Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Mexicali
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Mexicali
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Mexicali
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Mexicali
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, offers a unique blend of culture and desert landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore the Desert. Access remote desert landscapes and scenic viewpoints that are difficult to reach by public transport. A rental car provides the means to delve into Baja California's stunning natural beauty.
Flexibility and Convenience. Enjoy the convenience of traveling on your own schedule. Visit local markets, restaurants, and cultural sites without being tied to bus routes or taxi availability.
Visit Nearby Attractions. Take day trips to nearby attractions such as the Guadalupe Canyon Oasis or the Algodones Dunes, all easily accessible with a rental car.
Before renting a car in Mexicali, it's important to understand the local terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
Approximately 8855 square kilometers (3419 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1 million residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Exploring desert landscapes and nearby attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Mexicali require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have surcharges for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like a collision damage waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage options are often available. Fuel policies vary, so confirm whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS, child seats, or one-way rentals. Be sure to clarify these costs before booking.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £8.50 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (November to March): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher tourist volumes during the cooler months.
Low season (June to August): Often come with discounts as fewer travelers visit during the hotter summer months.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Mexicali is straightforward if you follow a few key steps.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and passport or ID when collecting your rental.
Mexicali is a city known for its unique cultural mix and desert surroundings. Renting a car provides the best way to explore the area, but understanding local driving conditions is essential.
Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, is a vibrant city that blends Mexican and Chinese influences. It is known for its hot desert climate and diverse culinary scene. While public transportation is available, a car offers greater flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Remember to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations before you drive.
Top Attractions to Discover
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Visit the beautiful cathedral located in the heart of Mexicali.
Museo Sol del Niño
Explore this interactive science museum perfect for families.
Parque Vicente Guerrero
Relax and enjoy the green spaces of this popular park.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for secure parking garages in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits when using on-street parking.
Parking Lots at Malls
Utilize parking lots at shopping malls, which often provide ample space.
Gas Stations in Mexicali
Pemex Stations
Find numerous Pemex stations, the main fuel supplier in Mexico.
Convenience Stores
Many gas stations have convenience stores for snacks and drinks.
Major Highways
Gas stations are readily available along major highways.
Useful Tips for Visiting Mexicali
Carry Cash
While many places accept cards, having some cash is useful for smaller establishments and street vendors.
Stay Hydrated
Given the desert climate, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Learn Basic Spanish
Knowing basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience.
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your routes accordingly.
Bus Stations
Central de Autobuses de Mexicali
The main bus terminal connecting Mexicali with other cities in Mexico.
Airport
General Rodolfo Sánchez Taboada International Airport (MXL)
Serves domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Mexicali is generally easy, but you need to ensure you have all the required documentation and meet the rental criteria.
A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Spanish.
The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 years old, though some companies may have higher age limits or charge extra fees for younger drivers.
A major credit or debit card in the renter's name is necessary for the security deposit. Check if the rental company accepts debit cards.
A valid passport or government-issued ID is usually required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Mexicali as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed, overall.
James Wilson
Reviewed: 12.08.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Ava Brown
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
Mexicali surprised me! Getting around with a car was a breeze, and I found some hidden gems.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 29.01.2025
Unexpectedly loved Mexicali! Exploring independently by car was fantastic; so much to discover.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Pretty low-key, really.
Noah Carter
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
Mexicali was a blast! Perfect weekend getaway. Exploring the city with a car was so convenient. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 25.03.2025
Amazing spontaneous trip! Mexicali was surprisingly charming; having a car made it so easy to get around.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.10.2024
Such a fun trip! Getting around Mexicali with a rental was easy, and I saw so much.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 02.11.2024
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Loved exploring Mexicali! So much to see, and having a car made it effortless.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 26.09.2024