Quick Summary
- Yes, some suppliers allow cross-border trips from HRL with written permission on the contract.
- Expect Mexican liability cover, specific vehicle classes and mileage limits.
- Carry passports and plan for toll roads and border wait times.
From Harlingen Valley International Airport you can reach the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates in around 30 minutes via I-69E and US-77 if traffic is light. The short hop tempts many travellers to pop across for a weekend in Matamoros or to continue south to Monterrey. The key question is whether your hire is permitted. The short answer is often yes, provided your agreement explicitly lists Mexico as an authorised destination and you meet insurance requirements.
Before you decide, compare car rental policies that include Mexico travel permissions. Rules vary by brand and location, and some cars are excluded such as premium SUVs, large vans and high-performance models.
What you will usually need
At the desk you will normally be asked to request a cross-border letter of permission, show your driving licence and passport and purchase Mexican third-party liability. Many suppliers also require that the primary driver’s name appears on the payment card and that any additional driver is added at the counter. If you plan to drive far beyond the border area, confirm whether a Temporary Import Permit is required and keep all paperwork handy.
Insurance, deposits and vehicle classes
Mexico liability cover is the big difference with US-only hires. Expect a higher deposit or security hold. Your US collision waiver or credit card damage benefit is not a substitute for Mexican liability. Some locations restrict travel to specific northern states; others allow longer itineraries when additional cover is purchased. If you need a wider choice of models or one-way flexibility, check Phoenix and El Paso policies. For example, travellers comparing Phoenix airport options often find clearer written rules, and Dollar locations near the border can be convenient for longer Sonora or Chihuahua routes.
Border tips from the Valley
Drive in daylight, keep to posted km/h limits and bring small bills and coins for toll plazas. Fuel up near the border and set expectations for delays during peak hours or holidays. For route planning and document checklists, see our practical guide to cross-border rules explained. If your itinerary changes, contact the station before crossing to update your contract; unauthorised travel can void cover and trigger fines.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals makes cross-border planning simpler with clearly shown conditions, Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up, and an All-Inclusive+ Rate with maximum coverage on selected offers. Many itineraries also include cashback on tolls so your budget stretches further.
If you are ready to plan your trip, reserve with Hola Car Rentals and travel smart from Harlingen to Mexico with the right cover and permissions in place.
FAQs
- Is one-way into Mexico allowed? Generally no. Most contracts require return within the United States unless a specific international one-way is listed.
- Do I need a passport? Yes. All travellers must carry valid passports and any required visas.
- Can additional drivers go to Mexico? Only if added to the agreement and approved at the counter.
- Are mileage limits common? Yes. Some locations cap daily distance or limit travel to designated states.
- What about breakdowns in Mexico? Check whether roadside assistance applies across the border and keep emergency numbers in the glovebox.
