How to find a cheap car hire deal in Tulum
Grab a cheap rental car in Tulum and get on your way for around R 679 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Tulum is R 202.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the main attractions? R 149 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Tulum car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
Check out the offers available with MEX, America and Europcar. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Whether you book with MEX or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Tulum car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Discover the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore further.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at R 637 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 618, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly R 1,762 a day with this supplier.
If you can't decide which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Tulum.
Flying to Tulum? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Tulum, be on your way quicker by booking a car hire at Felipe Carrillo Puerto Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 40 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Tulum
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Tulum car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're carving through winding trails or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Tulum that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Tulum car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or an accident. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Tulum.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Mexico may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Travelling with kids? Car seat laws vary from one location to another, and the right setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Make sure you add the right one to your Tulum car hire booking.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
For first-time drivers in Mexico, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 45kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Mexico is 0.04%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Mexican peso (MXN) for everyday expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to cover you in every situation.
The language most often spoken in this country is Spanish.
Best hotels in Tulum for drivers
Spend less time worrying about where to park and more time enjoying your stay at Aloft Tulum. Around 2 kilometres from central Tulum, it comes with accessible parking, luggage storage and tour services.
Villas H2O makes things simpler with parking and features such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Tulum for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
After you've found a car hire deal in Tulum and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Tulum Beach, Dos Ojos Cenote Maya MYSTERY and Cenotes Park Hidden Treasures give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Tulum
Playa del Carmen has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Riviera Maya and Cenote Misterio Maya. This city is about 64 kilometres northeast of central Tulum.
They've perfected the guest experience at HM Playa del Carmen and The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Playa del Carmen.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Tulum and then head for Valladolid. Roughly 97 kilometres northwest of Tulum, Suytun Cenote and Cenote are major attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Valladolid has some comfortable accommodation options including Hotel Meson del Marques and Hotel Real Colonial. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Up for a bonus adventure? Chetumal is a top road trip destination that's around 209 kilometres southwest of Tulum. Make a few pit stops at Mayan World Adventures and Museum de la cultura maya.
Catch up on sleep in Chetumal at either Fiesta Inn Chetumal or Tryp by Wyndham Chetumal. They have a room waiting for you and a place to park too.
