Renting a Car in Tulum, Mexico: The Ultimate Guide
If you are wondering whether renting a car in Tulum is convenient and safe or not, this is the right place to find out.
Hi! This is Isabella. I have been living in Mexico since 2010, in love with this country even before I was born. I used to live in Cancun for 7 years, and Tulum was quite often my weekend getaway.
For the first couple of years, I didn’t have my own car, so I used car rentals a lot because I loved to explore and get around at my own pace without having to rely on buses or, let alone, taxis.
In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about renting a car in Tulum, why it’s convenient, and when you shouldn’t rent; what the best car rentals are, and, most of all, how to avoid getting scammed.
But first of all, let me give you a brief introduction to Tulum.
This quaint little big town, declared Pueblo Magico, has become one of the most visited upscale beach destinations in Mexico.
What makes Tulum special are, in fact, the incredible natural wonders and historical landmarks, from the ancient Tulum ruins, towering over the blue Caribbean sea, to the refreshing cenotes tucked away in the lush tropical forest, natural reserves, and other hidden treasures.
If you are interested in knowing more about that, at the end of this article, you will find all you need to know about Tulum in my detailed Tulum Travel Blogs.
There is a lot to see in Tulum and its surroundings, and that is why I would say, yes, you will definitely be better off with a car. And in this post, I will tell you all about it.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my small business.
Renting a car in Tulum: the most important questions
There are so many day trips from Tulum that you can do and having a car makes it so much easier and more fun. Road trips are the best way to see Mexico, but not all parts are easy or safe to drive. Luckily for you, Tulum, the Riviera Maya, and the entire Yucatan Peninsula are some of the safest areas to drive on your own.
So let me answer the most common questions.
Do I need a car in Tulum?
In my opinion, you do, if you love moving around fast and safely without having to call a taxi every time.
Besides, taxis in Tulum are getting over their heads, charging outrageous rates. You will definitely be better off with your own car.
Renting a car in Tulum is in fact the most cost-effective and convenient way to set your schedule and travel whenever and wherever you want.
Tulum does have public transportation to the main nearby locations, Valladolid, Coba, Merida, Cancun, Bacalar and Playa del Carmen.
However, if you need to move around town public transportation is completely unreliable and will make your vacation a real hassle.
Also to move around if you want to go visit cenotes, the beautiful beaches of the Riviera Maya and all the attractions outside Tulum, you would need to rely either on taxis or organized tours.
I don’t mean to say that those are not good ways to explore, just different.
It really depends on how you love to travel. Organized tours are a good option too, but it’s not something we want to discuss here.
Is it safe to rent a car in Tulum?
I understand the general concern about renting a car in a foreign country and that is why I decide to write this post so that you can be prepared of what to expect.
I believe there is always a risk associated with renting a car anywhere, even in your own country.
But it is generally safe to rent a car in Tulum, especially if you follow the advice described in this article, including purchasing additional insurance for your peace of mind.
And although I cannot promise that nothing bad will happen to you, I wish I had that power, I am sure that following these tips, it will reduce the chance of getting scammed or doing something silly.
Where Can You Actually Go with a Rental Car in Tulum?
The reason I recommend renting a car is not just convenience in town. It is that Tulum sits in one of the richest areas in Mexico for day trips, and most of the best spots are genuinely difficult to reach without your own wheels. Here is a realistic picture of what you can do.
Close to Tulum (under 30 minutes)
The most popular cenotes are right on your doorstep. Gran Cenote is about 4 kilometers west of town, a 10-minute drive, and is one of the best for snorkeling. Cenote Dos Ojos is slightly further out, around 20 minutes, and gives you access to an extensive cave system. Cenote Calavera is small but beautiful, and tends to be less crowded than Gran Cenote earlier in the morning. Without a car, reaching any of these means negotiating taxi rates that add up fast over a week.
Check out my post on the best cenotes near Tulum.
Medium Distance (30 to 90 minutes)
Cobá Ruins are about 45 minutes northwest of Tulum. The ruins are spread across jungle terrain and you really do need a car or a tour to get there comfortably. Tulum Ruins are technically walkable from town or reachable by bike, but having a car means you can arrive early before the tour buses and leave when you want rather than waiting for a shuttle.
