Best Airports & How to Get from the Airport to the City in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
1. San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Largest airport serving the greater San Diego area, offering numerous direct flights to major cities. Located approximately 60 miles north of Ensenada.
- Direct Flights: Offers numerous direct flights from major US cities
- Rental Cars: Easy access to rental cars for travel to Ensenada
- Public Transportation: Limited public transportation options, but coordinated shuttle services available
2. Tijuana International Airport (TIJ)
Second largest airport in Mexico's Baja California region, located just south of Ensenada. Offers numerous domestic and international flights.
- Domestic Flights: Offers many domestic flights within Mexico
- Border Crossing: Requires crossing the US-Mexico border
- Rental Cars and Taxis: Easy access to rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services for travel to Ensenada
3. Ensenada Airport (Ensenada Aeropuerto Internacional de La Paz)
Small regional airport located within the city of Ensenada, offering domestic flights and limited international connections.
- Limited Flights: Offers limited flight options, mostly domestic
- Convenience: Ideal for those traveling directly to Ensenada without connections
- Taxi and Ride-Share: Easy access to taxis, ride-shares, and shuttle services for travel within the city
4. Shuttle Services from SAN or TIJ
Prearranged shared shuttle services are available from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Ensenada.
- Cost-Effective: A cost-effective option for transportation to Ensenada
- Advance Reservations: Requires advance reservations and may not be as flexible as taxis or ride-shares
- Group Travel: Ideal for group travel, as shuttles can accommodate multiple passengers
5. Taxis from SAN or TIJ
Taxis are readily available at both San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). Fare to Ensenada can vary depending on traffic.
- Flexibility: Provides a flexible option for transportation, as taxis can be hailed directly
- Traffic Delays: May experience traffic delays during peak travel periods or peak hours
- Cost: Generally more expensive than shuttle services but offers door-to-door service
6. Ride-Shares from SAN or TIJ
Services like Uber and Lyft are available at both San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Tijuana International Airport (TIJ). Fare to Ensenada can vary depending on traffic.
- Convenience: Offers a convenient option for transportation, as the service can be easily booked through an app
- Traffic Delays: May experience traffic delays during peak travel periods or peak hours
- Cost: Generally more expensive than shuttle services but offers door-to-door service and the convenience of an app
7. Car Rental from SAN or TIJ
Renting a car at either San Diego International Airport (SAN) or Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) offers flexibility for exploring Ensenada and the surrounding area.
- Flexibility: Provides a highly flexible option for transportation and sightseeing
- Cost: Generally more expensive than shuttle services, taxis or ride-shares but offers the freedom to travel at your own pace
- Road Conditions: Mexico's road conditions can vary; be aware of potential hazards and drive cautiously
8. Public Transportation from TIJ to Ensenada
Public buses are available at Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) for travel to the Tijuana border. From there, cross the border and take a shuttle or taxi to Ensenada.
- Cost-Effective: A cost-effective option for transportation
- Time: May take significantly more time than other options due to transit times and border crossing procedures
- Flexibility: Less flexible, as schedules may be subject to change
9. Border Crossing Shuttle Services
Shuttles specifically for border crossing are available from Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to the San Ysidro border. From there, take a taxi or shuttle to Ensenada.
- Cost-Effective: A cost-effective option for transportation
- Time: May take significantly more time than other options due to border crossing procedures
- Flexibility: Less flexible, as schedules may be subject to change and depend on customs procedures
10. Crossing the Border by Car
If renting a car at Tijuana International Airport (TIJ), crossing the border to Ensenada is straightforward but may take time due to customs procedures.
- Flexibility: Provides a flexible option for transportation and sightseeing
- Cost: Generally more expensive than other options but offers the freedom to travel at your own pace
- Customs Procedures: Expect customs procedures and delays when crossing the border
11. Train Travel to Ensenada
The Tijuana-Rosarito rail service connects Tijuana with Rosarito and Ensenada. Trains run daily but may not be as frequent as other transportation options.
- Cost-Effective: A cost-effective option for transportation
- Time: May take significantly more time than other options due to transit times and border crossing procedures
- Flexibility: Less flexible, as schedules may be subject to change and depend on rail service availability
12. Ferry Service from San Diego
Ferries from San Diego Bay offer a scenic way to travel to Ensenada. Keep in mind that ferry schedules may be less frequent compared to other transportation options.
- Scenic Journey: Offers a scenic journey, taking in the sights of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean
- Cost: Generally more expensive than other options but offers a unique travel experience
- Flexibility: Less flexible, as schedules may be subject to change and depend on ferry service availability
13. Private Car Service from SAN or TIJ
Private car services offer a comfortable and convenient option for transportation to Ensenada. Reservations should be made in advance.
- Luxury: Offers a luxurious travel experience
- Cost: Generally more expensive than other options but offers door-to-door service and increased comfort
- Advance Reservations: Requires advance reservations, as private car services may have limited availability
14. Walking Tours in Ensenada
Explore the city on foot with walking tours focusing on historic sites, local cuisine, and culture.
- Culture: Offers an in-depth cultural experience of Ensenada
- Cost: Generally less expensive than private car services but may not offer door-to-door service
- Flexibility: Less flexible, as tours have set schedules and routes
15. Bike Rentals in Ensenada
Rent a bike to explore the city on two wheels. Bike rentals are available at numerous locations throughout Ensenada.
- Fitness and Environment: Offers an active way to explore the city while promoting fitness and environmental awareness
- Cost: Generally less expensive than private car services or taxis but may not offer door-to-door service
- Weather Conditions: Be aware of weather conditions, as biking in rain or extreme heat can be uncomfortable