Tulum is an ideal tourist destination to explore by car. Our guide below will teach you everything you need to know about renting a car in Tulum from the moment you make your initial reservation up until the return of your vehicle.
Can You Rent a Car in Tulum?
Yes, tourists can rent a car in Tulum. Mexican law allows car rentals for tourists who are of legal age, hold a valid driver’s license, obtain Mexican car insurance (issued by the rental company), and have a personal credit card with sufficient funds to cover the rental costs.
If you meet these requirements, you’re all set to explore Tulum with the freedom of your own wheels.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Tulum?
Renting a car in Tulum typically starts at around $30 per day. This estimate includes selecting a budget-friendly car model, which can cost approximately $18 per day, and acquiring the most basic Mexican car insurance, known as third-party liability insurance. The cost of this insurance may range from $5 to $15 per day, depending on the car model and the rental company.
Premium options are available as well, with car rentals ranging from $20 up to $400 per day and full-coverage insurance options that may cost between $20 and $40 per day. So, the overall cost depends on the type of car, car rental company, and type of insurance you pick, but this is just a broad estimate of what to expect.
How to Rent a Car in Tulum
- 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
Renting a car in Tulum involves six simple steps, and these steps remain the same no matter which car rental company you choose. Let’s go over each step together.
Step 1: Picking Date, Time, & Pick-Up Location
When you visit any car rental company’s website, the initial step is selecting the date, time, and location for picking up and returning your car rental. Consider what timing suits you best. Do you need the car right from the beginning of your trip or at some later point during your vacation?
If you want the car from the start, we recommend choosing to pick it up at Cancun International Airport, where your flight lands. You can opt for Tulum Downtown if you prefer a later pick-up.
Step 2: Choosing a Car
Once you’ve confirmed your date and location, the company will show you all available car models for your chosen rental period. Typically, rental companies offer a standard set of car rental categories, including economy, compact, mid-size, full-size, SUVs, luxury, convertibles, minivans, off-road, electric, or hybrid cars.
Each category comes with its own advantages and caters to different needs and budgets. For example, SUVs are suitable for various terrains, economy options are budget-friendly, minivans are spacious, luxury cars boast top-notch amenities, and so on. Take some time to review each car model individually, consider your specific needs and budget, and find the best fit for your vacation.
Step 3: Picking a Mexican Car Insurance
Have you selected your ideal rental car? Fantastic. Now, the rental company will offer you a choice of different Mexican car insurance options to provide coverage in case of an accident. This step is legally mandatory!
You must have third-party liability insurance, which covers damage to other people or property in the event of an accident where you are at fault. Regardless of the rental company, all tourists renting a car in Mexico must have this insurance. However, since this insurance only covers damage done to others, you can purchase additional insurance to cover other types of damage for additional safety in the event of an accident.
If you want additional coverage, you can purchase the following options:
- Collision insurance: Covers repairs to your car
- Medical insurance: Pays for medical expenses
- Comprehensive insurance: Covers damage from natural disasters, vandalism, and/or animals
- Theft protection: Covers expenses if the car is stolen
- Full-insurance coverage: A combination of all coverages into one comprehensive policy
Step 4: Arriving to Pick up the Car
The next step is to ensure you arrive on time to pick up your vehicle. Regardless of the pick-up location, the process remains consistent: visit the car rental office, meet with a representative, confirm your reservation, and provide the necessary documentation (driver’s license, proof of age, credit card, insurance).
Once these formalities are done, you’ll be escorted to your car. Since the car may have been driven by previous renters, there’s a possibility it could have scratches, dents, or other damage. It’s vital to do a thorough inspection of your car and notify the staff of any existing damage you find. While you’re at it, take photos as evidence to show that you didn’t cause any pre-existing damage, which could result in additional charges.
Additionally, make note of the fuel level. Car rental companies typically provide their cars with a specific amount of fuel, as stated in the rental agreement. If the fuel level is lower than what’s specified, inform the staff to avoid having to refuel earlier than expected.
Step 5: Signing the Car Rental Agreement
Assuming your documentation is in order, the car is in good condition, and the fuel level is as expected, your next step is to sign the car rental agreement. This document is of utmost importance because it outlines the specific terms and conditions that you must adhere to while you have the car in your possession.
Read through each term one by one to avoid any unexpected costs or obligations that you wouldn’t agree to if you were aware of them beforehand. Don’t hesitate to ask the rental company for clarification if you need to.
Typically, the agreement contains information about the final cost, additional fees such as taxes, insurance, fuel charges, mileage limits, and associated charges, details about additional drivers, cancellation policies, return procedures, and more. Once you are completely confident that you understand every aspect of the car rental agreement, go ahead and sign it and the keys are yours.
Step 6: End of the Agreement
Before returning the car to the rental office, review the rental agreement and find the section detailing the fuel policy. Check what level the fuel tank should be filled to before you return the car.
Another important thing is returning the car on time. Being late may result in an additional fee, which nobody likes, so make sure to return the car at the agreed-upon time.
Upon arriving at the car rental office, a representative will take the keys and inspect the car for any new damage, scratches, or dents. If there’s new damage, the company will charge you for the repairs. However, if the damage was done before you had the car and you have photos to prove that, great — you’ve followed our advice and dodged an unnecessary charge.
How Much Does the Fuel Cost in Tulum?
