How to find a cheap car hire deal in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo (ZIH)
Just landed? Grab a cheap Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo rental car and hit the road for around $64 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
$34 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental at Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo.
Planning a longer trip to Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo and want to go beyond the guidebook highlights? $190 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a ZIH car hire.
Grab your wheels from Europcar, Keddy By Europcar or Firefly, some of the most popular providers at Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo.
The coverage Europcar or another company includes with your Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo car hire can vary, so remember to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in ZIH. Providers often have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can bag some fantastic one-way prices.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $66 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $39, this provider follows in second place.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $80 a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a reliable option if you're not quite sure what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other at ZIH.
Compare car hire types from Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo (ZIH)
Small: These cheap Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this ZIH car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different ZIH car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo.
Good to know
Age requirements can vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some providers in Mexico may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your ZIH car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest way to go.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in Mexico may feel unfamiliar if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through urban areas and around 100kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% applies in Mexico. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and excursions. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't available.
Drive smarter from the start
With a ZIH car hire, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to where you go. If central Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo is your first port of call, it's around 24 kilometres northwest of the airport and a trip of about 25 minutes.
Allow roughly 35 minutes to drive from Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo to the city centre during peak travel times.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 8am. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, consider picking up a car hire in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo (ZIH)
Start with some of the most popular attractions in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo, like Playa la Ropa and Playa Varadero. Whether you drive or find an alternative way there, set aside time for these highlights before you move on.
Alternatively, take the wheel of your Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo car hire and head roughly 23 kilometres southeast to Petatlán. Featuring Playa icacos and La Chole Archeological Site, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Toluca, around 274 kilometres northeast of ZIH. First, swing past Cosmovitral Jardin Botanico, then take your time exploring Museo de Bellas Artes de Toluca.
