Welcome to our comprehensive guide on renting a car in Mexico City. This step-by-step roadmap covers all six crucial stages of the process: selecting a car rental company, choosing your car model, securing Mexican car insurance, picking up the car, signing the agreement, and finally, returning the car. Your questions, concerns, and rental uncertainties will all be addressed right here.
Can You Rent a Car in Mexico City?
Absolutely. Every tourist who is at least 18 years old, has a valid driver’s license, Mexican car insurance, and a credit card with a sufficient amount of credit to pay for the rental is allowed to rent a car in Mexico City.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Mexico City?
Renting a car in Mexico City typically begins at around $30 per day for smaller, fuel-efficient cars. Larger vehicles like SUVs and vans are pricier, ranging from $50 to $280 per day.
In addition to the car rental fee, you’ll need to consider Mexican car insurance, which can cost between $5 to $70 per day, depending on the type of coverage and car model. Some companies also offer extra features like child seats, which can increase the total cost.
On the bright side, there are also tons of discounts you may stumble upon, allowing you to rent a more expensive car for a cheaper price. All in all, if you go with the most budget-friendly option, expect to pay around $50 per day to rent a car in Mexico City.
How Much Does the Fuel Cost in Mexico City?
Gasoline at Mexico City’s gas stations costs between $1.2 to $1.4 per liter. When you rent a car, it usually comes with a full tank, but eventually, you’ll have to refill it on one of your road trips. Also, most rental companies have a policy that requires you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you got it. Make sure to keep these expenses in mind.
Is Renting a Car in Mexico City Safe?
Mexico City is generally safe for renting a car, but you should always be cautious.
The metropolis boasts world-renowned and safe rental companies with excellent customer ratings and well-maintained cars. As long as you rent a car from these reliable companies (we’ll give some great recommendations in a bit), you’ll be in safe hands.
In the central areas of Mexico City, you’ll find well-kept roads with good street lighting. However, in the outskirts or less developed neighborhoods, the road conditions may not be as ideal, so make sure you don’t venture too far into these areas.
Mexico City experiences heavy traffic during rush hours, which happen from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. If you can’t handle chaotic traffic, skip these periods of the day. Also, avoid night drives as much as possible because you never know whether you’re going to stumble upon an intoxicated driver, thief, or other situations that will jeopardize your safety.
Can You Get Scammed When Renting a Car in Mexico City?
Yes, there’s a potential for scams when renting a car in Mexico City, but it mainly happens with online bookings from less reputable car rental companies.
There are many car rental companies around the Internet that offer tourists rentals for super cheap prices, like $4 or $5. These rates are, of course, misleading and are merely a tactic to get people to sign the agreement before realizing there are additional fees such as taxes, fees, fuel, insurance, and so on. So, if you come across car rental companies online that try to sell you on ridiculously low pricing, our advice is to simply not engage.
Where Exactly Can You Get a Car Rental in Mexico City?
Most car rental companies have offices in both downtown Mexico City and Mexico City’s International Airport. You can make an online reservation in advance, and when you arrive in Mexico City, simply go to their offices to pick up your car.
If you’re traveling by air, it’s more convenient to pick up your car from Mexico City’s International Airport. Alternatively, if you opt for the car rental offices located downtown as your pick-up location, then you can easily locate them using Google Maps — just type in the company’s name.
How to Rent a Car in Mexico City
- Get the required documents
- Choose a car rental company
- Choose the type of car you want to rent
- Pickup the car
- Follow the local laws
- Return the car at agreed time
It’s best to prearrange your car rental before you arrive in Mexico City. Booking in advance means you’ll have your pick of car models, and you’ll have more time to research the companies and make better decisions.
If you show up without a reservation, the rental company can still assist you, but your car choices might be limited.
Step 1: Choosing a Car Rental Company
Your best choice for booking a car rental is through DiscoverCars.
DiscoverCars works with many reliable car rental companies, both big and small, so it gives you lots of options for different types of cars that fit different needs and budgets. Plus, you don’t have to search for rental companies one by one — everything is in one place, which makes it easy to compare prices and the different rental fees. With DiscoverCars, you’ll always know exactly what you’re paying for.
The website also makes it easy to book a car. Just pick your pickup and drop-off location, date, and time, and you’ll see all the available cars from different rental companies in Mexico City. You can also check what other customers have said about these companies, so you know what kind of service to expect. You can either opt for partial prepayment or full prepayment and cancel your reservation for free for the duration of 48 hours. If you have any questions or concerns, their customer support is available around the clock.
The car rental companies that you can choose from are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Economy, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Green Motion, Hertz, Mex Rent-a-Car, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. If you want, you can also make a reservation directly from their websites.
Step 2: Choosing a Car
Car rental companies typically feature the following car model categories: economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, SUVs, luxury, convertibles, minivans, off-road, electric, or hybrid cars. The common brands you’ll encounter are Nissan, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, and Kia.
Whether you rent through DiscoverCars or directly from a rental company, these are the car models and brands you can expect. Some models are more expensive, while others are budget-friendly, catering to different needs and preferences.
When you’re picking out a car, it’s a good idea to think about how many people will be with you, how far you’re going, the kind of roads you’ll be on, and your budget.
Step 3: Picking a Mexican Car Insurance
In Mexico, you have the choice to pick one (or several) of the following car insurances: third-party liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, theft protection, medical insurance, and full insurance coverage.
The cost ranges from $5 to $70 per day, depending on the rental company, car model, and the type and number of insurances you choose. Mexican law requires you to have at least third-party liability insurance, which is the most basic and covers damage you cause to others or their property in an accident.
