keddy by Europcar car rental locations in Patagonia
24 Locations
FlexWays car rental locations in Patagonia
23 Locations
Hertz car rental locations in Patagonia
23 Locations
Avis car rental locations in Patagonia
21 Locations
Budget car rental locations in Patagonia
18 Locations
Europcar car rental locations in Patagonia
18 Locations
Rentacar car rental locations in Patagonia
18 Locations
Localiza car rental locations in Patagonia
17 Locations
National car rental locations in Patagonia
16 Locations
Alamo car rental locations in Patagonia
10 Locations
Rent@Car car rental locations in Patagonia
10 Locations
Top tips for renting a car in Patagonia
Travelers who would like to rent a car in Patagonia are required to provide a driver’s license. The license must be valid throughout the rental period and must be government-issued with a photograph of the driver. Some rental companies do not accept digital licenses, so be sure to check you’re your chosen company before visiting Patagonia. If your driver’s license is not in the Roman alphabet, consider getting an international driver’s license with a translation.
Patagonia lies on the border of Chile and Argentina, and visitors to this area may want to cross borders. To do so, you will have to complete the necessary paperwork at customs and immigration. You will also need to inform the car rental company in advance to prepare the documentation, and the company will provide a letter of permission to get you across the border. Borders tend to be busier in certain seasons, so make sure to get there early. Keep in mind that there are strict regulations on what can be transported across the border, so check policies ahead of time.
Patagonia has wide and lonely roads, but drivers are likely to encounter police checks when driving closer to urban areas. If you come across one, there is no need to panic; just drive slowly. Sometimes the police may check the car, so it’s useful to have a Spanish phrasebook accessible for easier communication. Drivers who are issued a ticket will be given information on how to pay.
The speed limit varies in different areas of Patagonia because it lies between two countries. The general speed limit varies between 25 and 35 mph in urban areas. In the countryside, the speed limit varies between 60 and 70 mph, while on highways, it’s between 60 and 80 mph. When traveling toward Patagonia, main roads have toll gates that require fees, so have cash with you for payment. Fuel stations are few and far between in Patagonia, so make sure that your car’s gas tank is always full to avoid being stranded on your journey.
FAQs about renting a car in Patagonia
Renting a car offers a unique experience in Patagonia. Car rentals allow you to travel according to your own schedule and pace, with the flexibility to cancel a journey or take a detour. Car rentals also allow you to bring as much luggage as you need, plus you can travel in comfort and privacy, which public transport cannot provide. Patagonia offers a lot of ground to cover, which is hard to manage on a bus. Public transportation is limited and hard to control, making car rentals the most convenient option for exploring Patagonia.
Patagonia is often windy, so always keep both hands on the steering wheel when driving to maintain full control of the car. Keep an eye out for wild animals, as they often cross the roads. Driving is done on the right-hand side of the road, and Patagonia has excellent road signage. Roads are generally in good condition, but you may encounter asphalt roads with potholes in rural areas. GPS can be unreliable, so carry a road map with you as backup. Keep in mind that most car rentals in Patagonia have manual transmission. If you will be traveling on the Argentina border, carry warning triangles, a two-bar, a first aid kit, and an extinguisher in the car—car rental companies will provide this equipment.
The minimum driving age in Patagonia is eighteen, but the minimum age requirement for renting a car is twenty one. Renters under twenty five may also have to pay a young driver daily fee and be limited to certain car categories when booking car rentals in Patagonia.
On average a rental car in Patagonia costs $47 per day.
Economy (Hyundai Accent or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Patagonia.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Europcar ($24/day), Sixt ($31/day) and NU Car ($33/day).
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Patagonia are Avis (7.5, 61 reviews), Budget (6.8, 63 reviews), and Hertz (6.7, 66 reviews).
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to rent a car in Patagonia are San Carlos de Bariloche (31% of total searches of users looking to rent a car in Patagonia), Puerto Montt (16%) and Punta Arenas (16%).
On average a rental car in Patagonia costs $509 per week ($73 per day).
On average a rental car in Patagonia costs $2,181 per month ($73 per day).