According to Numbeo, the price of one liter of gasoline in Tulum ranges from 21 MXN to 23 MXN, which is approximately $1.22 to $1.33 per liter. When you pick up the rental car, it will already have a full tank of fuel provided by the rental company. However, you will be responsible for refilling the tank during your trip.
Additionally, rental companies typically require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you received it, so this is an additional expense to keep in mind.
Is Renting a Car in Tulum Safe?
Yes, it is. Tulum is regarded as one of the safest destinations for traveling, so renting a car there should be a safe experience. However, it’s always wise to exercise caution .
For instance, parking in designated areas can help prevent theft, avoiding night drives may spare you from coming across intoxicated drivers on the road, using GPS navigation can keep you from getting lost, and sticking to main highways, well-lit streets, and central roads can help you avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as encounters with cartels.
Can You Get Scammed When Renting a Car in Tulum?
Yes, there’s a potential for scams when renting a car in Tulum. If you’ve searched for car rentals online, you’ve likely come across advertisements offering rentals for as low as $4. However, be cautious, as these offers are often deceptive.
Fake car rental ads online often attract customers with unrealistically low rates, such as $4 or $5 per day. But once you’re interested, they hit you with unexpected charges like taxes, fees, fuel costs, and insurance, which significantly increase the final cost. This can lead to a deceptive and expensive experience, so it’s essential to be aware of it and rent a car from reliable car rental companies — which we’ll talk about next!
What Are the Best Car Rental Companies in Tulum?
The best car rental resource in tulum is DiscoverCars. They’re trustworthy, and what you see is what you pay — no hidden costs.
Apart from being reliable, DiscoverCars is very user-friendly. It’s basically one huge list of all the car rental companies in Tulum — all you have to do is scroll, compare, and pick the car and company of your liking. If you are uncertain, DiscoverCars also features customer reviews, which can help you make a decision.
You have two payment options: partial prepayment or full prepayment — plus, up to 48 hours of free cancellation. As for the prices, they are more or less the same as when you reserve a car directly from the car rental company, or even lower if you stumble upon an exclusive discount — which happens often.
The car rental companies that you can choose from are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Economy, Europcar, Hertz, NUCarrentals, and National. If you want, you can also rent a car directly from the companies’ websites. They are the best even if you don’t rent through DiscoverCars — but we recommend the platform because everything is in one place, so it’s reliable and convenient.
Where Exactly Can You Get a Car Rental in Tulum?
Most car rental companies in Tulum have offices in downtown Tulum, also known as Tulum Centro. You can make an online reservation in advance and, upon your arrival in Tulum, head to their offices to pick up your car.
Because Tulum’s airport is still under construction, you are likely to land at Cancun International Airport. So, if you want to have a car from the minute you step off the airport, renting there is the most convenient option — there are offices of all the major car rental companies.
Alternatively, if you choose to rent a car from the car rental offices located downtown in Tulum, you can easily find them using Google Maps. As for getting from Cancun to Tulum , you have various transportation options such as including taking a taxi, an ADO bus, a shared shuttle, or arranging for a private car service.
Driving in Tulum: Rules & Tips for a Smooth Ride
- If pulled over by police, have your passport, driver’s license, Mexican insurance, and rental agreement ready
- Gas stations don’t have self-service
- Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Have your seatbelt on
- Secure children younger than 7 years in a child safety seat
- Follow speed limits and road signs
- Slow down at speed bumps
- Don’t use your phone while driving
- Use GPS for better navigation
- Book a hotel that has parking
- Don’t leave valuables in the car
- Avoid driving at night
- Keep an eye on your fuel at all times
- You might run into wildlife crossing the road, so be patient when that happens
Is Renting a Car in Tulum Worth It?
Renting a car in Tulum is a great idea if you want to move around quickly and comfortably without having to depend on pricey taxis or crowded buses. It lets you make the most of your time and avoid waiting for transportation.
Plus, a car also allows you to see twice as many attractions, secluded beaches, and hidden off-road gems. Here’s what you can do in Tulum if you have the convenience of a rental:
- Visit the Mexican pyramids of Coba
- Gaze at the natural wonders of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Visit the fishing village, Punta Allen
- Sunbathe at the Xpu-Ha Beach
- Take a dive at the Kaan Luum Lagoon
- Learn about Mayan history at the Muyil Archaeological Site
- Snorkel at the Cenote Dos Ojos
- Encounter spider monkeys at the Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve
When Is It Not a Good Idea to Rent a Car in Tulum?
If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys a more relaxed pace and doesn’t feel the need to explore everything, then you can definitely skip renting a car in Tulum. Tulum offers plenty of attractions for those who prefer relaxation over adventures, including stunning resorts, pristine beaches, rejuvenating spa centers, restaurants serving traditional Mexican cuisine, and picturesque streets to stroll through in Downtown.
Tulum Car Rental Recap
First, make sure you meet the requirements: you need to be of legal age, have a valid driver’s license, a personal credit card, and have Mexican car insurance (which you can get from the rental company).
When choosing a rental company, steer clear of sketchy, low-cost options and go for DiscoverCars, where you can find all the best deals in one place. Compare options, read reviews, think about your budget, and make your decision.
The car rental process involves six key steps: selecting pick-up and drop-off dates and locations, choosing a car, getting insurance, picking up the car, signing the agreement, and eventually returning the car.
That’s it! Take good care of the car, refuel it before returning, and always drive responsibly and respect local driving laws. Have a fantastic trip!
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 Playa Del Carmen
- 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
