Car Rental in El Paso: all year round Home to the Outdoor Adventurers

El Paso is the ultimate border town, nestled in the farthest west corner of Texas against the border to the US state New Mexico on the northwest and the country Mexico to the south. Outdoor adventurers have their home here, whether in the winter or the summer months, and the downtown area is increasingly making itself welcome to the best of hipster culture: good food, free museums, and locally micro-brewed beer. Rent a car today to make the most of your explorations of Texas, New Mexico, and even Mexico.

As summers can get very hot in El Paso, the best time to visit is in the spring or fall, especially from April to June and in October. Mountain climbers will be happy to know, however, that there’s plenty of climbing to do in the winter here as well.

Although the de facto national language of the United States is English, most El Paso residents speak Spanish at home, making the city quite bilingual. Basic speakers of either language should be able to navigate interactions with ease.

The currency is the US dollar. Currency exchange is highly available at airports and popular tourist destinations, and credit cards are accepted at the vast majority of businesses.

Particularly if you’re planning on heading east after exploring El Paso, it’s important to remember that unlike the rest of Texas, El Paso is in the Mountain Time Zone, UTC-7. As soon as you exit El Paso’s neighboring county, Hudspeth, you will lose an hour, arriving in Central Time Zone, UTC-6.

El Paso is accessible by air via two airports, the El Paso International Airport 8 miles northwest of downtown, and the Abraham González International Airport located 15 miles south of downtown in El Paso’s sister Mexican city, Ciudad Juarez. Car rental services are located at both airports, though you should double check regulations and costs concerning crossing the border between Mexico and the United States before you book your car. There are also numerous car rental agencies lining major roadways throughout El Paso itself, particularly along Interstate 10.

Visa Regulations

38 nationalities can enter the United States as tourists without applying for a visa, though if you are among these nationalities, you are still required to fill out the ESTA in advance. Visit esta.us for more information. Everyone who enters the United States will be fingerprinted and biometrically photographed upon entry. If your nationality is not included on the visa-waiver program list, you will be required to apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa in advance of your arrival.

Driving in El Paso

Self-driving El Paso and the surrounding national and state regions is the most convenient and efficient way to make the most of your visit. Many of the most exciting outdoor experiences are only available by personal automobile, and automobile hire is truly comfortable on wide American roads with many parking opportunities.

Right-Hand Driving

• Traffic proceeds on the right-hand side of the road throughout the United States.
• Unless otherwise marked, after coming to a full stop at a red light, you can turn right from the right lane if there is no oncoming traffic.

Typical Speed Limits in Texas

• In municipal and residential areas: 25 to 35 miles per hour
• Outside of the city: 55 to 75 miles per hour
• On interstates: 75 to 85 miles per hour
• You may experience some traffic congestion in downtown El Paso during morning and evening rush hours, and you should expect traffic congestion on both sides of the Mexico-US border. Avoiding crossing the border at morning and evening rush hours is highly recommended.

Other Regulations

1. Street parking is plentiful in downtown El Paso, though it is regulated by time and fee. If you’re having trouble finding a free spot on the street, take advantage of the numerous parking lots and garages. Parking in residential areas is typically unregulated.
2. An international driver’s permit in addition to your valid domestic driver’s license is required for driving in both Texas and Mexico.
3. The Interstate 10 is tolled in and near El Paso.
4. While Texans can be issued a provisional driver’s license as young as 15, you will likely have to be at least 18 years of age to rent a car, and all drivers under 25 are likely to have to pay young driver surcharges.
5. The minimum driving age in Mexico is 18, and drivers are rarely permitted to rent cars under the age of 25. If you’re interested in driving your rental car into Chihuahua, Mexico or beyond, talk to your rental company. Border Zone travel is relatively uncomplicated, but your agency will need to provide you documentation to ease border travel, including a car insurance that is also valid in Mexico. Some surcharges may apply for transnational travel.