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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ixtapa
Ixtapa
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ixtapa
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ixtapa
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ixtapa
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Ixtapa?
Ixtapa is a beautiful resort destination on Mexico's Pacific coast, offering stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and access to nearby Zihuatanejo. While taxis and buses are available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the region at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore Beyond the Beaches. With a rental car, you can easily visit secluded beaches like Playa Coral or Playa El Palmar, which are harder to reach by public transportation. Discover the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.
Convenient Day Trips to Zihuatanejo. Enjoy the charm of Zihuatanejo, a traditional fishing village just a short drive away. Explore its markets, restaurants, and picturesque bay without relying on taxis or tour schedules.
Freedom to Discover Local Culture. Drive to nearby towns and villages to experience authentic Mexican culture, sample local cuisine, and interact with the friendly locals. A rental car makes these off-the-beaten-path adventures possible.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Ixtapa
Before booking a rental car in Ixtapa, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driver's licence, and understand the rental agreement's terms. Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and insurance coverage options.
Area
Approximately 12 square kilometres (4.6 square miles)
Population
Approximately 7,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST)
Ideal for
Short-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak tourist seasons, especially around hotel zones.
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Ixtapa require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age requirements for certain vehicle types or charge additional fees for young drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is generally accepted. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always required. Always carry your passport and rental agreement with you.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance coverage. Consider purchasing additional coverage, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), to reduce your financial responsibility in case of an accident or damage. A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Most rentals offer unlimited mileage, but some may have limitations. Understand the fuel policy, whether it's full-to-full or other options, to avoid extra charges upon return.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra fees for additional drivers, late returns, optional equipment (such as GPS or child seats), and airport surcharges. Read the rental agreement carefully to understand all applicable fees.
Car Rental Prices in Ixtapa – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Ixtapa?
To secure the best car rental deal in Ixtapa, follow these steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free booking process. Comparing prices is essential for a good deal.
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison websites to compare prices from different rental companies. Look for special deals, discounts, and promotions to lower your rental costs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, considering factors such as the number of passengers, luggage space, and road conditions. Compact cars are suitable for city driving, while SUVs are better for exploring rougher terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, cancellation policies, and any additional fees. Ensure you understand all the terms before booking.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure better rates and vehicle availability. Last-minute bookings may result in higher prices and limited options.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your rental car, bring your driver's licence, passport, credit card, and a copy of your rental confirmation. Inspect the vehicle for any existing damage and report it to the rental company before driving off.
General Information About Ixtapa
Ixtapa is a modern resort town known for its beautiful beaches and upscale hotels. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and various activities for tourists. Understanding the local traffic conditions and parking regulations can enhance your experience.
Ixtapa is a planned resort community developed in the 1970s by the Mexican government to attract international tourism. While it offers a more modern and polished experience compared to neighbouring Zihuatanejo, it still retains a charm and appeal of its own. Renting a car in Ixtapa allows you to explore both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, as well as nearby attractions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Playa El Palmar
Ixtapa's main beach, offering water sports, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.
Delfiniti Ixtapa
A dolphinarium where you can swim and interact with dolphins.
Isla Ixtapa
A small island accessible by boat, with snorkelling, diving, and seafood restaurants.
Where to Find Parking
Hotel Parking
Most hotels offer complimentary parking for guests.
Public Parking Lots
Paid parking lots are available in the hotel zone and near popular beaches.
Street Parking
Limited street parking may be available, but be mindful of parking restrictions and time limits.
Gas Stations in Ixtapa
Pemex
The primary gas station chain in Mexico, with several locations in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.
Regular & Premium Fuel
Both regular and premium gasoline are available.
Credit Card Payments
Most gas stations accept credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand.
Useful Tips for Visiting Ixtapa
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially in the hot and humid climate.
Use Sunscreen
Protect your skin from the strong sun by using sunscreen with a high SPF.
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak tourist seasons, so plan your trips accordingly.
Learn Basic Spanish
Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Key Transportation Hubs in Ixtapa
Airports
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH)
Located approximately 20 minutes from Ixtapa, serving both domestic and international flights.
Bus Stations
Ixtapa Bus Station
Serving several bus lines that offer transportation to various destinations within Mexico.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Ixtapa?
Renting a car in Ixtapa is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need.
A valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always mandatory.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have additional fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental payment. Credit cards are generally preferred.
A passport or other government-issued photo identification is necessary for verification purposes.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Ixtapa as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Ixtapa was a fantastic last-minute escape! Exploring with our rental car made it so easy to see everything.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
Having a car made our Ixtapa family trip so much easier. The beaches were stunning, though the resort food was a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 03.03.2025
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 28.08.2024
Ixtapa was incredible! Getting around with a car was so convenient, allowing us to explore everything at our own pace. Beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 05.09.2024
Low-key, pretty good.
David Lee
Reviewed: 31.10.2024
Ixtapa was a dream! Renting a car was effortless, letting us discover hidden coves and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 16.09.2024