Playa del Carmen car hire information
| Pick-up location | Playa del Carmen |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Hire locations | 92 |
| Airport locations | 9 |
| Popular agencies | Firefly, Dollar, Hertz, Mas By Mex |
Cheap car rentals in Playa del Carmen
| Economy | $66/day |
| Compact | $65/day |
| Intermediate | $65/day |
| Standard | $65/day |
| Full-size | $79/day |
| Standard SUV | $67/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $78/day |
Top tips for hiring a car in Playa del Carmen
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a beautiful vacation destination for many people, but it is also a remote place which is easiest explored and discovered on your own four wheels. Rent a car for your time in Playa del Carmen to benefit from the flexibility and freedom it can give you. Also bear in mind that the nearby Theme Park and Amusement Park are best reached by car in less than a quarter of an hour and cannot be reached by public transport easily.
- Even though International Airport Cozumel is closer to Playa del Carmen in miles, the best choice is to fly into Cancun International Airport and rent a car from their on-site car hire center, which features the most car agencies in the vicinity including Alamo, Thrifty, and Avis. The drive to Playa del Carmen will take about 45 minutes and goes along the coastal 307 road.
- Driving in Mexico can be daunting for some travelers at first, with safety concerns and the Mexican police who are known to be especially strict with tourists from abroad. However, as long as you adhere to the speed limits, check the car is properly insured, and have all the right documents in place, driving in Playa del Carmen should be no problem; travelers will get to explore the beautiful Tulum Ruins and more within their own time frame and with peace of mind.
- During the morning hours, traffic mostly keeps flowing in Playa del Carmen, but there is some increased traffic during lunch time, around 11am-1pm, when the Cancún/Mexico 307 can get especially clogged up. In the afternoon between 3 to 6pm, traffic also increases regularly during the weekdays so, if possible, try to avoid going out during these times, or circumvent the traffic via the many little side alleys.
- Book your rental car in Playa del Carmen at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Playa del Carmen are around 13% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen car rental reviews and directory
Budget
4.1
Mediocre
45 reviewsCleanliness
5.0
Comfort
4.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.1
Value for money
4.3
5 locations in Playa del Carmen
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
The staff were friendly.Cons:
The car wasn't there. There was no rental, the reservation wasn't honored. And even if they had had a car they would have demanded an extra $22/day in mandatory insurance that was never indicated in the rental agreement and would have priced them out no matter what.2.0 Poor
Nov 2019
Pros:
Nothing, we arrived and the unhelpful man working at the counter told us that there were no cars available and didn’t know when there would be again. I asked him how I was able to make a reservation if there were no cars available for rent and he simply shrugged his shoulders and told us to go across the street to Hertz. He was clearly not interested in assisting us and didn’t seem to care at all that we booked online in advance. Kayak should not route their customers to this company for booking.Cons:
Nothing, we arrived and the unhelpful man working at the counter told us that there were no cars available and didn’t know when there would be again. I asked him how I was able to make a reservation if there were no cars available for rent and he simply shrugged his shoulders and told us to go across the street to Hertz. He was clearly not interested in assisting us and didn’t seem to care at all that we booked online in advance. Kayak should not route their customers to this company for booking.4.0 Mediocre
Dec 2018
Cons:
They didn’t have the booked car available so we had to pay extra for another car which wasn’t in the best shape. Staff At the return wasn’t very friendly nor helpful.2.0 Poor
Apr 2018
Pros:
Air conditioned officeCons:
They tried to quadruple the price with hidden costs when we went to pick up our car! We cancelled as we couldn’t afford it and ended up with no car.2.0 Poor
Apr 2018
Cons:
After more than one month of returning the car, I still have not received my $1500 deposit back, despite no damages. This is illegal.5.6 Fair
Mar 2018
Cons:
Old carPayless
8.0
Very Good
7 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
8.0
7 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
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2.0 Poor
Nov 2017
Pros:
This was a complete joke. I asked my boyfriend and roomate, while booking my car rental on Kayak if it was legit, and they assured me it was. Well... It wasn't. I arrived to the car rental shop 'Pay Less Car Rental' to a very rude man, telling me he didn't have my reservation. Even though I had a confirmation number. So after digging he tells me the Luxury SUV we rented, they have never had had in stock. And all that was available was a low end small car. Considering I had 5 people waiting on me to take an 2 hour road trip, I had no choice but to take the car. This car should not be on the road, its old, rusty, dented, and dangerous. The seat belts don't work, It is standard and it barley switches gears, the windows leak, the lock on the drivers door barley unlocks, the wipers don't work, the lights are so dim I can't drive at night, and SO much more. This vehicle is an absolute JOKE and should be taken off the road. At this point I am under the impression that Kayak is not even close to legitimate, and it is a waste of time to book something, that doesn't even exist.Cons:
Everything2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Cons:
price was way higher than advertised. I didnt rent a car because of it2.0 Poor
Jan 2017
Pros:
NothingCons:
Three of us with families reserved three vans at plays del Carmen, Mexico to drive to chichen itza. We have confirmed reservation numbers from kayak. When we went three to pick vans the didn't even know that we are coming. He had no vans cars or anything to rent to us. All three families stranded middle of no where with kids. Avoid at all cost. Kayak should ban them.2.0 Poor
Dec 2017
Pros:
Absolutely nothing.Cons:
There was a language barrier which normally isn't a big deal and is to be expected. But they told me the final contract could be printed in English which was the only reason we decided to go with them. After payment and a $250 USD hold on our card for the car, they said it can't be printed in English. Too late now, had to go through with it. It was a 3 hour ordeal to get the rental as well. After we turned it back in they said the deposit would be back in our account within 2 days. 5 days later and we're still not seeing the money hit our account. Go with a reputable company. Hertz was right down the street and would have been a much better option.2.0 Poor
Dec 2017
Pros:
Nothing to like.Cons:
I booked a one day car rental for 10$. When I got there, internet was down and the agent told me that there was no way I could rent the car for $10. He said the rental would be much more, and that insurance was required and it was 78$ USD. He was not willing to honor the booking details at all.2.0 Poor
Dec 2017
Pros:
I got the confirmation of the van and we went to the location. The representative said its not confirmed and there are no vans available. We had to take a bus to get on to several places with our kids. Its very disappointing for our friends and families to trust KayakAvis
7.2
Good
5 reviewsCleanliness
9.6
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
7.6
10 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
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10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2020
Pros:
YES, all was good and they spoke english, a real bonus!Cons:
Pick up process was longer than expected, return was quick and easy10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2021
4.0 Mediocre
Jun 2021
Cons:
The reservation was clearly indicating a drop off in a different city and the price did changes already when booked this way. We were charged double when we pick up because the drop off in diff city wasn’t actually charged according to Avis, this impacted our budget for the vacation, obviously we could not cancel the reservation cause all out itinerary was planed.. Then, the agency and location indicated in the avis summary was a location that is closed for one year now, we lost time and money going there and we had to go to another agency at the other side of the city that was actually next to where we came from. I will never book again through Kayak again and double check any information supplied by AvisNU Car
6.0
Okay
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
2 locations in Playa del Carmen
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10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2022
2.0 Poor
Jun 2022
MEXRENTACAR
4.0
Mediocre
1 reviewCleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.0
Value for money
5.0
3 locations in Playa del Carmen
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Reviews
6.0 Okay
Apr 2022
Europcar
3.6
Poor
24 reviewsCleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.8
Value for money
3.6
6 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
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Reviews
3.9 Poor
Jul 2021
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
The address is not correct, the car does not exist and the price is 60 usd (instead of 41 usd) for a cheaper category of car, plus i have to pay the insurance cause they don’t accept the insurance of the credit card. It’s a fraud.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Super rude staff (young guy)Cons:
Staff was so rude that we decided not to rent there and go somewhere else.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
STAFF WAS EXTREMELY EXTREMELY CANNOY SAY IT ENOUGH EXTREMEEEELY RUDE! NEVER EVER AGAIN!2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
NOTHING! They did not have a car for us! They confirmed that a reservation was made in our name but told us that since the car was not paid for in advance, car was given out to someone else. The site did not request payment at the time of reservation. They offered to give us another car for triple the cost! They told us that you should never use a third party site like Expedia or Kayak so don't waste your time making reservations with this company, they were not even sorry that we got stranded without transportation.Cons:
Honoring the reservation!2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
Pros:
The people working at the agency were very nice.Cons:
They didn’t have the car we had reserved. It was so much more expensive—like three times more! It took over two hours to figure it out. We ended up paying triple and driving a tiny car we didn’t reserve! It was a frustrating part if our trip. I would never rent a car from there again. However we heard that many companies are similar.Alamo
3.5
Poor
10 reviewsCleanliness
4.1
Comfort
4.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.0
Value for money
3.0
One location in Playa del Carmen
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
They did not have a car for me2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
You should communicate more with each other. In the rental: 1) they didn't have the car at all 2) the price was much higher (from 75 to 185 dollars) I was told that you know it but do not regard it. Make it better please. We solved it directly with Hertz in the end. Have a nice day! Petr4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
When I arrived to pick up my car rental reservation they did not have a car available and had me wait over 20mins to even get that information when they knew the entire time.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
they didn’t have the car ,that we rented at least a month ago. And they couldn’t have cared less. We had to take a bus to get to our destination2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
It was a rip off and they had over $1,000 (US) in hidden fees. I didn’t even get the car. I walked out of the office6.0 Okay
Dec 2020
Cons:
Pricing issues and car size not available at pickup.National
3.4
Poor
8 reviewsCleanliness
5.2
Comfort
4.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.2
Value for money
4.2
3 locations in Playa del Carmen
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2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
I saw a price online and when I went to the shop they asked me for an insurance and I had to pay double the price of the car. I’ve never had this situation in over countries2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
They didn’t actually have any cars to rent out even though they had multiple listings online.2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Cons:
The office is hard to find and upon return they made my wife wait outside due to Covid ( even though when we came to pick up the car we were both allowed in the office). Furthermore I waited in the office for half an hour for them to give me my paperwork after asking twice for it they kicked me out. I now have the entire $2500 deposit pending on my credit card. Meanwhile we barely caught our flight back to the states thanks to this terrible experience.8.0 Very Good
May 2022
2.0 Poor
Apr 2022
2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
Hertz
3.2
Poor
16 reviewsCleanliness
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.6
Value for money
3.1
7 locations in Playa del Carmen
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Aug 2020
Pros:
They NEVER HAVE THE CAR you order AND they try to upsell you $1000 pesos per day... THEY SUCK, NEVER RENT THERE... NEVER... You show up there and you're in a JAM if you're tight with time... They GOT YOU BY THE BALLS and upcharge...2.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Cons:
They charged triple of what reservation confirmed. Dont trust12.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Pros:
Nothing. The car wasn't available. I traveled to pick up the car, and they refused to honor the reservation because they didn't have any cars.Cons:
Having an accurate inventory. There were no cars.2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Pros:
Nothing, they said that they don’t have a car for me. They want to give me a more expensive car instead.7.2 Good
Oct 2018
Cons:
The Pickup was alwals lates minimum 30 minutes more7.2 Good
Jan 2017
Pros:
drop off on another locationCons:
dirty not well balanced and not alignedFirefly
3.0
Poor
14 reviewsCleanliness
4.5
Comfort
4.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
3.3
Value for money
3.1
2 locations in Playa del Carmen
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2.0 Poor
Dec 2022
2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
They charge mandatory insurance which is 3 times more than the car rental.2.0 Poor
Feb 2021
Pros:
The drop off was super quick and efficient.Cons:
We were quoted $350 we knew the y were going to try to sell us insurance so we got insurance trough our credit card, even with our credit card insurance they wanted to charge us the $350 plus another $850 for insurance for $1200 total!!! When we told them that was ridiculous and started to leave the price suddenly dropped to $750 total which was still twice what we were quoted but we accepted it. Its really sad that they try to take advantage of people on vacation!!2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