Valladolid is around 1.5 hours and is one of my favorite colonial towns in the Yucatan. The central square, the market, and the cenote right in the middle of town make for a perfect day out.
Longer Day Trips (90 minutes to 3 hours)
Chichen Itza is about 2.5 hours from Tulum. I would not attempt this as a quick day trip if you also want time at the ruins rather than just a photo at the pyramid. Leave early, ideally by 7 or 8 AM, so you arrive before the heat and the crowds. Going by car means you can stop in Valladolid on the way back, which makes the long drive feel worth it.
Bacalar is roughly 2 hours south and worth every minute of the drive. The Laguna de Bacalar is one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Mexico and feels a world away from Tulum’s tourist circuit. You could combine Bacalar with a stop at the Muyil Ruins inside the Sian Ka’an reserve on the way down.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is closer, about 20 kilometers south of Tulum town, but the access road is unpaved and rough in sections. A standard economy car can handle it, but slowly. If you are planning to go deep into Sian Ka’an, a higher clearance vehicle makes the drive much less stressful.
PRO TIP: Download Google Maps offline for the area between Tulum and Chichen Itza before you leave your accommodation. Mobile coverage drops out on several stretches of highway between towns, and navigating by phone without a signal in an area you do not know is more stressful than it needs to be.
The best rental car companies in Tulum
There is no absolute best car rental company, because it depends on the time of the year, their availability, and many other variables.
I always recommend using Discover Cars website which is a quick and easy way to compare prices and choose the car rental that offers the best prices.
They also offer full rental car insurance directly with Discover Cars (not with the car rental) but keep in mind that this insurance doesn’t pay for damages upfront. You need to pay anything yourself and get a refund after.
You could also pick up your car from Cancun Airport so that you will save the transfer costs as well and you will be completely independent from the start.
There are rental places just outside the airport, and the car rental company representative would wait for you at the airport to take you to pick up your car.
Among the car rentals suggested, American car rental and MEX cars are the most common, with a decent rental price, but remember to look for the hidden costs, always. I will talk about it later on in this post.
↳You can read my Discover Cars Rental reviews for further clarity.
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental companies for many reasons, including:
✔︎ straightforward information
✔︎ full coverage add-on
✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews
The Best Car Rental Companies in Tulum: What Each One Is Actually Like
I always tell people to start their search on Discover Cars because it pulls rates from multiple agencies in one place, and you can filter by insurance type so you actually know what you are getting before you book. That said, knowing which company you are booking with matters a lot in Tulum, because the experience varies wildly from one agency to the next.
Here is what I know from my own time renting cars in and around Tulum and the feedback I have collected from readers over the years.
Hertz Tulum
Hertz has two pickup locations in Tulum, which makes it one of the more flexible international options in town. Rates are on the higher end compared to local agencies, typically in the range of $50 to $80 USD per day depending on the season, but you get the reliability of a company with a clear complaint process if something goes wrong. Their cars are generally well-maintained and the staff at both Tulum locations speak basic English. If you want a no-surprises experience and price is not your main concern, this is a solid choice. [NEEDS PERSONAL DETAIL: have you rented with Hertz Tulum specifically? Add a sentence about your experience if so.]
Alamo
Alamo is a good mid-range option that turns up frequently on Discover Cars searches. Basic insurance is included in their daily rate, which is a better starting position than some competitors that advertise a low number and then pile on insurance separately at the counter. You will likely pay around $40 to $60 USD per day. One thing worth knowing: if there are no cars available at the Tulum location, they are good about coordinating with their Playa del Carmen or Cancun branches, so you are less likely to arrive and find nothing.
MEX Car Rental
This is the local Mexican option I mention most often for people on a budget. Rates are lower than the international chains, and what I appreciate is that their insurance structure is more straightforward.
One price, one insurance package, fewer questions to ask at the counter. I have to be honest, though, the last time I rented the car with them I had an issue: somebody stole my car plate, and I had to pay for it, much more than it actually cost.
I didn’t like that and I had the feeling that they were ripping me off, so I am not going to use them anymore.
