Car Rental in Baguio - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Baguio can be worthwhile for specific travel plans, though it's not essential for most tourists. The city itself is compact and walkable, with jeepneys and taxis readily available for getting around town. However, a rental car becomes valuable if you're planning day trips to nearby attractions like Sagada, the rice terraces of Banaue, or coastal areas of La Union, where public transport options are limited and schedules inflexible. Driving in Baguio requires caution due to steep, winding mountain roads, frequent fog, and narrow streets in the city center. Traffic congestion is common, especially during peak tourist season and weekends, making parking challenging in popular areas. The Philippines drives on the right side of the road. Roads to major tourist sites are generally paved but can be narrow with sharp curves. For tourists staying primarily within Baguio city, renting a car isn't recommended—public transport and ride-hailing services are more practical. Consider a rental only if you're comfortable with mountain driving and planning multi-day countryside exploration. Always check current road conditions and rental requirements with local providers before booking.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for specific IDP requirements in Baguio. Check with rental agencies for current requirements as regulations may vary by provider.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be at least 21-25 years old. Verify age requirements with your chosen rental provider.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is generally required. Specific acceptance rules for foreign licenses should be confirmed with rental agencies.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included with rentals, but additional coverage options are often available. Review coverage details with your rental provider.

Credit Card for Deposit

Most rental agencies require a credit card in the driver's name for security deposits. Check deposit amounts and accepted card types with your provider.

Philippine Driving Regulations

Familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and mountain driving conditions specific to Baguio. Current requirements should be verified through official sources or rental agencies.

Rent from established agencies in Baguio city center rather than at the airport, as there's no major airport in Baguio itself - most visitors fly into Manila or Clark and drive up, so book ahead if you need pickup from those locations.

Before driving off, thoroughly check the vehicle for existing damage and ensure it's documented, and verify you have emergency contact numbers - mountain roads require vehicles in good condition, especially brakes and tires.

Download offline maps for Baguio and Benguet province before your trip, as mobile signal can be weak in mountain areas; GPS works but having offline navigation ensures you won't get lost on winding roads.

Fill up on fuel in Baguio city proper before heading to outlying attractions, as gas stations become sparse in mountain barangays; for parking, arrive early at popular spots like Burnham Park as spaces fill quickly, especially on weekends.

Plan to return the car with a full tank and allow extra time for the return inspection - check your rental agreement for the specific return location and hours, as some local agencies have limited operating times.

Baguio's steep, winding mountain roads feature sharp curves and frequent fog that can reduce visibility to near zero - drive slowly and use headlights even during daytime, especially on Kennon Road and Halsema Highway.

Expect heavy traffic congestion during peak hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) and weekends when tourists arrive, particularly on Session Road and main thoroughfares - travel times can double during these periods.

Roads become extremely slippery during the rainy season (June-October) and occasional landslides can occur on mountain routes - check road conditions before traveling and avoid driving during heavy rainfall.

Jeepneys and buses frequently stop without warning to pick up passengers, and local drivers may not always follow strict lane discipline on narrow roads - maintain extra following distance and stay alert for sudden stops.