Car Rental
How long is the drive from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen?
Roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and pickup location. The route is direct via Highway 307.
Car Rental in Playa Del Carmen City
Welcome to U-Save Car Rental in Playa del Carmen, Mexico – your passport to an extraordinary experience in this Caribbean paradise!
Whether you're lounging on the pristine beaches along the Riviera Maya, exploring ancient Mayan ruins in Tulum, or indulging in the vibrant nightlife on Fifth Avenue, our meticulously maintained fleet of vehicles ensures a seamless and delightful journey.
With U-Save, you can confidently navigate the enchanting landscapes of Playa del Carmen and make the most of your tropical escape. Don't miss this chance to create cherished memories in this coastal haven. Reserve your rental today and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the wonders of Playa del Carmen!
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Luxury Car
Indulge in opulence and cutting-edge technology with luxury vehicles that redefine elegance and deliver an unparalleled driving experience
Compact
Nimble, fuel-efficient, and perfect for urban life, offering practicality without compromising on style and modern features
Mini Van
Spacious, versatile, and family-friendly, minivans offer comfort and convenience for on-the-go adventures and seamless daily commutes
Standard SUV
Explore the comfort and versatility of standard SUV rentals. Perfect for family trips or any adventure, our reliable SUVs are ready to hit the road
Pickup Truck
Unlock the power of pickup trucks for your hauling tasks. Rent a sturdy pickup truck for versatile cargo transportation. Efficient and dependable
Sprinter
Marrying style with practicality. Great for road trips or business ventures. Spacious, efficient, and highly adaptable. Start your adventure now!
Tips for renting a car at Playa Del Carmen
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 67°F (19°C) - 90°F (32°C)
Located along Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is a laid-back yet vibrant coastal city known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, and bohemian flair. Once a small fishing village, it has grown into a hotspot for travelers who want a more relaxed, artistic alternative to Cancún. While the city center is compact and walkable, a rental car becomes essential if you're planning to explore cenotes, Mayan ruins, hidden beaches, or eco parks that lie just beyond town.
John Carle , Mexico
These people were wonderful. Edmondo was so helpful even though we had some challenges. We were next-door at europcar and they completely ripped us off and took advantage of the lack of cars available. We came to this company and they were helpful in finding us a car at a competitor, because they were completely sold out. The difference between the two companies was night and Day. I will definitely come back here again. So helpful. So nice.
Katya Belykh , Mexico
Best service, best price. Super professional people, everything went smooth, according to my reservation, it took me 20 mins to get the car and 10 mins to return it. Looking forward to renting from them again and would recommend them to everybody.
Bobbie Stivers , Mexico
Not the cheapest but definitely the fastest! I was next door looking at a 2 hour wait. I literally just walked over, picked a car, signed, and drive out in under 5 minutes. Gracias!!
Marisol S , Mexico
Great experience! It was the first time our family was travelling to Cabo San Lucas, but the staff here treated us extremely well, gave us the best price, and even gave us reccomendations on places to eat and shop. They only rent out new, top condition cars. the other people in my party had gone next door to rent their cars and they not only paid a higher price, they also got very old, dirty cars that broke down days later and were charged extra when they returned it (for damage that was already there). the staff at U-Save were very honest and kind, especially Carlos. Would reccomend completely!
Car hire in Playa Del Carmen – Good to know about driving in there
Driving in and around Playa del Carmen is straightforward, scenic, and tourist-friendly, especially compared to other parts of Mexico. The city is built on a grid system, with numbered "calles" (streets) running perpendicular to the coast and "avenidas" (avenues) running parallel. This layout makes it easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors.
Cars drive on the right-hand side, and road signs are in Spanish but use familiar symbols.
Speed limits in the city are typically 40–60 km/h, though traffic moves slowly in downtown due to pedestrian activity and frequent speed bumps (“topes”), which are placed near intersections, schools, and markets. These topes can be harsh and are not always well-marked, so it's important to drive cautiously and keep your speed low in urban and residential zones. On the highway to Tulum or Cancún, the limit increases to 90–110 km/h, with well-maintained roads and regular police patrols.
Driving habits in Playa del Carmen are generally relaxed, though lane discipline can be loose, and locals may not always signal before turning. That said, drivers are accustomed to tourists and are usually patient. In busier areas like Avenida Juárez or Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), expect occasional congestion, especially in high season or around event weekends.
Parking in Playa del Carmen is manageable. Many hotels offer on-site parking, and there are public lots and metered street parking near the center. It’s common to find informal parking attendants, especially near the beach or ferry terminal — tipping them 10–20 pesos is customary. Be sure to obey signage; “No Estacionar” means no parking, and parking in front of driveways or red-painted curbs can lead to towing or fines.
The Riviera Maya region is ideal for day trips, and driving allows you to reach popular destinations like Xcaret Park, Cenote Azul, Cobá, Chichén Itzá, and Akumal with ease. Roads leading to these attractions are typically paved and in good condition, but it’s always wise to refuel in advance and download offline maps in case of poor reception in remote areas.
Police checkpoints are common on highways and near town borders. These are usually routine and non-confrontational. Stay calm, be respectful, and have your driver’s license, passport copy, and rental documents ready. You do not need an International Driving Permit unless your license is not in the Roman alphabet.
While Playa del Carmen is safe for drivers, night driving on remote roads is discouraged, particularly if heading inland or away from the main highway. Lighting can be poor, and wildlife may cross the road. In and around the city, however, night driving is common and generally safe with moderate traffic.
Driving in Playa del Carmen gives you the freedom to move between beach, jungle, and ancient ruins without relying on tour buses or group schedules. With a rental car, the Riviera Maya becomes yours to explore, one scenic road at a time.
FAQs About Driving & Renting a Car in Playa Del Carmen
Is parking difficult in Playa del Carmen?
Not generally. Hotels often offer parking, and public lots are available downtown. Use caution near the ferry terminal or beach streets, and tip attendants if they assist you.
Is it safe to drive in Playa del Carmen?
Yes, it's one of the safer and more organized driving environments in Mexico. Just obey traffic signs, drive defensively, and avoid rural roads at night.
Are there toll roads?
Not directly within Playa del Carmen, but if you’re traveling to Mérida or inland Yucatán destinations, you’ll likely encounter toll roads. Carry pesos for payment.
Are police checkpoints common?
Yes, particularly at city entrances and highway intersections. They’re usually routine. Have your passport, license, and rental agreement ready and remain polite and cooperative.
Van rental Playa Del Carmen City – Choose the best vehicle
We have a great collections of high-quality cars and vans. Whether you're looking for mini van, a large sprinter, pickup truck, SUV or even e luxury car – we got you!
Choosing the right rental vehicle depends on your travel needs, whether it’s comfort, space, or terrain capability. SUVs are great for long road trips, offering a mix of comfort and versatility, especially if you're traveling through mixed terrains or unpredictable weather.
Vans are ideal for larger groups or cargo transport, perfect for family trips or business needs. MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are a practical choice for urban driving with extra passenger space, making them a great middle ground between sedans and vans.
Pickup trucks excel in handling heavy loads and rugged environments, ideal for work or outdoor adventures. If you're tackling off-road trails or harsh conditions, a 4x4 provides the traction and durability needed for a safe and reliable drive. Choosing wisely ensures a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Check our booking system to see which car types are currently available!
See other locations near Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
