Renting a car in Guadalajara is simple enough, but there are a few essential steps to complete before you hit the road.
First, ensure that you:
- Meet the legal age requirement;
- Hold a valid driver’s license;
- Have a credit card with sufficient funds for all the renting fees.
All good? Great! Here’s how the car rental process unfolds:
- Visit your preferred car rental company’s website and make an online reservation. This means – selecting your pick-up date, location, ideal car model, and mandatory Mexican insurance.
- Visit the car rental company’s offices on the agreed-upon date to pick up your car and sign the rental agreement.
- When your road trip comes to an end, return the car to the rental agency.
But the devil’s in the details – so we’ll also share a comprehensive guide on how to rent a car in Guadalajara. We’ll cover the costs, suggest trusted rental companies, and provide tips to steer clear of scams. Plus, we’ll recommend some cool places to visit.
Is Renting a Car in Guadalajara Safe?
Renting a car in Guadalajara is generally safe, as long as you use a reputable car rental company with well-maintained vehicles. You’ll find clear road signs and regular police patrols in the city. Plus, the main roads and highways are in good condition.
However, be cautious when driving on secondary streets in less central neighborhoods, as they may have potholes or uneven roads. Watch out for rush hour in the morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and evening (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM), when traffic can be dense.
Car theft does sometimes occur, so choose your parking places wisely. Don’t leave valuables in your car, and opt for hotels with private parking or designated parking areas when exploring the city. For more driving tips, check out the “Road Rules and Travel Hacks: Driving in Guadalajara With Ease” section below in this article.
What Do I Need to Rent a Car in Guadalajara, Mexico?
Tourists from all over the world can explore Guadalajara on their own schedule with a rental car. But to rent a car, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years old;
- Your license needs to be valid, current, and either in Latin script or translated in the form of an International Driving Permit (IDP);
- Your personal credit card should have enough funds to cover rental fees and security deposits;
- Mexican car insurance, provided by the rental company.
What Is the Cost of Car Rentals in Guadalajara?
Renting a car in Guadalajara costs between $30 and $420 per day. The lower end of the price range typically covers a smaller, fuel-efficient car with basic Mexican insurance (third-party liability insurance). More expensive options include a larger, high-end car with full-coverage Mexican insurance. So, it’s all about what you prefer, what suits your needs, and what your budget is.
How to Rent a Car in Guadalajara
- Select your pick-up and drop-off dates and locations
- Choose the car that suits your needs
- Pick the type of Mexican car insurance.
- Collect your car
- Sign the rental agreement
- Return the car with a full tank of gas
Step 1: Select the Date, Time, & Location
Visit your selected rental’s website or DiscoverCars and select the dates, times, and locations for car pickup and dropoff.
Booking in advance has its perks. You get a broader range of car options and more time for research. If you were to walk into a car rental office without a reservation, you might have fewer car options available, as many could be reserved by others.
Step 2: Choose a Car
Once you’ve locked in your dates, the next step of the car rental procedure takes you to the exciting world of car options.
In Guadalajara, you’ll typically find popular car models like Nissan, Hyundai, Jeep Renegade, Toyota, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, MG5, Peugeot, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Renault, and Kia. Nearly all of them, about 99%, are automatic — clearly labeled so you can easily tell if you’re getting an automatic or a manual.
These cars are neatly categorized based on their price, size, and features. For instance, there’s the small and budget-friendly category, perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Then, there are mid-size cars, striking a comfortable balance between compactness, space, and affordability. Other categories include large cars, SUVs, vans, station wagons, and luxury cars.
What you choose ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Consider factors like the number of passengers, luggage capacity, the terrain you’ll be navigating, any special features you desire, and, of course, your budget.
Step 3: Pick a Mexican Car Insurance
Driving without insurance in Mexico is a no-go, and rental companies won’t give you the keys without it. Your home country’s coverage won’t work here, so here are your options:
The essential insurance:
- Third-party liability — It covers the damage you might cause to others in an accident. You must have this insurance to rent a car.
Additional, optional types of insurance:
- Collision insurance — car repairs;
- Medical insurance — doctor visits and medication;
- Comprehensive insurance — guards against natural disasters and animal encounters;
- Theft protection — covers expenses if your car vanishes;
- Full-coverage insurance — bundles all the policies together.
If you opt for full coverage, you don’t need to buy the mandatory third-party liability insurance separately, as it’s already included. In our book, it’s the best choice, but it’s all about finding the right balance between protection and cost that suits you.
Step 4: Arrive to Pick up the Car
When you arrive at the rental office, there are a few things to take care of.
First, confirm your reservation and provide the required documents like proof of your age, your driver’s license, credit card information, and insurance coverage.
Then, a staff member will help you find your rental car. They’ll walk you through the car’s features, check the fuel level, and share important details. If you spot any existing damages during the presentation, let the rental company know and take some photos as proof. This can protect you from being charged for damage that isn’t your fault.
Step 5: Sign the Car Rental Agreement
This step is super important, so don’t rush through it. Carefully read through the entire agreement and only sign it when you’re comfortable with all the terms and conditions. This way, you won’t have any surprises or unexpected costs down the road.
Before starting the car, do a quick check of the fuel level to make sure it matches what’s in the agreement. If it’s lower than what was agreed upon, let the rental company know, as it could affect your refueling expenses.
