Tijuana International Airport sits minutes from the U.S. border, which makes it one of the easiest places in Mexico to pick up a rental car and start driving the same day. MÁS Rent A Car keeps a counter right inside the terminal, so you can go from baggage claim to the driver's seat without hunting down a shuttle to an off-site lot.

This rental location works well whether you're driving into the city for a weekend, continuing south along the Baja California coast, or renting a car in Tijuana, Mexico, specifically to cross into the U.S. and explore San Diego. Either way, having your own rental car means you're not tied to a shuttle schedule or a fixed tour itinerary.

Tijuana International Airport at a Glance

Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) sits at the edge of the city, a short drive from downtown and about an hour from the San Diego border crossing at San Ysidro. The MÁS counter runs 24/7, so the time of rental doesn't depend on your flight schedule — early arrivals and late-night landings are both covered.

Car Rental Tijuana Airport: How the Process Works

Renting a car in Tijuana, Mexico follows a straightforward routine: show your documents at the counter, sign the rental agreement, walk out to the lot, and drive off. Most travelers are done in under fifteen minutes if they arrive with everything ready — a valid driver's license, a government-issued ID, and a personal credit card.

Keep in mind that most car rental companies in Tijuana, MÁS included, do not accept debit cards for the security deposit — you'll need a physical credit card in the name of the person who made the reservation. If your driver's license isn't printed in the Roman alphabet, bring an international driving permit as well; a digital license on your phone won't be accepted at the counter.

What You Need for Car Rental at Tijuana Airport

Before you land, double-check that you have a valid, unexpired driver's license, a passport or another form of official photo ID, and a credit card under your own name. There's no additional daily fee for extra drivers, and MÁS doesn't charge young drivers extra either — renters aged 18 to 25 pay the same rate as everyone else, a policy that isn't universal among rental companies in Mexico.

If you're renting a car in Tijuana for a group, make sure every additional driver brings their own valid license and ID to the counter — MÁS checks documents for each driver listed on the contract, not just the main renter.

Choosing the Right Car Types for Your Trip

The car types you'll find at this rental location range from compact sedans that are easy to park downtown to SUVs and minivans for groups heading down the Baja California coast. A compact car works well if you're staying close to downtown Tijuana; if your trip includes a border crossing with several passengers and luggage, an SUV or minivan gives you more room to work with.

Compact cars are the most requested car types at this rental location because they're easy to park near Avenida Revolución and the historic downtown streets. Larger car types, like SUVs or minivans, make more sense for groups splitting the cost of one vehicle rather than paying for two smaller rental cars separately.

Explore Tijuana, San Diego, and Baja California by Car

Having your own rental car turns Tijuana into a base for exploring both sides of the border. You can spend the morning in the city and cross into San Diego by afternoon, or head south along the coast toward Rosarito and the Guadalupe Valley — all without waiting on a bus schedule or negotiating a taxi fare.

• Tijuana's Cultural Center (CECUT): known locally as "la Bola" for its spherical dome, home to art exhibits, film screenings, and workshops.
• San Diego, California: about an hour across the border, with Balboa Park's 17 museums, Little Italy's restaurants, and whale-watching tours from December through April.
• Rosarito: a 30-minute drive south, with surf breaks, fresh seafood, and Coronado Island nearby for guided snorkeling trips.
• Puerto Nuevo: roughly 48 minutes away, known as Baja California's lobster capital.
• Valle de Guadalupe: Mexico's main wine region near Ensenada, with tastings and vineyard tours. Plan the full driving route from Tijuana to Ensenada before you go.

Returning the Vehicle: Tank of Gas and Local Rental Policies

Most car rental companies in Tijuana, MÁS included, run on a full-to-full tank of gas policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return the vehicle the same way to avoid a refueling charge. Plan to return with enough time before your flight — the counter is inside the terminal, but security lines can add extra time during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car at Tijuana Airport

Can I pay the deposit with a debit card? No — car rental companies at this rental location require a personal credit card for the security deposit, not a debit card.

Is there an extra charge for additional drivers? No. Additional drivers ride along at no extra cost as long as they meet the same license and ID requirements as the main renter.

Can I drive across the border with a rental car? Review the Terms and Conditions before booking, since cross-border coverage depends on the protection plan you choose.

What car types does MÁS offer at Tijuana Airport? The fleet ranges from compact cars to SUVs and minivans, so you can match your rental car in Tijuana to the size of your group and your route.

Tips for a Smooth Local Rental at Tijuana Airport

1. Book ahead of time to lock in better rates and guarantee the car types you want.
2. Bring your documents ready — driver's license, ID, and credit card — to keep the time of rental at the counter short.
3. Photograph the car before you drive off, especially if you're returning it after hours.
4. Check the tank of gas at pickup, so matching it at drop-off avoids a surprise fuel charge.
5. Confirm your rental location ahead of time — MÁS operates directly from the terminal, not an off-airport lot, so there's no shuttle wait.

Ready to go? Reserve your Tijuana car rental online and pick it up right at the airport counter as soon as you land.