If you want extra protection, you can get additional insurance. Collision covers your car’s repair after a crash. Comprehensive insurance offers protection against vandalism, animals, and natural disasters. Theft protection covers stolen cars, and medical insurance pays for accident-related medical expenses. Full-insurance coverage (the best pick) combines all these coverages into one and protects you from every possible incident there is — from damage to other people and personal injury to theft, natural disasters, and more.
Step 4: Arriving to Pick up the Car
On the day you pick up your rented car, your focus should be on arriving at the agreed-upon time and location with all the necessary documentation in hand.
Before you take the keys, make sure to do a thorough investigation of the car. The rental has been driven by previous tourists, so there may be existing damage, scratches, or dents — photograph all of them and notify the company on the spot so you aren’t held accountable for them later. If the rental company accuses you of damage and you have no proof to show that it wasn’t your fault, you’ll have to pay for it, as per the agreement you’ll sign.
Step 5: Signing the Rental Agreement
Take time to read the whole rental agreement. This is a very important step — it tells you what to expect and what rules you are obligated to follow while you’re in possession of the rented car. If anything is unclear, ask questions. Only sign when you’re 100% sure you understand everything the agreement stipulates.
Step 6: End of the Agreement
If you want to avoid paying extra fees, it’s crucial that you return the car on time, so make sure you drop it off on the agreed-upon date, time, and location. If your agreement says so, you must return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you got it. Failing to do this can lead to additional charges.
When you return the car, the company will check for damage, after which you’ll get a receipt confirming that you’ve returned the car and that it’s in good condition. Leave the keys, review the final bill, and make sure all payments are settled. That’s it!
Driving in Mexico City: Rules & Tips for a Smooth Ride
You are in a foreign country, so it’s essential that you read up on the local driving laws and recommended driving practices to minimize your risk of getting into an unpleasant or potentially dangerous situation while you’re on the road.
The most important Mexican driving laws you must remember are:
- Always drive on the right side
- Have your seatbelt on
- Don’t use your phone
- The legal blood alcohol level is 80mg
- The speed limit for urban areas is 30-70kph, rural 90kph, and highway 100-120kph
- Children younger than 7 years must be secured in a child safety seat
- Carry your driver’s license, passport, car rental agreement, and proof of insurance
- Yield to pedestrians
- “ALTO” translates to stop, and “E” with a slash means no parking
- Use the turn signal when overtaking another car
- Don’t park on red curbs
The things you also want to keep in mind while on the road are:
- Slow down on speed bumps, they are all over Mexico City
- Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the highways
- Have some pesos on hand for toll roads
- Use GPS navigation at all times
- Plan ahead so you don’t run out of gas
- If pulled over by the police, show them your documentation and be polite
- Don’t park your car in random places, use designated parking spots
- Don’t leave valuables in the car
- Don’t drive at night
- Skip the rush hours
Is Renting a Car in Mexico City Worth It?
Definitely worth it. Waiting for transportation can be time-consuming and tiring, while having your own vehicle is not only a time-saver, but also way more convenient. Plus, it allows you to explore beyond the city limits, opening up exciting opportunities for adventure and discovery.
Here are some places you can visit with a rental car:
- The UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site Teotihuacán, located about 30 miles (48km) northeast of Mexico City
- The picturesque town of Tepoztlán, approximately 50 miles (80km) south of Mexico City
- The colorful canals in Xochimilco, located within Mexico City, approximately 9.3mil (15km) to the south
- The beautiful historical center of the city of Puebla, about a two-hour drive from Mexico City
- The “City of Eternal Spring,” Cuernavaca, situated about 35 miles (85km) to the south
- The dormant volcano Nevado de Toluca, about a two-hour drive from Mexico City
- The impressive caves Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, located around 100 miles (160km) south of Mexico City
- The silver craftsmanship in the city of Taxco, 109 miles (175km) to the southwest
- The picturesque lakeside town Valle de Bravo, situated around two to three hours west of Mexico City
When Is It Not a Good Idea to Rent a Car in Mexico City?
Renting a car may not be necessary if you plan to stick around in Mexico City’s downtown, where your hotel is located, and everything is close by. Also, if the thought of driving in an unknown place makes you nervous, it’s best to stick to other transportation options — taxis, bicycles, or scooters. Mexico City also has charming cobblestone streets that are great for walking. But, at the end of the day, this decision depends on your preferences and the type of vacation experience you want.
Mexico City Car Rental Recap
Ultimately, your best choice for renting a car in Mexico City is through DiscoverCars. Their online platform is user-friendly that you’ll find your best car in no time.
But, don’t even think about renting a car unless you’re at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, plan to get Mexican car insurance, and have enough money on your credit card to cover the rental cost.
Rentals can range from $50 to $300 per day, so be prepared for this expense if you want the freedom to explore the city on your own terms. And while it’s important to understand the rental process is vital, it’s equally important to drive the rental car safely and in accordance with the law — so keep that in mind!
We hope we’ve answered all your questions regarding the rental process in Mexico City. Happy travels!
Car Rental in Other Mexican Cities
- How to Rent a Car in Mexico
- How to Rent a Car in Cancun
- How to Rent a Car in Cabo San Lucas
- How to Rent a Car in Cozumel
- How to Rent a Car in Tulum
- How to Rent a Car in Playa Del Carmen
- How to Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta
- How to Rent a Car in Oaxaca
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- How to Rent a Car in Guadalajara
