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Discover the Journey from Merida to Tulum!

Plan your one-way car rental with easy tips and expert advice.

Can I rent a car from Merida to Tulum?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Merida to Tulum. 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 South Africa or 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 1-3 years depending on the rental terms.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, and JCB. Some rentals may require two credit cards.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 1.58 to US$ 30.00 per day, depending on the rental terms.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented.
  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, AMEX, Discover, and JCB. Some rentals may require two credit cards.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 1.58 to US$ 30.00 per day, depending on the rental terms.
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How much does renting a car from Merida to Tulum 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$ 65/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 76/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 189-US$ 249US$ 0-US$ 261US$ 195-US$ 309Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 179-US$ 191US$ 0US$ 197-US$ 1,226Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 190-US$ 609US$ 0-US$ 261US$ 228-US$ 1,236Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 243-US$ 570US$ 132-US$ 261US$ 407-US$ 1,104Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 446US$ 261US$ 693Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • Understand One-Way Fees: One-way rentals often include an additional fee for returning the car to a different location. Ensure you understand the cost and factor it into your budget.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Check if your route crosses any international borders and if the rental terms allow it.
  • Return Fuel Policy: Always clarify whether you'll need to return the car with a full tank or if other arrangements apply.
  • Verify Drop-Off Location: Confirm the address, hours, and procedures for returning the vehicle at your destination.
  • Choose Vehicle Suitability: Consider the terrain and distance when selecting a car model for your trip.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early: Reserve your one-way rental as early as possible to ensure vehicle availability and potential price benefits.
  • Download Travel Apps: Carry helpful navigation apps and tools to stay informed about road conditions and gas stations.
  • Consider Insurance Options: Be aware of insurance coverage and ensure it meets the route requirements and your needs.
  • Plan Your Route: Account for distances, rest stops, and attractions along the Merida to Tulum route.
  • Combine Travel Objectives: Make the most of your rental by combining sightseeing, relaxation, and other travel goals.
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
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car to the same level as when picked up to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Refueling at stations outside the city is often cheaper than near the airport or city center.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel cost along this route is approximately $5.50 USD per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of around 55-65 mph for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Limit air conditioning usage to conserve fuel.

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Merida Parking

Parking in downtown Merida costs around $1-2 USD per hour.

Public parking lots are widely available near major attractions.

Avoid parking in unauthorized areas to prevent fines.

Tulum Parking

Parking near the Tulum archaeological site costs approximately $5 USD per day.

Many hotels and resorts in Tulum offer free parking for guests.

Street parking is limited; use designated lots for convenience.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkMe - Provides real-time parking availability and rates.

SpotHero - Allows pre-booking of parking spots.

Google Maps - Offers parking location suggestions.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Top Scenic Routes from Merida to Tulum:
Coastal Drive via Highway 307
Scenic Coastal Route 3-4 hours

This route allows travelers to enjoy stunning coastal scenery while driving along Mexico's east coast.

Playa del Carmen , Puerto Aventuras , Akumal
Nature Trail via Valladolid
Cultural and Natural 4-5 hours

Explore Mexico's cultural heritage and natural beauty through this route stopping at charming towns and cenotes.

Cenote Ik Kil , Valladolid , Cobá
Expressway Drive via Highway 180D
Rapid Transit 3 hours

A high-speed approach to reach Tulum efficiently while minimizing commute time.

Merida outskirts , Chichen Itza vicinity
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Rental Vehicle Selection: Choose a reliable rental agency and confirm your vehicle preferences early, ensuring added accessories like GPS if needed.

Route Familiarity: Study the planned route in advance and identify key stops or detours for refreshments or refueling.

Manage Expenses: Calculate toll, fuel, and additional expenses; prepare Mexican pesos as some routes may lack card facilities.

Safety Precautions: Opt for insurance to cover car rentals; avoid driving at night; verify road safety updates before departure.

Efficient Scheduling: Allocate sufficient time for sightseeing during the route; include time cushions to unwind or explore.

Car Maintenance: Ensure the rental vehicle is in top condition; verify the spare tire and other emergency tools are present.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company ensures a smooth experience for your journey from Merida to Tulum. Prioritize companies that offer one-way rental services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Flexible terms , 24/7 roadside assistance , Large fleet variety
Avis$$$HighModerate Premium vehicle options , Loyalty rewards , Excellent customer service
Enterprise$ModerateExtensive Affordable rates , Wide location coverage , Simple booking process
Budget$$ModerateGood Competitive pricing , Offers for economy cars
QEEQ

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

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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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

Details About Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Car rental counters at Merida airport operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Location of Rental Car Center:

Rental car centers are located in the arrival area close to the baggage claim.

Shuttle Service:

Free shuttle services are available from the airport terminal to off-site rental facilities every 10 minutes.

Pro Tips for Merida Airport(MID) Car Rentals

Book your car rental in advance to secure the best deals and ensure availability for one-way trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to rent a car from Merida to Tulum?

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and a valid ID or passport. Some car rental companies may also require proof of insurance or offer you purchasing options.

Are there additional fees for a one-way rental?

Yes, some rental companies charge a one-way drop-off fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. It is best to confirm these fees at the time of booking.

What is the approximate driving distance and time between Merida and Tulum?

The distance between Merida and Tulum is approximately 260 kilometers (161 miles) and typically takes about 3.5 to 4 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Are there gas stations along the route from Merida to Tulum?

Yes, there are several gas stations located along Highway 180 and Highway 307, which are the main routes connecting Merida and Tulum. Ensure to refill your car as necessary during the trip.

Is it possible to add an additional driver to the rental agreement?

Yes, many car rental companies allow the addition of an extra driver to the rental agreement. Be aware that there might be an additional fee for this service. Ensure both drivers provide their valid driver's licenses at the time of rental.

Ready to Book Your Merida to Tulum Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