If you are considering Renting a car in Cancun Mexico you’ve come to the right place. We are going to break it down for you in this first-hand, no-nonsense guide to Cancun Car rentals.
We have rented cars in Cancun no less than 20 times and have driven all around the Riviera Maya and Yucatan with over 100 days of driving experience and have had very few issues.
Every year we take our small children on long road trips around the Cancun area and feel perfectly safe. We do consider ourselves good drivers, but don’t speak Spanish very well, we are normal American tourists – if we can do it you can too.
We think the best way to see Mexico, especially the Yucatan Peninsula, is to drive it yourself. Without a car, you’ll be confined to overpriced, basic packaged tours with busloads of other tourists.
Renting a car in Cancun is much easier and safer than you think – Let us show you how!
The Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Cancun
The process of renting a car in Cancun can be confusing, and that’s why we have put together this guide. We have tried to answer all of the typical questions and give a 1st hand insight on how to avoid all the common pitfalls and rental car scams.
Jump to information:
- Is it safe to rent a car in Cancun?
- Do I need insurance to drive in Mexico?
- What’s the ‘Catch’ about renting a car in Cancun?
- Best rental car companies at the Cancun Airport
- Laws tourists should know when renting a car
- What to do if you get pulled over in Mexico
- What to do in case of an emergency
- Tips on renting a car in Cancun
- Scams to avoid
- Cancun Car Rental FAQ
The Best Rental Car Company in Mexico
We always rent our cars at Cancun airport on DiscoverCars.com. They have several rental companies to choose from. We generally rent from Mex Rental Cars and have been happy with them.
We recently rented from ‘Fox’ but were not very happy with them. It seems they frequently don’t have the cars they offer online. We rented an SUV for a trip with family, and they didn’t have any SUV’s. So they replaced our car with a compact car and refused to change the price to reflect the smaller car.
We always book here on DiscoverCars.com because they have free cancelations up to 48 hours before your booking.
Find and book a rental car today at DiscoverCars.com
Is it safe to rent a car in Cancun in 2024?
Yes, it is safe. Renting a car to drive around the tourist destinations in Cancun, Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan is safe.
You should always be prepared and take precautions while driving in Mexico or any foreign country. It is a safe activity for tourists unless you involve yourself in illegal activities, which is then a whole different risk.
We have been renting cars in Cancun and the Riviera Maya since 2013, as well as renting a Cancun airport rental car 20+ times. We have driven well over 15,000 km, over more than two dozen trips, had no real problems besides a few gas station scams and one speeding ticket(we were speeding), and never once felt unsafe.
Just watch out for all the speed bumps, like in the photo above!
Have ultimate freedom and save tons of money on tours with your own rental car! Don’t worry – It’s safe (we’ve rented 20+ times), the roads are good, and it’s easier than you think! We always rent from Discover Cars, it’s easy & they have the best prices.
Heading to Cozumel? Read our Cozumel Rental Car Guide
*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels, check prices on Booking.com. They are the best option and have a great cancellation policy.*
Is it Safe to Drive in Cancun & the Yucatan?
Driving in a foreign country can be overwhelming, but we find it not too difficult in Mexico. Inside cities like Playa del Carmen and other larger cities, the traffic can be a bit busy, but outside the cities, there are surprisingly few cars on the road.
The road signs will be all in Spanish. However, they are easy to figure out with even a little Spanish knowledge. Speed limits are frequently marked, and road signage is generally easy to follow. However, it’s a good idea to use GPS or Google Maps if you have cell service or load them while on wifi.
Do I Need Insurance to Rent a Car in Mexico?
This is not an easy yes or no question, but we will explain it in detail here. Technically, when you rent a car in Mexico, it typically includes the legally required liability insurance.
Confirm this in the fine print before booking. Every company is different. Past that, insurance coverage is at your discretion. If you choose to decline additional coverage at the rental counter, a large hold will be placed on your credit card.
We ALWAYS recommend having additional insurance like the Collusion Damage Waiver insurance (CDW). Whether that is being covered by your credit card travel benefits, an outside travel insurance company, or purchasing extra car insurance through the rental company. You never know when you’ll need it.
