Car Rental at Cancun Airport

Airport travel guide

A mecca of nightlife and beach parties, Cancun is one of the tourist trademarks of Mexico. But while the city itself undoubtedly has lots to offer, getting a rental car will give you access to a number of other interesting destinations of the Yucatan peninsula. With that in mind, these are five of the most fun day trips from Cancun:

• El Rey. The state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun is located, is very rich in Mayan and other rarchaeological heritage, and while some of the most impressive sites are located a few hours’ drive away – more on those below – it is also possible to enjoy history without technically leaving Cancun. Located at the southern side of the city’s extensive Hostel Zone, the Ruins of the King are one of the early indigenous settlements from which Cancun originated and dates back to about 1,500 years.
• Chichen Itza. Located a good two-and-a-half-hour drive southwest of Cancun, Chichen Itza is nonetheless worth the long trip. The largest Mayan site in Mexico, this pre-Columbian city is best known for the impressive Pyramid of Kukulcan (also known simply as El Castillo) and its sculptures of feathered serpents, but the rest of the temples and sites are just as awe-inspiring.
• Cozumel. Another very popular tourist destination, the island of Cozumel is known for its beautiful coastline and as a hub of scuba diving and snorkeling, chiefly thanks to the reefs that surround it; the island is also home to the Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park and Arrecife Alacranes National Park (also called the Scorpion Reef). A drive south from Cancun takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes and includes a ferry, so ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. 
• Sian Ka’an. One of the most beautiful nature areas in the region, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is known both for its diversity of flora and fauna and for its ecologically conscious tours. Made up of a tropical jungle, mangrove forests, and even a barrier reef, the area is home to unique wildlife species like kinkajous, ocelots, and coatis. There are tours you can join, but it’s possible to also visit the reserve independently, although, depending on the areas you want to access, you might need a 4x4 vehicle. The drive from Cancun takes about three hours. A trip to Sian Ka’an can be combined with a visit to Cozumel or to the nearby Mayan site of Tulum. 
• Playa del Carmen. Another popular coastal resort, Playa, as it is often referred to by locals, is a more relaxed alternative to Cancun’s wild energy. Although still very busy, especially during the high season, it has a notably more laid-back vibe and is also known for its great diving spots. The drive from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen takes about 90 minutes. 

Top international routes

• Mexico City
• Monterrey
• Dallas
• Houston
• Guadalajara
• Atlanta
• New York City
• Panama City

Main airlines

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, VivaAerobus, Volaris, Interjet, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Air Transat

Terminals

There are four passenger terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4). They are connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every ten minutes.

Location

Cancun Airport is about 18 km (11 mi) from Cancun. Carr. a Aeropuerto Cancún, Highway 307, and Av. Rodrigo Gómez are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Medium cars - from $11 per day
• Small cars - from $11 per day
• Large cars - from $12 per day
• SUVs - from $20 per day
• Premium cars - from $19 per day
• Vans - from $26 per day
• Station wagons - from $46 per day

Car rental desks

Most, although not all, car rental desks are located in the arrivals area of Cancun Airport's T2.

Services and facilities

You’ll find a wealth of dining opportunities—restaurants offering both Mexican and international cuisine, fast food stands, cafeterias, and a tequila bar. For shopping, there are a variety of gift shops and duty-free stores. You’ll also find three lounges, an on-site hotel, two pharmacies, a security office for lost items, and a beauty parlor. The airport’s facilities are partially accessible to travelers with reduced mobility. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

Pemex gas station, on your left after passing the corner of Highway 307 and Calle Sierra Madre, as you drive to the city, can be reached in about 15 minutes and is open 24/7. While there are other gas stations even closer to Cancun Airport, travelers give this Pemex station the highest rating.

Popular one-way rentals

• Merida (308 km / 191 mi)
• Tuxtla Gutierrez (1,110 km / 690 mi)
• Playa del Carmen (55 km / 34 mi)
• Cozumel (114 km / 71 mi)
• Ixtapa (2,253 km / 1,400 mi)
• Managua Airport (1,700 km / 1,056 mi)