Driving in the Riviera Maya in a classic Kombi
Travellers who road-tripped with our kombis describe the roads of Quintana Roo and Yucatán as good, straight and quiet outside the cities. Drive calmly: highways are usually 100 km/h and villages 50 km/h, and the kombi cruises at up to 70 km/h. Martin gives every driver a lesson before leaving and roadside assistance is included.
Roads and speed
Villages and towns are built along the highways, so getting from A to B is simple. Expect more traffic only around the cities.
Speed limits: generally 100 km/h on highways and 50 km/h approaching villages unless signposted. Speed is checked and fined.
Keep right so faster traffic can overtake the kombi.
Police checkpoints
You may meet police checkpoints, and a striking VW bus can be stopped for a routine check. Stay calm, cooperate and be friendly.
Driving a 1970s VW
Manual gearbox, no power steering, no air conditioning. You sit over the front wheels, so take tight turns wider, and slow down with crosswinds.
Check the oil every one or two days, in the morning. Fill up with Magna and return the kombi with a full tank.
Download offline maps (for example Maps.me) before you leave.
Where you can drive
The driving zone is Quintana Roo. For Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, Holbox or Mahahual, tell us first: long distances are harder for a classic VW. No unpaved roads except to reach licensed campgrounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive in Tulum?
Our travellers describe the roads as good and quiet outside the cities. Drive calmly, respect the speed limits, avoid unpaved roads and follow Martin’s briefing.
Is my foreign driving licence valid?
You need a licence valid for the whole rental and a credit card; minimum age 23.
What if the kombi breaks down?
Call us first: we cover towing, parts and labour, swap the kombi if another is available or refund the remaining days.