Ready to hit the road? Use the search form above to find your perfect coche de alquiler in Mexico. Simply enter your pickup location, whether it’s a major airport like Mexico City (MEX) or Cancún (CUN), or a downtown branch in cities like Guadalajara, then choose your travel dates. In seconds, you’ll see real-time offers from dozens of trusted companies (Hertz, Avis, Alamo, etc.) for everything from compact cars to 12-passenger vans. Filter by car type, price, or supplier to compare deals easily. It’s fast, easy to book, and designed to help you save money and time, so you can focus on planning your Mexican adventure. (Pro tip: Reserve early during peak seasons like Christmas or Semana Santa to snag the best rates.)
Mexico is a country best explored on your own schedule. From turquoise Caribbean beaches to ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant colonial cities, having a rental car gives you the freedom to discover it all. Enjoy the flexibility of choosing your routes and timetable, whether you’re cruising the Yucatán coast or driving through mountainous pueblos, a car lets you uncover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist trails. With a vast network of suppliers across Mexico, you can find the perfect vehicle at the right price. Plus, renting a car means you won’t be tied to bus schedules or tour groups. In short, renting a car in Mexico (alquiler de coches en México) is the smartest way to unlock the country’s diverse wonders, from Cancún’s beaches to Mexico City’s neighborhoods, on your terms.
Our Mexico Car Rental Benefits (USPs)
Top Mexico Car Rental Deals
(Economy Car, from 300 MXN/day (~$17 USD): Example offer, Nissan March or similar. A small 5-seater perfect for city driving and short trips, with excellent fuel economy (ideal for those Mexico City traffic jams or cruising down Cancún’s hotel zone).
(Prices can vary by city and dates. “From” rates are based on recent bookings in popular locations like Cancún and Mexico City, and are subject to change depending on seasonal demand and availability. Always check for the latest price updates when booking.)
Driving in Mexico: Laws, Tips & What to Expect
Driving in Mexico can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to know the rules of the road and local customs before you set off. Here’s your quick guide to a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Mexico:
By understanding these tips and local rules, you’ll find that driving in Mexico can be a smooth and rewarding experience. From the freedom of the open road to the convenience of reaching off-the-beaten-path destinations, having a car in Mexico truly lets you see the country beyond the resorts. ¡Buen viaje! (Happy travels!)
Top 3 Mexico Road Trip Ideas
One of the best parts of renting a car in Mexico is the ability to embark on epic road trips. Here are three amazing Mexican road journeys to inspire you, each offers unique scenery and cultural highlights:
Yucatán Peninsula Loop: Cancún to Mérida (Beaches & Mayan Ruins)
Distance: ~700 km round-trip (435 miles), ideally 5–7 days to fully enjoy.
Route: Start in Cancún, drive south along the Riviera Maya to Tulum (130 km, known for its cliffside Mayan ruins and turquoise beaches). Continue inland to Valladolid and the iconic Chichén Itzá ruins (approx 150 km from Tulum). From there, head west to the charming colonial city of Mérida (another ~160 km). Loop back to Cancún via the toll highway (306 km, about 3–4 hours).
Highlights: Swim in crystal-clear cenotes (underground sinkholes) near Valladolid, explore Chichén Itzá, a New7Wonder of the World, early in the morning to beat crowds, and stroll Mérida’s historic center (often called the cultural capital of Yucatán). On the return, stop in the quaint town of Izamal (the “Yellow City”) or at Ek Balam archaeological site for fewer tourists. Of course, relax on Tulum’s beaches and snorkel in Akumal Bay with turtles.
Tips: The Yucatán is very safe and popular for road trips. Roads are mostly flat and well-marked. Use toll highways (Carretera 180D) for faster travel between Cancún and Mérida. Watch for topes when entering/exiting villages. Carry pesos for tolls and small-town fuel stops (credit cards work in cities). Summer is hot and humid, have plenty of water and take cooling breaks. If traveling between June and November (rainy/hurricane season), be prepared for sudden downpours; avoid driving during heavy storms. Many rental cars in this area come with GPS or you can use offline Google Maps, as signal can drop in rural stretches.
