Tourists can rent a car in Playa Del Carmen if they meet the following requirements:
- You need to be at least 18 years old
- You must have a valid driver’s license
- You need to have a personal credit card with a sufficient amount of money on it
- You must get Mexican car insurance, which you can get from the car rental company itself
Is Renting a Car in Playa Del Carmen Safe?
Yes, renting a car in Playa Del Carmen is safe. Many reputable car rental companies offer well-maintained vehicles and prioritize customer safety.
The main highway in the area is Federal Highway 307, which runs along the beautiful eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This highway connects Playa Del Carmen to other popular destinations like Cancun, Tulum, and beyond.
In central Playa Del Carmen, roads are well-maintained with good lighting. However, as you move away from the city center, road conditions may vary, so note that there are potholes and less reliable lighting.
Rush hours in Playa Del Carmen are from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening, with Fridays often having heavier traffic as people head out for weekend getaways.
All in all, Playa Del Carmen is considered a safe destination for tourists, especially in central neighborhoods with well-maintained roads and good lighting. Nonetheless, like in any city, it’s important to take precautions: park in designated areas to prevent theft, avoid nighttime driving when possible, and rely on GPS navigation to stay on well-traveled routes.
How to Rent a Car in Playa Del Carmen
- 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: Selecting Date, Time, & Location
Whether you’re reserving a car through DiscoverCars or directly from the car rental company’s website, the process starts with selecting your pickup and drop-off date and location.
If you want a car as soon as you land at the airport, simply enter your arrival dates and choose Cancun International Airport as your pickup location. If you prefer to pick up a car during your vacation, select mid-vacation dates and pick a location, whether it’s in Downtown Playa Del Carmen or another town spot that suits your needs.
The drop-off location follows the same principle. Choose your return dates and specify your preferred return location. Again, if you’re traveling by air, returning the car to Cancun International Airport on the same date as your departure is the most convenient.
Step 2: Choosing a Car
Once you’ve set your pick-up and drop-off dates and locations, the website will proceed to the next step and present you with a list of available car options for your selected period.
Car rental companies typically offer a range of car models, including small, fuel-efficient options (the most budget-friendly), mid-size cars (compact yet more spacious), large cars (suitable for up to five passengers), SUVs (ideal for various terrains), vans (great for larger families and extended journeys), and premium cars (featuring high-end amenities and the latest technology).
When making your choice, consider factors such as your budget, the number of passengers, and the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. Common car brands available for selection include Nissan, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, and Kia, with most of them equipped with automatic transmissions.
Step 3: Picking a Mexican Car Insurance
Some Mexican car rental companies allow you to choose car insurance when selecting your car online, while others handle this step when you arrive at their offices to sign the agreement.
Regardless of when this step occurs, obtaining Mexican car insurance is a crucial part of the car rental procedure. Driving without insurance in Mexico is illegal, and it’s important to note that your existing car insurance from your home country does not apply in Mexico — so missing this step is not an option.
The minimal insurance coverage mandated by law is third-party liability insurance. This insurance covers damage done to other people or property in case of an accident. You have to have this insurance, no matter what. If you want additional coverage that will cover other aspects of an incident, then you can opt for additional insurance, such as collision (repairs to your car), medical (doctor’s visits, pharmaceuticals, etc.), comprehensive (damage done from natural disasters, wildlife, vandalism), theft-protection (covers expenses if the car is stolen), and full insurance (a combination of all this coverage into one policy).
What type of policy or policies you choose depends on how safe you want to feel on your travels, and of course, your budget. Third-party liability insurance is the most affordable option, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per day. On the other hand, full-coverage insurance is the most expensive, usually costing between $20 and $40 daily.
Step 4: Arriving to Pick up the Car
When you arrive at the car rental company to pick up your car, the process is simple. You’ll provide the necessary documents and confirm your insurance. Once all the paperwork is sorted, a company representative will show you to your chosen vehicle.