Don’t forget your insurance! You never know when you’ll need it. We suggest getting travel insurance with Safety Wing. Which coverage includes medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, and more. Often rates are as low as $12 a week.
The below photo is from Discovercars.com. After you select your car and hit book at the middle of that page, you should see RENTAL CONDITIONS. Click on this and then the drop-down arrow for protection and rental conditions.
Here you will see that damage waiver, theft protection, and third-party liability (TPL) are included in the rate. If there is any injury or damage to such property or injury caused by accident, this would be the first insurance policy to be called upon.
You should have additional car insurance on top of the legally required and included insurance because if you are involved in an accident, you may be responsible for the damages.
You do not need to take a policy from the rental agency. You may be able to use rental coverage from a credit card or other source. This will be explained further below. But as we explained in our latest update below, they often force you to take the additional car insurance at the car rental agency.
UPDATE January 2024
Most car rental places in Cancun and Playa del Carmen refuse to accept collision damage waiver benefits from credit cards, even if you bring a letter from your credit card company. We personally have dealt with this issue in person at the Cancun airport car rental office and several different car rental companies in Playa del Carmen.
After fighting with the managers in both English & Spanish, showing them what it says online on their websites and in our letters, it never seems to go anywhere. Ultimately, you will leave without a car or purchase additional insurance through the car rental company.
Will My Auto Insurance Cover Me in Mexico?
Most US-based auto insurance plans do not cover you in Mexico, but you would need to check with your provider before renting a car in Mexico.
You can purchase additional coverage through the rental agency or directly with Discovercars.com when booking your car, and then it’s prepaid. We have done this with the last three car rentals we had.
Why are Rental Cars in Cancun so Cheap, what’s the ‘The Catch’
When you book a rental car at the Cancun Intl airport, or even in Tulum or Playa del Carmen, no matter the location, you’ll likely find that you can get a full-sized car for just a few dollars per day, so what’s the catch?
There are a few ‘catches,’ but if you prepare for them, you can actually rent a car for cheap.
Prices fluctuate depending on the season. Currently, in winter, the prices are a bit higher, but a rental will probably cost you less for your whole trip than an airport transport round trip.
Below is a screenshot of rental prices for the high season in Cancun Mexico, February 2023, with the location being the airport.
Renting a car in Cancun can be a ‘bait and switch” situation. When you get to the counter, there are many ways they will try to upsell you or use other tactics to raise the price of your rental.
I am convinced this is part of their job, and they know you are eager to start your vacation and you’re more willing to pay extra charges at this point.
Here are the catches and how not to get caught by them.
#1 – The first catch is rental car insurance. When you get to the counter, the first thing they will tell you is that you need to have insurance. This is most often not true. Every car we rented in Mexico has the legally required liability insurance coverage. (see picture above). While the limits and coverage are minimal, you may want more, but you do not need to purchase additional insurance to rent the car.
We are not advocating you drive around Mexico uninsured. It would be irresponsible not to have more coverage than the basic liability the rental car comes with. However, this will be significantly cheaper if you have coverage from a credit card or other source.
Even if your only option is to take the insurance through the rental car company, the rental plus the insurance is still very affordable and, in our opinion, the best way to get around the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan. Often only $20 a day.
#2 – Credit Card Hold – If you choose to decline additional coverage, you will need to put a rather large hold on your credit card. For most companies to decline all additional insurance, this is $2,500 USD or the equivalent in Mexican Pesos. This may sound scary, but it is a non-event as long as you don’t get in any accidents.
We have never had an issue with being charged for damages to cars. It’s common for rental cars in Mexico to have plenty of dings and dents. Make sure the rental agent marks them all on your checkout form before leaving the rental lot when picking up your car.
Just note that you will need a credit card with at least $2,500 USD of available credit to rent a car and decline all insurance. Also, some companies’ holds can be higher depending on car class.
