Going to Ensenada area from San Diego airport. Any recommendations for car rentals?

Question

There are some car rental companies in San Diego that claim to rent vehicles for travel in Mexico. But I've also read that to take a car into MX, you have to show ownership of it. So is it advised to rent in the US? Or is it better to get to the border somehow, then rent in Tijuanna and drive to Ensenada?

Any suggestions for a rental company to rent from? If it is best to rent in TJ, how do I get to the border from the airport?

Also, are you more apt to get harrased, robbed, etc. with a US license plate than if you have a MX plate?

Lastly, should I get the MX auto insurance from an online site, or from the rental agency?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Don't rent a car, don't drive across the border unless you are in your own vehicle; not worth the possible hassle crossing the border in both directions.  Here's a much better option:

San Diego-Tijuana-Ensenada

If you reach San Diego, you must first get to the Tijuana border. There are three options to go from the San Diego airport to the border (San Ysidro):

1) Take a taxi (expensive option).

2) Take a bus (about 1.50 US) to San Ysidro. The bus stops at the other side of the parking lot of the United Airlines terminal. We've been told that buses leave every 15 to 30 minutes.

3) Take a bus to the "trolley" station at the center of San Diego. The "trolley" will take you to San Ysidro for 3 US. This is the most frequently used option.

Cross the border on foot (avoid heavy luggage!). Just accross the border there are 2 bus stations servicing Ensenada (ABC and Aragón). Buses leave every 30 minutes, and the price is about 3 US. The trip takes 1.5 hours (you can watch the scenery or a movie).

Tijuana and Ensenada are safe, for the most part.  Use common sense, don't flash a lot of cash, leave jewelry and flashy items home.  Since you are sticking to the most commonly used tourist treks, you should not have any problems.  

Really, waiting in line for up to 2 hours to cross the border in a car just isn't worth it.  Consider the above option, especially #3.  It's fun, safe, quick, scenic and stress-free compared to driving.  

BTW, there is a bus at the SD airport that takes you to the Amtrak station downtown and you can catch the trolley to the border there.

Have a great trip.