Car Rental in Playa del Carmen

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Playa del Carmen, 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
Economy
Chevrolet Spark or similar
Chevrolet Spark
  • 4
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
NUCarrentals
$33.61 per day
Playa del Carmen Airport Car Rental
Compact
VW Gol or similar
VW Gol
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Economy rent a car
$43.69 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Mini
Chevrolet Beat or similar
Chevrolet Beat
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
$44.19 per day
Downtown Car Rental
Intermediate
Volkswagen Vento or similar
Volkswagen Vento
  • 4
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$52.24 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Downtown Car Rental
Standard
Kia Forte or similar
Kia Forte
  • 5
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
MEX RENT A CAR
$54.14 / per day
Downtown Car Rental
Full-size
Nissan Sentra or similar
Nissan Sentra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$59.40 / per day
Playa Del Carmen Tucan Hotel Car Rental
Premium
Volkswagen Jetta or similar
Volkswagen Jetta
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Firefly
$73.22 / per day
Downtown Car Rental
Full-size Elite
Nissan Sentra or similar
Nissan Sentra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$111.71 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 20:51 on 2023-03-17. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Language
Spanish
Currency
MXN
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
52
Average car rental price
$58.89 / per day
Average car rental length
1 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 70 km/h
19 - 43 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 120 km/h
50 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.04%
Rating
8.0
Average gasoline price
$1.26 / 1 liter
Highest gasoline price
$1.29 / 1 liter
Lowest gasoline price
$1.21 / 1 liter

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.

Playa del Carmen Car Rental

One-Way Car Rentals in Playa del Carmen

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Playa del Carmen and drop off in another city include:

  • From Playa del Carmen to Cancun - 132 offers from $20.37 per day
  • From Playa del Carmen to Tulum - 53 offers from $23.70 per day
  • From Playa del Carmen to Merida - 61 offers from $29.71 per day
  • From Playa del Carmen to Chetumal - 10 offers from $37.70 per day

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 destinations 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 leave your car in Playa del Carmen and explore Cozumel by taxi or on foot — the island is not very big and the distances between most of the popular tourist spots are small.
  • 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.

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. 

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.

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. 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. 

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 one closest to Playa del Carmen, Boca del Puma, is only a 50-minute drive away; others include Ik Kil and Zaci near Valladolid as well as some in 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

  • Large cars - from $43 per day
  • Medium cars - from $42 per day
  • Vans - from $78 per day
  • Premium cars - from $81 per day
  • Small cars - from $31 per day
  • SUVs - from $88 per day

Money-saving 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.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators. Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

What travel writers say

As one of the best beach towns in Mexico, “Playa” (as the locals call it), is also one of the best Mexico travel destinations. Located on the Caribbean Sea, about 45 minutes south of Cancun, Playa has something for everyone — Mayan ruins, swimmable cenotes, beautiful beaches and more.
SM
Shelley Marmor
I'm Shelley — a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world. After traveling solo to half the states in the country, I become a full time expat in Mexico, settling down in Mérida in 2019
Riviera Maya is probably the safest area in Mexico and Playa del Carmen itself is a relatively safe place. You don’t have to be afraid of walking alone at night or getting robbed on the street. While there have been some incidents that you may or may not have heard of, tourists and locals were never the targets.
AK
Anna Karsten
I’m a Polish-born citizen of the world. At 20, I embarked on a mission to see the world while building my career through studying and working abroad.
If you plan on doing a lot of moving around the Yucatan Peninsula or the Mayan Riviera on your trip, then renting a car for Playa del Carmen is your best bet. While the ways of the road are a bit different in this area of the world than they are in the USA or Canada (stop signs and speed limits are more like suggestions), it’s still pretty simple to get from Point A to B via a car.
VR
Vanessa Ramos
Vanessa Ramos is a lifestyle writer from Puerto Rico with a goal of traveling the world. She started traveling back in 2018 and so far, she’s done international work exchange, backpacking, and solo traveling in three continents.

Top 10 Cities near Playa del Carmen

  1. Cancun Car Rentals from $25.14 per day
    50.5 km / 31.4 miles away
  2. Merida Car Rentals from $36.33 per day
    271.3 km / 168.6 miles away
  3. Cozumel Car Rentals from $87.63 per day
    19.7 km / 12.2 miles away
  4. Tulum Car Rentals from $31.07 per day
    60.6 km / 37.6 miles away
  5. 769.9 km / 478.4 miles away
  6. Puerto Vallarta Car Rentals from $45.66 per day
    615.3 km / 382.3 miles away
  7. Chetumal Car Rentals from $30.39 per day
    269.7 km / 167.6 miles away
  8. Veracruz Car Rentals from $60.62 per day
    958.6 km / 595.7 miles away
  9. 541.7 km / 336.6 miles away
  10. 836.8 km / 520.0 miles away

