Want to Rent a Car in Punta Arenas? Here’s What You Should Know:
Renting a car in Punta Arenas can be an excellent way to explore the stunning landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. At Bookingautos, we understand that finding the right vehicle for your adventure is crucial. Here's what you should know before renting a car in this southernmost city of Chile:
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Punta Arenas is during the austral summer (December to March). During these months, you'll enjoy longer daylight hours and milder temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so book your rental car well in advance.
Driving Conditions
Roads in and around Punta Arenas are generally well-maintained, but be prepared for some gravel roads when venturing into more remote areas. Always check weather conditions before setting out, as strong winds can affect driving, especially on the highways.
Vehicle Selection
When choosing your rental car, consider the following:
4x4 vehicles are recommended for exploring rugged terrains and national parks
Compact cars are suitable for city driving and short trips
Ensure your vehicle has good heating for the chilly Patagonian climate
Must-Visit Destinations
With your rental car, you can easily access some of the region's most spectacular attractions:
Torres del Paine National Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its dramatic landscapes
Strait of Magellan: Take a scenic drive along this historic waterway
Rental Tips
To ensure a smooth rental experience:
Book early, especially during peak season
Check if your rental includes unlimited mileage
Consider purchasing additional insurance for peace of mind
Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and speed limits
At Bookingautos, we compare offers from all major car rental companies in Punta Arenas to find you the best deal. Whether you're planning to explore the city or embark on an epic road trip through Patagonia, we've got you covered. Remember, having your own wheels gives you the freedom to discover this breathtaking region at your own pace, making your Chilean adventure truly unforgettable.
Video Guide to Must-Visit Locations
Where to Park Your Rental Car in Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas offers several options for parking your rental car. Here are some of the best places to consider:
Street parking: Many streets in the city center offer free parking, but be sure to check for time limits and restrictions.
Plaza de Armas: The main square has a large parking area, perfect for exploring nearby attractions.
Shopping centers: Zona Franca and Tres Puentes mall provide ample parking for shoppers.
Hotel parking: If you're staying at a hotel, inquire about their parking facilities.
Tips for Parking in Punta Arenas
Always lock your car and avoid leaving valuables visible. In busy areas, arrive early to secure a spot. Be mindful of local parking regulations and pay attention to signs indicating restricted zones or time limits. If you're unsure about parking rules, ask a local or your car rental company for guidance.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Enterprise
Most popular car class
Compact
Average price
28 € / Day
Best price
20 € / Day
Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental
January
€224
February
€202
March
€186
April
€283
May
€315
June
€280
July
€277
August
€650
September
€548
October
€692
November
€524
December
€833
* Prices are based on orders processed over the previous 2 years.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Punta Arenas in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in Punta Arenas is November. During this period the cost of renting a car of a compact category starts from €22, which is approximately 32% lower compared to the average price during a year.
In the summer, you should be prepared for an increase in the cost of rent. Price growth can be about 30-50% with a simultaneous reduction in the range of available offers. For example, the average price during July for Skoda Superb starts from €30per day.
We have a large selection of different car models in our fleet in Punta Arenas. You can rent convertibles, sedans, SUVs or minivans. You can easily select a car to your budget through a convenient online booking system.
Car rental costs in Punta Arenas depend on its duration, car class and specific season. A budget category Opel Astra or Ford Kaare available for just €39-€35 per day. When booking through Bookingautos.com, the price will be from €15. The higher segment will cost more. The daily fee for Skoda Superb, Toyota Rav-4, Opel Insignia Estate will be about €39. There are also available minivans, luxury cars, electric cars and business class cars. Their rental starts from €52 and can reach several hundred euros per day.
Recently, in Punta Arenas has seen a rise in demand for electric car rentals. They do not pollute nature and save money. The city has free parking and cheap charging stations. To rent an electric car in Punta Arenas, select the appropriate filter in the car search and fill in the dates you need. The best option could be KIA E-Niro.
List of required documents
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
10 Key Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience
Download desired area of Google maps for offline access
Before the trip, we recommend that you download the necessary maps to the Google Maps application on your smartphone. This will allow you to build travel routes and use offline navigation on the ground. Thus, you can significantly save on Internet roaming charges, as well as on the "Navigator" service. Downloading the map is easy. You should select the required area, set the desired scale and enter "ok maps" in the search field.
Book a car in advance
Punta Arenas is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.
Which car to choose
The compact model is relevant for city trips in Punta Arenas. It can be Ford Ka or Opel Astra. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Opel Insignia Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €30 per day;
What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance advice
Rental companies in Punta Arenas may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Check out the fuel policy
When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.
Unlimited mileage
The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.
Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Punta Arenas, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
How to choose a rental company
It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.
Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in Punta Arenas are sixt with an average rating of 9.8 points and budget (rating - 9.7).
Car pick-up procedure
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our main advantages
24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees
Car rental reviews: Punta Arenas
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
Download the BookingAutos mobile app
Download our mobile app and get access to special offers and discounts in Punta Arenas.