
2. Can I split the traffic at the crossing to get up to the check point or is there a motorcycle lane and if I split it will I get in trouble?

Any other info and recommendations are greatly appreciated and thank you

Steve

Click to expand...

No joking from me on this...

https://travel.state.gov/content/tr.../traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

soocom1 said:

No joking from me on this...

https://travel.state.gov/content/tr.../traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

Click to expand...

Thank you I will take this into consideration while traveling there

I’ve only taken a bike in at the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing, but if I were headed to yourq destination I’d be tempted to go a few miles east to the smaller crossing at Tecate. Shorter lines and less of a circus atmosphere once across, since nothing can be more of a circus than Tijuana.

Gas shouldn’t be a problem, especially if you cross with a full tank. Enjoy the beach!

Best,
DG

GTRider said:

I’ve only taken a bike in at the Lukeville/Sonoyta crossing, but if I were headed to yourq destination I’d be tempted to go a few miles east to the smaller crossing at Tecate. Shorter lines and less of a circus atmosphere once across, since nothing can be more of a circus than Tijuana.

Gas shouldn’t be a problem, especially if you cross with a full tank. Enjoy the beach!

Best,
DG

Click to expand...

Good idea thanks for the help

I feel Baja Mexico only gets better the further south you travel. It's definitely a place that I want to see more of. You'll find the toll roads in northern Baja to be some of the nicest and least traveled road you can ride on. I would not worry about buying gas in Baja: https://www.tripsavvy.com/buying-gas-in-mexico-1589145

A agree with the DG, we went across at Tacate with no problems or lines. On the way back we timed it poorly and returned on a Sunday afternoon and there was a line at least a mile long. Fortunately, it's expected that motorcycles ride up to the front.

As far as safety, I tent to follow these simple rules:
- Avoid border towns, travel straight through them to greener pastures.
- Don't get drunk. You're common senses go out the door when you're drunk.
- Do not ride at night in Mexico. Stray animals are a common thing. Not worth the risk.
- Be friendly, a smile can defuse most situations.

If you're looking for some ideas on what to see in Mexico, perhaps check out my ride-report we did last year:
https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthread.php?90554-Baja-para-dos-Nine-day-adventure-in-Baja-Mexico

Millions of Americans visit Mexico, especially Baja, every year without problem. I'm not saying you shouldn't read the warnings and be aware - I'm just saying you shouldn't let fear overwhelm your sense of adventure.

Enjoy Baja - send pictures!!