VERIFIED REVIEWS
About renting a car with Budget in Cbx
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget at CBX include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating at CBX, including Budget, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:
- Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
- Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
- Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
- No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification
All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected Budget rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip at CBX.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter at CBX when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Budget booking at CBX are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the Budget counter.
On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the Budget counter at CBX charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with Budget to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.
The only costs outside this guarantee are:
- Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
- Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)
Where is the Budget counter at CBX and how does pickup work?
The Budget counter at CBX is located inside the U.S.-side terminal of Cross Border Xpress in Otay Mesa, California. After crossing the pedestrian skywalk bridge from Tijuana Airport and clearing U.S. security, follow the signs to the car rental desks inside the arrival terminal. No shuttle or transport to an off-site lot is needed.
To complete your Budget pickup at CBX, bring the following physical documents:
- Your driver's license (original, unexpired)
- A major credit card in the main driver's name with the name printed on the card
- Your passport or government-issued photo ID
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
Once the agent verifies your documents, your Budget vehicle is parked directly outside the CBX arrival terminal, so you can drive away within minutes of completing paperwork. For after-hours returns, park in the designated return area, lock the vehicle, and use the key drop box. Your rental remains your responsibility until the car is checked in the next business day.
What documents do I need to pick up my Budget rental at CBX?
To pick up your Budget rental at CBX, you must present all documents in physical form. Digital copies are not accepted at the counter.
- A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
- A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting from abroad
If your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory at the CBX Budget counter. For licenses in other non-English scripts, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP is a translation only and must be carried alongside your original license, never as a standalone document.
Debit cards and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security hold at CBX. Make sure your credit card has sufficient available credit to cover the hold, which is typically US$300 to US$400 for standard vehicles in the United States.
Are there toll roads near CBX that will affect my Budget rental?
Yes, toll roads are relevant to your Budget rental at CBX. The terminal sits in Otay Mesa, where I-905 and SR-125 are the primary routes connecting CBX to the broader San Diego area and the Mexican border. California uses the FasTrak electronic toll system statewide, and nearly all toll facilities are fully cashless.
For most driving around the San Diego area from CBX, toll exposure is limited compared to Northern California or Orange County. However, if you travel north toward Los Angeles or Orange County, you may encounter:
- Orange County toll roads: SR-73, SR-133, SR-241, and SR-261
- Express lanes on I-10, I-110, and other freeways with dynamic pricing
Your Budget vehicle at CBX includes an electronic toll device or plate-based billing. At the counter you can choose between two options:
- An unlimited toll package at approximately US$11 to US$25 per day
- Pay-per-use billing, where actual tolls plus administrative processing fees are charged to your card, sometimes weeks after the rental ends
If you plan to use your own FasTrak account, notify the Budget agent at CBX so they can deactivate the vehicle's default device and avoid duplicate charges.
Can I get toll cashback on my Budget rental at CBX?
Yes, all bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Budget rentals at CBX, include Tolls Cashback of up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental.
This benefit is especially useful at CBX because the Otay Mesa area connects to SR-125 and I-905, and longer drives toward Los Angeles or Orange County can involve FasTrak toll roads and express lanes. You pay tolls normally during your Budget rental, then claim reimbursement afterward.
To claim your Tolls Cashback after returning your CBX rental:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback - followed by your reservation confirmation number
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals reservation confirmation, the signed rental agreement from Budget, and a toll receipt or statement showing charges paid during the rental period
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Claims submitted after 30 days are not accepted.
What is the security deposit for a Budget rental at CBX?
When you pick up your Budget rental at CBX, the counter agent will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but it reduces your available credit until your bank releases it after the rental ends.
For standard vehicles rented in the United States, including at CBX, the typical hold is approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount can vary based on the vehicle class, rental duration, and Budget's specific policy at the CBX location. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry a higher hold.
Important requirements for the deposit at CBX:
- A physical, major credit card in the main driver's name with the driver's name printed on the card is required
- Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted for the deposit
- The card must have sufficient available credit to cover the hold plus any expected charges
After you return your Budget vehicle at CBX, the hold is released. Your bank or card issuer controls when it reappears in your available credit, which can take up to 15 business days.
Can I add an additional driver to my Budget rental at CBX?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Budget rental at CBX, but the additional driver must be present at the counter during pickup with their own valid driver's license.
For Budget at CBX, the additional driver fee is US$13 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes for the rental period. Note that for Budget, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old at the time of pickup.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at the CBX Budget counter:
- The additional driver must appear in person at pickup
- They must present a valid, original driver's license
- If their license uses a non-Latin alphabet, an IDP is required
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by the rental protections such as CDW/LDW and liability coverage. If someone drives the Budget vehicle at CBX who is not named on the contract, coverage may be void and additional charges could apply. Check your booking confirmation to see if an additional driver is already included in your rate.
Does Budget at CBX charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under 25?
Yes, Budget at CBX applies a young driver surcharge for renters between the ages of 21 and 24. In the United States, the standard minimum age to rent without a surcharge is 25, and Budget follows this policy at CBX.
