Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Uruguay
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Uruguay
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Uruguay
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Uruguay
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.
Uruguay, a hidden gem in South America, offers a unique blend of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and tranquil beaches. While public transport is available, renting a car allows you to experience Uruguay on your own terms, exploring its diverse attractions at your own pace. Here’s why booking a car is the best way to discover Uruguay.
Unmatched Flexibility and Freedom. Public transportation schedules can be restrictive. With a rental car, you can create your itinerary, stopping whenever and wherever you desire, ensuring you don't miss any hidden gems.
Access to Remote and Undiscovered Locations. Uruguay's true beauty lies in its countryside. A rental car grants you access to remote wineries, secluded beaches along the Atlantic coast, and the rolling hills of the interior, places often inaccessible by public transport.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with luggage or navigating unfamiliar public transit systems can be a hassle. A rental car provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel, particularly for families or groups.
Cost-Effective for Groups and Families. For groups or families, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple bus or taxi fares. Splitting the rental cost and fuel expenses makes it a budget-friendly option for exploring Uruguay.
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
45 km/h or 28 mph
Languages
Spanish
Average petrol price
£1.50 per litre or £5.68 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90 km/h or 56 mph
Currency
Uruguayan Peso
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.0%
Score
7.8/10
Dialling Code
+598
Driving in Uruguay offers a relatively smooth experience, but it’s essential to familiarise yourself with local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here’s what you need to know before you get behind the wheel.
1. Seatbelt Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the front and rear seats. Ensure everyone is buckled up before starting your journey.
2. Speed Limits Adhere to posted speed limits, which are generally 45 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are common, especially near Montevideo.
3. Driving Under the Influence Uruguay has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. Avoid consuming any alcohol before driving to prevent legal complications.
4. Headlights Use of headlights is mandatory on motorways, even during the daytime.
5. Traffic Signs Most traffic signs follow international standards, but learning some basic Spanish traffic terms can be helpful.
Many tourists and travellers say that cars in the Republic of Uruguay is a necessity, not a luxury. And they are absolutely right. All Uruguayans, without exception, use cars.
Many tourists prefer travelling by car, and car hire is the perfect solution when your holiday is short and you want to see as much as possible but the public transport will not take you to all destinations of your choice. That is why car rental is well developed in Uruguay, and you can hire any vehicle on the island, from a compact car to a luxury convertible. Since the Republic’s land area is small, one or two weeks of holiday with a car can be enough to explore it all.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €35
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Average price for hiring a car per day in Uruguay
Peak season (December to February): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day*
Low season (June to August): Discounts available from around £25 / $31 / €29 per day.
*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 Uruguay provides the freedom to explore its diverse landscapes at your own pace. However, costs can quickly add up. Here are some effective ways to save money on your car rental while maximising your experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices typically increase closer to the pick-up date. Booking in advance secures better rates and provides a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Utilise price comparison websites to find the most affordable car rental options. Many companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or partnerships with travel reward programs.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Larger vehicles are more expensive to rent and fuel. If you're travelling solo or as a couple, an economy car is the most cost-effective choice.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies often offer costly insurance add-ons. Before purchasing, verify if your travel insurance or credit card covers rental car insurance to avoid unnecessary expenses.
5. Stick to a Single Driver.: Adding extra drivers usually incurs additional fees. If feasible, designate one primary driver to minimise costs.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Returning a car with an empty fuel tank results in high refuelling charges. Always refill at a local petrol station before drop-off to save money.
Renting a car in Uruguay is generally straightforward, but you'll need to meet specific requirements before hitting the road. Here's what you need:
Valid Driver’s Licence – A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not always mandatory, especially for tourists staying less than 90 days.
Minimum Age Requirement – Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have a higher minimum age or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Credit Card – A valid credit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Some rental companies may accept debit cards, but credit cards are generally preferred.
Proof of Identity – A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.
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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 Uruguay 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.
Efficient business trip; car rental made exploring Uruguay easy.
David Lee
Reviewed: 03.06.2025
Uruguay was a dream! Cruising along the coast in our rental car, we discovered charming towns and breathtaking beaches. The landscapes were stunning, and the people were incredibly friendly. A perfect stop on our South American road trip!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Exploring Uruguay with my family was fantastic! Having a car gave us such freedom to discover hidden beaches and charming towns. We made some incredible memories.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Back in Uruguay after ages, and having a car made exploring so much easier. The beaches were stunning, but the food in Colonia was a bit underwhelming this time around.
Benjamin Hernandez
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
Kinda underwhelming; food bland.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 17.01.2025
Uruguay surprised me! A quick weekend trip, but having a car let us see so much. Beautiful coastline and charming towns – highly recommend!
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 18.02.2025
Peaceful, really chill.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 12.05.2025
Low-key, pretty chill.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
Pretty chill, liked it
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 20.05.2025
Uruguay was delightful! Meeting friends there and exploring the countryside with a car was so easy and fun.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 03.04.2025
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Relaxing, good roads.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 24.01.2025