Car rentals in Mexico: All you need to know

¡Bienvenidos a Mexico! This North American country is a top visitor destination thanks to its varied tropical climate and miles of stunning beaches. Renting a car in Mexico is the best way to see this much-mythologized country in style, whether you’re taking a weekend jaunt or a long vacation.

How can I get a cheap car rental in Mexico?

From the shimmering shorelines to the ornate cities to ancient Mayan ruins, there’s a lot to see in Mexico, and you can make the whole land your oyster by reserving a vehicle through CarRentals.com. Keen for a cost-effective deal? You can ensure a cheap rate by:

• Comparing different prices on offer on CarRentals.com;
• Picking up your rental car away from airports;
• Arranging your rental as far ahead of time as possible. 

What do I have to keep in mind when renting a car in Mexico?

You’ll need to consider car insurance regulations when using a rental car here, as Mexican liability insurance is required to cover potential damages to third parties. Look into this when booking your Mexico rental car, as it will affect the total cost of rental.

What Mexico car rental companies are good?

You certainly won’t be short of options when it comes to rental companies in Mexico. Many of the world’s most well-known names are here, with the likes of Sixt, Alamo, Avis, and Thrifty having branches throughout the nation. You can also opt for a smaller, local firm. Either way, check online user reviews before picking one to go with.

What kind of car should I get in Mexico?

With so many vehicles waiting for you on CarRentals.com, you’ll need to consider what’s best for you:

• Here with friends or family? Try a minivan or SUV to accommodate everyone;
• Looking to go on a road trip in comfort? An SUV ticks the boxes;
• Here on your own or as a twosome, and not looking to drive far? An economy car is ideal.

How old do I have to be to rent a car in Mexico?

Drivers generally have to be 21 or over to drive car rentals in Mexico. There may be an extra fee for those under 25.

Do I need insurance to rent a car in Mexico?

You’ll definitely need to have adequate car insurance in Mexico. Check to see what your existing car or credit card insurance policy covers, and – as mentioned above – be sure to look into liability insurance for your visit. Policies can be purchased through CarRentals.com or directly from rental companies.

Can I book with unlimited mileage when renting a car in Mexico?

If you’re all set to get out there and see the landscape of Mexico, unlimited mileage will give you real freedom to roam. Check with your rental company if your vehicle comes with that policy. If not, you’ll have to keep track of how many miles you’re clocking up, and pay extra.

Can I use a debit card for a Mexico car rental?

Generally speaking, debit cards aren’t accepted for booking Mexico car rentals, though some local firms may be flexible on the issue.

Is it possible to hire a car one-way in Mexico?

If it suits you best not to end your car journey where it began, ask your rental company about one-way rental, and what the logistics and cost for this will be.

3 sights/cities you cannot miss in Mexico

With your own rental car in Mexico, there’s no end of places to discover. Here are just some that deserve to be on any itinerary:

• Take a thrilling walk back through time in the Historic Center of Mexico City, an ornate sprawl of centuries-old buildings, including churches and art museums, as well as the vast Zocalo square.
• Bliss out in Tulum, a serene coastal destination where you can relax on the white sands, go snorkeling in cenotes, and explore Mayan landmarks.
• Let your hair down in ever-popular Cancun, one of the party capitals of the country, scattered with legendary nightspots alongside its sizzling stretches of sand.

What is a good road trip around Mexico?

To bask in beauty and historic majesty, take your rental car on a road trip through the Yucatan Peninsula. After exploring Cancun, drive southwards down the Riviera Maya, stopping off at palm-fringed resort areas like Playa del Carmen, and the Xcaret eco-park. Then, you can head westwards across the peninsula to the must-see ruins of Chichen Itza, dominated by the iconic step-pyramid El Castillo.

What activities is Mexico especially good for?

The beaches of Mexico are among the most glorious on Earth, swathed in brilliant white sands and lapped by sparkling waves. Sunbathing, water sports, and scuba diving are all on the agenda here. Mexico is equally appealing for city explorers, with its major metropolises packed with museums, historic landmarks, and buzzing restaurants. Meanwhile, the pre-Columbian ruins will bring out anyone’s inner Indiana Jones. 

3 traffic tips to keep you safe

When discovering Mexico on 4 wheels, here are some helpful things to bear in mind:

• Be extra vigilant about other drivers abruptly changing lanes, or turning without indicating.
• While the toll roads make it easy to explore Mexico with rental cars, it’s best to avoid driving in traffic-crammed urban areas like Mexico City if you can help it.
• Try to avoid driving at night, as reduced visibility makes it harder to avoid potholes and unexpected “topes”, or speedbumps.