American Car Rental
I have rented with American Car Rental, and I want to be honest with you: the rates look good on paper, but the experience at the counter can be frustrating. When I picked up my car, I had specifically asked for full insurance, and they kept adding line items I had not agreed to. Tires, windows, minor damages, each with a separate charge. My advice if you go with them: ask directly, “What is NOT covered by the insurance I am buying?” That single question will tell you everything. If you push back clearly, they tend to back off, but you need to go in prepared. Once you are past the pickup process, the cars themselves are fine.
PRO TIP: No matter which company you book with, do this at pickup: walk around the entire car with the agent and photograph every scratch, dent, and scuff before you sign anything. Send the photos to your own email so they are timestamped. It takes five minutes and has saved readers a lot of money when drop-off staff suddenly “notice” damage that was already there.
When to Use Discover Cars Instead of Booking Direct
Discover Cars is the platform I use to compare prices across all of the above and more. The main advantage is transparency: you can see what insurance is and is not included before you book, rather than finding out at the counter. They also offer their own full-coverage add-on, which is worth considering if you want a single policy with zero deductible. Just read the fine print on that one because it works as a reimbursement model, meaning you pay upfront for any damage and claim it back later.
How much does renting a car in Tulum cost?
Tulum car rental prices vary depending on the low and high seasons and the vehicle you rent.
Prices can range from 10 USD to 70 USD, but that’s where the first piece of advice goes.
When you see prices as low as 10 USD, there is a catch, ALWAYS.
Usually, the rental price that companies advertise refers to the cheapest ca,r and there are extra costs attached.
For example, it may not include excise taxes and additional insurance.
So every time you see such a low rate, click on the links and look for more information. If there is no info, I would pass.
On the DiscoverCars Rental website, for example, you can see what’s included in the available options so that you can choose which one is the best for you.
It’s always a good idea to take a screenshot of what’s shown as included, so that you can show it when you pick up the car in case they don’t respect the same conditions.
What Type of Car Do You Actually Need in Tulum?
The car type matters more here than in most destinations because some of the best places to visit involve rough roads. Here is a simple breakdown.
Economy or Compact
Fine for the majority of trips: Tulum town, the Cancun to Tulum highway, Valladolid, Cobá, Chichen Itza. These roads are paved and well-maintained. An economy car is the most affordable option and works perfectly if your itinerary stays on main roads. If you are a solo traveler or a couple with light luggage, this is almost always enough.
SUV or Higher Clearance
Worth considering if you are planning to drive to remote cenotes, spend time in Sian Ka’an, or go off the main highways looking for less-visited spots. The dirt roads that lead to some of the hidden cenotes can be deeply rutted after rain, and you will feel every one of those ruts in a small economy car. An SUV is not essential, but if your trip is heavy on jungle and off-road exploring, the upgrade is money well spent.
What I Usually Rent
I usually rent an economy car as I find it more practical and convenient, and I travel on my own all the time. So for one person, it’s enough. I would recommend a bigger car so that your bags would all fit in the trunk and they are not visible.
Tulum Airport or Cancun Airport: Where Should You Pick Up Your Car?
This is a question I get all the time now, and it genuinely depends on how you are flying in. So let me give you a straight answer for each situation.
Picking Up at Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Cancun Airport has been the standard option for years, and it is still the better choice for most people. The selection of rental agencies is large, competition keeps prices relatively low, and the airport infrastructure is set up for it. There are agencies both inside the terminal and in a dedicated rental center a short shuttle ride away.
The downside is the drive. Cancun Airport to Tulum is roughly 130 kilometers and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic on Highway 307. That is a real chunk of your first day, especially after a long flight. On the other hand, if you are planning to explore the whole Riviera Maya during your trip, picking up in Cancun means you are in the car and independent from the moment you land, which is a significant convenience.
Picking Up at Tulum Airport (TQO)
The Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport, better known as Tulum Airport, opened in December 2023 and has been expanding its routes and services since. If your airline flies direct to Tulum, picking up there makes obvious sense: you arrive, you get your car, you are at your hotel in 20 minutes.
The catch is that the rental agency selection is still limited compared to Cancun. Availability can run out faster, prices are occasionally higher, and the agencies present there may not include the one you prefer. If you are flying into Tulum Airport, check car availability there first, and if options are thin, consider whether it makes more sense to grab a shuttle to Tulum town and arrange a local pickup there instead.
