Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Ensenada
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ensenada
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ensenada
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ensenada
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Ensenada, a vibrant coastal city in Baja California, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and culinary delights. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore this diverse region at your own pace.
Explore Scenic Routes: Ensenada is surrounded by stunning coastal roads, vineyards, and mountain landscapes. A rental car allows you to easily access these scenic routes and discover hidden gems along the way.
Visit Nearby Attractions: With a rental car, you can conveniently visit popular attractions such as La Bufadora, Guadalupe Valley (wine country), and the beaches of Rosarito and Puerto Nuevo, known for its lobster feasts.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Having your own car gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary and explore at your own pace, without being restricted by public transport schedules.
Before booking a rental car in Ensenada, it’s essential to understand the rental terms and conditions. These typically cover aspects like age requirements, driving licence validity, insurance, deposits, and any potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 52,482 square kilometres (20,263 square miles)
Population
Approximately 520,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PST/PDT)
Ideal for
Exploring Baja California
Rush Hours
Weekdays 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Ensenada require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driving licence from your country of residence is typically required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in Spanish or English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but it's advisable to consider additional coverage options. A security deposit is generally required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage limits. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS, child seats, or additional drivers. Be sure to enquire about any potential surcharges.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts and lower rates for car rentals.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Follow these simple steps to book a car in Ensenada and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and other conditions.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking your rental car in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving licence, passport, and credit card for pickup.
Ensenada is a bustling port city with a vibrant atmosphere and rich maritime history. It's known for its beautiful coastline, fresh seafood, and proximity to the Guadalupe Valley wine region.
As a major tourist destination in Baja California, Ensenada offers a mix of natural beauty and urban attractions. Understanding local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access is crucial for a smooth driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
La Bufadora
A marine geyser that shoots water high into the air.
Guadalupe Valley
Baja California's premier wine region.
Malecon
Ensenada's scenic waterfront boardwalk.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the city centre and near popular attractions.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available, but can be limited during peak times.
Parking Lots
Private parking lots offer secure parking options.
Gas Stations in Ensenada
Pemex
The primary gas station chain in Mexico.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in and around Ensenada.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Ensenada
Traffic
Be prepared for traffic congestion during peak hours and weekends.
Driving
Drive defensively and be aware of local driving habits.
Spanish
Knowing basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.
Safety
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Major Bus Stations
Ensenada Bus Terminal
Serves various destinations within Baja California and beyond.
Airports
Ensenada Airport (ESE)
A small airport primarily serving general aviation.
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Located approximately 110 kilometres (70 miles) north of Ensenada, offering domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Ensenada is generally straightforward, but it's important to have the necessary documents and meet the requirements set by the rental company.
A valid driving licence from your country of residence is required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Ensenada as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Family vacation in Ensenada was perfect! Having a car made exploring so easy; beautiful beaches and delicious seafood.
David Lee
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Coastal Ensenada was pure bliss! Cruising the coast in my rental was so freeing; perfect getaway.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
So glad I returned to Ensenada after all these years! Exploring by car was a breeze; the coast is stunning.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Relaxing, good vibes
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Chill vibes, good enough.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Quick business trip, but Ensenada charmed me! Exploring by car was effortless; I'll be back.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 20.12.2024
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Ensenada was fantastic! Easy to get around, great food, and fun with friends.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 18.05.2025