Quick answer: is it worth hiring a car in Buenos Aires?

Yes, hiring a car in Buenos Aires is especially convenient if you want to reach places outside the city, leave from the airports towards other areas of Argentina or begin a wider itinerary. If your plan only includes visiting the city centre, taxis, transfers, public transport and walking may be more practical than driving, especially because of traffic and parking.

Where to pick up your rental car in Buenos Aires

In Buenos Aires you can search for rental cars according to the availability shown on Rent.it, choosing between airport and city pick-up points when suppliers offer multiple locations. The best choice depends on your travel plan: international arrival, domestic flight, city stay or departure towards other Argentine regions.

Car hire at Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport

Ministro Pistarini International Airport, known as Buenos Aires Ezeiza, is one of the main entry points into Argentina. Picking up your car at Ezeiza can be a convenient option if you arrive on an international flight and want to leave directly for a destination outside the city, avoiding the centre of Buenos Aires.

This option is particularly suitable if you have already planned an extra-urban itinerary, are travelling with luggage or want to manage your movements independently from the moment you arrive.

Car hire at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery

Aeroparque Jorge Newbery is widely used for domestic and regional flights. It can be an interesting pick-up point if you arrive in Buenos Aires from another Argentine city or if, after visiting the capital, you want to continue your trip with a rental car.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights, always check carefully whether your flight arrives at or departs from Ezeiza or Aeroparque, as the two airports are located in different areas of the city.

Car hire in Buenos Aires city centre

A city pick-up can be useful if you have already spent a few days in Buenos Aires and want to hire the car only for the next part of your trip. This way you can avoid driving in city traffic during your stay and use the car only when it becomes truly useful.

When to pick up the car: immediately on arrival or after visiting Buenos Aires?

The best choice depends on your travel programme. Buenos Aires is a large capital, with heavy traffic and many transport alternatives. For this reason, if you are staying in the city for a few days, it may be more convenient to postpone car pick-up until you leave for other destinations.

It is worth picking up the car immediately if:

• you arrive at the airport and want to continue directly outside Buenos Aires;
• you already have an itinerary with extra-urban stops planned;
• you are travelling with a lot of luggage, children or equipment;
• you prefer to avoid separate transfers between airport, hotel and following destinations;
• you need full independence for your movements.

It may be better to wait if:

• you want to visit only central Buenos Aires during the first few days;
• you do not need to leave the city;
• you prefer to avoid traffic, parking and one-way streets;
• you will continue towards Patagonia, Mendoza, Salta or Iguazú by domestic flight;
• you can pick up the car directly at your next destination.

What to see in Buenos Aires before or after hiring a car

Buenos Aires deserves at least a few days before starting a wider journey through Argentina. Many of the capital’s attractions are located in urban areas where a car is not essential: walking, taking taxis or using local transport can often be easier.

• Recoleta: an elegant district known for historic buildings, cafés and its famous monumental cemetery.
• Palermo: a lively area with parks, restaurants, bars, shops and green spaces.
• San Telmo: a historic district, ideal for markets, antiques and traditional atmosphere.
• La Boca: a colourful and iconic area connected with tango, popular culture and Caminito.
• Puerto Madero: a modern waterfront area, suitable for walks and restaurants.
• Microcentro: the administrative heart of the city, with Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada and Avenida 9 de Julio.

Road trip ideas from Buenos Aires

Distances in Argentina are very large. For this reason, leaving Buenos Aires by car can be interesting only in certain cases. Very often, to reach distant regions, it is more efficient to combine a domestic flight with local car hire.

Short trips around Buenos Aires

If you want to visit areas outside the city, historic towns, green areas or destinations close to the capital, a rental car allows you to organise times, stops and return more easily. It is especially useful if you are travelling in a group, with children or with luggage.

From Buenos Aires to Mendoza

Mendoza is one of the most popular destinations for Andean landscapes, wineries and scenic routes. The distance from Buenos Aires is considerable: many travellers prefer to fly to Mendoza and pick up the car directly there. If you choose a road itinerary, plan stops, overnight stays and driving times carefully.

From Buenos Aires to Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the regions where car hire can make a real difference. However, it is rarely necessary to start by car directly from Buenos Aires: it is often more practical to take a domestic flight to Bariloche, El Calafate or Ushuaia and rent a car locally.

From Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú

Puerto Iguazú is the ideal base for visiting the falls. Given the distance from the capital, many travellers choose a domestic flight and then consider hiring a car directly at destination, especially if they want to move independently between airport, hotel and park.

Useful links for your trip to Argentina

Buenos Aires can be the starting point for a wider itinerary. To better plan your trip, you can also visit the general page dedicated to car hire in Argentina.

• Rent.it car hire
• Car hire Argentina
• Car hire Buenos Aires

Practical tips for driving in Buenos Aires and Argentina

Before booking a car in Buenos Aires, it is important to consider the type of trip, pick-up point, distances, arrival and return times, traffic conditions and supplier rules. Rental conditions may vary depending on vehicle category, location and selected company.

Required documents

To hire a car in Argentina, a valid driving licence, identity document or passport and a payment card in the main driver’s name are normally required. If you are travelling from abroad, check before departure whether the supplier requires or recommends an international driving permit.

Card, deposit and excess

At pick-up, the rental company may require a card in the main driver’s name to block the security deposit. Deposit amount, damage excess, theft excess and accepted cards may vary depending on supplier, vehicle category and selected coverage.

Traffic and parking

Buenos Aires is a large city: traffic, parking, bus lanes and travel times can make driving less simple for those unfamiliar with the area. If your programme only includes urban visits, consider picking up the car after your city stay.

Domestic flights and local car hire

For itineraries towards Patagonia, Mendoza, Salta or Puerto Iguazú, it may be convenient to use a domestic flight and pick up the car directly on arrival at the chosen destination. This reduces driving time and allows you to use the rental only where it offers a real advantage.

Border crossing

If your itinerary includes leaving Argentina, for example towards Chile, always check in advance whether the supplier allows border crossing. Authorisations, additional documents and extra costs may be required.

Car hire in Buenos Aires with Rent.it

With Rent.it you can search and compare car hire offers in Buenos Aires, check the conditions available for your travel dates and choose the vehicle most suitable for your itinerary. Whether you want to pick up the car at the airport, in the city or use it as a starting point for a trip through Argentina, Rent.it helps you find a practical solution bookable online.

• Comparison of available offers in Buenos Aires.
• Possibility to search for airport or city pick-up.
• Useful information on deposit, excess and rental conditions.
• Simple online booking and assistance before the trip.
• Connection with the general car hire Argentina page.

Frequently asked questions about car hire in Buenos Aires