---
title: Tijuana Culture & Culinary City Tour
slug: tijuana-up-down-city-tour-san-diego
type: attraction
sub_type: bus tours
source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/tijuana-up-down-city-tour-san-diego
city: San Diego
state: CA
country: US
address: 1050 Kettner Blvd., Santa Fe Train Depot
geo:
  lat: 32.7166
  lng: -117.16952
duration: up to 5 hrs
cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 3 days before the experience.
extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:39:50.064Z
price_from:
  amount: 179.99
  currency: USD
  unit: per_adult
availability: InStock
rating:
  value: 3.5
  count: 1116
  scale: 5
ticket_options:
  - group: Other Options
    options:
      - name: Tijuana Culture & Culinary Tour
        price: 179.99
        regular_price: 189.99
        savings: 10
        ticket_types:
          - name: Adult (13+ yrs)
            min_age: 13
---
## Overview

Travel from San Diego to Tijuana on a guided Tijuana city tour featuring cultural landmarks, local markets, taco tastings, and a private tequila experience. Round-trip transportation, escorted border crossing, and a bilingual guide make this a smooth, half-day visit to Tijuana.

## What's Included

- Round-trip transportation from San Diego to Tijuana  
- Escorted border crossing  
- Bilingual local guide  
- Guided cultural walks in central Tijuana neighborhoods  
- Taco tastings at several well-known local taquerias  
- Private tequila tasting (mezcal available upon request)  
- Fast Pass Lane return for streamlined U.S.-Mexico border crossing  

## What's Not Included

- Gratuities (a standard tip of 10–15% is appreciated for guides and drivers providing excellent service)  

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:start -->
## Ticket Options

- **Tijuana Culture & Culinary Tour** — $179.99 (regularly $189.99, save $10.00)
  This guided afternoon tour from San Diego introduces Tijuana's culture through local neighborhoods, taco tastings, and a private tequila experience. Round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, and assisted border crossing are included. Passport required.
  - Adult (13+ yrs)

<!-- tripster:ticket-options:end -->

## Good to Know

* Guided cross-border day trip from San Diego into central Tijuana neighborhoods.  
* Five-hour experience blending cultural walks with local food tastings.  
* Visit Pasaje Rodríguez, an artistic alley filled with murals, indie shops, and local creatives.  
* Wander Mercado Hidalgo, a beloved open-air market full of vibrant colors, traditional crafts, and local produce.  
* Sample street-style tacos at several well-known local taquerias.  
* Enjoy a private tequila tasting, with mezcal available upon request.  
* Round-trip transportation included for a smooth journey to and from Tijuana.  
* Fast Pass Lane return helps streamline the U.S.-Mexico border crossing.  
* A valid passport is required to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.  
* Moderate walking required; comfortable shoes recommended.  
* Guests must bring a valid passport to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Failure to bring valid documentation will result in denied entry into Mexico, and no refunds will be issued.  
* The tour is designed for guests ages 13 and older.  
* The 50-passenger motorcoach commonly used has a restroom; smaller vehicles do not.  
* Five Star Tours operates rain or shine and does not have assigned seating.  
* Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle are recommended.  
* For special requests or accessibility needs, contact the tour operator in advance.

## Cancellation Policy

Free Changes & Cancellations — See details upon selection.

## FAQs

### Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour will pick up at the Santa Fe Depot at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101.

### What forms of identification do I need to cross in and out of Mexico?

U.S. Citizens are required to bring a passport for re-entry into the United States. Any parents traveling with children are encouraged to carry birth certificates. For Non-U.S. Citizens, a passport, 1-94 card or resident alien card is required. Due to high-security alerts, additional paperwork may be required and is left to the guest to inquire through their local embassy.

### Does the bus have a restroom?

The 50-passenger motorcoach has a restroom and is the vehicle most commonly used on this tour. The smaller motor coaches and vans do not have a restroom.

### How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, including round-trip transportation from San Diego and time spent exploring Tijuana.

### What is included in the experience?

The tour includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual local guide, cultural walks, taco tastings, and a private tequila tasting.

### What kinds of food and drinks are included?

Guests sample street-style tacos from several local taquerias and enjoy a curated tequila tasting, with mezcal available upon request.

### Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour is designed for guests ages 13 and older.

### How much walking should I expect?

Moderate walking is required on city streets and market areas, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

### Does the tour operate rain or shine? Is there assigned seating?

Five Star Tours operates rain or shine and do not have assigned seating.

### What should I bring on the tour?

Guests must bring a valid passport for the U.S.-Mexico border crossing. Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle are also recommended.

### Can special requests or accessibility needs be accommodated?

Five Star Tours makes every effort to provide an inclusive experience for everyone. Please contact the tour operator in advance if you require wheelchair access, special seating, or assistance so that proper arrangements can be made.

### Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are not included. A standard tip of 10–15% is appreciated for guides and drivers providing excellent service.

## Reviews

> "Awesome private day trip to Tijuana with Five Star Tours"
> — fsjnherman, April 02, 2025

> "Full day Mexico tour from San Diego"
> — marysakadjian, January 01, 2025

> "Fun Adventure"
> — 91reedg, December 27, 2024

> "Great experience using Five Star Tours"
> — MaryAnn59, November 05, 2024