Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Chile
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Chile
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Chile
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Chile
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Chile, a land of dramatic landscapes, stretches from the arid Atacama Desert to the icy Patagonia. While public transportation is available in major cities, renting a car unlocks the true potential of exploring this diverse country at your own pace. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to experience Chile.
Unmatched Flexibility and Freedom. With a rental car, you're not bound by bus or train schedules. You can explore hidden gems, remote national parks, and charming villages whenever you want.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of Chile's most stunning natural wonders, such as the Carretera Austral or the Atacama Desert, are best accessed by car. Public transport options are limited or non-existent in these areas.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling long distances across Chile can be tiring. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially if you have luggage or are travelling with family.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can often be more economical than buying individual bus or plane tickets. You can split the rental and fuel costs, making it a budget-friendly option.
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Spanish
Average petrol price
£1.20 per litre or £4.54 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
100 km/h or 62 mph
Currency
Chilean Peso
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.03%
Score
8.9/10
Dialling Code
+56
Driving in Chile can be a rewarding experience, offering access to some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes. However, it's crucial to understand the local driving rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road in Chile.
1. General Driving Rules Always drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device.
2. Speed Limits Speed limits are generally 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on open roads, and 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and radar controls are common.
3. Alcohol Consumption The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Chile is 0.03%. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence and can result in heavy fines, licence suspension, or even imprisonment.
4. Toll Roads Many highways in Chile are toll roads (autopistas). Be prepared to pay tolls in cash or with a TAG (Televía) system. If you are renting a car, check if it is equipped with a TAG.
5. Parking Parking regulations vary depending on the city. Look for designated parking areas and pay attention to parking signs. In some areas, you may need to purchase a parking ticket from a machine.
Chile offers diverse geography that stretches over 4,300 kilometres. Renting a car allows you to discover the hidden treasures, experience the unique culture and see some of the most incredible landscapes this world has to offer.
Chile is one of the most fascinating countries for road trips. The stunning routes will lead you through otherworldly landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £45 / $57 / €53
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €35
Classic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Executive:
from £40 / $50 / €47
7 Seater:
from £55 / $69 / €64
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €41
SUV:
from £25 / $31 / €29
Average price for hiring a car per day in the Chile
Peak season (December to February): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day*. This is the summer season in Chile, and popular tourist destinations like Patagonia and the Lake District experience high demand.
Low season (May to August): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €37 per day. This is the winter season, and some regions may experience inclement weather, leading to lower demand and prices.
Shoulder season (March to April and September to November): Prices range from £35 / $44 / €41 per day. These months offer a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, resulting in moderate rental prices.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Renting a car in Chile can be an affordable way to explore the country, but costs can add up quickly if you're not careful. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your car rental while still enjoying a memorable road trip.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Car rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel dates. Booking several weeks or months in advance can often secure you a significantly lower rate.
2. Compare Prices from Multiple Rental Companies.: Use online comparison websites to compare prices from different car rental companies. This allows you to quickly identify the most affordable options for your desired vehicle type and rental period.
3. Consider Renting a Smaller Car.: Smaller cars generally have lower rental rates and consume less fuel. If you're travelling solo or with a partner and don't need a lot of space, opt for a compact or economy car.
4. Decline Optional Insurance Coverage (If Applicable).: Check if your existing car insurance policy or credit card provides rental car coverage. If so, you can decline the optional insurance offered by the rental company and save money.
5. Refuel Before Returning the Car.: Rental companies typically charge exorbitant rates for refuelling. Fill up the gas tank at a local gas station before returning the car to avoid these charges.
6. Avoid Airport Rentals (If Possible).: Car rental companies located at airports often charge higher rates due to airport fees and convenience. Consider renting from an off-airport location to save money.
Renting a car in Chile is generally a straightforward process, but it's essential to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements before you arrive. Here's a checklist of what you'll need to rent a car in Chile:
Valid Driver's Licence. You'll need a valid driver's licence from your country of residence. If your licence is not in Spanish, it's recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) for easier verification.
Passport or Identification. You'll need to present your passport or another form of government-issued identification to verify your identity.
Credit Card. Most car rental companies require a valid credit card in the renter's name to cover the security deposit and any potential damages or fees.
Minimum Age. The minimum age to rent a car in Chile varies depending on the rental company, but it's typically 21 or 22 years old. Younger drivers may be subject to additional fees.
Booking Confirmation. Bring a copy of your car rental booking confirmation, either printed or digital, to streamline the pick-up process.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Chile as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Summer in Chile was incredible! Having a car made exploring so easy; the scenery was stunning.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 15.08.2024
Amazing Chilean landscapes! My quick business trip was enhanced by exploring the countryside with ease. Highly recommend.
David Lee
Reviewed: 27.10.2024
First Chilean trip, and wow! Driving explored hidden gems.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
Fantastic trip to Chile! Getting around with a car was so convenient for my busy schedule. The scenery was incredible, even during my short business trip.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 21.11.2024
Chile's beauty was unforgettable; exploring by car was effortless.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
Okay, but kinda bland. Renting a car was easy, though.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Exploring Chile by car was liberating! Such diverse landscapes, and the rental process was seamless.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Chile's diverse landscapes were stunning; having a car made exploring so much easier. The food, however, was a bit underwhelming.
Sophia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.11.2024
So glad I returned to Chile after all these years! Having a car made exploring the incredible scenery so much easier.
Katherine Evans
Reviewed: 13.04.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Chile was breathtaking! Spontaneous weekend trip, easy car rental, perfect.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 29.09.2024