Car rental in Mexico: search for the best deals!

Practical information

Where is there to rent a car in Mexico?

Mexico shares borders with the US, Guatemala and Belize, as well as coastlines with the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Its capital city is Mexico City, while other major cities include Guadalajara and Mérida. Popular attractions in Mexico include Tulum, which is known for its beaches; the ancient Mayan city of Coba; and the city of Cancún, which is famous for its beaches and nightlife. From the US, travelers can fly to a number of airports in Mexico. These include Mexico City International Airport; Cancún International Airport; and Guadalajara International Airport. While traveling by train in Mexico is an option, with tourist railway lines such as the Chihuahua al Pacifico and the Tequila Express allowing visitors to see sights such as the Copper Canyon, the country's passenger rail network is limited. Therefore, traveling by rental car is a great way to see the landscapes of Mexico! Car rental companies operating in Mexico include Hertz, Mex Rent a Car and Avis, with car rental services to be found at major airports including Mexico City International Airport.

What are the driving rules in Mexico?

When driving in Mexico, pay attention to the rules of the road drivers and the road conditions! Keep an eye out for potholes and other drivers, and be sure to stick to the speed limit. This is usually between 30 to 70 km/h in urban areas; 90 km/h in rural areas; and 100 to 120 km/h on the motorway. When in Mexico, drive on the right and be aware that the alcohol limit for drivers is 80mg/100ml. When renting a car in Mexico, drivers under the age of 25 may incur additional fees in the form of a "young drivers surcharge". Cars can be rented with a US driver's license.

When it comes to parking in Mexico, there are a number of options. Metered parking is available: in Mexico City, spaces are indicated by white lines on the road. Alternatively, valet parking and parking lots are also popular options for those wishing to park their car in Mexico.

Road trips in Mexico

With beautiful coastal roads and plenty of interesting cities and archaeological sites to discover, taking a road trip in Mexico is a great way to explore the country. Stick to driving during daylight hours and enjoy all Mexico has to offer by rental car.

Mexico City

The capital city of Mexico boasts a large array of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Museums include the National Museum of Anthropology; the Frida Kahlo Museum; and the Museo Soumaya art museum. Visitor to Mexico City can also check out the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes and the hilltop Chapultepec Castle, before heading out of the city to explore the surrounding areas of Mexico City by rental car. The city of Puebla is located an 84 mile drive away, and is home to colonial architecture, delicious Mexican food and landmarks such as Puebla Cathedral.

Cancún

Located on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is known for its nightlife and beaches. A popular spring break destination, well known attractions include the Cancún Underwater Museum, the Maya Cancun Museum and beaches such as Playa Delfines. A short drive from the city, discover the ancient Mayan city of Coba while further afield (a 122-mile drive) stands the Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza.

Baja California

The Mexican state of Baja California shares a border with the US state of California, and is a popular road trip destination in Mexico. With coastal roads overlooking the Pacific Ocean, there are a number of scenic drives to enjoy. Start in Tijuana, whose attractions include the Tijuana Cultural Center and the busy Avenida Revolución. Car rental companies can be found at Tijuana International Airport. From here, follow Mexico's Route 1 on a coastal drive heading south through Baja California. Stops along the way include the city of Ensenada, the town of Guerrero Negro, and the capital city of Baja California Sur - La Paz. The road trip ends up in the resort city of Cabo San Lucas, where visitors can relax on white sand beaches and enjoy water sports such as snorkelling and sailing.