Where Is Tijuana Mexico Located?

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Wondering where is Tijuana, Mexico, located? Get helpful information regarding the city, including its distance from major destinations and Tijuana fun facts.

Tijuana is situated northwest of the Mexican state of Baja, California. It is at the border between California, USA, and Baja, California, Mexico. The city lies along Tecate Creek near the North Pacific Ocean.

Tijuana is the westernmost city in Mexico. It is also the largest in the Baja California peninsula.

Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) or the General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport is the nearest airport in Tijuana Mexico.

Tijuana, Mexico’s exact location is 32.52 latitude and -117.05 longitude.

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Distance to Other Major Destinations:

	Distance	Estimated travel time by car
Tijuana to Mexico City	1,727 miles or 2,779 kilometers	About 31 hours
Tijuana to Puerto Vallarta	1,361 miles or 2,190 kilometers	About 25 hours
Tijuana to Cancun	2,714 miles or 4,368 kilometers	About 49 hours
Tijuana to San Pancho	1,333 miles or 2,145 kilometers	About 24 hours

Where is Tijuana, Mexico, on the Map

Tijuana Fun Facts

1. A resident of Tijuana, Mexico, is called a Tijuanense or Tijuanero.

2. Tijuana Mexico is also called T.J. for short. Old documents show that the place was once called La Tía Juana, Tiguana, Tiwana, and other variations. Tijuana is said to have come from the Kumeyaay word “tiwan” which means “by the sea” in English.

3. The San Ysidro Port of Entry in Tijuana, Mexico, is regarded as the busiest crossing in the world. The San Diego-Tijuana international border, spanning 1,979 miles or 3,185 kilometers, serves more than 50 million people yearly. The two places are a short day trip away from each other.

4. Tijuana earned the nickname “Gateway to Mexico.” It is also called “A Heart Between Two Seas” and “The Most visited city in the world.” All of this regard the fact that the world’s busiest border crossing is found here.

5. Caesar salad was born in Tijuana, Mexico! An Italian American restaurateur, Caesar Cardini, created the legendary dish in 1924 at the Caesar Hotel and Restaurant. Did you know: the original recipe does not contain anchovies.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tijuana Mexico

Is Tijuana in Mexico or the USA?

The city of Tijuana is in Mexico. It is in the northwestern side of the country and belongs to the Mexican state of Baja California.

What US city is closest to Tijuana?

San Diego, California, is the closest US city to Tijuana, Mexico. Tijuana is 20 miles or 32 kilometers away from San Diego. Other US cities that are close to Tijuana include Los Angeles (127 miles or 204 kilometers,) Las Vegas (270 miles or 435 kilometers), and Phoenix (295 miles or 475 kilometers.)

Is Tijuana safe?

Tijuana has long been regarded as unsafe. In fact, it was ranked as the murder capital of Mexico in 2018, with 138 homicides per 100,000 out of a population of 1,909,424. This can be downplayed, even though specific areas in the city are deemed safe to stay in. Street crime and violent crime are prevalent in Tijuana, and its extremely high murder rate alone says much about the unsafe state of the area in general.

How far is it from San Diego to Tijuana?

Tijuana is 20 miles or 32 kilometers away from San Diego via I-5 S. You can cross San Diego to Tijuana by car, trolley, pedestrian bridge, or bus. While the two destinations are conveniently near each other, waiting time to cross the border may take hours.

Why is Tijuana so popular?

Tijuana, Mexico, is popular for both good and bad reasons. It is known for its rich culture, dining, and urban art scene. However, it is infamous for being one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities and the world.