Although Mexico is a big country, it can be easily travelled by car - if you prepare well enough beforehand by checking route maps and studying road signs and other directions that will be presented in Spanish. Most toll roads and expressways are in good condition and can be travelled at a good velocity.  However, other roadways may not be in good condition and it's not commonplace to find "shoulders" to roads.  If possible, confine your driving to daylight hours. Different main highways go from the U.S. border along the coasts as well as inland to the south.

Your home country drivers license is accepted in Mexico.  The traffic rules may be confusing and corruption amongst police is commonplace and tourists are oftentimes abused because they do not speak Spanish nor do they understand the rules.

The maximum speed limit in the city is 40 km/h, 80 km/h outside and 100 to 110 km/h on highways - but always be on the lookout for speed limit signs so as not to violate a local law.  Along major roadways you will find PEMEX gas stations at various intervals.  However, once you leave the toll roads and other expressways stations may not be conveniently located and you might want to "top off" your tank once the indicator falls below half a tank.  Gasoline prices are set by the government and typically rise each month. See current gas prices for more information.

For most streets in Mexico a passenger car is suitable, but pay attention on the ride height: When entering a city, you will often find steep bumps - "topes" - where you have to drive extremely slowly and/or almost stop the vehicle. In the rainy season pay attention on landslides or – in the mountains – falling rocks. In any case, you should inform yourself carefully about your route: Take a good map with you (e.g. “Carreteras Nacionales" by Ediciones Independencia or the Guia Roji road atlas for Mexico) and, before travelling, get informed on distances, road conditions and the estimated travel time. On Mexico Channel you find an extensive table of distances. On the website of Cochera Andina there is useful information on more than 240 routes in the Mexico (travel times, road conditions etc.)