How to find a cheap car hire deal in Mexico
Pick up a cheap rental car in Mexico from £5 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching trusted rental companies, making it easy to compare prices and book.
Longer adventures come with better value, starting at £31 for a weekly rental.
Browse the car rentals in San Jose del Cabo and stretch your spending power across your trip. It's the most affordable place in Mexico to book a set of wheels.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Playa del Carmen.
Explore the offers from MEX when narrowing down your options. More travellers choose it than any other provider in Mexico.
Step off the plane and into the driver's seat by picking up a ride at the airport. Mexico City Juarez International Airport, Cancun Airport and Guadalajara Airport all provide access to car rentals.
Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana are a few of the most convenient cities to pick up a set of wheels.
A one-way rental might work out in your favor. Providers often lower prices when they need to move cars between sites. When searching for a car for rent in Mexico, choose 'Return car to a different location' to access those deals.
Planning a multi-week rental? It could be cheaper to book a full month, so test a few date combinations to find out what works best.
To avoid extra costs, choose a vehicle that comes with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You start with a full tank and return it full, so you pay only for the fuel you actually use.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of tracking the odometer. Check for this feature under the 'Policies' filter and go big on distance, not on fees.
Best time to book a car hire in Mexico
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a car hire in Mexico. Try booking around one week before your departure date.
November is the most affordable month to rent a car. You can expect average daily rates of £30 then.
April tends to be the priciest time of year.
Compare car hire types in Mexico
Economy: If you want something reliable and affordable, economy is a solid pick. With lower daily rates and strong fuel efficiency, this option helps keep both upfront and ongoing costs down.
Small: Mini and economy cars fall into this category. Their compact size and easy handling make city driving less stressful. And with engines made to use less fuel, they're an obvious choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Mexico.
Medium: Medium rentals are the happy middle ground. Neatly bridging the gap between small and large, they provide extra space and comfort without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are part of this lineup.
Large: Big journeys call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with your entire crew or heading out for a longer drive, these full-size cars deliver the space you need. Look forward to generous seating, ample luggage capacity and comfort that goes the distance.
SUV: From busy highways to scenic detours, SUVs are ready for it all. With a higher driving position, flexible seating layouts, and stable performance across a range of terrain, they're perfect for road trips across Mexico.
Van: When there's a full load to move, a van rises to the occasion. This type of car for rent in Mexico handles everyone and everything with ease. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a practical option for group travel, moving or business transport.
Luxury: Start your journey in true style. Combining bold design, cutting-edge technology, and performance engineered for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a rental experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your rental car lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so compare before you book.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in Mexico.
Driving in Mexico: What you need to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by company and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some providers in Mexico may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Kids coming with you? Car seat regulations vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Be sure to add the right one to your car rental reservation in Mexico.
You'll be asked for some documents when collecting your car. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Mexico, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph (30mph) in urban areas and around 100kph (65mph) on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Mexico is 0.04%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and activities. Pay with a card when it's convenient, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
