Overview
Wondering if you should rent a car in Santiago? If your itinerary involves primarily exploring the bustling neighborhoods within the city such as Bellavista, Lastarria, or Santiago Centro, relying on public transport will likely be the most convenient option for getting around.
For those of you who are interested in visiting some of the top destinations in the surrounding regions like the vineyards of Casablanca Valley, the coastal towns of Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, or the majestic Andes mountains, renting a car can offer flexibility and freedom to discover the city and beyond at your own pace, making it the most cost-effective choice for experiencing the diverse beauty of the country.
Before you go ahead and reserve your rental car, we recommend reading through our guide to Santiago Airport car rentals below.
Fast Facts
Language: Spanish.
Local Currency: The local currency in Santiago is the Chilean peso (CLP). We recommend withdrawing pesos at one of the Santiago Airport ATMs before arriving at your accommodations.
Driving Rules: The law states that driving must always be on the right-hand side of the road.
Chile Country Code: +56 We recommend taking a look at these dialing instructions in case of emergencies.
Speed Limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in the city, 80 km/h (50 mph) on open roads and 100-120km/h (62-75 mph) on major highways and roads.
Average Santiago Gas Prices: Check the latest gas prices in Santiago (Regular, Premium & Diesel). Note to tourists — Please remember that Santiago gas prices are shown in liters, not gallons. There are approximately 3.78 liters in 1 gallon.
Types of Car Rentals
Santiago car rental options include everything from economy cars to full-size vans and SUVs, with daily rental rates starting at $26.20 USD per day.
🌟 Pro Tip: Deeply discounted rates can be found with unlimited mileage when searching for weekly car rentals!
| Vehicle Type: | Model: | Rates P/D: |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Chevrolet Spark or similar | $26.20 |
| Compact | MG 3 or similar | $29.33 |
| Full-size | Chevrolet Cavalier or similar | $56.36 |
| Intermediate | Chery Arizzo or similar | $41.00 |
| Full-size Elite | Peugeot Landtrek or similar | $144.81 |
| Standard Elite | Hyundai Tucson 4WD or similar | $49.42 |
| Intermediate Elite | Chery Tiggo or similar | $116.30 |
| Premium | Chevrolet Silverado or similar | $81.85 |
Note: The two most important things to remember when renting a car at Santiago Airport is to always book in advance of your arrival and don’t be afraid to play with dates to find the best rates possible.
Car Rental Companies
The Santiago International Airport is home to a wide variety of car rental agencies including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Flexways, Keddy, and more.
| 🚙 Car Rental Company: | ⭐ Rating (1-10): | 💰 Rates: |
|---|---|---|
| Avis | 7.6 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Budget | 7.7 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Europcar | 8.2 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Flexways | 8.2 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Keddy | 8.3 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| NUCarrentals | 7.1 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| Routes Car Rental | 7.3 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
| SIXT | 8.4 stars | 🔍 Check Rates |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find a list of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to car rentals at Santiago Airport — from rental car requirements to vehicle types, insurance coverage, recommended car rental agencies, and more.
What are the requirements to rent a car at Santiago Airport?
To rent a car in Santiago, you’ll need to present proof of a valid driver’s license, a primary credit card in the driver’s name, and typically be at least 21 years old. Certain rental agencies may impose a minimum age requirement of 25 or higher. It’s essential to confirm these conditions with the rental agency before finalizing the car rental agreement.
Do I need an international license to rent a car in Santiago?
Typically, a valid driver’s license from your home country is enough. However, we suggest obtaining an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) before arriving in Santiago as a backup in case of an emergency.
How much money does it cost to rent a car in Santiago?
Car rental rates at Santiago Airport start as low as $26 USD per day. However, prices fluctuate based on travel dates, rental duration, vehicle type, insurance options, and other factors.
What amenities are offered at Santiago Airport’s car rental center?
Santiago Airport’s car rental center, located inside the terminal, grants access to amenities like duty-free shops, dining spots, restrooms, ATMs, and banks. It’s easily accessible to all, including those with limited mobility.
How do I make a car rental reservation at Santiago Airport?
We recommend booking your Santiago Airport rental car online in advance by clicking here or by filling out the car rental widget located at the top of this page.
What type of car should I rent in Santiago?
The type and size of the rental car that you rent in Santiago will depend on the size of your group as well as your budget.
Here are five different types of vehicles you can rent at Santiago Airport:
| Car Rental Type: | # of Passengers | Model / Make: |
|---|---|---|
| Small Car (Economy) | 1-3 | Chevrolet Spark or similar |
| Medium Car (Compact) | 3-5 | MG 3 or similar |
| Large Car (Intermediate & Full-Size, Premium) | 3-5 | Chery Arizzo or similar |
| SUVs (Standard, Intermediate, Full-Size, Premium) | 5-7 | Peugeot Landtrek or similar |
| Van (Compact, Full-Size) | 5-7 | Chevrolet Cavalier or similar |
Do I need insurance for a rental car at Santiago Airport?
We highly recommend purchasing full coverage car insurance for visitors who are planning on renting a car in Santiago. At just $8.00 USD per day, this is an absolute no-brainer. Learn more about what full coverage car insurance means and exactly what it covers below.
