South America car hire
Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in South America
Save up to 41%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Cheap car hire in South America
Car rental directory
Localiza car hire locations in South America
919 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in South America
705 Locations
Unidas car hire locations in South America
527 Locations
National car hire locations in South America
514 Locations
Alamo car hire locations in South America
476 Locations
Enterprise Rent-A-Car car hire locations in South America
424 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in South America
266 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in South America
258 Locations
Firefly car hire locations in South America
228 Locations
MOVIDA car hire locations in South America
221 Locations
Avis car hire locations in South America
210 Locations
Movicar Rent a Car car hire locations in South America
206 Locations
Good to know
Most popular agency | Rosselot |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Economy |
Average price | $37/day |
Good deal | $36/day |
When to book a rental car in South America
Top tips for hiring a car in South America
- 25% of our users found rental cars in South America for $36 or less
- Book your rental car in South America at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in South America are around 24% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Economy rental cars in South America are around 65% cheaper than other car types, on average
- Whether exploring the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, navigating the Andes mountains in Peru, or cruising along the coastal roads of Colombia, understanding the unique terrain and climate is vital for a smooth driving experience. For remote areas or off-road adventures, look for a sturdy 4x4 vehicle with better traction to handle rough terrains. When visiting higher altitude destinations like Cusco or La Paz, be aware of the effects of altitude on both yourself and the vehicle's performance. Pack appropriate clothing and equipment for different weather conditions, familiarise yourself with local driving regulations and road conditions, and plan your journey effectively.
- If you're flying into South America and keen to explore a few countries, consider landing at Bogotá's El Dorado International (BOG). It's central, giving you an excellent starting point for Colombia and its neighbours. Another top pick is Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez in Chile (SCL). It's bustling, but once you've got your car, it's a smooth drive into the Andes or up the coastline. And don't forget São Paulo's Guarulhos (GRU) in Brazil. It's quite busy but well-located for cross-continent adventures. Whichever you choose, driving from these hubs will make your South American journey as easy as can be.
- Once you're ready to roam the continent, consider starting in Argentina and driving to Chile, Uruguay, or Brazil. You'll need to grab a "permit to cross" from the local authorities and might face a couple of extra charges, but it's relatively easy. If you're starting in Chile, you'll need a "Permiso de Salida" to drive across to Argentina or Peru. One thing to be aware of is that you may encounter problems trying to get a car into Chile or Peru, so double-check with authorities and your car hire company, and ensure everything is in place before trying.
FAQs about hiring a car in South America
How much does it cost to hire a car in South America?
On average a car hire in South America costs $74 per day.
What is the most popular car hire in South America?
Economy (Fiat Mobi or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in South America.
What is the cheapest car hire company in South America?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at FOCO ($33/day), Avis ($41/day) and Puntacar ($45/day).
What is the best car hire company in South America?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in South America are Localiza (8.2, 53 reviews), Dollar (7.6, 106 reviews), and Alamo (7.1, 360 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in South America?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in South America?
On average a car hire in South America costs $256 per week ($37 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in South America?
On average a car hire in South America costs $1,096 per month ($37 per day).
Should I hire a car in South America?
Absolutely. Hiring a car in South America offers unique freedom to explore. Many of the continent's jewels, like the Atacama Desert in Chile or Argentina's Route 40, are best explored by car. While big cities like Buenos Aires or Rio have public transport, gems like Patagonia or Bolivia's Salt Flats aren't as well-connected. Plus, the continent boasts stunning drives, from Brazil's coastline to the Andes mountain range. Hiring a car trumps waiting on bus schedules, especially in remote areas. So, if you're dreaming of sunrises in untouched spots, having your own car is a game-changer.
What is driving like in South America?
Driving in South America is quite the experience. For starters, it's right-hand driving throughout. In big cities, traffic can be bustling, while in the countryside, it's peaceful. Brazil's got numerous toll roads, so keep some cash handy, if you're in the area. When tackling the Andes, be prepared for winding roads and changing altitudes. The Pan-American Highway is a dream to drive on, but some rural roads can be less forgiving, especially after rain. The speed limit varies, but the standard range is around 100–130 km/h (62–80 mp/h) on highways and 40–60 km/h (24–37 mp/h) in towns.
How old must you be to hire a car in South America?
In South America, most countries require you to be at least 21 to hire a car. However, if you're between 21 and 24, there might be a young driver surcharge added to your bill. Good news for the mature adventurers; there's often no upper age limit! As for your licence, a valid one from your home country with an International Driving Permit usually does the trick. That said, it's smart to check specific age and licence requirements with your chosen car hire agency, as these can vary country by country. Also remember to bring along a credit card in your name or the main driver's name.