How to Rent a Car in Tulum: The Ultimate Guide (2023)
So you’re travelling to Tulum for that all-important vacation, or perhaps you’re already there and you need a rental car to get you to Chichen Itza!
Luckily, there are several options to rent a car in Tulum. You can either do it at Cancun Airport when you arrive in Mexico, or you can also visit a rental agency in Tulum Town.
We’ve spent a lot of time in Tulum, and we know that renting a car here can be daunting if it’s your first time doing so.
Don’t worry, because in this FAQ guide, we dive into everything you need to know about renting a car in Tulum, including the exact locations, price comparisons and the best options for your situation.
Table of Contents
How to Rent a Car in Tulum
Option1: Rent a Car From Cancun Airport to Tulum
The most convenient and flexible option (in our opinion) is to rent a car from Cancun Airport and drive yourself directly to Tulum.
This will ensure you have the car for your whole trip and enable you to do some day trips around Tulum too.
The drive from Cancun is relatively straightforward as it’s only one road, and the journey will take you around 1 hour 45 minutes if you drive direct.
You can easily pick up your rental car from multiple points in Cancun airport and be on your way to Tulum!
How Much is it to Rent A Car in Cancun Aiport?
The cost of renting a car in Cancun airport can vary depending on what type of car you’re looking for, but you can expect to pay around $50-70 per day for a basic economy vehicle.
To get the best deal on your car rental, it’s important to compare the prices of different car rental companies. While some companies may offer a lower base rate, once all fees and taxes are added in that could change.
It’s important to compare the overall costs across multiple companies so you know you are getting the best deal for your money.
The best way to do this is through a car rental comparison site like Discover Cars.
Be Aware of Additional Fees in Tulum
Of course, there are also other fees such as insurance and gas to factor in, but having your own transportation can come with plenty of benefits – particularly if you want to visit the other attractions around Tulum.
Not only can it save you from paying for pricey taxis or relying on public transportation, but it also gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace and make spontaneous stops along the way.
TOP TIP: Do your research before booking, as rules and regulations for driving in Mexico may differ from what you’re used to at home.
Option 2: How To Rent a Car In Tulum Town
If you didn’t rent a car from Cancun airport then the good news is that it is also very easy to rent a car in Tulum town.
There’s a whole string of rental companies positioned near the main supermarket Chedraui, on Av. Coba.
You can see how many there are in the map below.
Tips For Renting a Car in Tulum Town
Renting a car in Tulum Town is easy and convenient, and there are a few simple steps to follow to ensure that you get the best deal.
First, you’ll need to choose a rental car company. There are so many companies to choose from so it’s important to do your research and compare prices.
The site we use to compare rental car prices in Tulum is Discover Cars.
Once you’ve chosen a car rental company and made your reservation, you’ll be provided with the pick-up location in Tulum.
It is most likely to be one of the locations shown on the map above.
When you arrive at the pick-up location, you’ll need to present valid identification and a driver’s license. You may also be asked to provide a credit card for a security deposit.
Be sure to read over the rental agreement carefully before signing.
Once the paperwork is completed, you’ll be ready to pick up your rental car and begin your adventure in Tulum Town!
Looking for more to do while you’re here?
Read on below or check out our complete guide to Tulum.
Where To Visit With a Rental Car in Tulum
There are some brilliant places to explore just outside of Tulum that can be difficult to get to unless you have your own transportation.
The good news is that now that you have your rental car, you visit some of the best places to see around Tulum!
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city located about two hours from Tulum. With a rental car, it is easy to get to and provides a great opportunity to explore the ruins and learn more about the Mayan culture.
The ruins are very well preserved and there is a lot to see. The most famous structure is the Temple of Kukulcan, an impressive pyramid with four sides and nine levels, as well as a number of other temples and buildings.
After exploring the ruins, be sure to check out the nearby colonial town of Valladolid, which is full of colorful buildings and churches, and even has a Cenote right in the middle of the town!
Coba
Coba is another ancient Mayan city located about an hour from Tulum. This site is known for its impressive architecture, including the impressive Nohoch Mul pyramid, which is the tallest in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The site is easily accessible with a rental car, and there are a number of trails to explore.
As you wander around the ruins, you’ll come across a number of interesting structures, including plazas, temples, and pyramids dating back centuries.
There are also a number of cenotes in the area, offering a great opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the cool, crystal-clear water.
Cenotes
The area around Tulum is home to hundreds of cenotes, natural swimming holes that are filled with crystal-clear water.
With a rental car, it is easy to explore the many cenotes in the area. The cenotes are great for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. They are also great for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Be sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, and insect repellent for your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions about renting a car in Tulum
Before we get started with this FAQ, you can see our Full Tulum FAQ Guide, including where it is located, how to get there, where to stay and all the things to do around Tulum.
We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about renting a car in Tulum below.
How Far is Tulum From Cancun Airport?
The distance from Cancun Airport to Tulum is 130.7km (81 miles).
Tulum is a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Cancun Airport and roughly 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen.
The drive is all along one road (the 307 Highway), so it is relatively easy to travel directly from Cancun Airport to Tulum.
You can see the distance on a map here:
Where is Tulum?
Tulum is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
It’s about an hour and a half drive from Cancun, and 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen.
You can see where Tulum is on a map here:
Is Tulum Safe?
Tulum has become a hugely popular tourist destination for travelers looking for stunning beaches and beautiful Mayan ruins. But, as with any popular tourist destination, Tulum has some safety concerns.
The good news is that by using common sense and occasionally taking extra precautions, visitors can typically enjoy their time in Tulum without any issues.
It’s important to note the difference between the ‘Hotel Zone’ and Tulum Town. The Hotel Zone is generally well-patrolled by security and considered quite safe, while Tulum town can have higher crime rates.
So How To Rent A Car In Tulum
We hope this article has helped you to find the best way to rent a car in Tulum.
There is always more than one option to rent a car in Tulum, depending on your budget and time available, and hopefully, we’ve shown you the best way that works for you!
If you have any questions about transport around Tulum, or if you’re planning to travel onwards to Bacalar or Cancun, feel free to ask us in the comments below.
READ MORE: Our Tulum Digital Nomad Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
You can rent a car in Tulum either online or in-person. Online rental services like Discover Cars allow you to search and compare car rental rates and book a rental car in Tulum.
You will need to present a valid driver’s license and a valid credit card or debit card to rent a car in Tulum. You may also need to show your passport.
The minimum age to rent a car in Tulum is 21 years old. Some rental companies may also require drivers to be at least 25 years of age.
No, there is currently no Uber service in Tulum.
The cost of renting a car in Tulum can vary depending on what type of car you’re looking for, but you can expect to pay around $40-50 per day for a basic economy vehicle.
