If you’re looking for a faster way to get across the border, one option is to get a pass to use the Fast Pass Lane in San Ysidro. The Fast Pass (also called the Fast Lane or Fast Track) is a special lane for tourists crossing at the San Ysidro border crossing who have received a single-use pass by patronizing certain medical centers, doctors offices or hotels in northern Baja. Generally, customers must spend around $1000 pesos in order to receive a Fast Pass. Restaurants no longer have the Fast Passes available to give to customers. Right now the only merchants with passes to give to customers are located in Ensenada, Rosarito and Tijuana. The program is still developing and constantly changing so be sure to call ahead to verify that the merchant has passes and what the requirements are to get one.
The Fast Pass lane is open daily from 8am-10pm. The wait is about 30 minutes. Vehicles with Mexican license plates, vehicles with trailers and motorcycles are currently not allowed to use the Fast Pass lane.
We’ve put together step-by-step photos and Directions to the Fast Pass Lane at the San Ysidro border crossing in Tijuana.
The Ayuntamiento de Tijuana, the authorities who run the Fast Pass program, will not release an official list of establishments that offer the Fast Pass. We’ve put together our own list, below, of establishments that currently have the Fast Pass (and what you need to spend at the establishment in order to get the pass). The availability of Fast Passes is not always certain so before you book, call ahead to the establishment to make sure they have the passes and to verify what you must spend in order to get the pass.
If you know of an establishment that offers the Fast Pass that we don’t have listed, please email us at ask@discoverbaja.com.
ENSENADA
BajaMar – www.bajamar.com, must spend $75 or more to receive pass
Best Western El Cid – www.hotelelcid.com.mx, must stay two nights at the hotel
El Rey Sol – www.posadaelreysol.com, must stay one night in hotel or spend $80 or more in the restaurant
Estero Beach Hotel – www.hotelesterobeach.com, spend one night in hotel
San Nicolas Hotel & Casino – www.snhotelcasino.com, spend one night at hotel and pay extra $10
Las Rosas – www.lasrosas.com, spend one night in hotel
Corona Hotel & Spa – www.hotelcorona.com.mx
Coyote Cal’s (Erendira) – www.coyotecals.com guests pay additional US$10
ROSARITO
Bobby’s Baja – www.bobbysbaja.com, spend $94 in spa
Festival Plaza – www.hotelfestivalplaza.com, must spend two nights in hotel
Grand Baja Resort (Puerto Nuevo Hotel & Villas) – www.grandbaja.com, spend one night in hotel
Rosarito Beach Hotel – www.rosaritobeachhotel.com, spend one night in hotel and pay extra $500 pesos
Rosarito Inn – www.rosaritoinn.com, spend one night at hotel
TIJUANA
Dali Suites – www.dalisuites.com, spend one night in hotel
Driving to Baja? Don’t forget your Mexican auto insurance! Discover Baja has the best rates and the highest-quality insurance. Visit www.discoverbajaonline.com or call 800-727-2252 for more information.