Renting in Tulum Town
Several agencies operate directly in Tulum Centro, including Hertz, MEX Car Rental, and some smaller local companies. This is a reasonable option if you only need a car for a day or two mid-trip, or if you want to compare prices in person before committing. Rates can be slightly higher than airport rates because there is less competition.
However, in my opinion, the price you pay to get your car is less than a transfer from the airport to your hotel anyway. So it’s still convenient to rent it from the Airport.
PRO TIP: If you are flying into Cancun and your first stop is Tulum, picking up the car at Cancun Airport almost always works out cheaper than renting in Tulum town, even factoring in the fuel for the drive down. Book in advance online and the difference is even more noticeable. I use Discover Cars to compare both pickup locations before I decide.
RENTING A CAR IN TULUM
What do I need to rent a car in Tulum, Mexico?
Here are the basic documents you need to rent a car in Tulum, Mexico, but everywhere in Mexico, really.
1. A Valid Driver’s License (or IDP)
Renting a car in Tulum does not require an international driving permit. You can use your own driving license without a problem from your home country.
You will need an international driver’s license only if the alphabet used in the official language of your home country is not Latin.
2. What’s the minimum age for renting a car in Mexico?
Theoretically, you need to be 21 to rent a car in Mexico. However, if you are younger than 25, you may have to pay a sort of “young driver surcharge” which varies for each car rental.
Also, some car rentals want to see at least a driving license with a 1 to 2-year validity.
2. A Valid Credit Card
You will need a credit card to rent a car in Tulum and all of Mexico. That is because the car rental agency will need to hold on to an amount as a deposit for any damages or fines.
The higher your insurance coverage, the lower the hold the Car rental company will put on your car rental.
That is why I always recommend getting full insurance with zero deductibles (deducible in Spanish), but we will talk about it in another section below.
Debit card bookings for rental cars are sometimes possible, but not every company accepts them.
In any case, it would not be a good move because they cannot hold the money on debit cards.
They can only make a full charge, which would eventually be refunded in case all goes smoothly. However whatever the amount, it will take a while to appear in your account.
So if you want to rent a car in Tulum, make sure you get yourself a credit card before leaving your country.
3. Car Insurance is mandatory
Driving in Mexico requires insurance. You must have Mexican Personal Liability Insurance at a minimum.
Different companies charge different prices for insurance coverage. Personal Liability Insurance is the minimum required by law and costs around $7-10 USD daily.
But this should always be included in the basic rental fees. Sometimes, the CDW is also included (collision damage waiver).
However, there is usually a deductible to pay.
That is why I always suggest purchasing full insurance with zero deductible for your peace of mind. That’s what I do.
You should know, though, that even in that case, any car rental makes its own price and insurance structure.
When I rented a car with American Car Rental, which was the cheapest one showing up on Discover cars, it was a headache because I thought I asked for the full insurance but they keep adding insurance costs for different things.
Tires, windows minor damages have all different insurance prices.
So you need to be very clear and ask for full insurance. And when they tell you a price, you must ask, “What is not included in the insurance?”
That’s the magic question! For example, you want the minor damages included because you never know what they can consider minor damages, right?
Mex Car Rental is another affordable local car rental company; they have higher rates compared to American Cars, but they have everything included in one go.
You don’t have to negotiate or ask a thousand questions. Though I would always do that, just in case!
All these car rental rates you will find in Discover Cars, a company I recommend and use for comparing prices, and most of the time, make the booking. They also offer full insurance, but I will talk about it later on.
Additionally, some car rental companies won’t let you use their vehicles unless you buy your insurance.
What if I have my own insurance?
This is a good question. Many credit card companies in the United States offer car rental insurance.
Always check if it’s valid in Mexico before leaving your country. And some car rentals need proof of it.
Some Car rental companies would complain that this is not valid in Mexico because they want you to buy their full insurance.
However, the only mandatory insurance in Mexico is Liability, which is supposed to be included in the price.
Every other extra insurance is optional, and therefore, you are free to use the one you have with your credit card if it confirms it’s valid in Mexico.
Another thing you should know is that the credit card will not cover any costs of damage or accidents.
So whatever you are covered for, you will need to anticipate the money and be refunded when you get home, after you follow your insurance company’s procedure.
