In this article, I’ll walk you through the best companies for car rental in Buenos Aires and explain the key rules for car hire in Argentina. I’ll cover what type of car you might need, whether you need insurance, and the requirements for a driver’s license. Plus, I’ll share what to watch out for and some handy tips to make your road trip through Argentina go as smoothly as possible.
Read more: where to stay in Buenos Aires. The best neighbourhoods.
Car rental in Buenos Aires
Here’s a quick answer to a common question: Do you need to hire a car when staying in Buenos Aires city? The answer is no.
The city has an excellent subway system, plenty of public buses, and lots of taxis, including Uber, Cabify, and traditional Buenos Aires cabs. Plus, finding parking can be tricky, and driving here is what I’d call an adventure!
I wrote a guide about Buenos Aires taxis and what to look out for.
However, if you’re planning to explore the Pampas or venture beyond the city limits, I definitely recommend renting a car in Buenos Aires. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach places that are harder to access by public transport.
Where to pick up your rental car?
Airport in Buenos Aires – It’s pretty simple to decide where to pick up your rental car in Buenos Aires. If you’re planning to head straight out of the city, pick up your car at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) or Jorge Newbery (AEP). Both airports have active car rental companies with many vehicles available.
Check out here the available car companies at Ezeiza (EZE) and Jorge Newbery (AEP) airport.
In the city center – In Buenos Aires, you’ll find several car rental companies, most of them located in the Retiro neighborhood, close to Recoleta and the iconic 9 de Julio Avenue. There’s also a car rental option in Palermo.
Click on this link to search for a rental car at one of Buenos Aires airports.
Which car to rent and what road condition
Buenos Aires
In Buenos Aires, the road conditions are generally pretty good, so there’s no need for a large SUV. However, if you’re heading to the Pampas or farms outside the city and plan to go off-road, I recommend a bigger vehicle. The roads to farms can be rough, so a larger car will definitely come in handy. A 4×4 is not necessary.
North of Argentina
For Argentina overall, the National Roads (RN) and Provincial Road (RP) are in good shape. That said, if you’re driving on parts of RN40 in northern Argentina, especially around Cafayate or El Hornocal, a 4×4 is strongly recommended.
South of Argentina – Patagonia
In Patagonia, the roads are mostly in good condition too. But if you’re driving to El Chaltén, keep in mind the road is fine until you reach the town. If you go beyond, you’ll hit rocky terrain, and a 4×4 is your best bet. Also, when renting a car in Puerto Madryn I recommend a 4×4.
Documents Needed for Car Rental in Buenos Aires
Driver’s License – Legally, an international driver’s license is required to rent a car in Argentina. However, most rental companies and even the police are fine with just a national driver’s license, as long as it’s valid for the duration of your rental.
Credit Card – You’ll definitely need a credit card to cover the deposit when renting a car.
Passport – Don’t forget your passport! Rental companies may ask for it, and you might need it if you’re stopped at a road checkpoint.
Minimum Age – Each rental company has its own policies on driver age. The legal driving age in Argentina is 18, but most companies require drivers to be at least 25. Younger drivers may still be able to rent a car, but there could be extra charges for insurance and a surcharge for being under 25.
Border Crossing Permit –If you’re renting a car in Argentina and plan to cross the border, make sure to let the rental company know. They’ll often need to arrange additional documents for you.
Insurance coverage
I definitely recommend getting insurance when renting a car in Argentina. First off, the driving style here is quite different and can be a bit chaotic.
Also, break-ins aren’t uncommon, especially in the trunk, so avoid leaving any luggage or valuables in the car.
Some roads can be really rocky, and it’s easy for stones to hit the windshield and cause damage.
With a rental car to Patagonia
For example, driving from El Calafate to Ushuaia is totally doable, and crossing from Argentina to Chile with a rental car is pretty common. Just make sure to let the rental company know in advance, as they’ll need to provide the necessary border crossing documents.
You can also pick up the car in one location and drop it off in another, though this usually comes with an extra fee. It is almost impossible to get a car in Argentina and drop off in Chile or vice versa.
Looking at how to get from El Calafate to Torres del Paine? I wrote an article about it.
Renting a car in Patagonia is definitely one of the most convenient ways to explore and fully enjoy the region.
Driving tips in Argentina
- You need to be at least 18 years old to drive in Argentina.
- We drive on the right side of the road.
- Most highways have tolls called “TelePase,” but you can always pay in cash.
- Wearing a seatbelt is required.
- The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%.
- Always drive with your headlights on.
- Never leave valuables in the car.
Speed limits in Argentina
In Argentina, speed limits vary depending on the type of road:
- Urban areas (cities/towns): 40–60 km/h (25–37 mph)
- Rural roads: 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Highways (autopistas): 120–130 km/h (75–81 mph), depending on the region
- Residential areas: 20–40 km/h (12–25 mph)
Always keep an eye out for signs, as speed limits can change in specific areas. Also, speed cameras are common, especially on highways and in cities.