Drivers aged 21 to 24 can still rent a Budget vehicle at CBX but should expect:
- A daily young-renter surcharge billed at the counter
- Restrictions on certain vehicle classes such as full-size SUVs, minivans, convertibles, luxury, and premium vehicles
- Eligible classes for under-25 renters typically include economy, compact, medium sedan, standard sedan, compact SUV, and medium SUV
There is one notable exception for Budget at CBX: renters aged 21 to 24 who are citizens or residents of Latin America or the Caribbean may have the underage fee waived, provided the waiver is explicitly shown on their Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation and they select an eligible vehicle category. This exception applies only to the main driver, not to additional drivers.
Drivers under 21 are not eligible to rent at CBX through Budget. Always verify the surcharge amount and vehicle class restrictions in your booking confirmation before arriving at the CBX counter.
Can I pick up my Budget rental at CBX and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals are available with Budget at CBX, allowing you to return the vehicle to a different location. A drop-off fee applies and the amount varies depending on the return location, vehicle class, and route distance.
The drop-off fee for your Budget CBX one-way rental will be shown during the booking process under the section labeled as charges due at the destination. It is not prepaid and is not covered by No Extra Charges© unless it was not disclosed in your confirmation.
Key things to know about one-way rentals from CBX:
- Same-city routes such as CBX to downtown San Diego may carry no drop-off fee
- Routes to other California cities or out-of-state destinations typically include a drop-off fee
- Cross-border one-way rentals, such as returning the Budget vehicle in Mexico, may be restricted or require special authorization
- Changing your return location after booking may reprice the rental and recalculate the drop-off fee
Review your booking confirmation carefully to confirm the drop-off fee for your specific CBX to destination route before completing your reservation.
What travel assistance is included with my Budget booking at CBX?
Most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals, including Budget rentals at CBX, include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit is designed for situations such as a medical emergency or accident while driving in the Otay Mesa area or on routes like SR-125 or I-905 near CBX.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
- Legal assistance in the event of an accident
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call the toll-free number listed on your Hola Car Rentals confirmation or contact Terrawind via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001 or by email at [email protected]. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this travel assistance benefit does not apply to residents of the United States or Canada. It also does not cover damage to the Budget rental vehicle itself, which is handled by CDW/LDW, or third-party liability, which requires separate coverage. Always review the exact terms and coverage limits shown on your booking confirmation.
What insurance options are available for my Budget rental at CBX?
When picking up your Budget rental at CBX, you will have the option to add or confirm insurance coverages at the counter. Understanding what each type covers helps you avoid paying for duplicate protection.
The main coverage types available for Budget rentals at CBX include:
- Collision Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the Budget vehicle from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation shows zero deductible. This does not cover damage to other vehicles or injuries to other people.
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving the Budget vehicle at CBX. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability, but not all do. Adding supplemental liability up to US$300,000 is strongly recommended.
CDW/LDW does not cover prohibited use such as off-road driving, driving under the influence, or use by an unauthorized driver not listed on the Budget rental agreement at CBX. Always confirm which coverages are included in your rate and which are optional before signing the contract.
What is the fuel policy for Budget rentals at CBX?
Budget rentals at CBX follow a Full-to-Full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid fuel charges.
Steps to follow for the fuel policy at CBX:
- At pickup, check the fuel gauge with the Budget agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the odometer and fuel gauge
- Ask the agent about the nearest gas station to the CBX return area so you can refuel before dropping off
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles or 15 kilometers of the CBX return location to avoid the gauge dropping before you arrive
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the Budget vehicle at CBX with less than a full tank, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. For after-hours returns at CBX, leave the fuel receipt in the key drop envelope and keep a photo of the full gauge as evidence.
What happens if I arrive late for my Budget pickup at CBX?
If you arrive later than your scheduled Budget pickup time at CBX, your reservation is generally held for up to 24 hours from the original pickup time. If your delay is caused by a flight disruption, the Budget counter at CBX will typically hold your booking as long as you arrive within that 24-hour window and during counter operating hours.
Key points to keep in mind for late arrivals at CBX:
- If your delay is less than 24 hours, your Budget reservation at CBX should still be honored
- If your delay exceeds 24 hours, the booking may be forfeited with no refund
- Make sure you will be arriving during the CBX counter's service hours, as after-hours pickups may not be available without prior arrangement
- For significant delays, contact Hola Car Rentals support via WhatsApp at +1 (786) 999-8312 or by email at [email protected] as soon as possible
For after-hours vehicle returns at CBX, Budget provides a key drop box in the designated return area. Park in the marked spots outside the arrival terminal, remove all belongings, lock the vehicle, and deposit the keys. The vehicle remains your responsibility until it is checked in on the next business day.
Are there local fees or surcharges added to Budget rentals at CBX?
Yes, Budget rentals at CBX include several local fees and surcharges on top of the base rate. Because CBX functions as a terminal-style rental hub in Otay Mesa, California, it is subject to airport-style fees similar to those at major California airports.
Common fees added to Budget rentals at CBX include:
- Airport concession recovery fee (ACRF): a percentage charged by the rental company to recover the cost of operating at the CBX terminal
- Customer facility charge (CFC): a per-day or per-rental fee tied to the terminal facilities
- California state and local sales taxes applied to the rental total
These fees are typically 10 to 15 percent of the base rate in total and are not always shown upfront in the base price. Your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation will indicate whether taxes and fees are included in your prepaid rate or listed as charges due at the CBX Budget counter.
If your confirmation shows taxes and fees as included and you are still charged for them at the CBX counter, the No Extra Charges© guarantee may apply. Keep all paperwork and contact Hola Car Rentals support after completing your rental for review and potential reimbursement.
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