Baja California Road Trip: Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas (Desert & Sea Adventure)
Distance: ~1,625 km (1,010 miles) one-way, recommend 7–10 days (or more) to soak it in.
Route: Cross from San Diego into Tijuana, Mexico (or pick up your car in Tijuana). Take Highway 1 (Transpeninsular Highway) all the way south through the Baja California Peninsula. Key stops: Ensenada (100 km from Tijuana, famous for fish tacos and wine country nearby), Guerrero Negro (midway point, 750 km from Tijuana, known for whale watching in winter), Mulegé and Bahía Concepción (gorgeous turquoise bays along the Sea of Cortez), Loreto (historic mission town), La Paz (capital of Baja California Sur, gateway to amazing beaches like Balandra), ending in Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip.
Highlights: This legendary drive offers everything from Pacific surf beaches to desert landscapes dotted with giant cacti. Don’t miss Valle de Guadalupe north of Ensenada for wine tasting (Mexico’s premier wine region). In Mulegé, dip in the calm waters of Bahía Concepción, where desert meets the sea. Loreto offers island boat tours and the old San Javier Mission in the mountains. Finally, Cabo San Lucas rewards you with its famous Arch, vibrant nightlife, and deep-sea fishing opportunities.
Tips: The Transpeninsular Highway is mostly two lanes but paved and in good condition. Gas stations can be 200+ km apart in Baja’s more remote stretches, fill up at every opportunity (carry a spare gas can for safety). Expect military checkpoints; they are routine and usually quick. Avoid driving at night, wandering cattle on the road are a real hazard in Baja. Cell service is sparse in the central peninsula, so download maps offline. Summers are extremely hot (bring sun protection and extra coolant for the car). If you don’t want to drive back north, consider dropping off the car in Cabo and flying back (one-way rentals on this route may incur a drop-off fee, but we often have specials to waive these). Baja’s unique mix of desert and sea is unforgettable, take it slow and enjoy each quirky roadside stop (like the famous Hotel California in Todos Santos).
Colonial Highlands Route: Mexico City to Guanajuato (History & Culture Tour)
Distance: ~350 km (220 miles) one-way, 4–5 days recommended.
Route: Begin in Mexico City (pick up your car after exploring the capital’s sights). Drive north ~220 km (about 3 hours on Highway 57D/45D) to Querétaro, a UNESCO-listed colonial city with a beautiful historic center. Next, head 70 km west to San Miguel de Allende, the artsy expat haven known for its colorful architecture and cobblestone streets. Continue ~120 km to Guanajuato City, a former silver mining town nestled in mountains, famed for its underground tunnels and alleyways. You can either end here or loop back to Mexico City (~5 hours drive back via Querétaro).
Highlights: In Querétaro, walk through well-preserved plazas and see the famous aqueduct. In San Miguel de Allende, visit the pink neo-Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel church and enjoy rooftop restaurants at sunset. Guanajuato will charm you with the Mummy Museum, the Alley of the Kiss, and panoramic views from the Pipila monument. Each town has its own fiestas, craft markets, and local cuisine (try enchiladas queretanas, and in Guanajuato, sample miner’s stew caldo de piedra). History buffs will appreciate that this region was central to Mexico’s Independence movement, you’re literally driving through history.
Tips: Roads between these cities are modern and tolled, very safe and relatively short drives. However, once in the historic towns, streets can be narrow and sometimes one-way. Parking may be tricky in city centers; look for secure parking lots (your hotel can often arrange parking or guide you). Weekdays are calmer for driving in these areas; weekends, especially in San Miguel, see more traffic from weekend visitors. The climate in the highlands is generally dry and pleasant, but evenings can be cool due to altitude, keep a light jacket. If time allows, add a stop at Teotihuacán (just north of Mexico City) at the start or end of your trip to see the stunning Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. This road trip is a journey through Mexico’s colonial past, take your time to savor the culture and cuisine in each town.
