How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tijuana
Searching for a cheap rental car in Tijuana? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging P2,595 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
Daily rental prices in Tijuana start from just P670.
Staying a little longer? Book a weekly rental from P912 and explore more than just the top attractions.
We've cracked the code on when to book. One week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Tijuana car hire.
MEX, Dollar and Ace Rent a Car are some of the most reliable providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
The coverage MEX or another company includes with your Tijuana car hire can differ, so always check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Go wherever the road takes you by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average P3,284 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around P4,117.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly P4,209 a day with this supplier.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Economy rental category ranks as the top pick for travellers visiting Tijuana.
Flying to Tijuana? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Tijuana trip by booking a car hire at Tijuana Airport. The city centre is about 11 kilometers away from this airport, which is a drive of around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Tijuana
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Tijuana gets you moving without breaking the bank. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and advanced tech features, this Tijuana car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country backroads alike.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Tijuana that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Tijuana car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in Tijuana by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
Check each company's age requirements before booking your rental in Mexico. Rules can differ, and some restrictions or fees may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Tijuana car hire reservation.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card that can cover the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Your booking will flag any other must-haves.
If you're new to driving in Mexico, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% applies in Mexico. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Mexican peso (MXN) on your trip here. Along with your credit and debit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
The language most widely spoken in this country is Spanish.
Best hotels in Tijuana for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time making the most of City Express by Marriott Tijuana Otay. About 6 kilometers from central Tijuana, it comes with accessible parking, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk.
Fiesta Inn Tijuana Otay Aeropuerto makes things simpler with parking and features such as air conditioning and express check-in. It's roughly 6 kilometers from the city centre.
Want more inspiration? Browse through the full list of hotels in Tijuana. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Tijuana and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to go first. Get started with big attractions such as Avenida Revolucion, Tijuana Beach Promenade and Coko Bongo Mega Nightclub.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tijuana
Navigate your way to Ensenada. Around 88 kilometers southeast of central Tijuana, it's home to must-sees like Skydive Baja and La Bufadora.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Baja Inn Hoteles Ensenada and City Express by Marriott Ensenada, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Ensenada.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Tijuana and then take off to Tecate. About 40 kilometers east of Tijuana, Rancho Don Lalo and Parque los Encinos are top attractions that are well worth the trip.
Estancia Inn and Capital O Hotel Villa Azura are comfortable places to stay in Tecate if you've got more than a quick stop in mind. Book one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
