Welcome to U-Save Car Rental in Guadalajara, Mexico, the starting point of a fascinating and enlightening vacation! Prepare to immerse yourself in the dynamic city's rich cultural tapestry as you set out on a memorable vacation thanks to the flexibility and convenience of our first-rate car rental services.
Our well-kept fleet of vehicles ensures a smooth and comfortable trip whether you're touring the adjacent scenic towns, enjoying the mouthwatering local cuisine, or wandering through the ancient city centre. When using U-Save, you can navigate the allure of Guadalajara with confidence knowing you're in capable hands.
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Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road
Mexican Peso is the local currency
Average temperatures are 68°F (20°C) - 93°F (34°C)
We found the process easy, quick, and pleasant. We would rent with U-Save again and would recommend it to others!
Good pricing, good customer service, car was as advertised, return is easy, shuttle is efficient!
We rented a mini van for a long weekend. The service representatives were both friendly and easy to work with. The van was in great condition!
Renting a car at GDL is an excellent choice if you want to explore both the city and the surrounding region. While Guadalajara has a decent bus and light rail system, it doesn’t cover many suburban, rural, or cultural hotspots.
A rental car is ideal if you want to:
Visit nearby towns like Tlaquepaque, Tonala, and Tequila
Drive the Tequila Route through Jalisco’s agave fields and distilleries
Explore Lake Chapala, Ajijic, or the Sierra del Tigre
Enjoy comfort and safety when traveling between business hubs or conferences
Avoid relying on limited Uber/taxi availability in smaller towns or during peak times
Driving in Guadalajara is a mix of urban efficiency and Mexican spontaneity. While the road infrastructure is strong, with well-marked avenues and access to toll highways (cuotas), you’ll still encounter unpredictable drivers, roadworks, and informal traffic patterns — especially in central neighborhoods and local markets.
In Mexico, drivers use the right-hand side of the road, and the steering wheel is on the left side of the vehicle — same as in the U.S., Canada, and much of Europe.
Seat belts are mandatory, and mobile phone use while driving is illegal unless you’re using a hands-free system. Police presence is visible on highways and city roads, with occasional military checkpoints, especially near coastal tourist zones.
In Guadalajara there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Aggressive lane changes, last-minute stops, and motorcycles filtering through traffic are common
- One-way streets are frequent downtown — double-check your GPS routes
- Traffic lights and stop signs (ALTO) aren’t always obeyed — approach intersections with caution
Driving becomes much easier once you're on ring roads (Periférico) or toll highways (carreteras de cuota) leading out of the city.
Unless otherwise posted, the general speed limits in the area are 100–110 km/h (62–68 mph) on highways, 60–80 km/h (37–50 mph) on major urban roads, and 30–40 km/h (19–25 mph) in towns and residential zones.
Keep cash in pesos for tolls, fuel, and parking (some places don’t accept cards). At gas stations, attendants pump fuel for you (tip ~5–10 pesos). Most major highways, like the 307 to Tulum, are free, but toll highways (marked “Cuota”) may appear on longer trips to inland destinations like Mérida. These toll roads are smoother, faster, and safer — worth the small fee.
Parking in Guadalajara is generally easy outside of downtown:
Shopping centers, malls, and hotels offer free or validated parking
Downtown areas have metered street parking, or you can use public garages (estacionamientos públicos)
Avoid parking in areas marked with yellow curbs or “No Estacionarse” signs
If you need help during your stay, please contact us with any questions! In case of an emergency, dial 911 for all services.
Is driving in Guadalajara safe for tourists?
Yes — but like any large Latin American city, situational awareness is key. Drive cautiously, keep your windows up in traffic, and avoid driving in unfamiliar neighborhoods at night. Toll roads and business areas are generally very safe.
Are toll roads worth using in Jalisco?
Absolutely. Toll highways (e.g., to Tequila or Lake Chapala) are smoother, faster, and better patrolled. They save time and reduce the risk of detours or slow traffic in rural zones.
What are “topes” and how do I handle them?
Topes are speed bumps — often large, sometimes unmarked. Always slow down significantly when entering towns or nearing intersections. Hitting one at full speed can damage your car.
Can I drive to Tequila or Lake Chapala in a day?
Yes — both are popular day trips! Tequila is 1.5 hours away in west, and Lake Chapala & Ajijic are ~1 hour to south. Having a car is ideal for exploring multiple stops (distilleries, lakeside towns).
Are police or military checkpoints common?
Occasionally, especially outside the city. Have your driver’s license, rental agreement, and passport copy ready. Most checkpoints are quick and routine.
What’s the best navigation tool?
Google Maps and Waze are both reliable. Download offline maps for rural areas, and be prepared for last-minute lane changes or informal driving habits.
Are toll roads worth using?
Yes — especially if heading inland. The toll highways are faster, less busy, and better maintained. You’ll need cash in Mexican pesos, as some booths don’t accept cards.
Can I park at beaches or cenotes?
Yes, but many sites have private lots with attendants who expect a small fee (10–30 pesos). Parking in tourist towns like Tulum may be time-limited or restricted near the beach.
Car Rental
