Car Rental in Mexico City

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Mexico City, Mexico
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Downtown Car Rental
Mini
Chevrolet Beat or similar
Chevrolet Beat
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
$29.07 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Economy
Kia Rio or similar
Kia Rio
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
MEX RENT A CAR
$33.19 per day
Mexico Penon de los Banos Car Rental
Compact
Volkswagen Up or similar
Volkswagen Up
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Flexways
$37.04 per day
Felipe Angeles International Airport(NLU) Car Rental
Intermediate
Renault Kwid or similar
Renault Kwid
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Firefly
$44.58 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Mexico City International Airport Car Rental
Standard
Volkswagen Vento or similar
Volkswagen Vento
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$45.92 / per day
Mexico City International Airport Car Rental
Full-size
Chevrolet Cavalier or similar
Chevrolet Cavalier
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Dollar
$46.13 / per day
Mexico City International Airport Car Rental
Premium
Volkswagen Jetta or similar
Volkswagen Jetta
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$48.22 / per day
Mexico Polanco Car Rental
Full-size Elite
Nissan Sentra or similar
Nissan Sentra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$77.18 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 18:33 on 2023-05-25. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Language
Spanish,
Mayan
Currency
MXN
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+52
Average car rental price
$45.17 / per day
Average car rental length
8 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h
19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 120 km/h
50 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
9.7

Why rent a car in Mexico City?

Mexico City is an incredible destination that's unlike anything else in the world. As one of the largest cities on the planet and the capital of one of Mexico's 32 states, it's an impressive place to explore. Whether you're interested in Aztec artifacts and colonial architecture, or just want to experience the lively cultural scene, there is so much to explore in Mexico City. One of the best parts about visiting is the foodie scene that ranges from classic street food like tacos al pastor to high-end contemporary Mexican cuisine. Plus, Mexico City is a great starting point to explore other gems in Central Mexico. Trust us, you won't regret making the trip!

Mexico City Car Rental

One-Way Car Rentals in Mexico City

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Mexico City and drop off in another city include:

  • From Mexico City to Cancun - 224 offers from $73.38 per day
  • From Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta - 81 offers from $51.11 per day
  • From Mexico City to Oaxaca - 58 offers from $40.64 per day
  • From Mexico City to Aguascalientes - 76 offers from $35.63 per day
  • From Mexico City to Guadalajara - 97 offers from $38.51 per day

Top ways to enter Mexico City

  • Mexico City Airport: Also known as Benito Juarez Airport after the Mexican statesman, it handled over 36 million travelers in 2021, making it one of the busiest airports in all of the Americas. In addition to plenty of domestic connections, the airport also offers flights to and from North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Located just 6km (3.7 miles) east of the city center, the airport can be reached in 20-30 minutes, depending on the traffic. 
  • Toluca Airport: Located an hour from the city center in the southwestern suburb of the same name it’s officially known as Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport. The much smaller Toluca Airport hosts flights of four different airlines (Volaris, VivaAerobus, Flexjet, Fly Across), offering local connections with places like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Tijuana, and Monterrey and International destinations such as San Francisco. Depending on the traffic, the trip from this airport to the center of Mexico City takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Top destinations and activities

  • National Museum of Anthropology. Mexico City is rich with museums — according to some estimates, no other city in the world has as many as the Mexican capital. While many of them would deserve special mention, the National Museum of Anthropology is definitely one of the standouts. It is the largest and most visited museum in Mexico and the majority of its impressive collection is dedicated to the various indigenous cultures of Mexico — not just the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecs, but also some lesser-known ones. In addition to stunning historical artifacts, there are also more recent exhibitions about rural life in modern-day Mexico. 

  • Frida Kahlo Museum. Also known as the Casa Azul or "Blue House," is a must-visit destination for art and history lovers in Mexico City. Located in the bohemian neighborhood of Coyoacán, this museum is the former home of Frida Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera. Visitors can explore the house and gardens, which are filled with personal items, artwork, and artifacts that offer insight into the life and work of this iconic Mexican artist. The museum is a popular attraction, so it's best to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

  • Zócalo. The main square of Mexico City, El Zócalo is also the city’s beating heart. Located in the place of the ceremonial center of the Aztec city that preceded it, it is one of the largest public squares in the world. Many of the city’s most important buildings, such as the National Palace and the Mexico City Cathedral, are located on it.  

