Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Tijuana
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Tijuana
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Tijuana
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Tijuana
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.
Tijuana is a vibrant city full of culture, delicious food, and exciting attractions. While public transport and taxis are available, hiring a car provides the ultimate flexibility to explore at your own pace and venture beyond the typical tourist spots.
Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots. With a hire car, you can easily visit nearby beaches like Rosarito or explore the Guadalupe Valley wine region, destinations that are difficult to reach using public transport.
Convenience and Comfort. A hire car offers convenience and comfort, especially if you're travelling with family, carrying luggage, or planning to purchase goods in Tijuana.
Discover Hidden Gems. Uncover Tijuana's hidden gems, from unique street art to authentic local eateries, without being restricted by bus routes or taxi availability.
Before hiring a car in Tijuana, ensure you meet the necessary requirements and understand the hire terms. Being aware of these conditions will help you avoid unexpected issues and enjoy a smooth hire experience.
Area
Approximately 876 square kilometres (338 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.8 million residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Exploring Baja California
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM on weekdays
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Tijuana require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver's LicenseA valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. If your licence is not in English or Spanish, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
3. InsuranceLiability insurance is mandatory in Mexico. Check if your existing car insurance policy extends to Mexico, or purchase additional coverage from the hire company.
4. Security DepositA security deposit is typically required, which is usually held on a credit card. The amount varies depending on the hire company and vehicle type.
5. MileageCheck the mileage policy. Unlimited mileage is often available, but some hires may have mileage restrictions with additional charges per mile.
6. Extra FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, airport surcharges, or optional add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Car hire prices in Tijuana vary depending on the season, car type, and hire company. Booking in advance and comparing prices can help you find the best deals.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Peak season (December to April): Expect higher demand and prices, with increases of 20-30% due to tourism.
Low season (May to November): Offers discounts, making it a more budget-friendly time to hire a car.
Car hire rates in Tijuana are influenced by seasonal demand. Understanding these trends can help you plan your trip and find the best deals.
Booking a car in Tijuana is easy if you follow these simple steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison websites to compare prices from different hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and budget.
3. Check Hire Terms - Read the hire agreement carefully to understand the terms and conditions.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, passport, and credit card to pick up your hire car.
Tijuana is a bustling border city with a unique blend of Mexican and American cultures. Driving in Tijuana can be an adventure, so it's essential to be aware of local traffic laws and driving conditions.
As a major city in Baja California, Tijuana offers a wide range of attractions, from historical landmarks to modern entertainment. While exploring the city, be mindful of traffic patterns and local customs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Avenida Revolución
The main tourist street, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT)
A modern cultural complex showcasing art, theatre, and film.
Playas de Tijuana
A coastal area with beaches, restaurants, and stunning ocean views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the city centre and near major attractions, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours. Watch for parking regulations to avoid fines.
Park & Ride
Some areas offer park-and-ride options, allowing you to park outside the city centre and take public transport to avoid traffic.
Gas Stations in Tijuana
Major Brands
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city, with major brands like Pemex, Chevron, and Arco.
Payment Methods
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially at smaller stations.
Refuelling Tips
Refuelling is typically done by attendants, who may also offer additional services like checking your oil and tyre pressure.
Useful Tips for Visiting Tijuana
Learn Basic Spanish
Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful when communicating with locals.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours, so allow extra time to reach your destination.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Major Bus Stations
Central de Autobuses de Tijuana
The main bus terminal, connecting Tijuana to other cities in Mexico.
Airports
Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Serves both domestic and international flights, including a cross-border terminal to San Diego.
To hire a car in Tijuana, you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required.
A passport is necessary for identification, especially for foreign visitors.
A credit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
Drivers must typically be at least 21 years old.
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.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Tijuana 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.
Tijuana's charm rediscovered! So much has changed since my last visit.
David Garcia
Reviewed: 26.05.2025
It was great to revisit Tijuana after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and I loved rediscovering the city's vibrant culture and delicious food.
Karen Wilson
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Tijuana was a delightful stop on our road trip! Having a car made getting around so easy, and we found some fantastic little restaurants. Highly recommend.
Evelyn Hernandez
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Heard great things, and Tijuana delivered! Getting around with a car was perfect.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
Tijuana surprised me! A spontaneous weekend trip, made incredibly easy by having a car. Loved it.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Jessica Lee
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Exploring Tijuana was effortless! So much to see, and having a car made it perfect.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 01.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Benjamin Taylor
Reviewed: 02.12.2024
Tijuana was vibrant and fun! Getting around with a car was a breeze; so convenient.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 28.11.2024
Quick business trip to Tijuana. Having a car was a lifesaver, although the food options near my meetings were a bit limited. Otherwise, efficient and effective.
Anthony Flores
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
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Tijuana was amazing! Family vacation made easy with our rental car.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 08.03.2025