Numerous options exist for getting into and around Juarez as well as the rest of Mexico.

The El Paso - Juarez Trolley Company is a good option for anyone looking to make a short daytime trip to Juarez.  Designed to look like trolley cars of old, these buses leave the Civic Center in El Paso on an hourly basis.

Called "The Border Jumper" these "trolleys" follow an established route across the border and loop around the city with stops at several of the major markets and tourist attractions. 

The fare for adults is $11.  Each passenger is given a colored wrist band and may depart the "trolley" at any stop and re-board a later bus when ready to move on.  You do need to remember that the last "trolley " of the day leaves El Paso at 5 pm.

The Twin Cities Bus Lines
This is kind of the Juarez equivalent of the El Paso-Juarez Trolley but more of a border crossing for locals than for tourists.  This bus also follows a fixed route through both cities, but the adult fare is only $1.50.  This, however, is not a round trip fare and you will be expected to pay the fare every time you return to the bus.

Probably the easiest place to catch the Twin Cities Bus in El Paso is at the local bus stop in front of the Kentucky Fried Chicken on Paisano Street just one block east of El Paso Street.  They are the big dark blue buses with white on top.  Twin Cities also operates more frequently than hourly and terminates service about dark. 

Tour Services
At least two types of tours services exist in El Paso.  The Mexico Tour Cars operate only within 1/2 mile of the bridge on the El Paso side.  These are the guys that may approach you if you park your car in one of the lots on Santa Fe street to walk over the bridge.  Depending on what you want to do in Juarez or where you want to go, they will quote you a price.  The minimum is generally somewhere around $20 just to bring you over the bridge and spend a short time with you.

The other types of tour services either have a Limousine or Tour and Sightseeing license.  These are too numerous to mention and come and go frequently.  We suggest you check the local newspaper and/or yellow pages in El Paso and ask about prices, times of operation and any other information you may wish to know.  This can be a good option if you want more flexibility in where you go and insist on being accompanied by a guide.

Taxis and Local Buses
Should you choose to walk across the bridge into Juarez, you will find no shortage of taxis ready to take you where you want.  Juarez taxis are all the same green and white color and none are metered.  Before you accept a ride always ask the price to your location first.  If the driver quotes you a price that is too high, you can always bargain or go on to the next cab stand.  There are plenty.

Ever wonder what happens to old school buses once they are put out of service in the US?  They come to Juarez.

For the truly adventurous, try the local bus system.  Local buses circulate throughout the city by the thousands.  These are all privately owned old school buses that are licensed by the city and assigned a route (ruta).  Nearly all the routes follow the main streets going east and west or north and south.  Actually it is pretty hard to get too lost but, these buses do not have air conditioning and can get very crowded.  However, for about 30 cents (2.80 pesos) you can go nearly anywhere in town.  We do recommend that you primarily limit your wandering to the east of the downtown area.

Driving
Just as it probably is in your home town, this is the best way to get around Juarez.  Always check with your insurance company first to see if you are covered to drive into the free trade zone of Juarez.  Some US policies will cover you within the first 30 km of the border, many do not.  None cover you beyond the 30 km zone!  Always be sure you are covered by insurance in Mexico.  In the event of an accident, you will need to provide proof of insurance or you may find yourself in a major problem.  Many companies on both sides of the border will sell you short or long term policies

Some car rental companies in El Paso will allow you to drive into Mexico with prepaid Mexico insurance.  Shop the various car rental companies first and get their best deal.  Often this can be a reasonable way of getting around but prices vary greatly.  We have used rental cars to travel all over Mexico at subcompact rates of $200 to $250 per week including insurance.

Tips on Driving:  Always fill up with gas in El Paso. Mexican gas right now is about $1.60 per US gallon.  You do not need to have any special paperwork to come to Juarez, but beyond the 30 km marker you will need a permit to temporarily import you vehicle.  The car must be in your name (or a rental) and the owner of the vehicle must have a credit card in his name (not a bank debit card).  You will be charged about $11 on your credit card for the permit.  Without a credit card you must post a cash bond (usually $300), half of which you get back when you return and cancel the permit.  Either way, always cancel the permit on your return.