For this very same reason, I always prefer to buy the insurance from the car company directly. So I have less hassle.
RENTING A CAR IN TULUM
Renting a Car in Tulum: Common Scams (or perceived as scams)
1. Unanticipated Add-Ons
Watch out for features or insurance you might assume are included. A $5 daily surcharge may apply to satellite radio. A GPS navigator costs roughly $50 each week.
Also, if you are traveling with other people and you want others to drive as well, you need to purchase the additional driver tax.
If the driver is not in the document and something happens, the insurance won’t cover the damage costs.
Theft protection insurance is also a good one to have, just in case.
Also, if you are planning to drive across other countries, in this case, Belize or Guatemala, you can do it, but you need to let the company know and purchase a sort of permit (or tax).
As I mentioned before, when a car company is promoting a rate, it is usually free of taxes. Make sure you keep it in mind.
And so are the different car parts with their own insurance, tires, windows, and minor damages, to name a few.
2. Hard Selling Insurance
As I mentioned, even though it seems like a huge amount of extra money on top of the car rental costs, it gives me peace of mind, so they don’t even have to convince me to purchase the full insurance.
The only issue is making sure it’s really full, with zero deductible. Hence, the magic question I mentioned earlier.
What is NOT included? And from the answer, you will know if it’s indeed full coverage.
3. Including gas
Well, in this case, the car rental company will fill out a form where they will mark what level of gas is in the car when you pick it up.
You need to make sure you will drop the car off with the same amount of gas, not a drop less.
If it’s more, you don’t get a refund; if it’s less, they overcharge you with a sort of fine.
So make sure you check whether there are gas stations nearby and wait until the last minute to fill up the gas tank to the desired level, to avoid paying any extra charges.
4. Taxes, penalties, and more information that rental companies may not provide
The introductory rental rate may sound incredible, but you need the sales tax, local taxes, airport fees, and licensing costs to discover the REAL cost of that rental.
Before making your reservation, inquire about these. It should be your first question; otherwise, you can receive a nasty surprise.
5. Omission of information
When I rented my car with American Car Rental, I found out that in order for my full insurance to be applicable, I needed to report everything that happened immediately, before dropping off the car.
On the contrary, I wouldn’t be covered. So make sure you ask as much as you can and read the fine print if possible.
6. Other details
Some automobile rental agencies have varied charges depending on your rental duration, arrival time, etc. Your plans and your costs may change if your flight is canceled.
Some car rental companies have zero cancellation fees, while others will retain a small percentage if you don’t show up. Others may refund your unused days in case you have a change of plans, but others don’t
Usually, when you rent a car, the daily fare is considered 24 hours, so you need to drop it off at the same time you collected it. Some car rentals offer a 1-hour grace period; others don’t.
Some car companies would charge you for an entire extra day if you are 1 hour late, some others have a rate per each extra hour.
These are questions you need to ask in case they don’t mention it during the delivery.
How to avoid Tulum car rental scams
So, after all that has been said, how can you avoid potential scams when you rent a car in Tulum?
Here are some practical tips:
💰 Ask about all hidden costs when booking a reservation and at the collection counter in case of any omission.
In addition to accessories, this also refers to mileage restrictions and roadside assistance, which used to be free but is actually covered if you purchased a certain type of insurance.
Also, ask for and late fines (which usually accrue 30 minutes after your vehicle is due back).
🤕 Before making a purchase, call your insurers and credit companies to see if they cover your car rental while in Mexico and what it’s covered.
This way, once you pick up your car, you are prepared about what kind of insurance you want, and you can avoid any hassle.
⛽ Gas
Make sure you don’t forget to check the level of gas in the car when you pick it up and it’s marked correctly in the document they give you.
Remember to fill it up before finding the closest gas station to the rental company, and fuel the car on your way there.
💸 Check penalty costs
Before renting a car in Tulum, enquire with the car hire about any fees that may apply if your flight is canceled or if they can refund the money. Or, in case you need to end your trip earlier and drop off the car earlier, ask if there is a refund.
✅ Check the car with the car rental agent
Before delivering the car, the car rental agent will inspect the car’s body and record any findings on a form, including any marks, missing items, and the level of gas.
