Car Hire San Felipe Airport

Car Hire

San Felipe Airport is widely known as the gateway to the Sea of Cortez. Resting just seven miles from the heart of San Felipe and the glorious coastline it sits upon, the airport doesn’t serve any commercial flights. Instead, this international facility mainly caters for general aviation flights, which primarily originate in the US. With public transportation rather limited, San Felipe car rental is the most efficient mode of transport from the terminal. Visitors are able to explore the town of San Felipe and beyond with their own vehicle.

Who to Book With
Visitors to San Felipe Airport are recommended to pre-book rental cars. This will allow the local car hire company to prepare the vehicle for the visitor’s arrival. The only recognised car hire agency that provides vehicles at San Felipe Airport is Thrifty, which is one of the most reputable car rental firms in the world.

Need to Know Essentials
Visitors to the airport need to provide several essential documents to rent a car here:

- A national driver’s licence or International Driving Permit
- A valid passport with photo identification
- Credit card
- Evidence of booking

Read our FAQs for more details.

Driving
The only way to get around town is by car. Of course, there are plenty of places that are within walking distance of each other but driving is often easier. Traffic within San Felipe doesn’t get chaotic, even in the peak tourism period, during Spring Break. Most of the hot-spots for tourists are found along the beach roads, where plenty of free parking is available. Despite being asphalted, main roads outside the town are not overly well-maintained, so motorists need to be careful when driving, especially at night. Lighting is reasonable in San Felipe, but is almost non-existent outside the town. The darkness coupled with large potholes make for a hazardous combination for motorists. Many tourists like to drive their cars onto the beach at low tide. Do this with caution, as the sand has been known to bog vehicles, and the tide comes in relatively quickly here.

See our Guide to Mexico for more details on driving here.

Transport

Like the rest of San Felipe, the town’s international airport only operates limited transportation options. Public transportation like buses, trams and trains are non-existent. Therefore, car hire at San Felipe Airport and taxi services are the only transport choices for arriving passengers. Alternatively, patrons can travel the seven miles to central San Felipe on foot.

Buses
Buses are available between San Felipe and Mexicali. However, there are no bus services within the town of San Felipe.

Taxis
Like car hire, taxi services are rather limited. However, taking a taxi to and from the airport is a quick and easy way to make the nine-mile journey. Unlike cabs in the US, San Felipe taxis are relatively inexpensive. It is recommended to phone ahead prior to arriving at the airport.

Facilities

Terminals
The airport is home to a small terminal building, which is mainly used to complete customs inspections, visa requirements and aircraft paperwork. Commercial flights don’t fly into the airport, so aircraft tend to be private single- and double-engine planes. In winter, the terminal is open between 07:00 and 17:00, while in summer, operating hours are between 08:00 and 18:00, every day. No flights may land or take-off outside of these hours.

Parking
San Felipe Airport provides free parking for patrons. The parking lot is situated to the east of the terminal. There are more than 50 car parking spots available and very rarely does the lot become full.

Wi-Fi
No information available

Information Services
There aren’t any official information booths or desks found in the terminal. However, there are plenty of employed personnel ready to answer any questions that patrons may have. Personnel include military inspectors, customs officials and managerial staff.

Useful Numbers
San Felipe Airport Phone Line 1: +52-686-577-1858
San Felipe Airport Phone Line 2: +52-686-577-1368

Accessibility
The terminal is relatively small and easy to navigate. It only has a ground level for passengers, so patrons don’t have to worry about lifts and stairs.

Restaurants and Bars
No information available

VIP Lounges
There are no VIP lounges at the airport.

Money and ATMs
San Felipe Airport doesn’t operate any currency exchange facilities or banking services, including ATMs. However, there are several large banks found in the heart of San Felipe, just 10 minutes’ drive from the airport.

Shopping
There are no shopping facilities within San Felipe Airport’s small terminal building.