Car hire Argentina: airports, cities, routes and driving tips
Hiring a car in Argentina can be one of the best ways to explore the country with greater freedom, especially if you are planning to visit natural areas, wine regions, national parks or scenic road trip routes. With Rent.it, you can compare available car hire offers in several Argentine destinations and choose the option that best suits your journey.
Quick answer: is it worth hiring a car in Argentina?
Yes, hiring a car in Argentina is especially recommended in Patagonia, the Lake District, Mendoza and the North-West, where distances are long and public transport does not always offer enough flexibility. In large cities, a car is more useful if you plan to leave the city centre or continue towards other destinations.
Main Rent.it locations for car hire in Argentina
Argentina is a very large country. For this reason, it is often better to hire a car directly in the area you want to explore, for example after taking a domestic flight. On Rent.it, you can search for car hire in cities, airports and tourist destinations across different regions of the country.
Buenos Aires and metropolitan area
Buenos Aires is the main international gateway to Argentina. Car hire can be useful if you want to continue outside the city, reach nearby areas or start a wider itinerary.
Patagonia, Lake District and Tierra del Fuego
Patagonia is one of the best areas in Argentina for a self-drive trip. Distances are wide, landscapes are spectacular and a hire car allows you to organise stops, times and routes with more independence.
- San Carlos de Bariloche
- San Martín de los Andes
- Neuquén
- El Calafate
- Ushuaia
- Puerto Madryn
- Trelew
- Río Gallegos
- Comodoro Rivadavia
North-West Argentina
North-West Argentina is ideal for road trips through Andean landscapes, quebradas, historic villages and panoramic roads. The distances and variety of the region make car hire a particularly useful option.
Cuyo, the Andes and wine regions
Mendoza, San Juan and San Luis are excellent choices for travellers interested in Andean landscapes, wine areas and scenic drives. A hire car gives you more flexibility, especially when visiting places outside the main urban centres.
Central Argentina, Atlantic coast and North-East
In central Argentina, along the Atlantic coast and in the North-East, car hire can be useful for travelling between cities, seaside resorts, natural parks and points of interest located far from one another.
Main airports and cities for car hire in Argentina
Many travellers arrive in Argentina through Buenos Aires and then continue by domestic flight to Patagonia, Mendoza, Salta or Iguazú. In these cases, picking up the car at the destination airport can be a practical way to start your itinerary.
Buenos Aires and Ezeiza
Buenos Aires is the main gateway to the country. A hire car can be useful if you want to continue outside the city, while taxis, public transport or transfers may be more practical if you only plan to visit the city centre. For international arrivals, Ezeiza can also be a strategic pick-up point.
Bariloche and the Lake District
San Carlos de Bariloche is one of the best destinations for car hire in Argentina. Located in the Lake District, it is an excellent starting point for mountain landscapes, scenic roads, Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes.
El Calafate and southern Patagonia
El Calafate is the ideal base for visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier and other areas of southern Patagonia. Having a car gives you more control over schedules, excursions and stops along the way.
Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego
Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, is an iconic destination for travellers who want to reach the southern end of the continent. A hire car can be useful for visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, nearby lakes and the surrounding landscapes.
Mendoza and the Andes
Mendoza is popular for its Andean scenery and wine areas. Hiring a car allows you to reach wineries, valleys and panoramic routes more independently, always respecting local driving and alcohol regulations.
Salta, Jujuy and the North-West
Salta and Jujuy are very interesting starting points for discovering North-West Argentina. A car makes it easier to visit canyons, colonial villages, desert landscapes, high plateaus and scenic roads.
Puerto Iguazú and the falls
Puerto Iguazú is the main base for visiting the famous waterfalls. For short stays, a car is not always essential, but it can be convenient for moving independently between the airport, hotel, park and nearby areas.
Argentina road trips where a hire car makes the difference
Some areas of Argentina are particularly suited to a road trip. In these destinations, car hire is not just a transport solution: it becomes part of the travel experience.
Patagonia by car
Patagonia is one of the most fascinating regions in Argentina, but also one of the largest. Distances can be long and connections are not always frequent. Places such as San Carlos de Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Trelew are excellent starting points for exploring the region with more freedom.
Route 40
Route 40 is one of Argentina’s most famous road trip routes. It crosses the country from north to south along the Andes and requires careful planning. Before booking your car, check distances, road conditions, fuel availability, possible gravel sections and any restrictions set by the supplier.