Quick Mexico Car Rental Info Box:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A valid U.S. (or Canadian/European) driver’s license is generally accepted for renting and driving in Mexico. You do not need a Mexican license. However, if your license is not in English or Spanish (for example, if it’s in another alphabet like Cyrillic), the rental company may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a translation. It’s often recommended to carry an IDP for peace of mind, but for Americans, your state-issued license is sufficient by law. Always carry your passport and rental agreement along with your license when driving.
Yes, Mexican liability insurance is mandatory. This is required even if you have full coverage from a credit card or your home policy, because foreign insurance isn’t valid for liability in Mexico. At the rental desk, you’ll be offered additional insurance options: CDW/LDW (collision damage waiver) to cover damage to the rental car, expanded third-party liability limits, theft protection, etc. While not legally required, these can save you hassle in an accident. Read your credit card’s benefits if you plan to decline CDW, many cards cover collision damage but not liability. Our advice: at minimum, take the included liability and consider an upgrade for fuller coverage. It ensures that in case of an accident, you won’t face out-of-pocket costs or legal complications (remember, without proper insurance, authorities can detain you until damages are paid).
Generally, yes, millions of tourists successfully road-trip in Mexico each year. Main tourist areas and highways are safe to drive in daylight. Petty theft can occur, so don’t leave valuables in plain sight and use secure parking at night. Some regions (usually far from tourist zones) have security issues, it’s wise to research current travel advisories. The Yucatán Peninsula, Baja California, and Pacific resort areas (Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos) are considered very safe for driving. Stick to toll roads (“cuotas”) when possible, as they are well-patrolled and in good condition. Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar or rural areas. In cities, watch out for aggressive driving and lane switching, drive defensively and you’ll be fine. Police checkpoints are normal; just cooperate politely. Overall, if you use common sense (like you would driving in any foreign country), renting a car in Mexico is safe and opens up incredible travel experiences.
In Mexico, you drive on the right-hand side of the road, the same side as the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe. The driver’s seat is on the left side of the car. This is convenient for American drivers since there’s no adjustment needed. If you’re coming from a left-driving country (UK, Australia, etc.), take some time to practice in a quiet area. But overall, road rules will feel familiar. One thing to note: at multi-lane roundabouts (traffic circles), yield to cars already in the circle (and beware, Mexicans can be a bit aggressive about merging).
The majority of rental cars in Mexico have automatic transmission, especially at airport locations and in tourist areas. Automatic cars are popular and most suppliers cater to Americans who may not drive stick. However, you will find some manual transmission cars available, often in the economy category or with local rental companies. If you prefer a manual (or specifically need an automatic), be sure to select that option when booking. Don’t assume, always check the car details. If you only drive automatic, you’ll be fine; virtually every class from compact to full-size SUV will have automatic models. Manual cars can be a bit cheaper, but they’re only a good choice if you’re comfortable with stick shift, especially in hilly cities like Guanajuato.
Gasoline in Mexico (Magna unleaded) costs around 23–24 MXN per liter as of mid-2025 (approximately $1.20–$1.25 USD per liter). This comes out to roughly $4.50–$4.75 USD per gallon, a bit cheaper than in some parts of the U.S. Gas stations are full-service; an attendant will pump gas and often clean your windshield. It’s customary to tip about 5 to 10 pesos (roughly $0.50) for their service, more if they perform extra service or check your oil/tires. Make sure to carry small peso notes or coins for tips. Also, double-check your change if paying cash for fuel; mistakes can happen. Overall, fueling up in Mexico is easy, just tell the attendant “lleno” (yen-oh) to fill the tank!
