How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chile
Looking for a cheap rental car in Chile? You're right where you need to be. With prices starting at R 302 a day, we compare the best offers so you can search less, save more, and drive away happy.
For travel plans that last more than a few days, R 2,110 is the lowest available rate for a weekly rental.
Explore the range of car rentals in Temuco. This is where you'll find the cheapest wheels in Chile.
Overall, the most popular city to rent a car in is Calama.
When comparing providers, check out what's on offer from Sixt. It's a well-known name in Chile.
There's no need to go far after landing to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, Antofagasta Airport and Calama Airport.
You can easily rent a set of wheels in top cities including Santiago, Antofagasta, Calama, Concepcion and Puerto Montt.
Book a one-way rental and you could pay less. If a city is running low on vehicles, providers often lower the price to encourage returns there. Choose 'Return car to a different location' to find those cheaper routes.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you can score a discount when you book a full month, so try tweaking your dates to find the lowest rates.
To avoid extra costs, choose a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You start with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for the fuel you use.
Unlimited mileage lets you focus on the journey instead of the odometer. Find this feature under the 'Policies' filter and rack up the miles, not the fees.
Best time to book a car hire in Chile
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a car hire in Chile. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
August is the most affordable month to rent a car. You can expect average daily rates of R 558 then.
If you want to steer clear of peak pricing, avoid booking in November.
Compare car hire types in Chile
Economy: If you want something reliable and affordable, economy is a solid pick. With lower daily rates and engines designed for efficiency, this option helps keep both upfront and ongoing costs down.
Small: Mini and economy cars sit within this category. Their compact dimensions and easy manoeuvrability make getting around busy streets far less stressful. And with engines made to use less fuel, they're a practical choice when you need a cheap rental car in Chile.
Medium: Need more space without going all out? Medium rentals (which include compact and intermediate models) are the perfect middle ground. They feel right at home on city streets, on open highways and almost everywhere in between.
Large: No fighting for space. No bags stealing your legroom. Also known as full-size, large cars offer plenty of passenger space and the luggage capacity to match. Choose this category when you're covering serious ground or bringing the entire crew.
SUV: These sport utility vehicles are ready for whatever your plans throw at you. Their ability to handle mixed terrain makes them a great fit for road trip plans that evolve as you go. A higher seating position gives you a clearer view ahead, helping you feel more in control.
Van: When there's more to bring than usual, a van gets the job done. This category of car for rent in Chile handles people and cargo with ease. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a dependable pick for group transport, moving or business use.
Luxury: Set off in total style. Combining striking design, advanced technology, and performance built for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a rental experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your rental car can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Chile.
Driving in Chile: What you need to know
Age requirements for rentals often vary by supplier and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Chile may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat requirements differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Check if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in Chile.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: an official driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
For first-time drivers in Chile, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Chile is 0.03%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