Here’s the crucial part: Check the car’s condition thoroughly. If you spot any dents, scratches, or damage, immediately inform the company and take photos as evidence to avoid being charged for pre-existing issues. Without proof, you may have to cover repair costs.
Step 5: Signing the Car Rental Agreement
With your paperwork in order, the final step is to sign the rental agreement and start your adventure. This document is crucial as it lays out the specific terms and conditions you must follow while you have the car.
Usually, the agreement includes details about the total cost, additional fees (like taxes, insurance, and fuel charges), mileage limits, information about additional drivers, cancellation policies, return procedures, and more. Take the time to read it thoroughly. If you fully understand and agree to all the terms and conditions, feel free to sign the agreement and hit the road.
Step 6: End of the Agreement
The rental agreement concludes when you return the car to the rental company’s location. It’s crucial to adhere to the agreed-upon return date and time to avoid additional charges for late returns.
Additionally, most car rental companies require customers to return vehicles with a specified amount of fuel. Make sure to stop at a gas station and refill the tank to the level stated in the rental agreement.
Upon arriving at the rental company’s premises, a representative will inspect the car for any new damage, scratches, or dents. If everything checks out, you’ll receive confirmation that the car has been returned in good condition. Hand over the keys, and you’ll be on your way. If you’d like, consider leaving a review of the company’s service, which can be valuable feedback for future customers.
What Are the Best Car Rental Companies in Playa Del Carmen?
The best car rental companies in Playa Del Carmen are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Economy, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, Mex-Rent-a-Car, NUCarrentals, National, and Thrifty.
The best website for car rentals in Playa Del Carmen is DiscoverCars — our personal favorite. Here, you can find all of the above-mentioned car rental companies listed in one place, which makes it easy for you to compare their services, cars, and prices, and make a final decision.
DiscoverCars is in partnership with all these companies, so the prices it lists are more or less the same as if you’d arrange a rental directly from the company, if not cheaper, since they frequently offer discounts for the majority of cars they have available.
Another thing we love about DiscoverCars is their transparency. You’ll see all potential costs upfront, leaving no room for surprises, plus, you can read customer reviews. And if your plans change, no worries — DiscoverCars offers a free cancellation policy for up to 48 hours.
Where Exactly Can You Get a Car Rental in Playa Del Carmen?
There are a couple of locations in Playa Del Carmen where you can get a car rental: Playa Del Carmen Airport, Downtown Playa Del Carmen, Tucan Hotel, Fiesta Inn Hotel, Xcaret Park Hotel, Plaza Paraiso, Playa Del Carmen Bus Station, and Playacar Resort.
You can also choose to pick up your rental car at Cancun International Airport, as you’ll most likely arrive here if you travel by plane. Playa del Carmen’s airport is relatively small and primarily serves local flights. If you’re flying in and want to save time on transportation, arranging your rental at the Cancun airport is going to be the most convenient option. This way, you can start your Playa Del Carmen adventure right after landing without the need for a taxi, bus, shuttle, or private ride from the airport.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Playa Del Carmen?
Renting a car in Playa Del Carmen usually starts at $35 per day. This includes a budget-friendly car, which can be as low as $20 per day, and the minimal Mexican car insurance required by law, ranging from $5 to $15 per day.
For those with a bigger budget, there are premium car options from $30 to $180 per day and full-coverage insurance options costing $20 to $40 daily. All in all, the prices vary from one customer to another, but this gives you a rough estimate of what to expect.
How Much Does the Fuel Cost in Playa Del Carmen?
According to Numbeo, 1 liter of gasoline in Playa Del Carmen costs between 22.49MXN and 24MXN. This equates to about $1.28 to $1.37 per liter of gasoline. The gas stations in Mexico don’t utilize a self-service policy as in the US, so you’ll have to let the employee fill up the car tank.
Can You Get Scammed When Renting a Car in Playa Del Carmen?