Top 20 Locations near Playa del Carmen

  1. 2.2 km / 1.4 miles away
  2. 19.7 km / 12.2 miles away
  3. Cozumel Airport Car Rentals from $57.56 per day
    19.7 km / 12.2 miles away
  4. 29.4 km / 18.2 miles away
  5. Cancun Airport Car Rentals from $25.14 per day
    50.5 km / 31.4 miles away
  6. Cancun Walmart Car Rentals from $71.32 per day
    63.8 km / 39.6 miles away
  7. 66.1 km / 41.1 miles away
  8. 79.0 km / 49.1 miles away
  9. Merida Airport Car Rentals from $36.33 per day
    271.3 km / 168.6 miles away
  10. Veracruz Airport Car Rentals from $60.62 per day
    966.8 km / 600.7 miles away
  11. 1109.6 km / 689.5 miles away
  12. 1181.9 km / 734.4 miles away
  13. 1192.3 km / 740.8 miles away
  14. 1249.1 km / 776.1 miles away
  15. 1260.1 km / 783.0 miles away
  16. 1261.5 km / 783.9 miles away
  17. 1268.9 km / 788.5 miles away
  18. 1281.2 km / 796.1 miles away
  19. 1364.4 km / 847.8 miles away
  20. Acapulco Airport Car Rentals from $60.62 per day
    1402.9 km / 871.7 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Playa del Carmen?

Car rental prices in Playa del Carmen vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Playa del Carmen
$51.38
January
$53.80
February
$36.83
March
$40.90
April
$38.17
May
$37.31
June
$43.35
July
$38.87
August
$35.75
September
$27.52
October
$39.80
November
$68.59
December
The best month to rent a car in Playa del Carmen is October (when prices for an Economy class start from $27.52). This is 36% cheaper than the yearly average and 60% cheaper than renting in December (when rental prices start at $68.59 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.

What’s the usual rental length in Playa del Carmen?

Travel lengths vary from month to month: in May, travelers rent a car for an average of 8 days in September, the average rental period is 4 days.
Average Rental Length in Playa del Carmen
7
January
6
February
7
March
6
April
8
May
5
June
6
July
5
August
4
September
6
October
6
November
6
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Playa del Carmen?

The most popular month for renting a car in Playa del Carmen is January, and the least popular is July.
Popularity of Car Rental in Playa del Carmen by Monthly Searches
169%
January
140%
February
114%
March
73%
April
121%
May
62%
June
51%
July
94%
August
67%
September
63%
October
112%
November
134%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 10
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers MEX RENT A CAR, Adocar Rental, America Car Rental, Economy rent a car, Alamo
Popular car categories Small cars, Medium cars, Large cars, SUVs
Lowest price $34 per day
Cheapest supplier NUCarrentals

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
Economy rent a car VW Gol 4 2 Small cars
MEX RENT A CAR Kia Rio 4 1 Small cars
Adocar Rental Chevrolet Spark 4 1 Small cars
NUCarrentals Chevrolet Spark 4 2 Small cars
Economy rent a car Chevrolet Spark 4 2 Small cars
Alamo Nissan Kicks 5 2 SUVs
Adocar Rental Ford Figo 4 2 Medium cars
Thrifty Volkswagen Vento 4 3 Large 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.

Mexico
VW Polo
August 27, 2022
We went to a cenote and spent the day in tulum.
United States of America (USA)
Jeep Renegade
July 31, 2022
Spent time in Playa del Carmen and Akumal. Beaches are wonderful. Playa del Carmen is much more active but Akumal is peaceful and restful.
Switzerland
Renault Kwid
April 8, 2021
We picked up our car at Playa del Carmen. The journey took us to Bacalar, Valladolid, Holbox and finally to Cancun. A regular car is suitable for all places. No need for an SUV.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Enterprise
8.62 / 10
Lowest rated company
America Car Rental
6.19 / 10
Total number of reviews
1
Total rental companies
14
Average daily price
$58.89
Lowest daily price
$5.77
Total cars available
265

Top 14 Suppliers in Playa del Carmen in 2023

Enterprise
Enterprise
Excellent 8.6
1 location
$57 - $68
Avis
Avis
Excellent 8.4 / 2 reviews
7 locations
$86 - $221
Alamo
Alamo
Excellent 8.3 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$59 - $83
National
National
Excellent 8.3
1 location
$55 - $60
Europcar
Europcar
Excellent 8.1 / 10 reviews
1 location
$44 - $220
Budget
Budget
Very good 7.8 / 3 reviews
1 location
$49 - $57
Hertz
Hertz
Very good 7.4 / 3 reviews
4 locations
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Very good 7.3 / 10 reviews
1 location
$34 - $157
Firefly
Firefly
Very good 7.2 / 1 reviews
1 location
$71 - $180
MEX RENT A CAR
MEX RENT A CAR
Very good 7.1 / 26 reviews
1 location
$53 - $55
Dollar
Dollar
Very good 7 / 6 reviews
2 locations
$77 - $214
Thrifty
Thrifty
Good 6.8 / 6 reviews
1 location
$90 - $313
Economy rent a car
Economy rent a car
Good 6.6 / 5 reviews
1 location
$43 - $165
America Car Rental
America Car Rental
Good 6.2 / 17 reviews
1 location
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