One-Way Car Rental from Cancun to Merida | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Cancun to Merida

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years.
Form of ID: A valid physical Mexico national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and JCB. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 80. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 7.24, US$ 11.60, US$ 16.24, or US$ 30.00 per day depending on the provider. Drivers aged 75-80 may require confirmation at the counter.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years. Additionally, an original driving licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are required. Note that the IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented at the counter.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, AMEX, and JCB. XpCard is supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 80. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 7.24, US$ 11.60, US$ 16.24, or US$ 30.00 per day depending on the provider. Drivers aged 75-80 may require confirmation at the counter.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 199-250	US$ 0.00-221.00	US$ 240-290	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 275-275	US$ 201.45-201.45	US$ 357-357	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 246-316	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 1438-1438	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 208-406	US$ 0.00-221.00	US$ 266-2018	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 226-642	US$ 0.00-221.00	US$ 320-554	Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

Understand One-Way Fees: Be aware of additional fees incurred for dropping off your rental car at a different location from the pickup point.
Check for Cross-Border Restrictions: Ensure that your rental agreement allows travel across borders if your route includes crossing into another country or state.
Plan the Return Location: Research the drop-off procedures and convenience of the rental office at your selected destination.
Book in Advance: One-way rentals can have limited availability, so booking early increases your chances of finding a suitable vehicle.
Refueling Policies: Understand the fuel policy to decide whether to refuel the car before returning or pay for a refueling service.

Smart Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a car that fits your needs, considering factors like passenger count, luggage space, and fuel efficiency.
Check Weather Conditions: Prepare for varying weather on your route by reviewing climate conditions beforehand.
Inspect the Car at Pickup: Document any existing damages or issues with the car before leaving the rental facility to avoid disputes later.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Laws: Understand driving regulations specific to the areas you will be traveling through to avoid penalties.
Save Contacts for Emergencies: Have the rental company’s roadside assistance and helpdesk numbers handy for emergencies.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

PEMEX - México 261, Libertad, 97250 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

OXXO GAS - Benito Juárez, Sin Nombre de Col 20, 97288 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Avoid excessive idling.

Cancun Parking

Consider parking at designated lots near tourist areas for better security.

Parking in Cancun is widely available, with costs ranging from $1 to $3 per hour in most areas.

Merida Parking

Use public parking lots near the city center for convenience.

Merida offers affordable parking options, with rates averaging $0.50 to $2 per hour.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and SpotHero can help users find or book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to carry cash as some toll booths do not accept card payments.

Plan your route to include toll roads for a faster journey.

The route between Cancun and Merida includes toll roads such as the Autopista Cancun-Merida. Charges are approximately $25 USD for a standard vehicle.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Around Cancun to Merida:

Coastal Highway

Scenic Drive 4.5 hours

A picturesque route following the coastline, offering stunning ocean views and beach stops.

Playa del Carmen , Tulum , Coba

Direct Toll Road

Fastest Route 3 hours

The quickest way to travel to Merida with minimal stops along a smooth, paved toll road.

Valladolid

Cenote Exploration Route

Adventure Drive 5 hours

Explore several cenotes along the journey for a fun and refreshing trip.

Sacred Cenote , Dzonbacal Cenote , Ik Kil Cenote

Top Attractions Along Cancun to Merida:

Valladolid Stopover

2 hours from Cancun

Explore the colonial charm of Valladolid, including its historic buildings and nearby cenotes.

Mayan Ruins Exploration

Varies

Visit famous Mayan archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Uxmal.

Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve

30 minutes from Merida

Enjoy the natural beauty of flamingos and other wildlife in the mangrove forests.

Haciendas Tour

60 minutes from Merida

Tour restored Yucatecan haciendas that offer insight into the region's cultural history.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the right vehicle: Opt for a fuel-efficient car suitable for long distances and assess your luggage needs.

Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with the main routes and pre-plan key stops and attractions to visit along the way.

Fuel up before starting: Ensure your vehicle has a full tank and know the locations of gas stations along your route.

Check toll costs: Be prepared for toll fees on faster routes; carry sufficient cash or a card.

Inspect vehicle condition: Perform a pre-trip inspection of rental vehicles to note any existing damage.

Allocate extra time: Road trips may involve unexpected delays; always allow additional time for detours or breaks.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company for a one-way trip from Cancun to Merida can enhance your travel experience. Consider factors like additional fees, fleet variety, and availability when deciding.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage
Hertz	$$	Excellent	High
Avis	$$	Good	High
Budget	$	Moderate	Moderate
Enterprise	$$$	Excellent	High

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Car Rental Centers in Cancun and Merida

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Rental Locations:

The rental centers are conveniently located inside Cancun International Airport and near Merida's city limits.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttles are available every 15-20 minutes for transport within the airport to the rental center.

Car Return Facilities:

Cars can be returned at any partner facility in Merida, with free key drop-off options.

Reserve your vehicle well in advance during peak travel seasons to secure the best options and prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car at the location where you begin your journey, such as Cancun airport, and drop it off at a different location, like the Merida airport, without returning to the original location.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, many car rental agencies charge a one-way fee for dropping the car at a different location. It’s recommended to confirm this fee when booking to avoid surprises.

What documents will I need to rent a car?

Typically, you need a valid driver’s license, a credit card for the security deposit, and sometimes additional identification like a passport depending on your nationality and the rental agency’s policies.

Can I choose different car types for my rental?

Yes, car rental agencies offer a variety of vehicles, ranging from economy cars to SUVs. Availability depends on the agency and location.

Is there a recommended route from Cancun to Merida?

The fastest route between Cancun and Merida is the Highway 180D toll road, which is well-maintained and has service points along the way. Ensure you have cash for the toll fees.

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