#3 – Car and Car Type are not guaranteed with a 3rd party booking agent – When renting a car online through a booking agent like Discovercars.com or any other major agent, if you choose to pay when you pick up the rental car, they don’t guarantee the car class you will receive.
While getting a larger vehicle is possible this way, getting larger vehicles during the high season is hard. Full-size cars aren’t generally an issue, but they aren’t really very large cars. Our last ‘full-sized car was a Hyundai Elantra, which was comfortable enough for four people but could be tough with luggage.
If you are renting a budget car, this is generally not a concern. It seems very common practice to over rent larger cars and have them unavailable, at least at the Cancun airport. If you prepay your car rental online, the car companies usually see this, and you’re more likely to get your car class.
On our last visit, we didn’t prepay, and they said: “You didn’t pay for the reservation in advance. We cannot guarantee that car.” Going forward, we will always prepay our reservation whenever possible.
How to Go From Cancun Airport to Tulum
Renting Baby Seats & Child Booster Seats
For most Cancun car rentals and for sure on Discovercars.com, you can reserve and add a baby seat or child booster seat to your car rental for $5.99 a day each.
If you often travel, you might want to invest in the WAYB Pico travel car seat. We have one for our son, and it is so easy to travel with. It folds down small and is lightweight. In the above photo, our daughter was in the Doona car seat, which is also a stroller, all in one.
Recently, we have been renting a car in Playa del Carmen and taking a private shuttle from the Cancun airport. Now that we have kids, grandparents, and way too many bags – all of which won’t fit in a rental car.
Related: Best Playa del Carmen Resorts for Families
Laws Tourists Should Know When Renting a Car in Mexico
Knowing the law is the first step to having an easy trip to Mexico. While it may not save you from all the hassles, it will help you void the easy ones.
- Don’t speed excessively – This should be obvious but try not to go more than 10kph over the posted limit. You may be able to get away with 20 over, but you run the risk of being pulled over and paying a ticket or a bribe.
- Don’t use your cell phone while driving. If a police officer sees you doing this, they can stop you. Trust me. This happened to me.
- Seat belts are required in Mexico.
- Technically, it’s illegal to pay a police officer directly. However, it is common practice.
Remember, just because you see another driver doing any of these things, you are a visitor and an easy target for a ticket or a bribe.
*This does not reflect all Mexican traffic laws. See the Disclaimer below.
What to Do if you get Pulled Over in Mexico While Renting a Car
We have rented cars in Mexico more than 20 times, driven at least 15,000 kilometers in the Yucatan, and have only had two run-ins with police, and to be honest, they were both justified.
We were stopped once in Cozumel for speeding – which we were, and another time, we were talking on a cell phone while driving through a Tulum police checkpoint on the highway.
In Cozumel, we paid a 500 Peso bribe and talked our way out of a ticket for the cell phone using some pretty bad Spanish and a lot of patience. Realistically, the police in Mexico, or at least in the Yucatan, are pretty decent and should not be feared.
- Stay calm. While the police may occasionally be looking for a bribe, they aren’t the bad guys.
- Let the officer know if you speak Spanish and how much Spanish you may know. A common tactic is intimidating you by speaking very fast with a scary tone.
- They will ask for your driver’s license first.
- If they hold on to your license and hesitate to write the ticket while talking to you with the ticket pad in hand, they are most likely trying for a bribe.
- The standard procedure is to take your license and hold it until you return within 5 days to pay your fine at the police station – If whatever you did even warrants a ticket.
- The police sometimes use your lack of knowledge to scare you into thinking you did something wrong for a bribe.
Related Article: Xpu Ha Beach Is The Next Tulum
Parking in Playa del Carmen & Tulum
Parking in Playa del Carmen is pretty easy to come by. Just don’t park where the curbs are yellow or other posted no parking. Sometimes, the yellow on the curb can be a bit faded, so just look when you get out of your car, especially in the evening. The same goes for Tulum Pueblo (town).
If you are staying near the beach in Tulum, that’s when it can get tricky lately. When looking where to stay in Tulum and you choose to stay on the beach, make sure they have parking. If not, there are some lots, but they are rather expensive.
