You don’t need to rent a car in Cancun for most trips.
I’ve lived in Cancun for many years, and I can tell you that most tourists get around just fine without one.
Getting Around Cancun as a Local
After 15 years + of living here, I know all the ways to get around.
I’ve gotten around with or without a car and was completely fine.
Trust me – most visitors don’t need a rental car.
But if you do want to rent a car in Cancun, I highly recommend Discover Cars
👉 Here’s what I know for sure: The tourist infrastructure here in Cancun is built for people without cars.
From Airport to Hotel
When you land at Cancun International Airport, you have several easy options:
- Shared Shuttles: I recommend these to budget travelers. They cost about $20 per person. Yes, they make a few stops, but they’re reliable.
- Private Transfers: My family members prefer these when they visit. A driver meets you with your name on a sign. It costs around $60, but the comfort is worth it after a long flight.
- ADO Bus: I’ve used this option several times when dropping off friends. It costs $5 and goes downtown. However, it’s not ideal if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone.
- Taxi: I rarely suggest these to my visitors. They cost about $70 to the Hotel Zone and aren’t worth the price.
Have you decided how you’ll get to your hotel yet? Book before you arrive to save money!
➡️ Check out my article Renting a Car in Cancun vs Taxis and learn more about this.
Moving Around the Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone is that long strip where most tourists stay. Getting around here is super easy.
I still use the local buses. Here’s why:
- They run 24/7
- They cost less than $1
- They come every 5-10 minutes
- They’re safe for tourists
Just look for the R1 or R2 buses. Even with my own car, I often take the bus to avoid parking hassles during high season.
Taxis are everywhere, too. As a local, I negotiate prices.
As a tourist, expect to pay $10-15 for short trips. I use them when carrying groceries or if it’s raining hard.
Walking works in many places. The main road has decent sidewalks, though they get hot in summer!
When My Visitors Do Need Cars
Not every visitor should skip the rental car. Here’s when I recommend getting one:
For Exploring the Yucatan
A car makes sense when friends want to see more than just Cancun. The places worth driving to are:
- Tulum: I go there monthly for the beaches and food scene. It’s 80 miles south and makes a great day trip.
- Valladolid: This colonial town is one of my favorite weekend getaways. It’s about 97 miles from Cancun, and amazing cenotes are nearby.
- Bacalar: The seven-color lagoon is stunning! It’s a longer drive (215 miles, but it’s worth it for an overnight trip.
💡 Local tip: If you’re only doing a day trip, arrange tours that include transportation instead of renting a car.
For Families with Kids
When my relatives visit with small children, I often suggest a rental car.
Dragging tired kids on and off buses in the heat isn’t fun for anyone.
Do your kids nap during the day? Having a car means they can sleep while you drive to your next activity.
For Off-Resort Stays
You might need a car if you’re staying where I live, in a residential area, or on an Airbnb away from the main zones.
I have my vehicle because I live in a neighborhood where buses don’t run frequently.
Where exactly are you staying? That’s crucial for this decision!
The True Costs of Car Rentals Here
As a local, I know what rental companies don’t advertise clearly:
Base Prices vs. Reality
The cheap rates online ($25-40 daily) are misleading. None of my visitors ever pays just that amount.
Insurance Surprises
Most of my visitors are shocked by this. Mexican law requires liability insurance, and your home coverage probably doesn’t work here.
My cousin from Florida learned this the hard way. His “$30 rental” became $65 after:
- Mandatory liability insurance (no way around this)
- Collision coverage (can sometimes skip with certain credit cards)
- Theft protection (strongly recommended)
Hidden Costs
Other expenses add up:
- Gas (similar to US prices)
- Hotel parking ($10-20/night)
- Parking fees at attractions ($3-10 each)
The Reality of Driving in Cancun
I drive here daily, but it’s different for visitors who are not used to our roads. (Is it safe to drive in Cancun?)
Road Conditions
The main highways are decent. But watch for:
- Topes (speed bumps)! They’re everywhere, even on highways, and often poorly marked. I’ve seen rental cars with damaged undercarriages from hitting them too fast.
- Flooding during the rainy season. Some roads become impassable after heavy rain.
- Construction. We’re always building something new. Detours pop up overnight.
Local Driving Culture
Our driving style surprises most visitors:
- Lane markings are often treated as suggestions
- Turn signals are optional for many locals
- Motorcycles weave between cars
- Roundabouts follow their logic
My brother, who was visiting us from Germany, refused to drive after his first day here. He was too stressed!
The Parking Challenge
After so many years, I still get frustrated with parking sometimes:
- Beach parking fills by 10 AM in high season
- Downtown spots can take 30 minutes to find
- Hotel Zone restaurants often have tiny lots
Tips From a Local If You Do Rent
If you still want to rent, here’s my insider advice:
Book Before You Arrive
The airport rental counters charge 30-50% more than booking online.
I’ve seen visitors pay double what they expected. (book online if you want to save a lot of money!)
Choose Wisely
Consider:
- Smaller cars for easier parking
- SUVs if exploring cenotes (dirt roads can be rough)
- Make sure it has good A/C – our heat is serious!
Document Everything
Before driving away:
- Take videos of all scratches and dents
- Test all features (A/C, lights, wipers)
- Check tire pressure and spare tire
- Note the exact fuel level
A family friend got charged $800 for damage he didn’t cause. Good documentation saved him.
Use Offline Maps
This is crucial! Cell service disappears on some highways. Download Google Maps for offline use before your trip.
I also recommend the Waze app, which shows police checkpoints and road hazards.
Have Pesos Ready
Highway tolls only take cash. The toll to Chichen Itza costs about 300 pesos each way.
When I Tell Visitors to Skip the Car
Don’t rent if:
You Love Beach Days
If your vacation includes the beach, pool, and restaurants, skip the car! Buses go to all the best beaches, including my favorite, Playa Delfines.
You Want to Enjoy Our Nightlife
Cancun has amazing clubs and bars. Don’t risk driving after drinks! Taxis line up outside all nightspots.
You’re Here Less Than 4 Days
The rental process wastes precious vacation time. For short trips, I’ve seen visitors spend two hours at the rental counter!
You’re Visiting During High Season
Traffic in the Hotel Zone moves at a crawl from December to April.
I sometimes leave my car at home during these months!
Best Areas to Stay Without a Car
If you skip the rental, stay in these convenient areas:
Hotel Zone
Everything is nearby, and there is a perfect bus service. Most of my visitors stay here and never miss having a car.
Downtown Cancun
This is where I live—cheaper hotels with amazing local food. Buses connect to everywhere.
Puerto Morelos
This small town, 20 minutes south of the airport, is perfect for a car-free stay. It’s walkable with great beaches and food.
Should You Rent a Car in Cancun?
My advice is simple:
Rent a car if:
- You plan to explore multiple places outside the tourist zone
- You have young children who need naps and car seats
- You’re staying in a residential area
- You want ultimate flexibility
- You’re comfortable with aggressive driving environments
Skip the rental if:
- You’re staying at a resort or in the Hotel Zone
- Your budget is tight
- You plan to enjoy our nightlife
- You get stressed in unfamiliar traffic
- You’re mostly interested in beaches and tours
Final Thoughts From a Local
Most visitors don’t need a rental car in Cancun. I’ve hosted countless friends and family over the years, and most had good experiences without rental cars.
Our buses are cheap and efficient. Tours handle day trips with insider knowledge. Taxis, while not cheap, are still less than daily rental costs.
Why spend your vacation dealing with parking, navigation, and potential hassles when you could be enjoying our beautiful beaches?
What are your main plans while visiting my city? Tell me, and I’ll give you specific advice!
