La Serena Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around La Serena

Renting a car in La Serena offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, beach experiences, or cultural sites, having a rental car makes it convenient to visit key attractions like the Sea Avenue, which is perfect for leisurely walks, or the historic La Serena Lighthouse, which provides a glimpse into the city's culture. The Kokoro No Niwa Japanese Garden is another highlight, ideal for family outings and relaxation.

A rental car also allows you to discover nearby destinations effortlessly. Coquimbo, located just 10 km away, features the vibrant Plaza de Armas and La Herradura Beach. If you're interested in the natural beauty of the region, Talca is accessible, showcasing the picturesque Elqui Valley and Puclaro Dam. For those who wish to spend a day at the beach, La Herradura, 14 km from La Serena, boasts beautiful shores and local attractions. With a rental car, you can manage your luggage easily and create flexible travel plans, making your trip more enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in La Serena

• Economy: This car option accommodates 5 travellers with up to 2 medium suitcases, making it an ideal choice for solo adventurers, couples, or small families. The Economy car is perfect for navigating La Serena, allowing you to explore its attractions at your own pace while managing luggage easily.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is designed for 5 travellers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases, making it a great fit for families, couples, or small groups. This vehicle offers more space and comfort, allowing you to enjoy your journey through La Serena while ensuring everyone has room for their belongings.
• Compact SUV: Accommodating 5 travellers with up to 3 medium suitcases, the Compact SUV is another excellent option for solo travellers, couples, or families. It combines the versatility of an SUV with a manageable size, making it easy to navigate the streets of La Serena while providing ample space for your luggage.

Top rated car suppliers in La Serena

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice among travellers in La Serena, boasting 2 rental locations in the area. Known for its excellent selection, the most booked vehicles with Budget are the Economy and Midsize SUV options. This supplier provides flexibility for travellers looking to explore the beautiful surroundings at their own pace, making it a reliable choice for your trip.
• Sixt: Sixt offers a convenient rental location in La Serena, catering to those seeking compact options. The Compact SUV and Economy vehicles are the most requested among customers. With a focus on quality and service, Sixt ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to navigate the scenic landscapes of the Coquimbo Region comfortably.
• Avis: Avis operates a rental location in La Serena, where customers frequently choose Standard and Standard SUV vehicles. This supplier is recognized for its straightforward rental process and well-maintained fleet, making it an ideal option for those looking to travel around La Serena and its attractions with ease and comfort.

Where to stay in and around La Serena

• La Serena: Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant local culture, La Serena offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences. The city's historic architecture and lively markets make it a great base for exploring nearby attractions. Visitors can enjoy the stunning landscape of the Elqui Valley and relax at the local beaches, making La Serena an ideal spot for a coastal getaway.
• Coquimbo: Located 10 km away from La Serena, Coquimbo is perfect for those seeking an outdoor and adventure experience. With a recreational area, public market, and shopping centre, it has plenty to offer. Key highlights include the `Plaza de Armas`, a cultural hub, and `La Herradura Beach`, known for its scenic beauty. Coquimbo's proximity to wineries also makes it a delightful option for food and drink enthusiasts.
• Talca: This village is situated in the La Serena area and is great for adventure and outdoor activities. Its attractions, like the `Elqui Valley` and `Puclaro Dam`, are perfect for those who appreciate scenic views and nature. Staying in Talca allows visitors to immerse themselves in the local community and explore the valley's beauty, especially appealing during the warmer months.
• Andacollo: Positioned 40 km from La Serena, Andacollo is an excellent choice for those looking for beach and outdoor experiences. With attractions such as `Playa La Herradura` and the scenic `Elqui Valley`, this city provides a blend of relaxation and adventure. The stunning coastline and local landmarks offer a unique experience, making Andacollo an appealing destination for beach lovers.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around La Serena

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary due to demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This may also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may allow for full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also work, but ensure that you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around La Serena

The best value period to rent a car in and around La Serena is April, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. June also offers lower demand, making it a good choice for quieter travel. However, demand picks up again in July, which tends to be the most expensive month. January and February are particularly busy and pricey, as many visitors flock to the area during this time. Meanwhile, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
February	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
March	66.4°F (19.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
April	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
May	60.8°F (16.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	57.9°F (14.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
September	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	60.8°F (16.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average