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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Santiago
Santiago
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santiago
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santiago
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santiago
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.
Why Rent a Car in Santiago?
Santiago is a vibrant city nestled in a valley, offering a mix of urban attractions and stunning natural landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Santiago and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. Santiago's location makes it a perfect base for day trips to the Andes Mountains, coastal towns, and wine valleys, all easily accessible by car.
Visit Vineyards with Ease. The Maipo Valley, known for its vineyards, is a short drive from Santiago, allowing you to enjoy wine tours without relying on public transport.
Discover Ski Resorts. During the winter months, renting a car provides convenient access to the ski resorts in the Andes, such as Valle Nevado and Farellones.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santiago
Before renting a car in Santiago, be aware of the requirements. Minimum age is generally 21, but some companies require 25. A valid driver's license is a must, and an International Driving Permit may be needed for non-residents.
Area
837.89 square kilometres (323.51 square miles)
Population
Approximately 7 million residents
Time Zone
GMT-4 (CLT) during standard time and GMT-3 (CLST) during daylight saving time
Ideal for
Exploring the city and nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Santiago is usually 21, though some companies may have a minimum age of 25 and may charge extra fees for young drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license if it is not in Spanish.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but you can opt for additional coverage like a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be unlimited or restricted. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional extras like GPS or child seats, and airport surcharges.
Car Rental Prices in Santiago – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9.5 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Expect higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to August): Often come with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Santiago?
To book a car in Santiago, follow these steps for a smooth rental experience. Booking early, especially during peak seasons, ensures better rates and availability.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison website to find the best deals based on your dates and preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for mountain trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking well ahead of your trip.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental.
General Information About Santiago
Santiago is a city with modern infrastructure and rich culture. Driving in Santiago requires awareness of traffic rules and parking regulations.
Santiago, the capital of Chile, offers a mix of urban and natural attractions. While the city has a metro system, renting a car provides flexibility for exploring beyond the city centre, such as the Andes Mountains or the coastal region. Driving in Santiago requires attention due to traffic congestion and specific local regulations. Understanding these factors will ensure a smoother driving experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Plaza de Armas
The historical heart of Santiago, surrounded by important buildings.
Cerro San Cristobal
Offers panoramic views of the city and the Andes Mountains.
La Chascona
One of Pablo Neruda’s houses, now a museum.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in many commercial areas and shopping centres.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking available, but can be limited in busy areas.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport.
Gas Stations in Santiago
Major Brands Available
You can find Petrobras, Shell, and Copec stations throughout the city.
Easy Access
Gas stations are easily accessible along major roads and highways.
Payment Options
Most stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santiago
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for tolls and parking with a contactless card for faster transactions.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in crowded areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours to minimise delays.
Check Local Regulations
Stay updated on any traffic restrictions or low-emission zones.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santiago
Major Bus Stations
Terminal Alameda
One of the main bus terminals for national and international routes.
Railway Stations
Estación Central
The primary railway station, connecting Santiago to other cities in Chile.
Airports
Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL)
Located approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) northwest of Santiago.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santiago?
Renting a car in Chile is a straightforward process, but there are essential requirements to meet before you can drive. Here's what you’ll need.
A valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Spanish.
The minimum age is usually 21, but some companies may require renters to be 25 or older.
A valid credit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of identification is typically required for verification.
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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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Santiago 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.
Needed a quick escape, so I flew to Santiago for a weekend! Having a car was perfect for exploring beyond the city center. Such a beautiful place.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 22.07.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Santiago charmed me! Exploring by car was effortless.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Relaxing coastal trip; Santiago was great, though the food was a bit bland.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 15.03.2025
Summer in Santiago was fantastic! Having a car let me see so much.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.01.2025
Pretty laid-back, actually
Mia Thompson
Reviewed: 05.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Isabelle Lopez
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
Spontaneous weekend in Santiago was amazing! Exploring the city with a car made it so easy. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 28.03.2025