kdm

This is my first visit to PDC and needed some feedback on whether it is best to rent a car from the Cancun airport and drive to PDC or take the bus and rent a car in PDC.

If we wait and rent the car in PDC we would only need it for 2 days to visit the ruins, but then we are depended on the bus schedule. But trying to find parking would just be limited to one evening.

Also, if anyone can recommend their favorite rental car agency I would appreciate it as well. I use AVIS in France, but I am sure different companies have a different presence in different cities.

I am still researching the insurance that is recommended which is a concern because of the high deductibles.

Thank you for any assistance, Denise

JuliePA

If you are only going to need a car for two days - I would recommend renting in PDC. You can arrange for travel with your hotel - to and from the airport.

Also, you may want to consider hiring a taxi to go to the ruins. We have done this a couple of times arranged through the front desk of our hotel. They will hook you up with an english speaking driver. We went to Chitchen Itza this way and it was great. Our driver took us to a couple of different towns on our way stopping whenever we asked so that we could take pictures. We stopped at a cenote for swimming after the ruins and he took us to an authentic Mayan restaurant in Vallavolid (sp?). He also had it timed so that we missed the crowds at the ruins and at the cenote. The whole day cost us $150.00 (for four people - and that included a nice tip).

Have fun in PDC - it's a great town.

RobertSDF

I would take the Riviera bus from the Cancun airport to Playa. At about $6.00,it is much cheaper than arrangements made through a hotel--and I prefer it. Very modern first class buses with video--and they leave at least hourly. They have a ticket booth on the left, just as you exit the internaional arrivals terminal. If it is not staffed, walk out the front doors and look far to your right at the end of the domestic arrivals terminal and you will see the buses. (pay no attention to the van operators who tell you the buses don't exist)!
I would rent a car to really enjoy the ruins and other sites in the area (be sure to check out the ruins at Coba). I have had good luck renting from both National and Executive car rental in Playa. Both will quote you an all in price with no surprises.
Enjoy!

Dorgal

We rented in PDC for 3 days which was fun to have the freedom to get around. We felt safe driving there - next time I would rent for a full week.
We had a shuttle pre-arranged thru the hotel to take us from the airport to the hotel - I forget the price but whatever it cost - it was well worth it. The airport there is a zoo and there are throngs of people at the exits trying to get your business - even grabbing at our bags. I was so glad to see the guy standing with our name on a placard! I would not want to take the bus to save $6.00 - it just isn't worth it - trying to negotiate the crowd, language, etc.....and knowing when to get off the bus.

RobertSDF

While I agree with Dorgal's post regarding renting a car and driving in Mexico, I disagree about the difficulties at Cancuns airport. It is a bit hectic, as are most foreign airports but I have no problem walking past the people at the exits or going straight to the Riviera bus booth--I have never had anyone grab my bags and just say a firm no to everyone and keep walking. As to knowing where to get off the bus, it goes directly to the Playa central bus station, without stopping.
Its a matter of choice but doing this almost monthly, I much prefer the bus option.

kdm

Thank you for your assistance. I feel so much better now. I think National no longer has a PDC location so I will try Executive.

Great info....

RobertSDF

You are correct about the closing of the Playa National agency! It was closed the last time I was there--and I instead used Executive. National is still in Cancun and Cozumel--not Playa.
Hope you have an enjoyable trip!