Car hire in Santiago, Chile

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santiago

When searching for car hire deals in Santiago, Skyscanner can help you find and compare the best offers. With over 25 pickup locations, including airports, there are plenty of options wherever you land. On Skyscanner, rentals with free cancellation are highlighted, ensuring you have the flexibility to change your plans without any stress. For added savings, consider 'full to full' deals, which allow you to return the car with a full tank, avoiding extra charges. Additionally, keyless pick-up options can save you time by letting you skip the queues. Securing a great car hire deal in Santiago is simple with our search features.

The best time to book a car in Santiago

Booking your car hire in Santiago about three weeks in advance ensures you get the best deals and availability. August is generally the cheapest month, ideal for budget-conscious travellers. If you plan to visit during the Grape Harvest Festival, book even earlier, as this popular event can significantly affect availability. Planning ahead allows you to enjoy your trip without any last-minute hassle.

What you'll need when hiring a car in Santiago

When hiring a car in Santiago through Skyscanner, various options are available from different providers. The minimum rental age here is 21, but some companies might have higher age requirements or apply young driver surcharges to those under a certain age. In Chile, the minimum driving age is 18; however, it is crucial to check each provider's policies to ensure you meet their criteria. Bring along a valid driver’s licence, and it is often necessary to have an international driving permit in Chile. Using Skyscanner, you can compare all the deals and specific requirements to find the best fit for your travel needs.

Car hire in Santiago: top tips for driving in Chile

In Santiago, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and adhere to the local speed limits: 120 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on expressways and country roads, and 50 km/h in the city. Google Maps offers comprehensive coverage here, making navigation easier. For those interested in exploring beyond Santiago, Valparaíso and Viña del Mar are both about 120 km away, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours. For a longer journey, La Serena is approximately 470 km from Santiago, taking around 5.5 hours to reach. Keep these distances and travel times in mind as you plan your route.