  • Coyoacán. A large neighborhood inhabited for many centuries (its name means ‘the place of coyotes’ in the native Nahuatl language), Coyoacán is nowadays one of the best places to enjoy Mexico City’s colonial architecture. Famous examples include San Juan Bautista Church and La Conchita Church.

 

Traffic and parking

If you're planning a trip to Mexico City, it's important to be aware of the city's notorious traffic congestion. As one of the most clogged cities in the world, you're likely to spend a lot of time in traffic, especially during rush hour (hora pico) which occurs from roughly 6 am to 9 am and 6 pm to 9 pm each day. When it comes to parking, you have a couple of options - you can either use individual meters (Parquímetro monoespacio) where available or ticket machines (Parquímetro multiespacio) on the street. Keep in mind that individual meters require continuous credit as long as the car is parked, and they only accept coins. It's always a good idea to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to navigate the city's traffic and parking situation.

Mexico has a program called Angeles Verdes (Green Angels), which is similar to AAA in the USA. It provides trucks that patrol the tolled highways to assist drivers of broken-down vehicles. The operators of these trucks can fix basic problems or tow your vehicle and will do it for free. You can call the Green Angels toll-free at 01-800-987-8224 or dial 078 in an emergency. Do be sure to keep your receipt from the tolls, as this is funded through the tolls.

Toll roads

Mexico has an extensive system of toll roads due to a government program that started in the 1980s to update the country’s road system. The Mexican toll road system is called Cuota, while the parallel-running free roads are called 'Libre'. Toll booths are located along the highways at the end of sections of the road, therefore, on a long ride, you can pass through multiple toll booths. 

While credit cards used to be accepted, drivers can now only pay with either cash or an electronic tag placed on the car’s windshield. The electronic tags may be available from your rental car provider but usually comes with a fee. However, the fee is usually just a one-time fee for the tag, not a daily fee as in other places like many places in the United States. ATMs are few and far between along the highways, so be sure to keep plenty of cash to pay for the tolls. 

As of May 2023, the toll costs range from MX$ 25 to 150 MX$ (approximately US$ 2.50-15) for passenger cars. Compared to other countries, Mexico’s tolls can seem rather expensive. 

It is possible, however, to avoid most toll roads as Libre (or free) roads usually go alongside them, though they are much slower to travel on due to going through many villages along the way. This may make for more scenic travel on short trips but would certainly hinder progress on any long trips.

Ideas for day trips

  • Teotihuacan. Also known as the City of the Gods, Teotihuacan was the largest settlement in the pre-Columbian Americas and is now a major archeological site. The main attractions are the giant Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, as well as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, but many of the smaller structures and places of worship are just as fascinating. Located some 50km (31 miles) northeast of the city center, Teotihuacan can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

  • Desierto de los Leones. As fascinating as Mexico City is, its constant energy, colors, and smells can sometimes leave a traveler feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, a green escape is just a short ride away in the form of the Desert of the Lions National Park. Do not be confused by its name — it notes a wild, deserted place rather than eternal sand, and the area is characterized by highland forests, streams, and waterfalls. A great place for hiking, the national park is home to wildlife species like the ringtail (sometimes called a cat, but actually a relative of raccoons), white-tailed deer, and sparrowhawk, as well as some well-preserved architecture. The park is about an hour’s drive southwest of the city center.

  • Puebla. One of the largest cities in Mexico, Puebla is mainly known for its beautiful colonial buildings. The city’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts such gems as the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe, Puebla Cathedral, and the Chapel of the Virgin of Rosario. Meanwhile, the surrounding state of the same name has highland lakes, volcanoes, and ancient sites for a curious traveler to explore. The trip from Mexico City takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, so while it’s possible to visit Puebla on a day trip, spare two or three days if you can.

 

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Mexico City is the Chevrolet Spark, although many travelers also go for the smaller Chevrolet Spark 3d, as well as the Chevrolet Aveo and Nissan March. The most popular rental car types are economy, compact, and mini.

Car Rental Prices in Mexico City

  • Large cars - from $38 per day
  • Medium cars - from $34 per day
  • Vans - from $117 per day
  • Premium cars - from $46 per day
  • Small cars - from $29 per day
  • SUVs - from $46 per day

Money-saving tips

These are some good ways to save money on your rental car:

  • Compare the rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Consider a smaller car: Opting for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car can save you money on rental costs and gas.
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Mexico City is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 45% cheaper than the yearly average.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by:
Alexa Meisler
This article was reviewed and updated by Alexa, the founder of 52 Perfect Days; a travel website sharing how to spend a perfect day in cities around the world. Life’s too short to “wait” to travel. Find the best resources to plan your dream vacation, the adventure of a lifetime, or the perfect road trip!

