North America > Mexico > Mexico City (MEX)
The Car or no Car advice for Mexico City can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Mexico City ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Mexico City ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Mexico City?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Getting around Mexico City without a car 🚇🚌
First of all, Mexico City has one of the largest metro systems in the world. It is fast, cheap, frequent, and extensive. Crucially, it links the airport directly with the city, which immediately removes the pressure to hire a car on arrival.
In addition, the city has invested heavily in Bus Rapid Transit (Metrobús). These routes operate in dedicated lanes and often move faster than cars during peak hours. As a result, public transport is not just cheaper, but often quicker.
Moreover, walking works surprisingly well. Central areas such as Centro Histórico, Roma, Condesa, and Polanco are dense, lively, and full of pavements, parks, and cafés. For short hops, ride-hailing apps are also widely used and generally inexpensive.
When renting a car becomes useful 🚗🗺️
However, a rental car starts to make sense once you leave the core city. Day trips to Teotihuacán, Puebla, Tepoztlán, or even Valle de Bravo are far easier by car. Although buses exist, they rarely give the flexibility to stop, explore, or adjust plans.
Likewise, if Mexico City is the start of a longer road trip, then picking up a car makes sense. Many travellers fly in, spend several days car-free, and then rent a car later for onward travel.
Driving in Mexico City: reality check ⚠️
That said, driving inside the city can be stressful. Traffic is heavy, signage is inconsistent, and parking is limited. Consequently, hiring a car purely for city sightseeing rarely pays off.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Mexico City? ✅❓
In conclusion, no car is needed for Mexico City itself. Public transport, walking, and ride-hailing cover almost everything. However, renting a car becomes worthwhile once you head beyond the urban core, especially for day trips or regional travel. The smartest approach is often a hybrid one: enjoy the city car-free first, then rent later when the journey truly opens up.
