Quick Summary
- Driving a US rental from Brownsville into Mexico usually needs written permission plus Mexican liability coverage.
- Cross border trips must be declared at booking and are subject to supplier approval and extra fees.
- One way returns in Mexico are generally not allowed on US contracts.
Brownsville sits minutes from the Veterans International Bridge to Matamoros, a route many visitors use for day shopping. Before you cross, check whether your booking allows it. Start your planning with a Texas based car rental so you can compare policies and coverage in one pass.
Most suppliers only permit Mexico travel if you request it ahead of time, accept local liability insurance issued in Mexico, and carry a printed permission letter in the glove box. A daily cross border fee may apply and vehicle class restrictions are common for premium and large SUVs. Some downtown locations do not authorise any cross border use at all.
If you need extra room for family or shopping runs, compare SUV options in Texas or scope out sliding doors with minivan models. Brand loyal drivers can look at pickup hours for the Hertz counters or quick desk times with Budget locations.
Documents to carry at the border include your driving licence, passport, Mexican insurance certificate, and the rental agreement showing written permission. Fuel and tolls are your responsibility on both sides. Keep in mind that roadside assistance coverage can be limited in northern Mexico; ask at the counter how emergency support works once you cross.
Hola Car Rentals makes the rules clear at checkout. Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup means you can place a backup booking while you confirm permission. Our All Inclusive Plus rate lists the coverage that applies in the United States, and your agent will advise on the required Mexico liability policy. Selected itineraries also include Maximum liability coverage of US$300,000 while you are in the US. If your plans change, update the booking rather than asking at the gate.
Want a deeper dive into documents and restrictions? See our explainer on cross border rentals to Canada or Mexico, and if you are flying via west Texas, read our notes on driving an El Paso rental into Mexico for a sense of the common conditions.
Final word. Do not attempt to cross without written authorisation. Border agents can turn you back and suppliers may void coverage if the contract forbids travel. If cross border approval is not available for your dates, consider parking on the US side and walking across for the day.
Routes matter too. Many visitors cross using the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates or the Gateway International Bridge in town. Traffic is lighter early morning on weekdays. Keep all documents together and allow a little extra time for inspections during busy periods. Your US plan does not replace the mandatory Mexican liability policy, so confirm that piece well before your travel day.
Vehicle use rules continue to apply once across the border. Stay on paved roads, avoid towing unless your contract explicitly allows it, and return on time. If you expect to cover long distances in Tamaulipas or Nuevo Leon, choose a class with a spare wheel and think about fuel stops in advance. Mobile coverage can be patchy outside cities, so download offline maps as a backup.
FAQs
- Can I drop the car in Mexico? No. US rentals almost never allow Mexico drop offs. Return to the original US location unless your contract states otherwise.
- Is a deposit higher for Mexico trips? Deposits can be higher and some cards may be required. Check the hold amount and card rules before pickup.
- Which brands allow Mexico travel? Policies vary by location. Allied companies like Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, Avis, National and Budget commonly need pre authorisation and added Mexican insurance.
Ready to organise a crossing friendly booking? Reserve with Hola Car Rentals and we will help you line up the right paperwork.
