Do I really need to rent a car

[JDS6642]

I posted a few minutes ago, or thought I did but I cannot see that post, so sorry if this is a repeat.
I have been reading all the posts concerning car rental and frankly it is really starting to sound like a real headache.

Also am I right in calculating about 300/week to get all the insurance you need?

Could it just be easier to arrange for transportation down to Tulum and back from the airport? what kind of costs are you looking at if you do that?

And what about taxis in and out of town and around?

We don't want to be confined to our hotel so really thought we wanted to rent a car.......I am overwhelmed.

[Obsessed]

I have been to Tulum twice.....once without renting a car and once renting a car. The first time we took a transfer to Tulum and just took taxi's if we needed to go anywhere.....a lot of people also rent bicycles to get around. It is a bit more conventient to have a car, but definitely not necessary!!!!

[minniemex]

I think it is around $145 for round trip transfer from the airport to Tulum and back. Cabs will cost anywhere from $5 to $8 per trip into Tulum Pueblo and back. This is conditional on where you are staying. I have done it both ways and really enjoy the freedom that a vehicle offers.

How long are you staying?? Car rental for me for 10 days was only $340. What size vehicle are you looking at?? I go with manual tranny & the smallest they have!:)

I can understand the overwhelmed part!

[MakinHay]

Really for the money and the convenience its the way togo.

[PhyllisB]

All depends on where you want to go, what you want to do, and where you're staying.

I prefer the freedom of a car. But I also like to get out and about, beyond just the beach area and the Pueblo, and for that it's just easier for me to have a car.

But there are definitely folks here who prefer to go without, and to rely on taxis and collectivos and buses. It's certainly doable.

[JDS6642]

Thanks for your responses. We are staying for a week.
I think we are going to rent a car. We like to get out and about and for the cost of getting down to Tulum and back + taxis, it really seems the best way to go.
I think Easyway rent a car is the way we are going to go. They seem to make it the easiest for the best price. They quoted a compact with all insurance for the week for $311.
If you all have had any negative experiences with them, let me know!

[JDS6642]

By the way, we are staying at the Azucar hotel.
I think 'hope' from what I have read that this is a good area to be in.

[TnTWalter]

Many on this board recommend cars. We liked the buses and found a friend on playa to take us around one day. We rented bikes another. Cabs were cheap and easy also. Hubby likes to be on vacation too. :beerchug:

[Dale]

I always rent a car....always. But that's me. If you do, you might want to read THIS (http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-info-driving-taxis-rental-cars.html). It hasn't been updated in a while, but there is still some good info there. Also you need to do a search on the PeMex scams and you must learn really quick to drive like a Mexican!! I don't mean that bad....it's just they drive a little different from us.

Ex. In town, Alto is just a suggestion.

Any other examples are welcome.:D

[chamba]

i recommend to rent a car unless all you need is a ride to your hotel on the beach and back. the transport will cost you the same.
however, if the car and driving will cause you a headache, then the idea is to relax and enjoy Tulum, and you can do that from bike or taxi.