How to Get to Ensenada. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Ensenada

Main Gateways

While Ensenada has a small airfield, commercial passenger flights typically use larger international airports nearby.

Airport Choices

General Rodriguez International Airport (TIJ) - Tijuana, Mexico (~70 miles north).
San Diego International Airport (SAN) - San Diego, USA (~90 miles north).
TIJ features the unique Cross Border Xpress (CBX) bridge to San Diego, US.

Carriers and Destinations

Various airlines operate from these hubs, offering extensive flight networks.

Flight Networks

TIJ: Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus (domestic Mexico, some US).
SAN: Major US and international carriers (Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Lufthansa).
Numerous direct flights from US/Canada to SAN. Limited direct flights from Europe/Asia.

Price Trends

Prices often peak during high season (June-August) and major holidays.

Peak Periods

Booking 2-3 months ahead generally gives the best fares.

Flexibility Payoff

Flexibility with travel dates often brings savings. Check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

TIJ Facilities

Car rentals, taxis, shuttle services are available.
A food court and duty-free shops are present.
The CBX bridge enables seamless crossing for passengers.
Standard amenities meet traveler expectations.

SAN Facilities

Comprehensive facilities: car rentals, taxis, ride-sharing pick-up.
Public transport, diverse dining options, lounges.
Duty-free shopping is an option.
A wide range of services caters to all travelers.

Getting to Ensenada

Tijuana Airport TIJ

Rental car, private shuttle/taxi, ABC bus service from Tijuana's bus station. Uber/ride-share are also options.

San Diego Airport SAN

CBX bridge + transport from Tijuana, rental car with Mexican insurance, private shuttle service.

Cross-Border Driving

Rent from SAN and drive south across the border. Remember Mexican auto insurance. DiscoverCars.com can assist.

Land Transportation to Ensenada

US-Mexico Border

Main land border crossing from US: San Ysidro (San Diego) to Tijuana. Otay Mesa (San Diego) has another option, often swifter for vehicles.

Entry Procedures

Hold your valid passport, FMM card, and mandatory Mexican auto insurance for driving.
Lanes vary; watch for "Declarar" (items to declare) or "Nada que Declarar" (Nothing to Declare) signs.
Walking: A pedestrian crossing exists at San Ysidro (El Chaparral). Stop at the immigration (INM) office.

Long-Distance Buses

No passenger train services link Ensenada to other Mexican cities or the U.S.

Bus Information

Autobuses ABC: Main bus company serving Baja California.
Direct routes from Tijuana to Ensenada, approximately 1.5-2 hours. Buses are comfortable.
Border crossing times can be very long, sometimes several hours. Check CBP Border Wait Times app.

Insurance and Permits

Mandatory Mexican Auto Insurance: Your US or Canadian insurance lacks validity. Acquire a policy specifically for Mexico.

Important Docs

Temporary import permit generally not required for Baja's "free zone".
Carry valid driver's license, vehicle registration, and Mexican insurance policy.
Reputable Mexican insurers include Baja Bound.

Roads and Driving Tips

The main highway, Highway 1 or Carretera Transpeninsular, connecting Tijuana to Ensenada is either a well-maintained toll road (Scenic Highway 1D) or a free road (Highway 1). The toll road delivers a safer and swifter option.

On the Road

Highway 1 (Free Road) can be slower, with more potholes and traffic.
Avoid driving at night, especially outside urban areas, due to poor lighting and livestock.
Topes (speed bumps) appear often, sometimes unmarked, and can be very large. Drive slowly.

Useful Driving Alert

Always ensure you have Mexican auto insurance before driving in Mexico.
This is a non-negotiable requirement.
Your US or Canadian insurance is not valid in Mexico for liability.

Without Mexican insurance, you risk serious legal and financial consequences in an accident.
Government-sponsored roadside assistance ("Angeles Verdes," dial 078) exists for tourists.
Never leave valuables visible in your car when parked.

Sea Arrivals in Ensenada

Cruise Ship Access

Cruises mark a popular way to reach Ensenada.

Port Details

Ensenada Cruiseport Village is a popular stop for Pacific Coast cruises.
Cruises mainly originate from Southern California (Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego).
Cruise lines typically handle FMM paperwork for passengers.

Other Water Transport

River transportation options do not apply; Ensenada is a coastal city.

Ferry Services

No passenger ferry services link Ensenada to mainland Mexico or other international destinations.
Fishing charters and pleasure boat tours operate from the marina.
Taxis, tour buses, and shuttle services are at hand just outside the port.

Departure Formalities

Retain the small portion of your FMM card for departure; it is a must.

Exit Fees

No specific departure tax typically applies at land borders for tourists. For air or cruise departures, the FMM fee is usually in your ticket price.

Departure Timing

Land Border (Tijuana): Allow ample time, 30 min to several hours. Air Departure (TIJ/SAN): 2-3 hours before international, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.

Airport & Station Services

TIJ & SAN Facilities

TIJ and SAN offer standard airport amenities, including dining, shops, lounges, check-in, and security.

Airport Amenities

Dining options cater to various tastes.
Shops and duty-free areas are available.
Lounges provide comfort for waiting passengers.

Bus Station Facilities

Tijuana Central Bus Station (Terminal de Autobuses de Tijuana) provides amenities for bus travelers.

Station Amenities

Waiting areas for passenger comfort.
Small shops and food vendors.
Restrooms and basic services are on site.

Departure Timing Considerations

Land Border

Wait times at the border (Tijuana to San Ysidro/Otay Mesa) can be very long, especially on weekends and holidays, sometimes up to several hours.

Cruise Departure

Follow your cruise line's instructions for re-boarding times to avoid missing your ship.

Air Departure

Arrive at the airport (TIJ or SAN) 2-3 hours before international flights, and 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.

Smooth Departure

Complete all necessary procedures for a smooth exit from Ensenada.

How to Get to Ensenada