Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Zihuatanejo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Zihuatanejo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Zihuatanejo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Zihuatanejo
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
Zihuatanejo is a beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. While local transportation options are available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
Explore Hidden Beaches. Discover secluded beaches like Playa Larga and Playa Majahua, which are not easily accessible by public transport. With a rental car, you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of these hidden gems.
Visit Nearby Towns. Take a day trip to the charming town of Ixtapa or explore the archaeological site of Xihuacan, located a short drive from Zihuatanejo. A rental car allows you to experience the diverse attractions of the region.
Enjoy Culinary Delights. Sample the local cuisine at various restaurants and eateries throughout the area. With a car, you can easily access different dining options and savor the authentic flavors of Zihuatanejo.
Convenience and Comfort. Traveling with family or carrying luggage can be challenging with public transport. A rental car provides the comfort and convenience you need to travel hassle-free.
Before renting a car in Zihuatanejo, it’s essential to understand the rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, driver’s license regulations, insurance policies, and other important details to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
Approximately 12 square kilometers (5 square miles)
Population
Approximately 70,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST)
Ideal for
Short-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during peak tourist season
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Zihuatanejo require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some companies may have higher age requirements for certain vehicle types or charge additional fees for young drivers.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. Foreign visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original driver’s license. Ensure that your license is valid throughout the rental period.
3. Insurance & DepositsCar rentals typically include basic insurance coverage. However, it’s recommended to consider additional insurance options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or theft protection, for extra peace of mind. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the vehicle’s return, provided there are no damages.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Be aware of the mileage policy to avoid extra charges. Fuel policies vary, so check whether you need to return the car with a full tank or if you can prepay for fuel.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as additional drivers, child seats, GPS navigation, or one-way rentals. Be sure to inquire about these fees when making your reservation.
The cost of renting a car in Zihuatanejo can vary based on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Generally, an economy-class car averages from £15 / $19 / €18 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Peak season (December to April): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% during the peak tourist season from December to April due to higher demand.
Low season (May to November): During the low season, from May to November, you can often find discounts and lower rates on car rentals.
Car rental prices in Zihuatanejo fluctuate with the tourist seasons. Knowing these trends can help you plan your trip and find the best deals.
Booking a car in Zihuatanejo is a simple process. Follow these steps to ensure a hassle-free experience and secure the best rates.
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison websites to compare prices from different rental companies in Zihuatanejo. This will help you find the most competitive rates.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors such as the number of passengers, luggage space, and driving conditions in Zihuatanejo.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies, before making a reservation.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance, especially if you're traveling during the peak season. Booking early can help you secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When picking up your rental car, bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card. Inspect the vehicle for any damages before driving off.
Zihuatanejo is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and authentic Mexican culture. Renting a car is a great way to explore the area, but it's important to be aware of local driving conditions and regulations.
While Zihuatanejo is relatively easy to navigate, it's essential to be mindful of traffic, especially during peak tourist season. The town has limited public transportation, making a rental car a convenient option for getting around.
Top Attractions to Discover
Playa La Ropa
One of Zihuatanejo’s most popular beaches, known for its calm waters and golden sand.
Downtown Zihuatanejo
Explore the charming streets, shops, and restaurants in the heart of Zihuatanejo.
Ixtapa Island
A short boat ride from Zihuatanejo, this island offers beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in downtown Zihuatanejo.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours. Be sure to pay attention to parking regulations.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in Zihuatanejo
Pemex
The primary gas station chain in Mexico. Look for Pemex stations throughout Zihuatanejo and the surrounding area.
Refueling Tips
It’s advisable to refuel before embarking on longer trips, as gas stations may be limited in more remote areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Zihuatanejo
Drive Defensively
Be aware of local driving habits and drive defensively, especially on narrow roads.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic can be unpredictable, so allow extra time for travel, especially during peak hours.
Respect Local Customs
Be respectful of local customs and traditions while driving in Zihuatanejo.
Airport
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH)
Located approximately 20 minutes from Zihuatanejo, this airport serves both domestic and international flights.
Bus Terminal
Zihuatanejo Bus Terminal
Provides bus services to various destinations in Mexico.
To rent a car in Zihuatanejo, you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation. Here’s what you typically need:
A valid driver’s license is required. If your license is not in Spanish or English, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age requirements or charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
A credit card in the driver's name is required for the security deposit. The available credit must cover the deposit amount.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be required, especially for foreign visitors.
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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 Zihuatanejo 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.
Chill vibes, good drives.
Ashley Johnson
Reviewed: 18.05.2025
Peaceful beaches, hidden coves; driving made it perfect.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 12.03.2025
Such a fun getaway to Zihuatanejo! Meeting friends there made it even better. Getting around with a rental car was a breeze; we saw so much.
David Lee
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Heard great things about Zihuatanejo, and they were right! Renting a car was a breeze; exploring was easy. The beaches were stunning, though the town itself felt a bit sleepy.
Karen Smith
Reviewed: 24.01.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Loved exploring Zihuatanejo! Having a car was a lifesaver, although the beach vendors were a bit pushy. Highly recommend!
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 31.01.2025
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Zihuatanejo was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy, from the beaches to the charming town. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.11.2024