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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in El Salvador
El Salvador
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
El Salvador
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
El Salvador
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
El Salvador
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 El Salvador?
El Salvador, known as the Land of Volcanoes, offers stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and a wealth of historical sites. While public transportation is available, renting a car allows you to experience the country at your own pace and discover its hidden gems. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to explore El Salvador.
Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport schedules can be limiting. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore El Salvador on your own timeline, without being tied to bus routes or train schedules.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of El Salvador’s most beautiful spots, like secluded beaches, coffee plantations, and remote villages, are difficult to reach by public transportation. A car allows you to explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with luggage on crowded buses can be a hassle. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to get around, especially if you're travelling with family or a group.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple bus tickets or hiring private transportation. You can split the cost of the rental and fuel, making it a budget-friendly option.
Driving in El Salvador: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Spanish
Average petrol price
$1.05 per litre or $3.97 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90 km/h or 56 mph
Currency
US Dollar
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
7.8/10
Dialling Code
+503
Driving in El Salvador can be an adventurous experience. Understanding the local driving rules and regulations is crucial for a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.
1. Road Conditions Road conditions can vary, with well-maintained highways in urban areas but more challenging roads in rural regions. Be prepared for potholes and unpaved surfaces in some areas.
- Be prepared for varied road conditions
2. Traffic Traffic in San Salvador, the capital city, can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Plan your trips accordingly and allow extra time for travel.
- Plan for heavy traffic in San Salvador
3. Seatbelt Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the front seats. It’s recommended to wear seatbelts in the back seats as well for safety.
- Seatbelts mandatory for front passengers
4. Parking Parking can be found in most urban areas, with parking meters and designated parking lots available. Be aware of parking regulations to avoid fines.
- Use parking meters and designated lots
5. Toll Roads Some highways may have toll roads. Keep small change or US dollars handy to pay the tolls.
- Some highways have toll roads
Top drives in El Salvador:
El Salvador offers diverse landscapes from volcanic peaks to Pacific beaches. Renting a car allows you to experience these scenic routes at your own pace.
Explore the Ruta de las Flores, a picturesque route through charming colonial towns, or drive along the coast to discover secluded surf spots and stunning sunsets. With a rental car, the possibilities are endless.
Car Rental Prices in El Salvador – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €51
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €25
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in El Salvador
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to April): Prices start at approximately £45 / $56 / €51 per day*
Low season (May to October): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in El Salvador
Renting a car in El Salvador offers great flexibility, but costs can quickly escalate. Here are some practical tips to help you save money on your car rental.
1. Book Early.: Reserving your car well in advance can often secure lower rates. Rental prices tend to increase closer to your travel date.
2. Compare Prices.: Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies. Look for promotional offers and discounts.
3. Choose the Right Car.: Opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle if you don't need a lot of space. This can save you money on both rental fees and fuel costs.
4. Decline Optional Insurance.: Check if your credit card or existing insurance policy covers rental car insurance. If so, you can decline the rental company's insurance to save money.
5. Avoid Airport Pick-Up.: Rental car locations at airports often have higher fees. Consider picking up your car at an off-airport location.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Always refill the fuel tank before returning the car. Rental companies typically charge much higher rates for refuelling.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in El Salvador?
Renting a car in El Salvador requires a few essential items. Here’s what you need to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Valid Driver’s License. You'll need a valid driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your license is not in Spanish.
Minimum Age. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have additional fees for drivers under 25.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Debit cards may not be accepted.
Passport or ID. You'll need to provide a passport or other form of identification 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 El Salvador 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.
Exploring El Salvador by car was effortless; such a memorable trip!
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 08.05.2025
Renting a car made traversing El Salvador easy. Beautiful scenery, although the food was a bit bland in some places.
David Lee
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Such a smooth road trip through El Salvador! The scenery was breathtaking.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 02.02.2025
El Salvador exceeded expectations; the beaches were stunning, though the internet was spotty.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Quick business trip, but having a car made exploring El Salvador so easy. Beautiful country!
Kevin Hart
Reviewed: 29.12.2024
Coastal El Salvador was gorgeous; the beaches were incredible, although the local pupusas were a bit greasy for my taste.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.02.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Olivia Johnson
Reviewed: 19.08.2025
Fine, kinda bland food though. Renting a car was easy.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Caleb Young
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
El Salvador was amazing! Cruising the coast in our rental car, relaxing on the beach... pure bliss. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.07.2025