Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
La Serena
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
La Serena
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
La Serena
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
La Serena
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
La Serena, Chile, is a captivating coastal city renowned for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and proximity to the Elqui Valley, a world-famous stargazing destination. While local transport is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore this diverse region at your own pace.
Explore the Elqui Valley. Renting a car allows you to venture into the Elqui Valley, home to picturesque vineyards, pisco distilleries, and astronomical observatories, all easily accessible by car.
Beach Hopping Along the Coast. With a rental car, you can effortlessly explore the numerous beaches along the coastline, from the bustling Playa El Faro to more secluded spots.
Visit Historical Sites. Drive to nearby historical sites like the charming town of Vicuña and the colonial architecture of La Serena's city center at your leisure.
Before booking a rental car in La Serena, ensure you meet the necessary requirements and understand the rental terms to avoid any unexpected issues.
Area
Approximately 2,000 square kilometers
Population
Around 250,000 residents
Time Zone
GMT-4 (GMT-3 during summer)
Ideal for
Exploring the Elqui Valley and coastal regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavier traffic during weekdays from 8 AM to 10 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in La Serena require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in Spanish or English. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies generally require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in La Serena is from £20 / $25 / €23.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €46
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €35
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €52
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €29
SUV:
from £22 / $28 / €26
Peak season (December to February): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists.
Low season (May to August): Discounts are often available during the off-season months.
Prices can fluctuate based on the time of year. Booking in advance and comparing offers can help you secure the best deal.
Follow these steps to book a car rental in La Serena and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental car.
La Serena is a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Renting a car is highly recommended to fully experience the region.
La Serena offers a unique blend of coastal charm and astronomical wonders, making it an ideal destination for travelers. As you explore La Serena by car, be mindful of local traffic regulations and parking availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
Playa El Faro
A popular beach known for its golden sands and clear waters.
Elqui Valley
A renowned stargazing destination with picturesque landscapes.
Japanese Garden
A tranquil garden offering a peaceful retreat.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in the city center.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available, but be mindful of time limits and parking fees.
Parking Apps
Use parking apps to find and pay for parking.
Gas Stations in La Serena
Major Brands Available
You can find major gas station brands like Copec and Petrobras in La Serena.
Gas Stations on the Outskirts
Gas stations are readily available on the outskirts of the city and along major highways.
Fuel Up Before Heading to Remote Areas
Ensure you have enough fuel before venturing into the Elqui Valley.
Useful Tips for Visiting La Serena
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so plan your routes accordingly.
Carry Cash
While credit cards are widely accepted, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Stay Hydrated
The climate can be dry, especially during the summer months, so stay hydrated.
Learn Basic Spanish
Knowing basic Spanish phrases can be helpful.
Major Bus Stations
La Serena Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal connects La Serena to various destinations throughout Chile.
Railway Stations
La Serena Railway Station
While passenger train services are limited, the station is still used for freight and occasional tourist trains.
Airports
La Serena Airport (LSC)
Also known as Aeropuerto La Florida, it serves domestic flights to Santiago and other Chilean cities.
To rent a car in La Serena, you will need to meet certain requirements.
You must possess a valid driver's license from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required for non-Spanish speaking countries.
Most rental agencies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some imposing surcharges for drivers under 25.
A major credit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as La Serena as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Chill coastal vibes
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 18.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Peaceful La Serena coast; car rental a breeze.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Summer in La Serena was incredible! Having a car let us easily explore the beaches and charming towns nearby. So much fun!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Great stop on our road trip! La Serena was charming, and having a car made getting around so simple.
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
La Serena was perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.12.2024