CHEAP CANCUN RENTAL CARS

Often, when we travel, we opt to rent a car.  We enjoy the freedom of being able to go where you want, when you want.  Cancun rental cars are a great option for people who are staying outside of town, such as in Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, or the Mayan Riviera.  In town, the buses are so good, you may not need one.  However, if you want to explore around on your own, you may want one anyway.
 

Car Rental Agencies at the Cancun Airport

At the Cancun airport, you'll find most major car rental companies represented, with the least expensive typically being Payless, Budget, Fox and Thrifty.  You will need to reserve ahead, just like you do anywhere.  To search the best deals across all the rental companies in one spot, use the form above or click here for other rental options.

Insurance Requirements

Liability insurance is required to rent a car in Mexico.  Your insurance company at home will not cover you in Mexico, unless you obtain a special waiver from them before you leave.  Most people will purchase the insurance offered at the airport from the car rental company.  Collision and Theft insurance will often be covered by your credit card carrier - make sure to verify this before you leave.

Cancun Discounts Rental Car Insurance Tip

What the folks at the rental booth won't tell you is that basic third-party liability insurance of 25,000 pesos is INCLUDED in the price of all the rental cars, this is a requirement by Mexican law.  This is also the case throughout most states in the USA, but of course is never mentioned by the car rental company because this is where they make all their money.  You are not required to purchase any additional insurance when renting a car in Mexico. 

However, you will probably be told you DO have to buy insurance by the folks at the airport and be prepared for the hard sell, even more so than in the States.  Some may even refuse to give you a car unless you purchase insurance, even though you have a reservation.  It's totally unethical, but you may still face it so be prepared. 

Rules of the Road

Drivers in Mexico tend to be maniacs, particularly taxi drivers.  Beware of the taxis.  You drive on the right side of the road in Cancun, however the signs are in Spanish (of course) and you'll notice that left-hand turns are made from the RIGHT lane.  Don't speed or do anything illegal or you run the risk of the dreaded encounter with the Policia.

Driving Times and Distances from Cancun