Make sure you check it with them and that what’s in the paper is correct before signing it.
Also, do not lose this paper because they will need it once you drop off the car to check you out.
Also, take a video and pictures of the car, where there are marks and bumps to prove that it wasn’t you who did it.
Do it even if everything is supposed to be included in the insurance. You never know.
Driving in Tulum or Mexico in general – law and order!
▶ Road signs
Road signs are the same in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or La Paz.
🛑 Alto means stop
⦿ In roundabouts, the car in the roundabout has priority.
➩ You can turn right most of the time, even if the traffic light is red
▶ What to do if you get pulled over
Police officers could stop you for any reason, either because you committed an infraction or because they are doing random checks.
Just be calm, pull down the window, and answer their questions. You are allowed to record them and say it if you don’t feel comfortable.
They may ask for your ID and Driving Licence, but you have the right to show it to them without handing it over.
If you did something wrong, accept the ticket and go without complaining, especially if you don’t speak Spanish well. I have been complaining to a police officer, and it went well, but it’s not something I would recommend.
Usually, Mexican police don’t speak English, so if you are in difficulty, ask them if you want to call a friend to help with the translation.
It will take the State Police five days to enter tickets into the system. After that time, you can make an online reservation. It only applies if the cops did not seize your plate number or driver’s license.
Go here to pay for your ticket online.
▶ What if they ask for a bribe
Police bribery is a fact in Mexico. It’s not only hearsay.
According to Mexican legislation, a law enforcement officer must NOT ask for or take money but it’s still happening, most of the time.
They don’t ask for a bribe in a straightforward way, but they may ask, “¿Cómo lo arreglamos? (How are we going to fix this?) Or maybe they just make you wait for nothing until you say something.
This way, you cannot report them because technically, they didn’t ask for anything.
It happened to me many times, and what I did was say: “You are right. Please give me the ticket and I will pay it.”
Or I would say, either give me the ticket or let me go. Sometimes I got away with it, and I was let go without any fine. And I absolutely never ever bribe!
They cannot ask you to pay the fine there. You need to go to an office. Actually, if you pay within the next 3 days, you have a 30 to 50 % discount.
So please never support this kind of practice because otherwise, it will never end.
▶ Toll roads
There are only a few toll roads in the Yucatan Peninsula that connect Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun with Merida.
I prefer to take the normal roads because I love the idea of bumping into a hidden cenote or a small village, but if you are in a rush and want to get to your destination quicker, you should use toll roads.
Just keep in mind that they only accept cash and Mexican pesos only!
▶ Google Maps
Google Maps is what makes me feel safe when I drive because I know I won’t get lost. Well, sometimes they mark silly itineraries, but that’s ok.
You can also ask people if you know a bit of Spanish, but for me, Google Maps is a priority when I drive.
Make sure you download the offline map before driving because in some areas there is no phone reception.
Parking in Tulum: What Nobody Tells You Before You Arrive
Parking in Tulum is manageable once you understand how the town is laid out, but it catches a lot of people off guard on the first day. Here is the honest version.
Parking in Tulum Town (Centro)
Tulum Centro has decent street parking along most of the main roads. It is generally free, first-come first-served, and easy to find outside of peak hours. If you are staying in town and most of your time is spent there, you will not have many issues. Morning is always easier. By midday during high season, the main streets fill up and you will spend more time circling than you would like.
Parking on the Hotel Zone Beach Road (Zona Hotelera)
This is where it gets trickier. The beach road, which runs south from the Tulum Ruins toward Punta Allen, is a single narrow strip lined with hotels, beach clubs, and restaurants on both sides. There is almost no free parking here. Most beach clubs have paid parking lots, and the cost can run anywhere from 100 to 200 MXN per session, sometimes more during peak season. If you are spending a full day at a beach club that requires paid entry, check whether parking is included in the day pass before you assume it is.
There is a small amount of street parking on the quieter southern section of the beach road, past most of the hotel cluster, and it is free on a first-come basis. Getting there early makes all the difference.
Overnight Parking
If your accommodation is on the hotel zone, most hotels and guesthouses have a small parking area or an arrangement with a nearby lot. Confirm this before you arrive, especially in smaller boutique properties that were not designed for cars. I have heard from readers who showed up at a beach hotel with a rental car and found nowhere to leave it overnight.