Step 6: End of the Agreement
The final step of your car rental adventure is returning the car back to the rental office.
To ensure a smooth handoff, make sure you return the car with a filled tank and on time. Not following these requirements could lead to extra charges for refueling and late returns.
When you return the car, the rental company will inspect it for any issues and if everything checks out, they’ll give you a receipt confirming the car’s condition. And with that, your car rental journey officially wraps up.
How Much Do Gas Stations in Guadalajara Charge for Fuel?
Gas in Guadalajara is about $1.21 to $1.41 per liter. The good news is your rental car comes with a full tank, but Mexico uses something known as a “back to back” policy, stating that you need to return the car with a full tank as well. So don’t forget that. And in Mexico, you’ll have an employee at the gas station to help you fill up. Easy!
How to Avoid Online Scams When Renting a Car in Guadalajara
Online car rental scams can be a headache, but you can avoid them with a few simple tricks. Be wary of ads that promise incredibly low daily rates like $2, $3, $4, or $10. These are often scams. To stay safe, stick with well-known and highly-reviewed rental companies. Legitimate businesses can’t rent cars at rock-bottom prices and still cover their costs.
What Are the Leading Car Rental Companies in Guadalajara?
The top car rental companies in the city are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Economy, Enterprise, Europcar, GreenMotion, Hertz, Mex-Rent-a-Car, National, Routes, Sixt, and Thrifty.
The more convenient solution is DiscoverCars. It’s a major online car rental platform in Mexico that works with all of the companies mentioned above. Instead of going to each company’s website and managing a bunch of tabs, you can use DiscoverCars and see all the companies, cars, and prices in one place.
DiscoverCars not only simplifies your search, but it also offers competitive prices, keeps you informed about discounts, and it’s up-front about all costs. Plus, you can read real customer reviews to learn about others’ experiences. If you change your mind, you can cancel a rental for free within 48 hours.
Where Are the Car Rental Offices Located in Guadalajara?
First up, you’ll find car rental offices at Guadalajara International Airport, which is super convenient if you’re flying in. There are also offices in the downtown area, which is perfect if you want a relaxed start to your trip and don’t need a car right away. Additionally, some companies (not all of them) offer car rentals at hotels like the Guadalajara Camino Real Hotel. This is a great idea if you prefer to settle into your accommodation first and skip the hassle of going to another location to pick up the car.
Road Rules and Safety Tips: Driving in Guadalajara
When you’re exploring the roads in and around Guadalajara, it’s essential to follow Mexico’s driving rules to avoid fines and ensure a safe journey. Here are some key rules and tips:
Driving Rules:
- Respect speed limits, which vary: 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) in urban areas, 80-100 km/h (50-62 mph) on rural roads, and 100-110 km/h (62-68 mph) on highways
- Wear a seatbelt
- Avoid alcohol if you plan to drive – the blood alcohol limit is approximately 0.04%
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Don’t use your smartphone
- Yield to traffic inside roundabouts
- Overtake on the left and signal your moves
- Be prepared for tolls on major highways
- Do not offer rides to hitchhikers
Safety Tips:
- Don’t drive at night due to potential dangers
- Be polite and respectful, don’t engage in road rage
- Don’t leave valuables in your car
- Be cautious when changing lanes
- Don’t leave your car in undesignated parking spots
- Carry Mexican pesos for toll booths
- Plan your destinations ahead of driving
- Watch out for wildlife suddenly crossing the road
- Use GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze for navigation
- Never let your fuel tank get too low
- Watch out for speed bumps
- Expect traffic police, especially on major highways
Is Renting a Car in Guadalajara a Good Idea?
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore on your own terms. You can go where you want, when you want. Plus, you can discover hidden treasures and make the most of your vacation. So, if you don’t like spending time and money waiting for taxis or sticking to tour schedules, then renting a car is worth it.
On the other hand, if your idea of a great vacation is a more laid-back experience over an adventurous one, then a rental car may not be the best idea. There’s a lot to enjoy in the city’s heart, with plenty of shopping, traditional food, museums, and lively markets — all within close proximity and easily accessible by foot or bicycle.
Places to Visit in Guadalajara With the Freedom of Your Own Car
- Visit the nearby towns Tlaquepaque and Tonala known for their artisan markets
- Explore the Tequila Route and its distilleries
- Visit the charming lakeside towns of Chapala and Ajijic
- Experience a portion of Mexico’s pyramids, the pyramids of Guachimontones
- Discover the “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magic Town) Mazamitla, Tapalpa, and Tequila
- Visit the Los Colomos Park
- Take a day trip to the nearby beach towns of Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, or Barra de Navidad
- Visit the mountain town Mazamitla, also known as the “Switzerland of Mexico”
- Visit the Los Guachimontones Waterfalls
Guadalajara Car Rental Recap
To sum up, renting a car in Guadalajara is a breeze if you’re a responsible and cautious driver who follows Mexican traffic rules.
To start your car rental experience right away, consider picking up your rental at the Guadalajara International Airport and make your arrangements with a trusted company like DiscoverCars. For the ultimate peace of mind while out and about, go for full coverage insurance.
Booking online offers a broader range of car models, so start your journey there. Follow these steps, and you are all set for a fantastic trip!
