Destination guide
Car hire in Cancun for crew on a break
Cancun's hotel zone is easy without a car — resorts, buses and taxis cover it well. But a car opens up the wider Riviera Maya: Tulum's ruins, cenotes hidden off the highway, and towns like Valladolid that most resort-bound visitors never see.
Why bother with a car here
Stay car-free if you're mostly in the hotel zone — it's compact and well served by the local bus route. But the real payoff is the drive south along the coast: Playa del Carmen, Tulum's cliffside ruins, and the countless cenotes (natural swimming sinkholes) scattered along the highway are all far easier with your own wheels than relying on organised tours.
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Search car hire →What to know about driving here
- Driving side: right-hand side.
- Topes (speed bumps) are everywhere, especially through towns, and can be poorly marked — go slow through any populated stretch.
- Toll roads (cuota) between Cancun and Tulum are faster and safer than the free coastal road — usually worth the small fee.
- Basic Mexican liability insurance is generally required by law — check it's included or add it, since your home insurance and some credit card coverage may not apply here.
Good use of a day off
A popular route: drive to Tulum for the cliffside ruins and beach, stopping at a cenote along the way for a swim. Valladolid, a bit further inland, makes a good add-on for a more local, less touristy feel.
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Search car hire →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in the Cancun hotel zone?+
No — it's compact and well served by local buses and taxis. A car is most useful for exploring the Riviera Maya beyond it.
Should I take the toll road to Tulum?+
Generally yes — the cuota (toll) road is faster and considered safer than the free coastal alternative, and the fee is modest.
Do I need extra insurance to drive in Mexico?+
Basic Mexican liability insurance is generally required by law, and your home insurance or credit card coverage may not apply there — check it's included or add it when booking.