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Car rental in La Serena - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

Reviews from 1300+ people

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in La Serena

La Serena

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

La Serena

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

La Serena

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

La Serena

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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

Why Rent a Car in La Serena?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in La Serena

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.

Car Rental Prices in La Serena – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in La Serena?

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.

General Information About La Serena

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in La Serena

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in La Serena?

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.

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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.

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This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as La Serena as

4.8

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.

La Serena was perfect for a relaxing coastal getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and charming towns.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 10.12.2024

Chill coastal vibes

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 18.09.2024

Pretty laid-back, yeah

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 27.04.2025

Peaceful La Serena coast; car rental a breeze.

MR

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!

AJ

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.

BG

Benjamin Garcia

Reviewed: 01.08.2025

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