Car Rental in Mexico City

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!

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 sights 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.
• Museo Soumaya. Soumaya is another excellent art museum that you can only miss at your own peril. Known for its mind-bogglingly futuristic building called Plaza Carso which opened in 2011, it showcases important Mexican art from pre-Columbian times up to the present day. There are also works by world-famous foreign creators such as Auguste Rodin and Salvador Dalí. The most visited in the country, the museum was named after Soumaya Domit, the wife of its founder Carlos Slim, and is located about a 30-minute drive east of the city center.
• Universum. Sometimes also called UNAM and therefore not to be confused with the extremely popular local football team of the same name, Universum is a science museum affiliated with the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Like the aforementioned Soumaya, it is located in a modern, purpose-created building, and its interactive expositions make it rank among the most popular family-friendly attractions in the capital city.

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

• Vans - from $60 per day
• Large cars - from $16 per day
• Small cars - from $14 per day
• Medium cars - from $16 per day
• Premium cars - from $20 per day
• SUVs - from $22 per day
• Station wagons - from $52 per day

Money-saving and other 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.