Car Rental in Playa del Carmen

Why rent a car in Playa del Carmen?

The coastal city of Playa del Carmen has long been seen as a more laid-back alternative to its larger, feistier sister Cancun. The beaches are just as picturesque, but the smaller crowds create a different atmosphere; also, you can often find a better value for things like accommodation and rental cars. Located right in the center of the so-called Mayan Riviera, the city can serve as a hub from which to explore the surrounding region.

Top ways to enter Playa del Carmen

• Cancun Airport: The second-busiest in Mexico, Cancun Airport handled more than 12 million travelers in 2019. The airport provides many connections with destinations in the Americas, as well as Europe. Cancun Airport is about 55km (34 miles) north of Playa del Carmen and the trip between the two takes 40 to 60 minutes.
• Cozumel Airport: Named after the nearby island on which it is located, Cozumel Airport is served by more than 10 different airlines and provides many domestic links, as well as flights to the United States, Canada, and other countries. The mainland and Playa del Carmen are a short ferry ride away.

Top sights and activities

• Beaches. The beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen are the number one reason why people visit the city — and there are plenty to choose from! Whether you have fun at the busy Mamitas Beach known for its bars and parties, go snorkeling at Coco Reef, marvel at the famous arch at the Parque Fundadores, or simply soak up the sea and the sun at one of the others, you’re bound to have a great time.
• Cozumel. Known for amazing beaches, world-class diving, and a fun atmosphere, Cozumel is a great place — and as it’s only a stone’s throw from Playa del Carmen, it would be a shame not to visit! Do keep in mind, though, that not every ferry company permits bringing a vehicle along, so make sure to look that up in advance. Also, check if your rental car company permits bringing a vehicle to Cozumel. Alternatively, you can rent another car on the island.
• Tulum. An ancient walled settlement of the indigenous Mayans, Tulum is one of the most notable historical attractions in Quintana Roo. The archaeological site can be quite busy but is definitely worth a visit. Other attractions in the area include great beaches for kitesurfing, the protected wetlands of Sian Ka'an, and even traditional Mayan spas. Located 65km (40 miles) south of Playa del Carmen, Tulum can be reached in about one hour.
• Cancun. Some travelers love it, others can’t wait to escape it (often going to Playa del Carmen), but there is no denying the fact that Cancun is the largest and most important city in the area. While its qualities as a party hub are well-documented, the city offers plenty of entertainment besides nightclubs, such as the Interactive Aquarium and several well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites.

Traffic and parking

There have been numerous reports of police officers asking for bribes in both Cancun and the entire Yucatan area. If you are stopped by the police, insist on going to the police to pay the fine along with keeping record of any details to be able to file a complaint. One particularly heinous scheme is to stop tourists as they are returning to the airport as it is known that they will not have time to go to the police station nor file any form of complaint. There have been reports of this happening near the Puerto Juarez ferry terminal. The best defense in this case is to return to the airport even earlier than you otherwise would to leave plenty of time in case anything like this were to happen. 

In regards to legitimate police stops, note the changes in speed limits and follow them as speeding fines are common. While tourists used to be able to drink and drive without impunge, nowadays there is no tolerance for drunk driving. Many checkpoints are often set up in and around Cancun. Do not drink and drive unless you want a stay in a Mexican to be part of your vacation stories. 

Also, refrain from talking on or using your phone unless you have a hands-free system. You could very well be pulled over for this.

Mexico has a program called Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) which 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. 

Parking is not much of a worry in this part of Mexico. Every hotel in Cancun and the surrounding area provides free parking for guests. Shopping centers also offer free parking (though it may be time-limited). It is also possible to park near the Punta Juarez ferry terminal. If traveling to Cozumel without your car, two paid parking lots and an underground parking garage are located near the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen.

There is metered parking from 10-10 daily in Centro Playa del Carmen. It costs 10 pesos an hour. It is best to have 5 & 10 pesos coins on hand for parking. You will have to walk to a pay station. They usually have them on every block. Look for the blue pay station sign. You will need to enter your license plate, then pay for the amount of time you want, and then put the printed receipt the machine gives you and put it on the dash of your car. Always pay for parking. They will fine and boot your car. You can pay your fine at an Oxxo store

Though Mexico is known for cartel violence, the Yucatan area is not among the hotspots for this (though there has been an increase in violence in Cancun itself). Tourists are not usually the targets of this violence. It is advisable to avoid driving at night, particularly on rural roads. Bandidos are rarer now, but can still be a problem at night. 

Toll roads

Mexico has an extensive system of toll roads due to a government program started in the 1980s to update the country’s road system. The Mexican toll road system is called Cuota. 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. It is unlikely that the electronic tags will be available from your rental car provider, but if it is, it 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. 

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

• Chichen Itza. The Mayan city of Chichen Itza is arguably one of the most impressive pre-Columbian sites in all of the Americas. Inhabited for more than 1,000 years, it was the home of Mayan kings and priests, but it was abandoned after colonization and was overtaken by the rainforest before being turned into a historical attraction in the 20th century. Located 185km (115 miles) west of Playa del Carmen, Chichen Itza can be reached in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. As a side note, many visitors to the Yucatan peninsula are surprised to learn that the Mayan people continue to inhabit the area to this day. There are many places in Quintana Roo and neighboring states where you can learn more about them and their culture.
• Valladolid. Named after a city in Northwestern Spain, Valladolid is a small town that punches way above its weight when it comes to scenic colonial architecture. Highlights include the 16th-century former convent of San Bernardino and San Gervasio Cathedral. Many of the town’s most beautiful buildings are located in and near the main square and Francisco Canton Rosado Park. The trip from Playa del Carmen takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• Cenotes. The cenotes of the Yucatan are underground rivers, sinkholes, and craters that can be found across the peninsula. There are many tours that let visitors explore them, providing some of the most impressive and otherworldly experiences one can find in the region. The closest cenote to Playa del Carmen is Cenote Azul, about 25 minutes away near Xpu Ha. Others include Ik Kil and Zaci near Valladolid as well as some near Tulum and further both the northern and the southern parts of the state.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Playa del Carmen is the Nissan March, followed by the Chevrolet Spark and the Chevrolet Aveo. The most popular rental car types are economy, compact, and intermediate.

Car rental prices in Playa del Carmen

• Station wagons - from $45 per day
• Small cars - from $27 per day
• Medium cars - from $27 per day
• Large cars - from $27 per day
• Premium cars - from $39 per day
• SUVs - from $39 per day
• Vans - from $99 per day

Money-saving and other tips

These are some good methods 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
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Playa del Carmen is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 55% cheaper than the yearly average.