Cancun, famous for its white sand beaches and nightclubs, is a city split in two. In the colourful “downtown” area, fresh chicken Quesadillas are served on bustling street corners, whilst just minutes away, the “Zona Hotelera”, or Hotel Zone, is home to Cancun’s most luxurious hotels. Whilst visiting Cancun, car rental offers the perfect way to move between these areas and to reach many of the nearby sights. Enjoy the freedom to visit the attractions when you wish, so that you can explore this region of Mexico without having to follow someone else's timetable. Rent a car for your Cancun adventure and experience this unique Mexican destination with peace of mind.
Cancun car rental – the most important rental sites
There are a number of companies offering cheap auto hire, so you can be sure that you will find the right vehicle for you, at the right price. The following are a selection of places where you can pick up a car:
Rental Site | Address | Main Opening Times* |
Cancun Airport | Carretera Cancún-Chetumal Km 22, 77565 Cancún, Q.R., Mexiko | 00:15 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. |
Cancun Av Bonampak | Av.Tankah Esq.Av Coba Sm35 Mza1, 77500 Cancun | 07:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. |
*Opening times may differ depending on the rental site and precise information can be found in the listing details. With some car rental sites, pickups and returns are possible outside of the opening times. However, this service may incur an additional charge.
Car Rental in Cancun: Sightseeing with flexibility
Beaches: A visit to Cancun would not be complete without checking out the world-class beaches. Playa Forum is perhaps the city's most famous beach and is a great place to soak up Cancun's vibrant atmosphere. For equally stunning white sands and blue waters, but without the same crowds, head to Playa Chac Mool, also located in the Hotel Zone. For exciting beach sports such as surfing and jet skiing, Playa Delfines cannot be beaten. When you rent a car, Cancun and its breathtaking beaches can be easily explored. You'll even be able to load up the boot with well-needed supplies.
Nightlife: Dance till dawn any night of the week at one of the great nightclubs in the Hotel Zone. Whether it's at Coco Bongo, Mandala, Palazzo, Senor Frog, or Congo, you can generally expect uptempo Latin-infused beats and more, with an outgoing and friendly crowd. Note that some of the clubs even have child-friendly areas and tables can also be booked upon request.
Tulum: Whilst in Cancun, renting a car gives you the freedom to venture further afield. Not far from the city is the smaller town of Tulum, where visitors will encounter ancient Mayan ruins beside the beach. This makes for a wonderful day trip, as you learn about Mayan history whilst soaking up the Caribbean sunshine. Tulum is located less than an hour away from the city, but it is still advisable to set off early, to get the most out of a visit here.
Getting around Cancun by car
A major holiday destination, Cancun is conveniently located and easily accessible. The city is clearly sign posted from all major areas so if you rent a car outside Cancun, you can easily drive there. The roads of Cancun, particularly in the downtown area, are often narrow and frequently have speed restrictions. Thus, be sure to follow the rules of the road and remain alert whilst driving. Do not be intimidated by the incessant honking of car horns - it's all part of the fun of driving here. Parking is available outside most hotels, or in public car parks in the downtown area. Finally, before renting a car, you must get Mexican liability insurance in case of an accident and carry proof of this when driving.