How to find a cheap car hire deal in Mexico City
Start your adventure off right with a cheap rental car in Mexico City. With prices averaging $78 a day, it's an easy win for your budget and your plans. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you pick the perfect ride for the right price.
The cheapest daily rental price in Mexico City is $11.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $45 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
We've cracked the code on when to book. One week in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Mexico City car hire.
INFINITY RENT, America and MEX are among the top-rated providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Whether you book with INFINITY RENT or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Mexico City car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often need to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can lock in some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Mexico City.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a ride with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and only pay for what you actually use.
Roam without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $51 a day.
In second position is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $69.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $110 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Intermediate rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Mexico City.
Flying to Mexico City? Think about an airport pick-up
Start your Mexico City trip sooner by booking a car hire at Benito Juarez International Airport. The city centre is about 13 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 30 minutes.
Or buckle up and make a quick exit with a car hire from Felipe Ángeles International Airport. It'll take roughly 55 minutes to drive the 56 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Mexico City
Small: These cheap rental cars in Mexico City may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Mexico City car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising down long stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Mexico City that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Mexico City car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Mexico City.
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 additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
If you're going away with the kids, check if you should add a child car seat to your Mexico City car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Come prepared to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) and another form of photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in Mexico.
Local speed limits are often about 45kph through built-up areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Mexico is 0.04%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Mexican peso (MXN) here. As well as your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Spanish is the language used most widely across the country.
Best hotels in Mexico City for drivers
Pull in and get ready to relax at Sofitel Mexico City Reforma. Offering valet parking as well as a cafe and a bar, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Mexico City.
Brick Hotel Mexico City - Small Luxury Hotels of the World is also a good option if your plans involve plenty of driving. It features parking, along with shuttle services and a 24-hour front desk. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the full list of hotels in Mexico City. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Mexico City and your hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Get things started with must-see attractions like Historic Centre (Centro Historico), Zócalo and Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Mexico City
Navigate your way to Ecatepec de Morelos. Around 21 kilometres northeast of central Mexico City, it's home to must-do sights like Frida Kahlo Park and Iztaccihuatl Park.
They've perfected the guest experience at Hotel y Villas Vento and Fiesta Inn Ecatepec, two accommodation options with parking in Ecatepec de Morelos.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Mexico City and head to Álvaro Obregón, which is roughly 40 kilometres west. Highlights like San José make the journey here worth it.
Relax after a day out and about in Álvaro Obregón at One Toluca Aeropuerto or Hotel Opus Grand Toluca Aeropuerto. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Irapuato, roughly 274 kilometres northwest of Mexico City. Kick things off at Benito Juarez Park, then spend some time at Jardines de Irapuato Park.
Time to think about catching some z's. Hotel Central Irapuato - Hotel en Irapuato and Hampton Inn by Hilton Irapuato have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Irapuato.