What travel writers say

Although the sprawling capital city can be a tad overwhelming at first glance, Mexico City is a vibrant place that shouldn’t be missed out on. It is home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, a fantastic array of restaurants, and lots of lively nightlife. Mexico City has many historical and cultural landmarks to check out, with the Aztec Templo Mayor and massive cathedral just two of Mexico City’s attractions and most impressive sights. As well as all this, its vast array of fascinating museums means that one could spend months here without seeing everything.
H&A
Hannah & Adam
We are Hannah & Adam, a Wisconsin couple who left behind the American dream to travel the world and chase our own dreams.
Mexico really is a destination for any traveler. Whether you’re here to party in Cancun or relax at one of the many virgin beaches on the coast, you’ll find something that suits you just fine. In fact, it might be a little hard to leave (as many expats can commiserate). And, of course, maybe you’ll prefer the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, or the lush jungle landscapes of a national park. But when it comes to beaches in Mexico, it’s almost impossible to go wrong. Sink your toes in the sand, and enjoy!
JSF
Jeremy Scott Foster
My name is Jeremy Scott Foster, and I started this website as a way to connect and reach other people who also don’t resonate with the status quo. I don’t believe that there’s just one way to live your life.
Exploring Teotihuacan with the family is tons of fun and a day trip that I highly recommend. Teotihuacan is an ancient Aztec city located about a 45-minute drive northeast of Mexico City. This complex is made up of many step pyramids and temples and named a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural importance and otherworldly beauty. To this day, researchers are still discovering the secrets of the Aztecs, who were incredibly advanced for their time.
KD
Katie Dillon
I’m Katie. I write La Jolla Mom.

Top 20 Cities near Mexico City

  1. Puebla Car Rentals from $45.76 per day
    79.6 km / 49.5 miles away
  2. Queretaro Car Rentals from $27.02 per day
    175.9 km / 109.3 miles away
  3. Morelia Car Rentals from $36.68 per day
    209.9 km / 130.4 miles away
  4. Veracruz Car Rentals from $45.76 per day
    304.6 km / 189.3 miles away
  5. Leon Car Rentals from $15.66 per day
    305.2 km / 189.6 miles away
  6. Acapulco Car Rentals from $45.76 per day
    306.1 km / 190.2 miles away
  7. Ixtapa Car Rentals from $44.86 per day
    324.0 km / 201.3 miles away
  8. Tampico Car Rentals from $39.11 per day
    341.3 km / 212.1 miles away
  9. San Luis Potosi Car Rentals from $36.97 per day
    368.5 km / 229.0 miles away
  10. Aguascalientes Car Rentals from $39.41 per day
    421.3 km / 261.8 miles away
  11. Puerto escondido Car Rentals from $25.07 per day
    448.1 km / 278.4 miles away
  12. Guadalajara Car Rentals from $17.49 per day
    458.9 km / 285.1 miles away
  13. Colima Car Rentals from $45.76 per day
    472.9 km / 293.8 miles away
  14. Huatulco Car Rentals from $47.60 per day
    504.3 km / 313.4 miles away
  15. Zacatecas Car Rentals from $36.68 per day
    537.1 km / 333.7 miles away
  16. Manzanillo Car Rentals from $36.09 per day
    576.9 km / 358.5 miles away
  17. Puerto Vallarta Car Rentals from $26.12 per day
    660.1 km / 410.2 miles away
  18. Monterrey Car Rentals from $24.62 per day
    713.1 km / 443.1 miles away
  19. 715.5 km / 444.6 miles away
  20. Durango Car Rentals from $39.71 per day
    768.1 km / 477.3 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Mexico City

  1. 1.6 km / 1.0 miles away
  2. 35.7 km / 22.2 miles away
  3. 79.6 km / 49.5 miles away
  4. 175.9 km / 109.3 miles away
  5. Veracruz Airport Car Rentals from $45.76 per day
    304.6 km / 189.3 miles away
  6. Acapulco Airport Car Rentals from $45.76 per day
    306.1 km / 190.2 miles away
  7. 324.0 km / 201.3 miles away
  8. 368.5 km / 229.0 miles away
  9. 421.3 km / 261.8 miles away
  10. 448.1 km / 278.4 miles away
  11. 458.9 km / 285.1 miles away
  12. Colima Airport Car Rentals from $45.76 per day
    472.9 km / 293.8 miles away
  13. 504.3 km / 313.4 miles away
  14. 537.1 km / 333.7 miles away
  15. 576.9 km / 358.5 miles away
  16. 660.1 km / 410.2 miles away
  17. 713.1 km / 443.1 miles away
  18. 768.1 km / 477.3 miles away
  19. Merida Airport Car Rentals from $30.22 per day
    995.9 km / 618.8 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Mexico City?