Mexico has numerous toll roads (marked as “CUOTA” on signs) which are smoother and faster, but they do cost. For example, the toll from Mexico City to Acapulco costs several hundred pesos. If you’re on a tight budget, you can take the parallel “LIBRE” (free) roads in many cases, but be prepared for a longer journey, slower trucks, and more curves or towns. We generally recommend using toll roads for safety and time, especially if you’re covering long distances. Some toll roads only accept cash (in MXN), so have pesos on hand. A few allow card payments or have electronic toll collection, but as a tourist it’s easiest to pay cash at the booth. In a rental car, if there’s an electronic tag, ask the agency how they charge for toll usage (some will bill you afterward). To put costs in perspective: a 100 km stretch might cost 100–200 pesos ($5–$10 USD). It’s usually worth it for the better road. If you do choose libres, factor in extra travel time and daylight driving only.
If you have a car problem on the road, safety first: pull over to the shoulder (as far off as possible) and turn on your hazard lights. For a breakdown, call your rental company’s emergency number, they will advise or send help. On toll highways, you can also call the Green Angels (078) for free roadside assistance, or wait as they periodically patrol. If you’re in an accident, do not leave the scene. In Mexico, it’s required to wait for the transit police to report the incident. Call 911 if there are injuries or significant damage. Also call your insurance’s emergency number (provided in your rental paperwork). Remain calm and polite; if language is a barrier, use a translation app or ask a bystander to help. Do not admit fault on the scene, just stick to facts for the police report. With proper insurance, the process will be smoother. Your rental company/insurer will guide you on the next steps (replacement car, etc.). It’s a good idea to take photos of the incident and exchange info with any other drivers involved. While it’s something we all hope to avoid, knowing these steps will help if an accident occurs.
One unusual rule: In some parts of Mexico City and other large cities, there is a “Hoy No Circula” program (vehicle restriction) based on your license plate number and day of week, aimed at reducing pollution. Rental cars are usually exempt (or have plates that don’t conflict), but ask your agency if this might affect you driving in the capital. Elsewhere, most rules are familiar: always stop for school buses loading/unloading children, yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and turn right on red is generally allowed after a full stop unless a sign says “No derecha en rojo”. If you’re driving in mountainous areas, you might see a weird custom: drivers often put on their left turn signal on highways to indicate it’s clear for you to pass them (use caution, it does not mean they are turning left). At four-way stops, the first vehicle to arrive has right of way (same as U.S.). And flashing high-beams can mean “I’m coming through” or a friendly “go ahead” depending on context. When in doubt, drive conservatively.
Speed limits vary by area and are posted in kilometers per hour. Typical limits: 120 km/h on some toll highways (about 75 mph), 90-100 km/h on open highways, 60-80 km/h on secondary roads, 40 km/h in urban areas unless otherwise marked, and as low as 20 km/h in school zones or residential streets. Enforcement can be inconsistent. Federal Highway Police do patrol main highways with radar and will ticket for extreme speeding. Some towns use speed cameras or have traffic police monitoring common speed traps. It’s wise to stick near the limit, or with the flow of traffic, rather than risk a fine (or safety). Remember, many roads have topes (speed bumps) instead of strict policing; those will enforce your speed mechanically! If you do get a speeding ticket, it’s usually payable at a local police station or in some cases online, and as mentioned, avoid paying cash directly to an officer on the spot.
Possibly, yes. While 25 is the standard minimum age to rent without restrictions in Mexico, many rental companies will rent to younger drivers (often 21-24) with a “young driver fee.” This surcharge can range roughly from $10 to $25 USD per day on top of the rate. Policies vary: some agencies have a minimum age of 21, others 18 for certain car classes. Luxury and larger vehicles might be off-limits to under-25 drivers. When booking on our site, input your age and we’ll automatically filter options. If you’re under 25, be prepared for that fee and check the terms and conditions, it will be clearly stated. Unfortunately, if you’re under 21, it’s quite difficult to find a rental in Mexico (a few local agencies might allow it with a very high fee and additional insurance). Always bring a credit card in the driver’s name; that’s a requirement regardless of age.