Seven Lakes Route
The Seven Lakes Route connects some of the most beautiful places in the Lake District, between San Carlos de Bariloche, Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes. It is one of the most rewarding itineraries for travellers who want to experience Argentina by car, with scenic stops and manageable travel times.
North-West Argentina
An itinerary between Salta, Jujuy and San Miguel de Tucumán allows you to discover one of the most scenic areas of the country. A car is particularly useful for visiting Andean landscapes, historic villages and panoramic roads independently.
Peninsula Valdés and the Patagonian coast
Puerto Madryn and Trelew are key locations for exploring the Patagonian coast and natural areas of the region. A hire car helps you organise transfers between the airport, hotel, reserves and viewpoints more easily.
Practical tips before booking a car in Argentina
Before confirming your booking, always read the rental conditions of the selected supplier. Rules may vary depending on the location, vehicle category, rental duration and planned itinerary.
Documents and driving licence
To hire a car in Argentina, you will usually need a valid driving licence, passport or identity document, and a payment card in the name of the main driver. Foreign travellers should check whether an International Driving Permit is required or recommended.
Credit card, deposit and excess
At pick-up, the supplier may require a card in the main driver’s name to block the security deposit. Deposit amount, damage excess, theft excess and accepted cards depend on the individual rental company. Always check these details on Rent.it before confirming your booking.
Vehicle category
For cities and short journeys, a compact car may be enough. For Patagonia, mountain areas, scenic routes or long drives, an SUV or a larger category may offer more comfort and space. The need for a 4x4 depends on the specific itinerary and road conditions.
Cross-border travel
If you plan to cross the border, for example between Argentina and Chile, check in advance whether the supplier allows it and whether permits, extra documents or additional fees are required. Not all rental contracts allow international travel.
Distances, fuel and travel times
Distances in Argentina can be very long. Plan your route carefully, check fuel stops and allow enough time for driving, especially in Patagonia and less populated areas.
Why book your car hire in Argentina with Rent.it?
Rent.it is an online broker specialising in car hire comparison. With Rent.it, you can search availability in Argentina’s main destinations, compare different offers and choose the car that best matches your itinerary.
- Fast comparison of available offers.
- Car hire searches in airports, cities and tourist destinations.
- Useful information on conditions, deposits, excess and accepted cards.
- Simple online booking and assistance before your trip.
- Solutions for city breaks, nature trips and road itineraries.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Argentina
Is it worth hiring a car in Argentina?
Yes, especially in Patagonia, Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Salta and scenic routes such as Route 40 and the Seven Lakes Route. In large cities, a car is less essential for visiting the centre, but useful for continuing towards other destinations.
Where should I pick up a hire car in Argentina?
It is often practical to pick up the car at the airport of the area you want to visit, such as Buenos Aires, Ezeiza, Bariloche, El Calafate, Ushuaia, Mendoza, Salta or Puerto Iguazú. In a very large country like Argentina, combining domestic flights and local car hire can be more convenient.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Argentina?
Requirements may vary by supplier and driver nationality. Check before travelling whether your national licence is sufficient or whether an International Driving Permit is required or recommended.
Can I hire a car in Argentina without a credit card?
It depends on the supplier, location and vehicle category. Some companies may require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit. Always check the accepted cards in the rental conditions before booking.
How much is the deposit for a hire car in Argentina?
The deposit amount varies depending on the supplier, vehicle category, rental duration and selected coverage. It is usually blocked on the main driver’s card at pick-up.
Should I hire an SUV or a compact car in Argentina?
For cities and short trips, a compact car may be enough. For Patagonia, mountain areas, long distances or itineraries with luggage and several passengers, an SUV or higher category may offer more comfort. The best choice depends on your planned route.
Can I drive from Argentina to Chile with a hire car?
Only if the supplier allows it and the required authorisation has been obtained. Cross-border travel may involve extra documents, fees and restrictions. It must always be requested and confirmed before pick-up.
Is Patagonia suitable for a car trip?
Yes, Patagonia is one of Argentina’s best regions for a road trip, thanks to its spectacular scenery and freedom of movement. However, distances, fuel stops, driving times and road conditions should be planned carefully.
Can I book a hire car in Argentina online with Rent.it?
Yes, on Rent.it you can search and compare car hire offers in Argentina, checking availability, prices and supplier conditions in different locations.