If you are in town, overnight street parking is generally fine on residential streets. Just avoid parking directly in front of private driveways, which are marked in Mexico the same way as most Latin American countries, with a painted curb or a sign that says “no estacionarse.”
What to do in case of an emergency
Unexpected occurrences can happen to anyone at any time. If you get involved, whether it is an accident, or you don’t feel well, or you don’t feel safe.
Here are some tips.
1. Have a local SIM card
I always recommend getting a Mexican SIM card for many reasons, and one of these is to be able to communicate in case of any emergency
2. Have a working cell phone
Make sure your cellphone is not locked, and you can use it with a local SIM card. If this is not possible, make sure your provider and phone plan include Mexico so that you can use the phone in case of emergency, even if the cost may be higher than using a local SIM card.
3. Download the Google Maps app and download an offline map
Google Maps is almost always effective in avoiding getting lost. However, some areas don’t have coverage.
Therefore, make sure you download the map of the area you are going to travel to so that you can use it even in case there is no coverage.
4. Call 911 in case of any emergency
911 in Mexico works for any emergency case. Tell your problem to the operator, and they will direct you to the correct department.
Renting a car in Tulum FAQ
How are the roads in Tulum, Mexico?
One of the busiest, multi-lane, and well-maintained highways connects Cancun with Tulum. Two-lane freeways also connect Tulum to Coba and then on to Chichen Itza.
Although there is no high risk of robbery, I do not recommend driving at night merely because there are many dangers on the road, including bicycles, animals, and humans.
Is there Uber in Tulum?
No, there is no Uber in Tulum, and I would recommend avoiding Taxis, as they charge outrageous rates, and that is why I recommend renting a car.
What’s the best place to rent a car in Tulum?
Discover Cars is the perfect place to book a car. They have the cheapest rates because they search all major car hire agencies and find the best price.
Once you book your car, they will tell you the location of the chosen car rental in Tulum.
Are rental cars in Cancun, Mexico, automatic or stick shift?
The majority of car hire agencies in Mexico are automatic. However, the stick shift is available in cheaper cars. You can request it if you want, and that may reduce the price of your car rental.
What side of the road do you drive on in Mexico?
Driving in Mexico is on the road’s right side.
The easiest way to book a car rental in Tulum, Mexico
Discover Cars is the best place to book a car. They have competitive rates because they search all major car hire agencies in Tulum and the surrounding areas and find the best price.
Renting a Car in Tulum: Driving in Mexico
If you have concerns about driving in Mexico, I’ve got you covered. In the linked post, I give you useful tips about driving in Mexico for a smooth and flawless experience. Below, I am sharing a brief summary.
10 Tulum Driving Tips
✔ Avoid driving at night in Mexico and wear a seat belt.
✔ Beware of topes (speed bumps)
✔ Mexico’s speed limits are in kilometers per hour
✔ Don’t use your cell phone while driving in Mexico
✔ Always wear the seat belt
✔ Cancun gas stations are not self-serve
✔ Always tip at gas stations
✔ Window cleaners may approach you at stop lights (and beggars)
✔ Some Spanish knowledge will help
Other Mexican destinations where renting a car is safe and recommended
The Yucatan peninsula is one of the safest places for renting a car and the easiest way to reach archeological sites, cenotes, and all the natural wonders around.
Just keep in mind that for Holbox, you can’t bring your car, and in Isla Mujeres, you can, but you don’t need it.
However, there are many other states in Mexico where driving around is the best option to enjoy the area. Those are:
✔ Baja California Sur
✔ Puerto Vallarta
✔ Huatulco and the Oaxaca Coast
✔ Queretaro
Renting a car in Tulum: final thoughts
There are many places in Mexico where renting a car will make your trip more enjoyable, and the Yucatan Peninsula is one of them.
In fact, from Tulum, you can reach the major attractions, and if you have your own car, you can get there at a time when it’s less busy and make the most out of your trip.
You can also reach hidden cenotes and places where local transportation won’t go, and taxis would charge a fortune.
I hope this guide to renting a car in Tulum has helped you decide how to plan your vacation and gives you enough confidence to get your car and set off for a road trip of a lifetime.