Yes, there’s a potential for scams when renting a car, but it mainly arises from “too good to be true” online advertisements. Some car rental companies use tactics where they advertise rentals at unbelievably low prices, like $4 per day. While this might seem like an incredible deal, the actual cost is way more than $4. These companies tend to hide additional expenses like insurance, taxes, fuel, and more, only revealing them after you’ve signed the agreement, leaving you obligated to pay a much higher price.
The good news is that it’s relatively easy to avoid these scammers. The offers typically come from lesser-known and unreliable rental companies, often accompanied by negative reviews. In contrast, reputable companies (which we’ll discuss shortly) don’t resort to these misleading advertising tactics, so you can trust their pricing.
In summary, if you come across an online price that seems too good to be true, it likely is.
Driving in Playa Del Carmen: Tips for a Smooth Ride
- Respect the speed limits: 30-70kph for urban areas, 90kph for rural, and 100-120kph on the highway
- Respect the road signs: “ALTO” is “stop” and “E” with a slash means “no parking”
- Parking on red curbs is against the law
- Children up to 7 years of age need to be secured on a child safety seat
- A person’s BAC (blood alcohol concentration) shouldn’t exceed 0.08%
- Local practice for overturning another vehicle is activating the turn signal, also known as blinker
- If the police pulls you over, you’ll need to showcase your driver’s license, passport, car rental agreement, and proof of insurance
- Driving without a seatbelt is illegal
- Don’t use your phone while driving
- Install a GPS navigation app that supports offline usage, for instance, GoogleMaps
- Speed bumps are spread out in Mexico, slow down when you approach them
- It’s very common for wildlife to cross the streets in Mexico, if you stumble upon an animal, wait until it gets to safety
- Mexico has two types of roads: libre (free roads) and cuota (paid toll roads) — drive on the paid tool roads as they are safer and better maintained
- Avoid driving at night and park your car in a designated parking spots
- Make sure you don’t leave valuables in the car
- Mexico prohibits offering rides to hitchhikers
Is Renting a Car in Playa Del Carmen Worth It?
If you’re eager to explore not only Playa Del Carmen but also the neighboring areas, and the idea of regular taxi charges and long waits for local transportation is discouraging you, then renting a car will definitely be worth it. Taxis are costly, while local transport, although budget-friendly, can consume a lot of your precious time with its frequent stops and indirect routes. Moreover, it may not drop you off precisely where you want to be, necessitating additional walking or even taking another mode of transportation.
In essence, if you’re the kind of traveler who seeks to maximize your Playa Del Carmen experience, explore nearby cities, discover secluded beaches, uncover ancient ruins, and stumble upon hidden gems, then renting a car is your ticket to making these adventures a reality.
Places to Visit in Playa Del Carmen With the Freedom of Your Own Car
- Go zip lining at Xplor Park
- Learn about the Mexican culture and tradition at Xcaret Park
- Visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum Archaeological Site
- Snorkel with sea turtles at Akumal Bay
- Dive in the Dos Ojos or Gran Cenote cenotes
- Check out one of the many pyramids in Mexico at the Coba Archaeological Site
- Explore the mangroves and lagoons at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Sunbathe at Xpu-Ha Beach
- Visit the upscale residential area of Playacar
- Visit the remote fishing village of Punta Allen
- Meet the spider monkeys at Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve
- Cliff jump at Cenote Azul
- Visit the iconic Chichen Itza pyramid
- Explore the colonial town of Valladolid
Playa Del Carmen Car Rental Recap
Let’s quickly summarize what you need to do to rent a car in Playa Del Carmen.
To rent a car, you need to be of legal age and possess a valid driver’s license, a personal credit card, and Mexican car insurance. It’s best to prearrange your rental, and the most convenient way is through DiscoverCars.
Here’s the procedure broken down into six simple steps:
- 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
Drive responsibly, and we wish you an amazing time in Playa Del Carmen!
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 Mexico City
- How to Rent a Car in Puerto Vallarta
- How to Rent a Car in Oaxaca
- How to Rent a Car in La Paz Mexico
- How to Rent a Car in Guadalajara