Office was closed for “upgrades” and we had to find the temporary facilities. Waited an hour in line in the heat to get a car only to be told that the price was double what was shown on the reservation. Didn’t end up getting a car after all that. Rude staff. Horrible experience. There were several people in line before us and none got a car either.Cons:
Pretty much everything.2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
Car was okCons:
More information upfront of fees. The reps at the counter tried to sell expensive insurance for the car. I told them I get covered through my car and my credit card insurances. They said I had to put down a deposit if I didn't get their insurance. The deposit was $9,500. They also didn't clarify the charges for not refueling the car before returning. I was let to believe I would pay 16 Mexican pesos but in reality I had to pay 32 Mexican pesos for each liter. The also experience was trying to scam you out of money.2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Cons:
Fix your softwareDollar
2.0
Poor
12 reviewsCleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
2 locations in Playa del Carmen
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2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
Charging to my credit card did not work. I called my bank and they said there was enough funds. So we could not rent the car and spent hours waiting for nothing.2.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Cons:
They didn’t have a car for us and left us with no car because it wasnt prepaid!!! Very stressful experience when stating holiday. Last time I book a car on kayak2.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
Dollar didn't have carsnto rent out.2.0 Poor
Jan 2020
Pros:
Nothing!Cons:
The car that I rented was not available, and they wanted to give me a smaller car. They said that the price was wrong and instead of the one stated they wanted to charge about 450 dollars instead of 99.2.0 Poor
Dec 2019
Pros:
I didn't like anything. I booked a car for 100 usd for 5 days. When I arrived I was told that it is 200 usd, as the initial amount did not include taxes and service fees (100%!!!). Also the insurance was + 300 usd. So, instead of 100 it turned out to be 500. It is insane.2.0 Poor
Dec 2019
Cons:
First the address listed on the Internet was incorrect as they closed that location and have not updated their information. Second they are affiliated with thrifty and firefly so it is all the same company at the location. Third the Internet reservation charge was to be $22 per day. When I got there they were trying to charge $32 per day saying It was the exchange rate which is bullshit because the exchange rate is automatic on your credit card which is about $19 pesos per one US dollar. Four they wanted to charge liability insurance which I did not need as Visa and American Express credit cards cover all collision of rental vehicles. Also if you have a basic car insurance policy in United States it will cover liability. If you take the collision insurance which is about $15-$20 per day then your credit card automatically cancels their insurance. So altogether the rental would’ve been $52 per day. The Representative is very obnoxious and professional. I felt like they were trying to rough arm me to purchase the extra insurance. He said the only way they would not as if they charge my credit card $200,000 pesos about $10,000 USD as a credit card hold until the car returned safely. Dollar thrifty and firefly is a complete scam of business. I’ve dealt with other companies here that are professional and much better and do not haggle.keddy by Europcar
2.0
Poor
1 reviewCleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
2 locations in Playa del Carmen
2 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Av 10 Esq 16
+52 800 021 2277
Calle 4 Loc 2, Entre Calles
180 0021 2277
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2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
Everything2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
The pickup time was 8pm and they were already closed.Cons:
The Firefly representative was so, so rude. Not willing to help, barely wanted to talk to me even though I had a reservation.2.0 Poor
Jan 2021
Pros:
Absolutely nothing. Even with a reservation, many days in advance, there was no car for us when we arrived at the rental place. On top of that, the thrifty rental office was closed and everything was being operated through the Hertz office. Worst experience I’ve ever had.Cons:
Nothing went correctly, so technically everything could have been better.2.0 Poor
Feb 2022
One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
16 Bis
+52 33 4170 8243
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2.0 Poor
Nov 2019
Pros:
No one was rude.Cons:
The pick-up location could have existed.2.0 Poor
Nov 2019
Pros:
Nothing at allCons:
Actually having the car. Instead of arriving and asking for an extra $2002.0 Poor
Jul 2019
Cons:
Minivan I had paid for was not available when I arrived. Rate more than doubled after insurance. Finally, the car I got was old and beat up... should have gone with Avis/Hertz; same price at the end of the day...STAY AWAY2.0 Poor
Jul 2017
Pros:
NothingCons:
