Car rental in Leon and the Bajio

Driving times from BJX

• Leon (approx. 25 to 30 minutes).
• Guanajuato city (approx. 30 to 40 minutes): a UNESCO World Heritage centre. Park at the edge and walk in; the historic core is a maze of tunnels and alleys.
• San Miguel de Allende (approx. 1 hour 15 minutes): the best known destination in the state.
• Dolores Hidalgo (approx. 1 hour), on the way to San Miguel.
• Queretaro (approx. 2 hours).

Business travel in the industrial corridor

Many of our BJX customers are here for work. The industrial parks around Silao, Leon, Irapuato, Salamanca and Apaseo concentrate automotive and manufacturing operations, and two or three meetings in a day rarely works without your own vehicle. If you need a Mexican tax invoice (factura), say so when booking.

Driving in the Bajio

The highways between the main cities are toll roads and in good condition, but the booths largely take cash: carry pesos even though the rental is paid by card. Morning fog is common in winter between Silao and Guanajuato, and the tunnel network under Guanajuato city regularly confuses satellite navigation.

Economy car rental

Our Economy category includes models such as the Chevrolet Spark and Renault Logan, or similar depending on availability. They are the most rented cars for city driving and short highway trips: easy to park and cheap to fuel.

Our rates are typically lower than the counters inside the terminal across most categories. Check availability for your dates before booking.

What you need to rent

• Minimum age 18. Drivers aged 18 to 24 pay an extra 5 USD per day. The maximum age is 70, and drivers aged 65 to 70 pay the same 5 USD per day surcharge.
• A valid driver licence at the start of the rental. Foreign visitors need a valid passport; based on your entry stamp you may rent for up to 90 days.
• A card in the renter's name. We accept VISA, MASTERCARD and AMERICAN EXPRESS, credit or debit. We do not accept cash.
• Additional driver: 5 USD per day, up to 3 additional drivers.

Insurance in Mexico, and why your home policy will not cover you

This is the point that surprises most visitors from the United States and Canada. US automobile liability insurance is not valid in Mexico, and neither is most collision and comprehensive coverage issued by US companies. Claims for incidents in Mexico are governed by Mexican law. We strongly recommend buying coverage that protects you against third-party liability for people and property.

Your security deposit depends on the coverage you take. With no coverage from us the deposit is 2,500 USD, and you must show written proof of a policy valid for the city, the dates and the class of car.

If your credit card was issued outside Mexico the deposit may be increased by 250 USD. It is released when you return the car in the agreed condition: 1 to 7 business days for credit cards, and up to 30 business days for debit cards.

Fuel, cancellation and roadside assistance

• Fuel: the car is handed over with a full tank and must be returned full. Otherwise refuelling is charged at 25% above market price.
• Cancellation: free of charge up to 48 hours before your reservation time. Cancelling later, or not showing up, incurs a 25 USD charge.
• Roadside assistance: optional, 5 USD per day. Covers lost or locked-in keys, a dead battery and fuel delivery. It does not cover key replacement.

Frequently asked questions about renting in Leon and the Bajio

See all our frequently asked questions (Spanish).