- How to rent a car?
- Requirements
- Is it safe to drive?
- Tips for renting
- Price for a rental car
- Where to rent a car?
How to rent a car in Mexico
Drive from the mountains to the sea, stopping in beautiful cities like San Cristobal de las Casas or Valladolid in between. Or, hop around the coastline, visiting beautiful ancient sights and relaxing beach towns like Tulum and Bacalar. Renting a car in Mexico gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and follow your own itinerary. Plus, it’s often much faster and more cost-effective than taxiing or touring everywhere.
We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
However, before you hop in the car, roll down the windows, and zoom off, it’s important to be well informed. This guide explains exactly how to drive and rent a car in Mexico, from the road rules and best tips to choosing a reliable rental agency.
What do you need to rent a car in Mexico?
To rent a car in Mexico, you’ll need to have the following documents:
- Valid driver’s license from your home country
- Your ID (passport)
- Credit card in your name
- Rental car insurance
The legal driving age in Mexico is 18; however, to rent a car, most rental companies require you to be at least 25. Some might rent you a car if you’re under 25 years old, though higher costs are in place (expect to pay an extra 10 – 20 USD per day). All drivers must present a valid driver’s license, a passport, and a credit (or debit) card to make the payment.
Tip: We recommend using a credit card over a debit card if possible. By using a credit card, the deposit is kept on hold by the rental company. If you use a debit card instead, the money is actually taken out of your account and refunded upon return. A credit card simply offers more payment protection. Of course, you can use a debit card to pay for the rental and use a credit card for the deposit.

Rental car insurance in Mexico
Rental car insurance is an important aspect of renting a car in Mexico. For one, third-party insurance is mandatory. It’s the minimum requirement for car rental, but it only covers you for damages to third-party property, not for damage to your own vehicle. Because of this, it’s recommended to get additional or full-coverage insurance. Remember that the mandatory insurance is not yet included in the quoted price on websites.
If you only choose the mandatory coverage, there’s usually a high deductible (about 2000 USD). When you add other insurance, such as a CDW (collision damage waiver), the deductible decreases. Many credit card companies cover this type of insurance, so make sure to check your policy beforehand!
However, if you want to travel through Mexico without any worries, the best option is to choose full-coverage insurance. This way, you can drive over remote dusty roads without worrying about potential potholes or rocks flying up. This costs about 7-10 USD extra per day, on top of the mandatory insurance, but there’s often no deductible.
We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Tip: Mexican car rental scams are not unheard of. Rental companies sometimes try to have you buy their insurance and refuse to let you leave without it. If you purchased a policy online before your trip, there’s the risk of paying it twice. Because of that, it’s better to book your Mexico rental car and wait till you arrive in Mexico to purchase insurance through the rental company. Note: This isn’t the case with Sunny Cars!
Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
Before you rent a car in Mexico, it’s good to know some of the rules and customs of the country.
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Roads & Speed Limits
In Mexico, the main roads and toll roads are in fairly good condition, making it easy to drive on. The secondary roads, however, are much more bumpy due to many potholes. This means if you’re traveling more off the beaten track, like towards one of the beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan, drive slowly and keep an eye out.
However, between cities, it’s better to use the ‘carreteras de cuota’ (toll roads) instead. Though you need to pay a toll, these roads are often faster and better maintained, and you see less traffic. Additionally, they don’t have any ‘topes’, the dreaded and inconspicuous speed bumps you’ll find all across Mexico. If you do travel off the toll roads, try to watch out for these bumps, as they’re often unmarked and can sneak up on you.
Speed limits in Mexico depend on where you’re driving but typically are:
- 110 km/h on highways
- 70 km/h on main roads
- 40 km/h in towns
- 20 km/h near schools and pedestrian zones
We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Traffic in Mexico
Driving conditions in Mexico can also be slightly unpredictable, in addition to the potholes and speed bumps. If you’re driving in busier areas, keep an eye out for unexpected stops and slower-moving vehicles. The latter sometimes change lanes without indicating or drive through red lights.
Try to pay extra attention to buses and other large vehicles, as they always have the right of way in Mexico. Even when this isn’t officially the case, they won’t move, so remember to keep your distance.
If you happen to get into an accident with your rental car in Mexico, call 911 and make sure an investigator (perito) is sent to you. This accident assessor will write a report, which you’ll need to file an insurance claim. Make sure to call the insurance company, too, to report the accident.
Tip: Your network connection isn’t always the strongest (especially in rural areas). Therefore, we recommend downloading offline maps on your phone. This way, you can rent a car in Mexico and drive without worries of ever getting lost!
Is driving in Mexico safe?
Overall, driving in Mexico is safe. However, you do need to pay a bit more attention to the road conditions and your fellow drivers. Driving in certain areas of the country, such as Mexico City, can be chaotic, and drivers don’t always follow obvious rules. Meanwhile, in other locations like the Yucatan, drivers are a bit more considerate.
If you look out for topes, potholes, and traffic, driving through Mexico should be a breeze. Make sure you always have your rental documents, insurance policy, registration, and driver’s license with you in the car. This way, in case the police stop you, you’ll have enough paperwork to prove you’re legally on the road.