Car rental prices in Mexico City vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Mexico City
$45.73
January
$47.78
February
$38.16
March
$50.67
April
$43.08
May
$39.42
June
$50.71
July
$50.35
August
$33.11
September
$38.11
October
$35.65
November
$55.12
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Mexico City is September (when prices average $33.11 per day). This is 25% cheaper than the yearly average and 40% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $55.12).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Mexico City?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 9 days, and in May, they keep their car for 6 days.
Average rental length in Mexico City
9
January
7
February
9
March
9
April
6
May
7
June
9
July
9
August
7
September
8
October
6
November
8
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Mexico City?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Mexico City is December, and the least popular is September.
Monthly searches in Mexico City by pick-up date relative to the average
87%
January
105%
February
108%
March
84%
April
86%
May
88%
June
96%
July
76%
August
51%
September
118%
October
129%
November
172%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 19
Airport locations 2
Popular suppliers MEX RENT A CAR, America Car Rental, SIXT, Economy rent a car, Alamo
Popular car categories Small cars, Large cars, Medium cars, SUVs
Lowest price $29 per day
Cheapest supplier Europcar

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
MEX RENT A CAR Volkswagen Polo 4 1 Small cars
MEX RENT A CAR Volkswagen Vento 4 2 Medium cars
MEX RENT A CAR Kia Rio 4 1 Small cars
MEX RENT A CAR Kia Sedona 4 4 Vans
MEX RENT A CAR Kia Forte 4 3 Large cars
SIXT Chevrolet Aveo Aut. 4 2 Medium cars
MEX RENT A CAR Nissan Versa 4 2 Large cars
America Car Rental Volkswagen Jetta 4 2 Large cars
America Car Rental Volkswagen Teramont 5 3 SUVs
SIXT Chevrolet Aveo 4 2 Medium cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

Netherlands
Chevrolet Aveo
October 9, 2020
Not only in México but everywhere, take a carefully look at the rates.
Portugal
Chevrolet Matiz
November 16, 2019
Mexico City is a bit hard to drive due to the huge amount of traffic and the way Mexicans drive but it is one of the best ways to explore Mexico
South Korea
Dodge Journey
October 4, 2018
I went Chapultepec where the Mexican kings lived and many royal things you can see.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Avis
8.6 / 10
Lowest rated company
MEX RENT A CAR
6.2 / 10
Total number of reviews
9
Total rental companies
16
Average daily price
$45.17
Lowest daily price
$27.39
Total cars available
802

Top 16 Suppliers in Mexico City in 2023

Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.6
6 locations
Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.6
1 location
$77 - $79
National
National
Excellent 8.1 / 14 reviews
4 locations
$73 - $319
Alamo
Alamo
Excellent 8 / 8 reviews
3 locations
$51 - $70
Budget
Budget
Very good 7.9 / 8 reviews
1 location
$56 - $72
Europcar
Europcar
Very good 7.9 / 6 reviews
2 locations
$29 - $179
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 7.6 / 27 reviews
2 locations
$52 - $87
Flexways
Flexways
Very good 7.5 / 11 reviews
2 locations
$37 - $122
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 7.3 / 7 reviews
15 locations
GreenMotion
GreenMotion
Good 6.8 / 10 reviews
4 locations
$50 - $72
Thrifty
Thrifty
Good 6.8 / 8 reviews
13 locations
$46 - $60
Dollar
Dollar
Good 6.7 / 16 reviews
12 locations
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Good 6.5 / 9 reviews
1 location
Firefly
Firefly
Good 6.4 / 14 reviews
2 locations
$43 - $54
Economy rent a car
Economy rent a car
Good 6.3 / 11 reviews
2 locations
$47 - $221
MEX RENT A CAR
MEX RENT A CAR
Good 6.2 / 202 reviews
3 locations
$32 - $67
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