Car rental in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a sprawling city where distances between neighborhoods are more significant than they appear on a map. The historic center, modern districts, waterfront areas, and suburbs are all connected by public transport, but getting around involves multiple transfers and long waits between buses. If you have a packed itinerary, taxis can quickly become a major expense.

Renting a car in Buenos Aires makes particular sense if you plan to travel beyond the main tourist districts. Having your own vehicle makes it much easier to reach the Tigre Delta, provincial wineries, or the coastal towns along the Atlantic shore.

Benefits of Renting a Car in Buenos Aires with Localrent

Booking your Buenos Aires rental car online simplifies trip preparation considerably. Instead of comparing offers at different offices once you arrive, you can choose the right vehicle in advance. Key advantages include:

1. You can select your preferred pickup location during booking — airport terminals, a city office, or doorstep delivery.
   
2. Filters make it easy to narrow down your options by vehicle specs, payment method, and required add-ons.
   
3. The fleet consists of well-maintained cars, most under five years old.
   
4. Unlimited mileage options are available, ideal for active city and out-of-town travel.
   
5. Some vehicles are available without a credit card.

Localrent suits travelers who prefer to plan ahead and confirm their rental before arriving. It reduces the number of logistics to handle on the ground and lets you focus on exploring.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Buenos Aires

Minimum age and driving experience requirements are listed on each vehicle's booking page. These vary by offer — sometimes even between cars of the same model and class — so check the specific conditions carefully. In Buenos Aires, rentals are generally available to drivers aged 21–23 with at least 1–2 years of licensed driving experience.

You'll need a valid driver's license, passport, and voucher. A credit card is not always required. When it is, it must be a named card issued in the primary driver's name.

Driving in Buenos Aires

Traffic in Buenos Aires flows on the right-hand side of the road, which will feel familiar to most European drivers in terms of formal rules. The real challenge lies in the local driving culture rather than regulations.

The city moves at a fast pace. Lane changes happen frequently, following distances are short, and horns are used more as a presence signal than a warning. Wide multi-lane boulevards dominate the main corridors — drivers maintain steady speeds but often indicate at the last moment. Motorcycles and scooters filter between lanes constantly, especially during rush hours, so always check your mirrors before changing lanes. Pedestrians frequently step into traffic even when vehicles are still moving.

Turning right on a red light is not permitted unless a sign specifically allows it.

Speed limits in Argentina:

• Urban streets: 40–60 km/h depending on road type
• Rural highways: up to 110 km/h
• Motorways: up to 130 km/h

Speed cameras are common, particularly at city entry points and on major boulevards — violations are recorded automatically.

Toll roads are widespread and worth planning for. Payment is typically handled electronically through the TelePASE system. Many rental cars already have a transponder installed, but confirm this when you pick up the vehicle. Some stretches still accept cash at toll booths. Rates depend on the road section and vehicle type. Look for the "peaje" sign to identify toll points ahead.

Fuel Stations in Buenos Aires

Petrol stations are plentiful along the main avenues and city exit roads, so running low on fuel is rarely an issue. At most stations, you pay after filling up at the cashier inside.

At smaller stations, you may be asked to specify the amount of fuel or a spend limit upfront — the attendant then fills accordingly. Card payments, including foreign cards, are accepted almost everywhere, though it's worth carrying some cash when heading into suburban or rural areas.

Pay attention to fuel type: petrol is called nafta (standard or premium), and diesel is labeled diesel.

Parking in Buenos Aires

Street parking is a mix of paid and free spaces, though free spots fill up quickly with local residents. Paid zones are marked with pavement markings, signs reading "Estacionamiento medido", and a blue "E" disc.

Payment is made at street meters or through mobile apps. Time restrictions vary by zone and often change in the evenings — always read the signs, which show permitted hours, applicable days, and accepted payment methods.

Multi-story car parks and underground garages are available throughout the city, particularly near shopping centers. These typically offer 24-hour security with barrier-controlled entry and exit.

How to Book a Car in Buenos Aires

Start by selecting your rental dates on Localrent. If pickup location matters — airport, city office, or delivery — enter it in the "Specify location" field. Then:

1. Apply filters to remove vehicles that don't suit your needs.
2. Select a car and review its listing — included mileage, specs, and available payment methods.
3. Add extras such as a child seat, additional insurance, or a second driver.
4. Enter the driver's details, phone number, and email address.
5. Pay a deposit of 15–20% of the total rental cost and save the voucher sent to your email.

At pickup, inspect the vehicle with a rental company representative and note any existing scratches or dents in the acceptance report. Sign the contract, pay the remaining balance and security deposit, and collect all documents — including the insurance policy and emergency contact details.

Where to Go: Day Trips from Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires and its surroundings are connected by well-maintained paved roads, making day trips and weekend escapes straightforward by car. Worth considering:

1. Tigre — A delta town on the Paraná River, with canals, riverside villages, floating markets, museums, and waterfront promenades.
2. La Plata — The provincial capital, known for its neoclassical architecture, a notable cathedral, and a city zoo.
3. San Antonio de Areco — A small historic town with colonial buildings, a central plaza, churches, and local museums.
4. San Clemente del Tuyú — A coastal town with beaches and tourist facilities. Expect 3–4 hours of driving from Buenos Aires; a car with a spacious interior is recommended.
5. Rosario — A city on the Paraná River with museums, theatres, and cultural landmarks.

For greenery closer to the city, the parks of San Isidro are a good option. Zárate, further along the Paraná, is particularly scenic. For Atlantic beaches, Mar del Plata is the most popular destination.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Buenos Aires

The best way to rent a car in Buenos Aires is through Localrent. This allows you to choose the right car in advance and familiarise yourself with the rental terms and conditions without any unnecessary rush on the spot.

You can collect your car at Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza (EZE), or at Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP). Delivery to a specified address is also available, as is pickup at a city rental office.

Tips for First-Time Renters in Buenos Aires

A few practical points to help your trip run smoothly:

• Check in advance whether your route includes toll roads and confirm that the vehicle has a TelePASE transponder — some stretches cannot be driven without one.
  
• Plan for potential detours, as some highways are periodically closed for maintenance.
  
• When heading into suburban or rural areas, fuel up before you leave and carry water and snacks — large petrol stations and shops can be scarce.
  
• For longer out-of-town trips, choose a car with a generous boot, especially if you're heading to the river or coast.
  
• Near popular attractions, expect one-way streets and weekday traffic restrictions — factor these into your route planning.

Following these guidelines will help you navigate Buenos Aires and the surrounding region confidently, whether it's your first time behind the wheel here or not.

FAQ: Car Rental in Buenos Aires