Suppose you are just visiting Tulum beaches for the day. Plan to pay 200 pesos to park (which is more than we normally pay for the car). Other than that, just use common sense and don’t block driveways (no matter how small).
When visiting Mayan Ruins in Mexico, like the Tulum Ruins, Coba Ruins, etc., also expect to pay 100 pesos for parking. When visiting cenotes in Mexico, the parking is usually free.
If you’re planning a day trip to Xpu Ha Beach, there is a parking fee, but a few restaurants can validate your parking. Ask the attendant in advance to ensure you eat/drink at the right one.
Related Article: Tulum Cenote Guide
If you plan to visit Isla Holbox, you can park by the ferry for 100 pesos a day. Several houses/restaurants offer secure parking. We left our rental car for four nights at the parking lot in the above photo.
It was much cheaper to drive ourselves there and pay for parking than take an uncomfortable shuttle jammed packed with tourists plus, we could stop along the way and sightsee.
Related Article: Everything You Need To Know Before Taking The Cozumel Ferry
Article 152 & The Mexican Tourist Card
There are still articles floating around talking about Article 152, a program where you could give a police officer this ‘Tourist Card’ or ‘Tarjton Turistico’ if you were stopped for a traffic violation.
This was to curb police bribes, and you would pay for your ticket at the rental agency. However, it seems this program, unsurprisingly, never really took off. This program looks to have ended in 2014 or so. Regardless, when renting a car in Cancun in 2024, you will not need to worry about this law/program. You will handle any violations directly with the police.
What to do if you have an Emergency or Accident
If you have an accident or any other emergency, just dial 911 from your cell phone. If you are on a toll road or a major highway, contact the Green Angels, which is similar to AAA in the USA. They are a bilingual fleet of green trucks (hence the name). You can contact Green Angels at 01-55-5250-8221.
Must Follow Tips to Follow When Renting a Car in Mexico
- Always have your rental agreement in the car
- Always carry a valid driver’s license
- Carry a photocopy of your passport. Avoid carrying the real thing – You should not be asked for this, and handing over your real passport gives the police real power because you can’t leave the country without it.
- Carry a copy of your insurance – whether through a credit card or a separately purchased policy.
- Don’t use your cell phone while driving for safety and the law.
- Avoid excessive speeding. 10kph over the limit is generally tolerated, but a tourist is an easy target to be pulled over for minimal speeding for a bribe.
- Get a data plan for Mexico from your current carrier, or if that is too costly, you can pick up a Mexican SIM card and plenty of data for less than $20 USD monthly. We suggest Telcel. This will help with using Google Maps and ever-changing plans while on the road.
Google Maps Hack While Renting a Car in Mexico Without Data Service
If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, it is a good idea to use Google Maps to help you get around. However, you can still use the maps if you don’t have data. Before heading out for the day, load your map with your destination on Google Maps using the hotel wifi.
Once you leave wifi, the map will stay loaded, and the navigation will work using your GPS, which doesn’t cost anything. The only catch is you can’t get too far off track because the map only loads so far off the main route. Don’t worry if you’re prone to getting off track. If you make a wrong turn, you just need to get yourself back to the blue line, and you’re good to go again!
Scams to Avoid While Renting a Car in Cancun
The biggest and most avoidable scams while renting cars in the Riviera Maya come at the gas stations. It is common for full-service attendants to fill your tank in Mexico, and they are known to scam people, even local Mexicans.
There are two main scams to look out for, but always beware while filling up your rental car because new scams always happen.
‘The non-reset scam’ – Watch the gas pump meter closely when the attendant starts filling your tank because they are known for keeping the sale from the last car active and continuing to fill your car and charging you for both sales. This is an easy one to avoid. Just watch to ensure the meter goes back to zero before they start. This scam has started to fall out of fashion and hasn’t been tried on us recently.
‘The wrong payment scam’ – This scam happens at the end of filling your car, and you pay the attendant cash. They will quickly change out one of the larger bills you just gave them, claiming you gave them too little money.
