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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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Downtown
Mini
Volkswagen Polo or similar
Volkswagen Polo
  • 5
  • 1
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
MEX RENT A CAR
$10.51 per day
Downtown
Economy
Nissan March or similar
Nissan March
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Infinity Car Rental
$11.01 per day
Downtown
Compact
Nissan March or similar
Nissan March
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Dollar
$17.62 per day
Downtown
Intermediate
Chevrolet Aveo or similar
Chevrolet Aveo
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Keddy
$21.09 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Playa Del Carmen Tucan Hotel
Standard
Volkswagen Vento or similar
Volkswagen Vento
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Firefly
$22.64 per day
Playa Del Carmen Plaza Paraiso
Full-size
Chevrolet Cavalier or similar
Chevrolet Cavalier
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Hertz
$24.49 per day
Downtown
Premium
Volkswagen Jetta or similar
Volkswagen Jetta
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$30.29 per day
Downtown
Full-size Elite
Nissan Sentra or similar
Nissan Sentra
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Avis
$73.71 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 12:17 AM on 11/8/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information

Languages
Spanish, Mayan
Currency
MXN
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+52
Average car rental price
$26 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
30 - 50 km/h or 19 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 120 km/h or 50 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Rating
8.9 / 10
Average gas price
$1.19 per liter or $4.50 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.15 per liter or $4.36 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.29 per liter or $4.88 per gallon

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

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 $20.05 per day
  • From Playa del Carmen to Tulum - 53 offers from $23.33 per day
  • From Playa del Carmen to Merida - 61 offers from $29.24 per day
  • From Playa del Carmen to Chetumal - 10 offers from $37.10 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 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.

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 $19 per day
  • Large cars - from $11 per day
  • Medium cars - from $11 per day
  • Vans - from $65 per day
  • Premium cars - from $25 per day
  • Small cars - from $11 per day
  • SUVs - from $17 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.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Edited by Hannah Lukaszewicz, a US citizen who runs the international travel blog Getting Stamped. Hannah and her family have traveled to over 85 countries with a never-ending bucket list! Her travel blog hopes to inspire you to travel the world and help you plan your trip too. She has rented cars all over the world and has driven in over 30 countries. She believes that renting a car gives you such freedom and is the best way to experience a destination.

Top 20 cities near Playa del Carmen

  1. 19.7 km / 12.2 miles away
  2. 34.8 km / 21.6 miles away
  3. 50.5 km / 31.4 miles away
  4. 60.6 km / 37.7 miles away
  5. 269.7 km / 167.6 miles away
  6. 271.3 km / 168.6 miles away
  7. 541.7 km / 336.6 miles away
  8. 772.4 km / 479.9 miles away
  9. 966.8 km / 600.7 miles away
  10. 1,109.6 km / 689.5 miles away
  11. 1,131.8 km / 703.3 miles away
  12. 1,181.9 km / 734.4 miles away
  13. 1,192.3 km / 740.9 miles away
  14. 1,260.1 km / 783 miles away
  15. 1,364.4 km / 847.8 miles away
  16. 1,402.9 km / 871.7 miles away
  17. 1,445.4 km / 898.1 miles away
  18. 1,448.9 km / 900.3 miles away
  19. 1,458 km / 906 miles away
  20. 1,497.5 km / 930.5 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

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

Car rental prices in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen
$40.47
January
$25.08
February
$39.20
March
$38.69
April
$24.87
May
$24.27
June
$32.40
July
$22.60
August
$21.61
September
$17.94
October
$29.84
November
$53.64
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Playa del Carmen is October (when prices average $17.94 per day). This is 42% cheaper than the yearly average and 67% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $53.64).

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 Playa del Carmen?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in February, the average renter keeps their car for 9 days, and in April, they keep their car for 5 days.
Average number of rental days in Playa del Carmen
6
January
9
February
6
March
5
April
5
May
7
June
7
July
7
August
7
September
7
October
5
November
7
December

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

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Playa del Carmen is January, and the least popular is September.
Monthly searches in Playa del Carmen by pick-up date relative to the average
266%
January
189%
February
111%
March
85%
April
57%
May
51%
June
42%
July
78%
August
24%
September
34%
October
73%
November
191%
December

Car rental information

Car rental locations 10
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers MEX RENT A CAR, Europcar, Keddy, NUCarrentals, Ace Rent a car
Popular car categories Large cars, Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs
Lowest price $11 per day
Cheapest supplier MEX RENT A CAR

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
MEX RENT A CAR Volkswagen Polo 4 1 Small cars
Europcar Chevrolet Aveo 5 2 Large cars
Keddy VW Gol 4 2 Medium cars
Europcar Chevrolet Beat 5 1 Small cars
MEX RENT A CAR Kia Forte 4 3 Large cars
Keddy Chevrolet Beat 5 1 Small cars
Thrifty Volkswagen T-Roc 4 2 SUVs
MEX RENT A CAR Kia Rio 4 1 Small cars
Avis Chevrolet Aveo 4 1 Medium cars
MEX RENT A CAR Nissan X-Trail 5 3 SUVs

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the 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.

