Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Playa del Carmen
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Playa del Carmen
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Playa del Carmen
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Playa del Carmen
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 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
Playa del Carmen is a vibrant coastal city offering stunning beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and exciting eco-adventures. While taxis and public transport are available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Explore Mayan Ruins. A rental car lets you easily visit nearby archaeological sites like Tulum and Chichen Itza, without relying on tour schedules.
Discover Hidden Beaches and Cenotes. Access secluded beaches and natural sinkholes (cenotes) that are off the beaten path, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Enjoy Flexibility and Independence. Control your itinerary and travel comfortably, without waiting for buses or negotiating taxi fares.
Before renting a car in Playa del Carmen, it's essential to understand the local requirements. This includes age restrictions, license validity, insurance policies, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 30 square kilometers (12 square miles)
Population
Around 250,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6
Ideal for
Both short and long-term rentals
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during peak tourist season and local commuting times (7 AM-9 AM and 5 PM-7 PM)
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
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 mandatory.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider purchasing additional coverage for peace of mind. A security deposit is typically held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Unlimited mileage is common, but some rentals may have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, optional add-ons like GPS, child seats, or for dropping off the car at a different location.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 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 £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (May to November): Often provides discounts and better availability.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Playa del Carmen involves a few straightforward steps to ensure you get the best deal and the right vehicle for your needs.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals from various agencies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or an SUV for exploring off-road locations.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card when picking up your rental vehicle.
Playa del Carmen is a popular tourist destination on the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to Mayan ruins.
Driving in Playa del Carmen can be a convenient way to explore the surrounding areas, but it's important to be aware of local traffic conditions, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue)
A pedestrian-only street with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Playacar Beach
A beautiful beach known for its white sand and clear turquoise water.
Cenotes
Natural sinkholes perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the city center, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available, but spaces can be limited.
Parking at Shopping Malls
Malls like Plaza Las Americas offer parking facilities.
Gas Stations in Playa del Carmen
Pemex
The main gas station chain in Mexico, with several locations in and around Playa del Carmen.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available, but it's good to fill up before heading out on long trips.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Playa del Carmen
Be Aware of Speed Bumps
Many roads have speed bumps (topes), so drive cautiously.
Use GPS
A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the area.
Drive Defensively
Be aware of other drivers and pedestrians.
Avoid Driving at Night
Driving at night can be riskier due to poor lighting and road conditions.
Major Bus Stations
ADO Tourist Terminal
Located on 5th Avenue, this station serves most major tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Airports
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Located approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of Playa del Carmen, serving both domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in Playa del Carmen is generally straightforward, but it's important to have the necessary documents and meet certain requirements.
A valid driver’s license from your home country is required.
You'll need your passport as proof of identity.
A major credit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have a higher minimum age.
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.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Playa del Carmen as
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.
Exploring Playa del Carmen this summer was amazing! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Playa del Carmen was fantastic! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze; so convenient.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 07.08.2025
Heard so much about Playa del Carmen, and it lived up to the hype! Having a car made exploring incredibly easy.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Playa del Carmen was a quick stop on our road trip, but the beach was stunning. The souvenir shops felt a little touristy, though.
David Lee
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Kevin Wilson
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Pretty good, overall.
Oliver Harris
Reviewed: 13.03.2025
Back in Playa del Carmen after ages! So much has changed. The beach was still gorgeous, though the food options felt a bit limited this time.
Ashley Davis
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Solid, pretty chill.
Ben Taylor
Reviewed: 13.12.2024
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Pretty chill, really
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 31.12.2024