Note: Police corruption does happen. As long as you have your documents in order, you should be good to drive in Mexico. If you do get pulled over for an indiscretion, they might say that they can waive your ticket in exchange for cash (a bribe of often 100 USD). Remember that you can always just take the official fine instead!
Top tips for renting a car in Mexico
1. Do a walk around the car upon pick-up
When you pick up your rental car in Mexico, make sure to walk around the vehicle and check if there’s any damage. If there is, try to take some photos; this way, you’re covered in case the rental company says they’re new upon return.
You will most likely also have to sign a check-out form upon pickup. Have the damage noted down before signing the document and starting your journey.
We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
2. Getting gas
While you drive through the beautiful landscapes and towns of Mexico, you’ll find plenty of gas stations in between. Unlike in the USA or most places in Europe, attendants will fill your car up for you, making getting gas super easy! All you have to tell them is how many liters you want, or if want a full tank, say “lleno por favor” (full, please).
The average price of gas in Mexico is 24,12 MXN (1,42 USD) per liter, and you can either get unleaded gas (Magna) or higher-octane gas (Premium). Diesel fuel is also available at most Pemex stations. If you’re ever in doubt about what fuel your specific car needs, try to find the sticker in your rental car with this information. You’ll usually find this on the car key, dashboard, or fuel door.
It’s best to pay for gas in cash, especially in more rural areas where card machines are less common. Besides, this method is known to be safer. If you do want to pay by card, make sure they bring the machine out to you or walk with them to the terminal (card skimming isn’t unheard of). Remember to also tip the attendant (about 10 – 20 pesos) before continuing your journey.
3. Drive defensively
When renting a car in Mexico and driving through the stunning country, stay alert and try to drive defensively. Drivers can be more unpredictable and drive fast (or slow!), so staying focused is important. Scan the roads and watch for other drivers, animals, potholes, and topes. Cars in front of you often sign with their hazard lights that they’re either about to slow down for something (ex., wildlife, speed bump, or police) or about to turn.
Also read: How to download offline Google Maps
4. Don’t drive at night
Avoid driving at night in Mexico due to the potential hazards on the road. Many locals don’t do this either, partly because of possible (rare) assaults but also because it’s difficult to see wildlife, potholes, and speed bumps in the dark. If, for some reason, you do need to drive at night, stick to the main (toll) roads, which are better maintained and better lit.
We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
5. Be mindful of where you park
While parking is different across Mexico, paying for parking with cash is most common. You’ll often find a parking attendant who’ll also expect some payment. For this reason, it’s good to have enough cash on you when driving in Mexico!
Once you’ve parked your car, make sure to remove all valuables and luggage if you can. Car break-ins aren’t unheard of, and according to the police, rental cars make more of a target.
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How much does a car rental cost in Mexico?
Rental cars are generally priced fairly in Mexico. The price typically depends on a few things: the time of the year you’re visiting, the duration of your trip, the type of car you rent, and the insurance you get. During the high season, there’s always an increased demand to rent a car in Mexico, which drives up the prices.
Expect to pay between 40 – 60 USD a day to rent a car with full coverage insurance (recommended option). If you’re visiting in the low season, prices are typically a bit lower. The duration of your rental period also influences the total price. Renting a car for a longer period usually brings down the daily price, meaning that 5 days might just be slightly more than 3 days, for example. If you can, consider exploring Mexico for at least a week!
It’s also recommended to rent a car from bigger tourist destinations, like Cancun or Tulum, than in more remote locations. Remember that having the same pick-up/drop-off location is also more affordable than a one-way rental!
Getting the right vehicle
Depending on your travel plans, there are a few different rental car options to choose from in Mexico. However, a regular 2WD car is the standard and will get you where you need to go! Larger cars are obviously more expensive as they require more fuel, but are an option too if you’re traveling in a group or visiting more remote regions.
The same goes for 4WD vehicles, though they’re not really necessary in Mexico. This is especially the case if you’re exploring the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula, where most roads are flat. Remember that choosing a manual car is more affordable than an automatic one.
Browse your options beforehand via a comparison site to ensure you get the best deal. Booking in advance is much more affordable than stepping into the office and arranging it there. However, it’s recommended that you purchase the mandatory insurance only once you get to the office. With Sunny Cars, it’s all already included and easily arranged online!
We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
If you’re planning on renting a car during the high season, try to arrange this in advance. Reserving in advance ensures you secure the type of car you want, though it can sometimes change when you go pick it up. It also allows you to compare options and rent it for a lower price.
Tip: Car rental costs can be much higher at the airport (10% higher). Because of this, try to rent from a company a bit further away.
Want to explore more of Latin America? Unfortunately, you can’t cross the border with a rental car in Mexico. If you plan on a larger trip, heading to Guatemala or Costa Rica, you’ll have to drop your rental car in Mexico first. From there, catch a flight or bus to your next destination and then pick up another rental car.
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Mexico via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
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