Netherlands
Chevrolet Spark
9/24/24
Went To Belize and Guatemala to visit the Maya monuments. Some roads were dirt roads, some very bad. But the Renault kwid could easily take them.
Photo 1 by Daniel van der P. about renting a Chevrolet Spark in Playa del Carmen (9/24/24) Photo 2 by Daniel van der P. about renting a Chevrolet Spark in Playa del Carmen (9/24/24) Photo 3 by Daniel van der P. about renting a Chevrolet Spark in Playa del Carmen (9/24/24)
Netherlands
Nissan Versa
5/8/24
Lovely cenotes!
Australia
VW Gol
2/10/24
We used the car to travel between sightseeing destinations such as Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Tulum Ruins and several cenotes.
Mexico
Chevrolet Aveo
1/9/24
Photo 1 by Alberto b. about renting a Chevrolet Aveo in Playa del Carmen (1/9/24) Photo 2 by Alberto b. about renting a Chevrolet Aveo in Playa del Carmen (1/9/24) Photo 3 by Alberto b. about renting a Chevrolet Aveo in Playa del Carmen (1/9/24) Photo 4 by Alberto b. about renting a Chevrolet Aveo in Playa del Carmen (1/9/24) Photo 5 by Alberto b. about renting a Chevrolet Aveo in Playa del Carmen (1/9/24)
Australia
Volkswagen Gol
4/14/23
Photo by Graham E. about renting a Volkswagen Gol in Playa del Carmen (4/14/23)
Canada
Kia Forte
3/14/23
Took a trip to progreso which is a lovely beachside town in the yucatan.
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Kicks
3/7/23
Chichen Itza pyramid tour > amazing photos with family and friends Cons: almost got heat stroke!!! super hot day
Mexico
VW Polo
8/27/22
We went to a cenote and spent the day in tulum.
United States of America (USA)
Jeep Renegade
7/31/22
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
4/8/21
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
8.1 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
Thrifty
4.2 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
16
Total rental companies
20
Average daily price
$26.42
Lowest daily price
$10.51
Total cars available
432

Top 20 suppliers in Playa del Carmen in 2024

Enterprise
Enterprise
Very good 8.1 / 2 reviews
1 location
$50 - $74
Avis
Avis
Good 7.9 / 5 reviews
4 locations
$54 - $180
SIXT
SIXT
Good 7.7 / 0 reviews
1 location
$63 - $135
U-Save
U-Save
Good 7.6 / 0 reviews
1 location
$63 - $135
National
National
Good 7.5 / 2 reviews
1 location
$50 - $72
Infinity Car Rental
Infinity Car Rental
Good 7.5 / 0 reviews
1 location
$11 - $110
FOX
FOX
Good 7.5 / 0 reviews
1 location
$11 - $110
Alamo
Alamo
Good 7.4 / 6 reviews
2 locations
$42 - $78
Carwiz
Carwiz
Good 7.4 / 0 reviews
4 locations
$44 - $1,403
Finalrentals
Finalrentals
Good 7.3 / 2 reviews
1 location
$44 - $1,403
Europcar
Europcar
Satisfactory 6.5 / 26 reviews
5 locations
$27 - $79
Flexways
Flexways
Satisfactory 6.5 / 0 reviews
2 locations
$27 - $79
Hertz
Hertz
Satisfactory 6.4 / 8 reviews
4 locations
$22 - $213
Dollar
Dollar
Satisfactory 6.4 / 13 reviews
2 locations
$18 - $201
Budget
Budget
Satisfactory 6.2 / 8 reviews
3 locations
$18 - $201
NUCarrentals
NUCarrentals
Poor 5.9 / 20 reviews
1 location
$18 - $201
Firefly
Firefly
Poor 5.8 / 3 reviews
1 location
$22 - $99
MEX RENT A CAR
MEX RENT A CAR
Poor 5.8 / 59 reviews
1 location
$11 - $19
Keddy
Keddy
Poor 5 / 15 reviews
1 location
$20 - $65
Thrifty
Thrifty
Poor 4.2 / 15 reviews
1 location
$23 - $104
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