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Car rental in Oaxaca - Search, Compare, and Save

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Oaxaca

Oaxaca

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Oaxaca

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Oaxaca

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Oaxaca

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Oaxaca?

Oaxaca is a city of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore everything this region has to offer.

Explore Beyond the City. Oaxaca's surrounding areas are filled with archaeological sites like Monte Albán and Mitla, as well as natural wonders like Hierve el Agua. A rental car allows you to visit these attractions easily, without relying on tours or public transport schedules.

Visit Remote Villages. Experience authentic Oaxacan culture by driving to smaller villages in the valleys. Discover local markets, traditional crafts, and regional cuisine at your own pace.

Enjoy Flexibility and Comfort. With a rental car, you can create your own itinerary and travel according to your preferences. Whether you're traveling with family or a group, a car provides comfort and convenience.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Oaxaca

Before booking a rental car in Oaxaca, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. These include age restrictions, license validity, insurance coverage, and adherence to local traffic regulations.

Area

Approximately 84.78 square kilometers (32.73 square miles)

Population

Around 300,000 residents

Time Zone

Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6

Ideal for

Exploring archaeological sites and local markets

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Rating

4.8/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Oaxaca require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may also charge an additional fee for drivers under the age of 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always necessary.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included in the rental price. However, you may want to consider additional coverage for collision damage or theft. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. It's common to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for services such as additional drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or one-way rentals.

Car Rental Prices in Oaxaca – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42 per day

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

Classic:

from £8 / $10 / €9 per day

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31 per day

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35 per day

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20 per day

SUV:

from £9 / $11 / €10 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to January): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand during the holiday season.

Low season (May to June): You can often find discounts and lower rates during the off-season months.

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 Oaxaca?

Booking a car in Oaxaca involves several steps. First, compare prices from different rental companies. Next, choose a vehicle that suits your needs. Then, carefully review the rental terms and conditions. Booking early is essential for the best rates. Finally, collect your car with all required documents.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental agencies.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring rougher terrain.

3. Check Rental Terms - Pay attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.

4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to pick up your rental car.

General Information About Oaxaca

Oaxaca is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and historical sites. Renting a car allows you to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace, but be mindful of local driving conditions and regulations.

As the capital of the state of Oaxaca, this city offers a unique blend of indigenous traditions, colonial architecture, and modern amenities. While the city center is walkable, having a car provides the freedom to visit nearby attractions and explore the diverse landscapes of the region. However, driving in Oaxaca can be challenging due to narrow streets, traffic congestion, and limited parking. Before you start your journey, it's essential to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, parking options, and fuel station locations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Monte Albán

    Explore the ancient Zapotec capital, offering stunning views and archaeological wonders.

  • Hierve el Agua

    Visit the petrified waterfalls, a unique natural formation with mineral springs.

  • Tlacolula Market

    Experience the vibrant atmosphere of one of the largest indigenous markets in Oaxaca.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Utilize public parking garages for secure and convenient parking options in the city center.

  • On-Street Parking

    Be aware of parking regulations and time limits when using on-street parking spaces.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider park-and-ride options on the outskirts of the city to avoid traffic congestion in the center.

Gas Stations in Oaxaca

  • Pemex Stations

    Pemex is the primary fuel provider in Mexico, and you'll find numerous stations throughout Oaxaca.

  • Location Planning

    Plan your refueling stops in advance, especially when venturing outside the city.

  • Payment Options

    Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash.

Useful Tips for Visiting Oaxaca

  • Drive Defensively

    Be prepared for unpredictable driving behavior and watch out for potholes.

  • Allow Extra Time

    Factor in extra travel time due to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

  • Learn Basic Spanish

    Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.

  • Stay Hydrated

    Carry water, especially when driving long distances or exploring in hot weather.

Key Transportation Hubs in Oaxaca

Major Bus Stations

ADO Bus Terminal

The primary bus terminal for long-distance travel to other cities in Mexico.

Railway Stations

Oaxaca Railway Station

Currently not in operation for passenger trains, but may have future developments.

Airports

Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)

Serves domestic and international flights, providing access to Oaxaca from various locations.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Oaxaca?

Renting a car in Oaxaca requires a few essential documents and qualifications.

  • A valid driver's license from your country of residence is necessary. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.

  • A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or other form of identification may be required for international renters.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Oaxaca as

4.8

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Oaxaca was amazing! A whirlwind weekend trip, made so easy by having a car. The food, the sights... unforgettable!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 07.05.2025

Summer in Oaxaca was perfect! Exploring the markets and ruins was effortless thanks to our rental car. Highly recommend.

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 01.05.2025

Oaxaca was surprisingly efficient for a short business trip. Having a car made zipping between meetings and exploring the city's vibrant markets a breeze. Highly recommend!

AG

Amelia Garcia

Reviewed: 08.04.2025

Family vacation in Oaxaca was unforgettable! Having a car made exploring so much easier. Loved the markets and ancient sites.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 05.07.2025

Oaxaca charmed me! Quick trip, easy with a car.

AM

Ava Miller

Reviewed: 18.11.2024

Gorgeous Oaxaca! A spontaneous weekend escape, so much easier with a car. Loved it!

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 25.03.2025

Oaxaca was fantastic! Meeting friends there for a few days was so much easier with a rental car; it all went smoothly. The Monte Albán ruins were breathtaking, though the museum gift shop was a bit underwhelming.

IW

Isabelle Wilson

Reviewed: 19.02.2025

Pretty chill, actually.

ML

Maya Lee

Reviewed: 27.02.2025

Oaxaca was delightful! A quick weekend getaway, and having a car made exploring so much simpler. The food scene was incredible.

AB

Ava Brown

Reviewed: 27.10.2024

Oaxaca's charm was undeniable! Having a car during the summer holidays made everything so convenient. Highly recommend!

JP

Jessica Parker

Reviewed: 11.09.2024

Oaxaca was breathtaking! Getting around with a car was a breeze, allowing us to explore so much more. Highly recommend!

KB

Katherine Bennett

Reviewed: 01.01.2025

Oaxaca was a dream! My spontaneous weekend trip went perfectly, exploring easily with a car. So much to see!

MT

Mia Thompson

Reviewed: 14.05.2025

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