Driving in Mexico as an American

Mexico is one of the most convenient international trips for Americans to take, and one of my favorites. I’ve road tripped in well over dozen countries, and Mexico is one of my favorite places to drive. A car isn’t necessary - and actually can be a hindrance - if you’re visiting Mexico City or some of the other large cities in Mexico, but driving can be a wonderful way to see other parts of the country on your visits. 

You Won’t Need an International Driving Permit

If you have a U.S. driver’s license, or any license printed in English or Spanish, you can legally drive in Mexico without an International Driving Permit (IDP). Car rental companies and police officers will recognize your state-issued license.

That said, if you’re traveling to another country and need an International Driving Permit, our team at Fast IDP would be happy to help you get one!

Driving in Mexico City

Driving in Mexico City can be a mix of heavy traffic and narrow lanes. The drivers are generally very courteous, but I recommend people not to rent a car if they’re going to be staying inside Mexico City only. However, if you do end up renting a car, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Topes (speed bumps) are everywhere, often unmarked and easy to miss until it’s too late. Slow down and watch out for them - there’s almost always one coming up.

• Motorcycles filter between lanes. Give them space and expect them to appear suddenly.

• Left turns aren’t always allowed where you’d expect. Some major roads use loops or side roads for U-turns instead.

• Parking can be challenging. Street parking is limited, and many lots are valet-only. Apps like Parkimóvil can help locate legal spaces.

  
  

One of my favorite libraries in the world is Biblioteca Vaconselos in Mexico City. Though you could drive, I found it easy to get to even though I was on crutches.

Exploring Beyond Mexico City

If you’re starting in Mexico City, there are several day trips that you can take by care — to Teotihuacán, Puebla, or Valle de Bravo — and each is fantastic for different reasons. However, there are also options for getting to these locations using public transportation or tour companies, so renting a car is certainly not necessary. 

If you are going to drive, the toll highways (“cuotas”) are the best way to travel between cities. They’re well maintained, have rest stops, and are generally safer to drive on than the free roads (“libres”). 

The landscape changes constantly: pine forests, dry highlands, green valleys, and sprawling suburbs all within a few hours’ drive of Mexico City. Valle de Bravo in particular feels like a world away from the city — quiet, cooler, and surrounded by gorgeous hills.

Practical Tips

A few small things can make a big difference when driving in Mexico:

• Fuel stations are full-service. An attendant fills your tank; tipping 10–20 pesos is customary.

• Download offline maps before leaving major cities — cell service can fade quickly in the mountains.

• Use Waze or Google Maps for navigation, but expect occasional mismatched turns or road closures.

• Military checkpoints are not uncommon and are completely routine. Stay calm, roll down your window, and have your documents ready.

• Avoid driving at night in rural areas. Livestock, potholes, and unmarked speed bumps can present challenges that are best navigated during the day.

If you’re renting a car, inspect it carefully for existing damage and make sure you understand the insurance coverage. Some agencies include limited liability by default, but not always the coverage you’d expect.

Final Thoughts

Driving in Mexico is great, but it’s not always necessary to rent a car to have a great trip. If you’re planning to drive there, bring patience, curiosity, and a good offline map. 

Even though you don’t need an International Driving Permit for driving in Mexico, keep Fast IDP in mind to help you get an IDP if you’re driving somewhere that requires them!