Car Rental in Playa del Carmen — Drive the Riviera Maya Your Way
Car Rental in Playa del Carmen — Drive the Riviera Maya Your Way
Cenotes, turtles, eco-parks and Tulum on your own schedule. Unlimited mileage and insurance included.
Playa del Carmen is one of the best bases on the Riviera Maya, but the best of the coast sits outside town: cenotes hidden in the jungle, snorkeling bays, ruins and eco-parks that tour buses reach on fixed schedules. With your own car you decide when to go and how long to stay. Rent with our Playa del Carmen office, with unlimited mileage, insurance and 24/7 assistance included.
Three Riviera Maya plans by car
1. Cenotes and turtles (half a day to a full day)
Start with the cenotes just off Highway 307: Cenote Azul, Jardín del Edén, Cristalino and Chikin Ha are 20 to 30 minutes from Playa. Continue to Akumal (about 25 minutes) to snorkel with sea turtles, and leave early because the beach lots fill up. Bring cash for entrance and parking.
2. Parks and the south of Playa (one day)
Xcaret, Xplor and Xenses are about 10 minutes south of Playacar and have their own parking, so you can arrive at opening time without waiting for a shuttle. Plan the return before the 5:00 to 7:00 PM traffic on the main avenue and highway exits.
3. Ruins and the beach road: Tulum (one day)
Tulum is about an hour south. Visit the ruins first thing in the morning, then drive the beach road or stop at a cenote on the way back. If you want more time, stay overnight and continue to Cobá.
North of Playa: a quieter coast
Puerto Morelos is 30 minutes north: a small fishing village with a well-preserved reef and calm restaurants by the sea. It is also a good stop on the way to or from Cancun Airport, which is about 55 km from Playa.
What to know about Cozumel
Passenger ferries to Cozumel leave from the pier at the end of Quinta Avenida and do not carry vehicles. Leave the car in a lot near the pier for the day, or use the Calica car ferry about 10 minutes south if you want to bring the car to the island.
Choosing your car
- Compact or midsize: enough for all the plans above, cheap on fuel.
- Full size or SUV: for four or more people with luggage and beach gear.
- Minivan: for larger groups traveling together.
The total with taxes is shown before you pay, with no hidden fees.
Pick up and drop off
- Playa del Carmen office: Avenida 10 Norte between Calle 2 and Calle 4, open daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Hotel delivery: in Playa, Playacar or toward Puerto Morelos, subject to availability.
- One-way from Cancun Airport: pick up there and return in Playa for a fixed fee by category. Read how to get from Cancun Airport to Playa.
Driving tips for the Riviera Maya
- Highway 307 has speed bumps at the entrance of every town; slow down even on the main road.
- Carry some pesos: cenotes, parking lots and beach clubs often accept cash only.
- Avoid driving long stretches after dark; the highway is unlit between towns.
- Expect routine police and military checkpoints; keep your license and rental contract handy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an SUV for the cenotes?
No. The cenotes listed here are reached by paved roads or short unpaved access roads. An SUV only adds comfort.
Is parking easy at the parks and beaches?
Xcaret, Xplor and Xenses have their own parking. At beaches such as Akumal, arrive early.
Can I take the car to Cozumel?
Not on the passenger ferry. There is a car ferry at Calica, about 10 minutes south of Playa.
What do I need to rent a car?
A valid driver's license, your passport or ID, and a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit.
Midsize
Full size
SUV
