How to find a cheap car hire deal in Cancun
Searching for a cheap rental car in Cancun? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging £39 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Cancun is £5.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from £31 and pack in more adventures.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a Cancun car hire. Try booking around three weeks before your departure date.
Get behind the wheel with MEX, America or INFINITY RENT. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Whether you choose MEX or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Cancun car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average £29 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, which offers daily rates of around £33.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly £48 a day with this supplier.
The Mini rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure what kind of ride you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Cancun.
Flying to Cancun? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Cancun Airport. If you're flying to Cancun through this hub, simply pick up your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 16 kms (10 miles) and takes around 25 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Cancun
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra room compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the everything. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Cancun car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Cancun that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the practical pick. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group travel, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Cancun car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Just remember that policies differ from one provider to another, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with handy extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Cancun.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Mexico may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your Cancun car hire booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to go.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and turn signals, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in Mexico.
Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph (30mph) in urban areas and 100kph (65mph) or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% applies in Mexico. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay by card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in Cancun for drivers
Offering parking, Hotel Del Sol takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 5 kms (3 miles) from central Cancun and also comes with luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk.
Humant Coliving - Cancún makes life simpler with accessible parking and features such as room service and a ticket office. It's roughly 3 kms (2 miles) from the city centre.
Browse through the hotels in Cancun for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Cancun and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Kick things off with leading attractions such as chichen itzá Park, Cancun Beach and Hotel Zone.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Cancun
Around 64 kms (40 miles) south of central Cancun, Playa del Carmen should be on your itinerary. Make your way to must-see sights like Cancun and Riviera Maya.
Go-to accommodation options with parking in Playa del Carmen include HM Playa del Carmen and Hotel the Palm.
Or make your way to Kantunilkin after collecting your cheap car hire in Cancun. It's around 64 kms (40 miles) west and packs in attractions like PIRAMIDE K’AN TÚUNICH.
Not ready to hit the brakes just yet? Cruise on over to Valladolid, about 153 kms (95 miles) west of Cancun. From Suytun Cenote to Cenote, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Drift off to sleep in Valladolid at either Hotel Meson del Marques or Hotel Real Colonial. They have a room waiting for you and parking availability too.
