Playa del Carmen car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Playa del Carmen
The best car rental companies in Playa del Carmen are Sixt, Hertz, Avis. Prices start from €30/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 13%.
✓ Free cancellation options✓ No booking fee✓ Full-to-full suppliers✓ You book direct
Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Playa del Carmen
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Avis
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €340Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#4
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#5
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €320Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#6
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €310Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €360Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€35/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Playa Rent A Car
Local pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €220Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€24/day
base rate
View Playa Rent A Car deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Playa del Carmen
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €30 | Chevrolet Aveo | 4 |
| Compact | €36 | Nissan Versa | 5 |
| SUV | €52 | Toyota RAV4 | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €72 | Toyota Innova | 7 |
| Luxury | €105 | Audi A4 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Playa del Carmen
Airport — Cancún International Airport (CUN)
Cancún International Airport (CUN) sits about 68km north of Playa del Carmen, roughly a 45-60 minute drive south along the toll highway (Autopista Cancún–Riviera Maya). Most agencies operate from a shared consolidated rental car facility reached by a short shuttle from the terminals.
Downtown — Playa del Carmen center (near Quinta Avenida)
Downtown desks near Quinta Avenida suit travelers staying along the beach who want a car mainly for day trips to cenotes, Tulum, or Chichén Itzá.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~13% of base rate | CUN airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €10–18/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €5–9/day | Per extra driver |
| Toll highway (Autopista Cancún–Riviera Maya) | €5–15 | Driving between Cancún and Playa del Carmen or Tulum |
| Mandatory Mexican liability insurance | €10–20/day | Often required in addition to the rental rate, even if a credit card offers CDW coverage |
| Refundable deposit | €220–360 | Standard hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Playa del Carmen
- Cancún International Airport (CUN) is about 68km north of Playa del Carmen, roughly a 45-60 minute drive via the toll highway.
- Mexican law requires mandatory third-party liability insurance for rental cars, which is usually not covered by foreign credit card protection and is charged separately at the counter.
- The toll highway (Autopista Cancún–Riviera Maya) is the fastest route south to Tulum and north to Cancún, running parallel to the slower free coastal road.
- Popular cenotes like Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote are 45-60 minutes south near Tulum, best reached by rental car since bus service to individual cenotes is limited.
- Prices on this page are shown in EUR for cross-market comparison, though the local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
- Chichén Itzá is about a 2.5-hour drive west, making it feasible as a long day trip with an early start.
- Quinta Avenida, the main pedestrian street in Playa del Carmen, is car-free, so most hotels offer parking a short walk from the strip.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Playa del Carmen
Do you need a car in Playa del Carmen?
Quinta Avenida and the beach are walkable, but a car helps for reaching cenotes, Tulum, or Chichén Itzá without relying on organized tours.
How far is Cancún Airport from Playa del Carmen?
About 68km, roughly a 45-60 minute drive south via the toll highway.
Do I need extra insurance for a rental car in Mexico?
Yes, Mexican law requires mandatory third-party liability insurance, which is typically charged separately at the counter even if your credit card offers collision coverage.
Can I drive from Playa del Carmen to Tulum?
Yes, Tulum is about 45-60 minutes south via the toll highway or the slower free coastal road.
What currency are prices shown in for Playa del Carmen?
Prices are shown in EUR for cross-market comparison, though the local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
Can I drive from Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá?
Yes, it is about a 2.5-hour drive west, feasible as a long day trip if you start early.
What is the cheapest car type in Playa del Carmen?
Economy cars like a Chevrolet Aveo start around €30/day. An SUV starts around €52/day for rougher cenote-access roads.
Nearby trips
