Welcome to Guadalajara, Mexico's U-Save Car Rental, your entryway to an amazing encounter in this alluring city! Prepare to be amazed by the dynamic environment and rich cultural heritage as you explore Guadalajara with the flexibility and convenience of our first-rate car rental services.
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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)
From the first time I walked in, the people were very nice. I was going to book again but wasn’t sure what size truck was best. The gentleman showed me all the different sizes and I ended up booking two more times and will continue to use them every time!
Amazing price and great customer service. The car was clean, worked well and you could not beat the price. I would rent from them again!
I highly recommend U-Save, they went above and beyond to help me in an emergency situation. Thank you!
Renting a car in Guadalajara 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
Whether you're exploring the ancient city centre, indulging in delectable regional food, or taking in the vibrant arts and music scene, our well-kept fleet of vehicles guarantees a smooth and comfortable ride. You can confidently move through Guadalajara's charming streets with U-Save. Accept the opportunity to make priceless memories and accept all that this amazing city has to offer. Make your rental reservation right away, and travel to Guadalajara for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
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 there toll roads in the city?
No toll roads within Guadalajara city proper. But toll highways (cuotas) begin just outside, such as toward Tequila, Chapala, or Lagos de Moreno.
Can I drive from Guadalajara to Tlaquepaque or Zapopan?
Easily. These areas are part of the Greater Guadalajara metro, reachable in 15–30 minutes. Having a car saves time, especially if you're shopping or sightseeing.
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.
Can I park downtown easily?
Yes, but plan ahead. Use public garages or app-based services. On-street spaces near the cathedral and historic plazas fill up fast.
What are the biggest road challenges for tourists?
One-way streets and incomplete signage downtown, topes (speed bumps) that are unpainted or unmarked, and navigating Glorieta Minerva and other multilane roundabouts without hesitation.
What navigation tools work best in Guadalajara?
Waze: Best for city traffic, route alternatives, and topes. Google Maps: Reliable, but occasionally mislabels one-way streets Always cross-check your route and don’t blindly follow GPS into narrow alleyways or pedestrian zones.
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