For example, if your bill is 520 Pesos, and you give the attendant a 500 peso note and a 20 peso note, once you give it to him and turn around to start the car, they will come and knock on your window with a 50 note and a 20 note saying you mistakenly gave them the wrong bill. They are hoping you don’t know the currency well. They are so fast with this they might actually be believable, but don’t fall for it.
This was tried on us twice on our most recent visit in 2022, to which I responded with every Spanish curse word I could muster. To avoid this, just hand the notes one by one, listing what you are giving them. If they try this and you call them out, they will just walk away; don’t doubt yourself.
Tips for Renting a Car at the Cancun Airport
- Pick up your rental car at the Cancun Airport. You can also rent cars in other cities like Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but the cost of a taxi to these destinations one way will cost as much as a rental car for the length of your stay.
- When returning your rental car at the Cancun Airport, follow the signs for Terminals 2 & 3. You will see signs for individual car rental companies when you get closer to the terminals. There are shuttles to take you to your terminal to check in.
Cancun Car Rental FAQ
Q: Do I need a Jeep or SUV to get around to the tourist destinations of Riviera Maya and the Yucatan?
A: No, the roads are in surprisingly good shape in this part of Mexico. While you might end up on a few dirt roads while heading into Mexican cenotes, just about everything a tourist would regularly visit is accessible by a standard car. Cancun roads and the main highway 307 (the road if you drive from Cancun to Tulum) are just like your highways at home.
Q: Are rental cars automatic or manual transmissions?
A: We have had both automatic and manual transmission rental cars in Mexico. For the last few years, it has been a mix of manual and automatic, but more automatics lately for no substantial upcharge like in the past.
Q: What side of the road do they drive on in Mexico?
A: In Mexico, cars drive on the right side of the road, just like in the United States.
Okay, if you have made it here all the way to the end, we hope you have the confidence to get behind the wheel! Follow all our tips above for not just the Cancun Mexico location but all over Mexico.
Don’t forget to click here to book a cheap car hire. If you have any questions, leave them below.
Where we Have Taken Day Trips from Cancun and Playa del Carmen
Over the years of renting cars in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, we have taken amazing day trips and spent more time exploring the area. Read some of our other travel articles to find places you can explore with your rental car.
- Isla Holbox
- Bacalar
- El Cuyo
- Laguna Kaan Luum (Pictured above)
- Izamal Mexico’s Yellow City
- Las Coloradas – Mexico’s Pink Lake
- Tulum
- Merida
- Valladolid
Disclaimer
This article only accounts for our personal experience with rental cars in Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen. This is not legal advice. Laws may change, or other circumstances arise that may make the information contained here incorrect.
We do not guarantee the legal accuracy of any statements made in this article. We take no responsibility for how you use the information in this article. We are in no way liable for your actions or any loss or penalties that result.
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We want your comments and questions – However, as a warning, fear-mongering and unsubstantiated comments are not welcome. If you are going to claim something, have facts or credible sources to substantiate it. If not, keep your worries to yourself, hold on tight to the arms of your couch, and stay in your small little ‘safe’ world.
Places in Mexico to Visit Before or After Cancun
If you’ve got more time to explore Mexico, there are some amazing places in Mexico nearby you should check out. If you can’t do it on this trip, consider them on your next trip. Make sure to check out some of our other Mexico articles to fuel your wanderlust. Playa del Carmen has it all from gorgeous beaches, tasty food, friendly locals, tons of history, and more things to do in Playa del Carmen Is Isla Holbox worth the trip? YES! Holbox Mexico is one of the best places in Mexico to visit. Skip Tulum! 2024 Complete Holbox guide with things to do in Holbox, best restaurants, where to stay, how to get to Holbox, and more. Over 6,000 cenotes in Mexico, guide to the best cenotes in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Merida & Cancun. Cenote map, entrance fees, hours & more.Top 20 Best Things To Do in Playa del Carmen
2024 Isla Holbox Ultimate Guide – Must KNOW Travel Tips
Ultimate List Of The Best Cenotes in Mexico
