How long does it take to cross the Border?

The San Ysidro border crossing is the busiest port of entry in the world. Over 200,000 people cross through the border between San Diego and Tijuana each day. Border traffic is a fluid situation that is never predictable. Certain days and times are typically busier than others but we have found we can never second-guess a typical day. We know for sure that any US or Mexican Holiday will be extra busy which can add an easy hour to the usual 1-2 hours.
Special note: Since the events of September 11, 2001 border security is tighter, there are more uniformed customs agents patrolling the lines, more dogs and more questions at the entry stalls. On very rare occasions the border has been closed for a few hours as security precautions in response to threats and hoaxes. Even with all these factors, typical crossings take 1 hour since 9/11. If anything traffic moving towards the border is more orderly and efficient than prior to 9/11. Exceptions include major holidays where a wait can take 3-4 hours.

If you are flying home the same day you are departing the current location of Rancho Genesis [South of Ensenada], it is highly recommended your flight departure time is late afternoon or early evening. You may even want to consider having a hotel room lined up in San Diego the day you depart Rancho Genesis and fly out early the next morning. To play it safe and stress-free, you should allow a minimum of 8 hours from departure of Rancho Genesis to flight departure:
2.5 hours to the border
3 hours border wait [usually 1-2 hours or if a holiday could be 4 hours]
1 hour to get to the airport, unload and return vehicle rentals
1.5 hour arrival at airport prior to departure