Showed up at 9 and was told there were no carsc and the local branch couldn't cancel the reservation. That we had to call ace directly, which did not route me to anyone helpful. So I couldn't cancel it. Went back 1 hours later, was told I had to wait 3 hours more for a car. By the time I got that car, it was Manual and we didn't know how to drive it. the only automatic they had was $93/ day. They ended up giving me a refund, which they say they couldn't do in the beginning. Also their lot was full of cars!2.0 Poor
May 2017
Cons:
The price advertised for my rental car was fake. When I arrived at the rental agency, I was told I needed to pay $113 more and put $2,700 as a deposit on my credit card. They also refused to refund me the money I paid on kayak. This is a complete rip off! Kayak needs to do a better job verifying prices beforehand putting it on its website.2.0 Poor
Nov 2015
Cons:
The place did not exist! We wandered around for hours and asked many locals and they said the place does not exist. My husband called Ace for us and they told us where it was supposed to be. We already were on that street and walked back and forth and it wasn't there. When they connected my husband to the "local branch" it took forever for someone to answer and when someone did it wasn't Ace. What a waste of hours of my trip! Finally I had to rent last minute from another company for a really high rate. Absolute nightmare of a car rental experience.One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Local 24, Manzana 81 Lote 1, Condominio Aldea Thai
+52 994 803 3748
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2.0 Poor
May 2018
Cons:
I got there, and they told me that I had to pay for insurance. I explained that I had insurance through my credit card, they still made me pay for it. Additionally, I had made a reservation with a different return location than the pick up. They decided to charge an additional fee for that as well. The whole process was very difficult and uncomfortable. They make you sign too many papers, more than any other company I used in the past, and they they make copies of your credit card, passport and Driver's Licence.2.0 Poor
Jan 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug 2022
2.0 Poor
Aug 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2022
One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
5 Avenida Entre 14 Norte Y 16 Norte Bis
0180 0225 4369
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2.0 Poor
Feb 2023
8 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
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4 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Av Constituyentes 2
+52 984 877 2900 ext. 244055
Av. Constintuyente #1
+52 984 873 4000 ext. 3055
C. 3 Sur #229 Mza 16 Lt 2
+52 984 873 0883
Calle Quinta Avenida, Luis
+52 984 873 4000
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3 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
10 Avenida Nte. 130A, Centro
+54 9 11 5259 9877
Playa del Carmen Airport
+54 9 11 5259 9877
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3 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Av. Constituyentes Local 1
+52 984 176 2126
Ave 10 N cruz Calle 28 Local 3
+52 984 803 0768
Carretera Cancún Tulúm Km. 62
+52 984 877 4400
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2 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Quinta Avenida
+52 33 4170 8243
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2 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
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2 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Calle 4 Norte entre Av. 5 y Av. 10 Manzana 4
+52 984 803 3748
Condominio Aldea Thai Local 24, Manzana 81 Lote 1 entre calle 26 y calle Cozumel
+52 984 803 3748
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2 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Calle 10 Mz 27 LT 3 entre calle 2 y 4
+52 984 803 3748
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2 locations in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Calle 12 #230 Mz 55, Lote 8 Local2, Entre Av 20 Y Av 15, Colonia Centro, Cp
+52 984 115 2008
Calle 30 Av 105 Y 110 Nte, Colonia Ejidal 2,mz 178, Lote 8 Zona Urbana, Cp
+52 984 115 2008
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Calle 10 Mz 6 Lt 3
+52 984 803 3755
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Calle 1 sur interior Muelle Fiscal API, Playa del Carmen Quintana Roo CP
+52 984 806 1143
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Av constituyentes calle 20 y 25
+52 998 980 0766
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Calle 8, Lote 10, Entre Av. 15 y Av. 10, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.
+52 984 873 2820
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Condominio Aldea Thai Local 24 Manzana 81 Lote 1, entre 26 Nte y Cozumel, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen, Q.R.
+52 998 253 6112
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
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One location in Playa del Carmen
Locations in Playa del Carmen
Av. 10 Hotel Riviera Caribe Maya, 10 Avenida Sur 10-local 2, Gonzalo Guerrero
+52 984 878 1013
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Car hire locations in or near Playa del Carmen
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
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