Cancun car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Cancun
The best car rental companies in Cancun are Hertz, Avis, Europcar. Prices start from €30/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Cancun
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Hertz
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#2
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#3
Europcar
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €380Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €380Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €420Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€36/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#6
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €400Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€35/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €380Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€29/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#9
America Car Rental
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€26/day
base rate
View America Car Rental deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Cancun
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €30 | Nissan Versa | 5 |
| Compact | €36 | Chevrolet Aveo | 5 |
| SUV | €55 | Nissan Kicks | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €80 | Chevrolet Suburban | 7 |
| Luxury | €100 | BMW 3 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Cancun
Airport — Cancún International Airport (CUN)
CUN sits about 20km south of the Hotel Zone, roughly a 25-minute drive via Carretera 307, with rental desks in a shared counter area beyond arrivals. Mexico drives on the right.
Downtown — Cancun Hotel Zone / Downtown
Hotel Zone and downtown desks suit travelers staying at a resort who want a car mainly for day trips to Tulum or Chichén Itzá.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory Mexican liability insurance | €10–18/day | Required by law, often not included in the quoted rate |
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | CUN airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €8–15/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €5–8/day | Per extra driver |
| Toll roads (Cuota 307) | €2–8 per toll, cash preferred | Driving to Playa del Carmen or Tulum |
| Refundable deposit | €300–420 | Standard credit-card hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Cancun
- Cancún International Airport (CUN) is about 20km south of the Hotel Zone, roughly a 25-minute drive via Carretera 307.
- Mexican law requires third-party liability insurance that most foreign credit cards and home auto policies do not cover — this is often quoted separately and can be the largest add-on cost.
- Mexico drives on the right, the same side as the US and Canada.
- Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Cancun's local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN).
- The Riviera Maya toll road (Cuota 307) runs alongside the free coastal highway toward Playa del Carmen and Tulum — tolls are usually paid in cash.
- Topes (speed bumps) are common through small towns along the coast — slow down well before entering any village.
- Hurricane season runs roughly June to November, with the highest risk of tropical storms in September and October.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Cancun
Do you need a car in Cancun?
Many stay entirely in the Hotel Zone using taxis and buses, but a car makes day trips to Tulum, Chichén Itzá, or Isla Holbox much easier.
How far is Cancún airport from the Hotel Zone?
About 20km, roughly a 25-minute drive via Carretera 307, with rental desks just beyond arrivals.
Is mandatory insurance really required in Cancun?
Yes. Mexican law requires third-party liability insurance that most foreign credit cards and home policies don't cover, so budget for it even if your quote looks low.
Which side of the road do you drive on in Mexico?
Mexico drives on the right, the same as the US and Canada.
What currency are prices shown in for Cancun?
Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Cancun's local currency is the Mexican peso (MXN).
Are there toll roads between Cancun and Playa del Carmen or Tulum?
Yes, the Cuota 307 toll road runs alongside the free coastal highway — tolls are usually paid in cash.
What is the cheapest car type in Cancun?
Economy cars like a Nissan Versa start around €30/day. An SUV starts around €55/day.
Nearby trips
