One-Way Car Rental from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

Can I rent a car from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for MX residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical Mexico national photo ID
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 year.
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: US$ 11.60 per day for ages 18-23 or US$ 7.24 per day for ages 21-24. Drivers aged 75-80 may also require confirmation at the rental desk.

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 year. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP 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: US$ 11.60 per day for ages 18-23 or US$ 7.24 per day for ages 21-24. Drivers aged 75-80 may also require confirmation at the rental desk.

How much does renting a car from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen cost?

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

US$ 27/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 45/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 73-US$ 77	US$ 34-US$ 44	US$ 79-US$ 127	Solo travelers, couples
SUV	US$ 92-US$ 158	US$ 34-US$ 44	US$ 134-US$ 862	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 109-US$ 330	US$ 34-US$ 42	US$ 222-US$ 622	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

One-way rental fees: Many rental companies apply an additional fee for one-way rentals. Ensure you understand this cost before confirming your booking.
Drop-off location details: Check the exact location where you can return your vehicle at the destination to avoid any last-minute confusion.
Required documentation: Ensure you bring a valid driver's license, ID, and any necessary credit cards for the rental pick-up.
Refueling requirements: Understand the fuel policy—whether you need to return the car with a full tank or if pre-purchasing fuel is an option.
Insurance coverage: Verify what insurance is included and consider additional coverage for cross-border travel if applicable.

Smart Planning Tips:

Check rental provider flexibility: Ensure you select a provider that offers flexible cancellation and modification policies.
Book in advance: Reserve your vehicle early to secure the best rates and ensure availability, especially during high travel seasons.
Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with recommended routes from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen, including any toll roads or scenic detours.
Parking options in Playa Del Carmen: Research parking availability and prices in the city to avoid potential inconveniences upon arrival.
Understand local driving laws: Ensure you are aware of Mexican road regulations to drive safely and avoid fines.

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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
Easy online purchase before your trip

Learn More About QEEQ Insurance

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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze

Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
Automatic rebooking when prices drop

Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use the fuel type specified by the rental company.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along this route is approximately $1.20 per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for better mileage.

Use air conditioning sparingly to conserve fuel.

Cancun Parking

Parking near Cancun International Airport costs around $10 per day.

Public parking spots in downtown Cancun are limited during peak hours.

Use hotel parking facilities for better security.

Playa Del Carmen Parking

Parking near popular beaches might cost $15 per day.

Several parking lots are available near Quinta Avenida.

Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia: Find parking spots and compare prices.

SpotHero: Reserve parking in advance.

ParkMe: Check real-time availability of parking spaces.

Tolls and FasTrak

null

Toll Payment Options

null

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic Routes from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen:

Highway 307 Scenic Drive to Playa Del Carmen

Scenic Route 1 hour

This primary route takes you directly along the coast with views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

Puerto Morelos , Crococun Zoo

Quintana Roo State Roads

Alternative Route 1.5 hours

For a quieter experience, take the open state roads through smaller towns.

Leona Vicario , Mayan Cenotes

The Cancun Beachfront Drive

Touristic Drive 1 hour 15 minutes

This route provides a closer experience of hotel zones and beaches.

Cancun Hotel Zone , Playa Delfines

Sightseeing Drives Near Playa Del Carmen:

Trip to Tulum Ruins

50 minutes

Explore the fascinating historical Mayan ruins overlooking the sea.

Visit Xcaret Park

15 minutes

Delve into an eco-archaeological park loaded with attractions.

Journey to Akumal

30 minutes

Famous for its pristine beaches and turtle sanctuaries.

Drive to Cozumel Ferry

10 minutes

Take a ferry at this terminal to the stunning island of Cozumel.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan your route ahead: Pre-plan your route and stops to avoid confusion and save travel time.

Fuel up: Check fuel stations on your route as some areas may have limited availability.

Inspect your rental car: Ensure the rental car is in good condition and document any pre-existing damages.

Check for hidden fees: Clarify all payment terms and insurance options at the rental agency.

Carry a map: Use a reliable GPS or a detailed physical map for navigation.

Know local rules: Familiarize yourself with traffic laws and speed limits in the region.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Finding companies offering reliable and affordable one-way car rentals from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$	High	Excellent	Flexible one-way options , Wide range of vehicles to choose from , Convenient locations in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen
Avis	$$	High	Good	Premium vehicle options , Excellent customer service , Well-maintained fleet
Budget	$	Moderate	Good	Affordable rates , Compact and efficient cars , Transparent rental policies
Enterprise	$$	High	Excellent	Customer-first approach , Online reservation , Wide selection of vehicles

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals

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

Information About Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers are open 7 AM to 10 PM daily but could vary depending on location.

Location Accessibility:

Several rental centers are conveniently located near Cancun Airport and Playa Del Carmen downtown.

Shuttle Services:

Free shuttles are available to transport passengers from the Cancun Airport terminals to the rental car pickup area.

Support & Help Desk:

Information desks are available for assistance with renting or resolving issues.

Pro Tips for Cancun Airport(CUN) Car Rentals

Book in advance to secure lower one-way rental fees and a preferable selection of vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return the rented car at a different location than where I picked it up?

Yes, most car rental companies offer a one-way rental option, allowing you to return the car at Playa Del Carmen even though you picked it up in Cancun. Additional fees might apply, so it's essential to check with the rental provider beforehand.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way car rental on this route?

Many rental companies charge a one-way fee or a drop-off fee to cover the logistics of returning the vehicle to its originating location. The amount may vary between providers, so it's good to confirm during booking.

Will I need to refuel the car before returning it to Playa Del Carmen?

Most rental agreements require you to return the car with the same level of fuel as when it was picked up. You can either refuel yourself or pay a fuel surcharge, which might cost more.

What documents are required to rent a car for this route?

You'll typically need a valid driver's license, a passport or ID for identification, and a major credit card for the security deposit. Non-US citizens may require an International Driving Permit in addition to their license.

Is insurance included in the car rental, or do I need to purchase extra coverage?

Basic insurance coverage might be included in the rental rate, but additional coverage such as collision damage waiver or theft protection is often offered at an extra cost. It's advisable to review what is included and evaluate if additional coverage would be beneficial for your trip.

Ready to Book Your Cancun to Playa Del Carmen Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Experience the Flexibility of a One-Way Rental from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen