Santiago Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santiago

Renting a car in Santiago gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions such as the historic Palacio de la Moneda and the vibrant Plaza de Armas, both located in the heart of Santiago. Families will appreciate the convenience of transporting children and gear without the hassle of public transport, allowing for stress-free outings to family-friendly destinations like KidZania Santiago in the Las Condes neighborhood. For sports enthusiasts, a visit to the Julio Martinez Pradanos National Stadium is within easy reach. Additionally, you can venture to beautiful neighborhoods like Providencia, which features Gran Torre Santiago and scenic views from Santa Lucia Hill. Whether you are looking for city culture, family activities, or ski-related experiences nearby, a rental car makes it simple to customize your travel plans. Explore Downtown Santiago and its rich offerings while enjoying the convenience of your own vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience in this vibrant metropolis.

Most popular car rentals in Santiago

• Midsize SUV: This car type is a popular choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. A midsize SUV offers the perfect blend of comfort and versatility, allowing you to navigate the vibrant streets of Santiago or venture into the picturesque surroundings with ease. Its spacious interior and flexibility make it an ideal option for those looking to explore the region while ensuring everyone has enough room for luggage and comfort during the journey.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or small families, the economy car accommodates up to 5 travellers and provides space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is not only budget-friendly but also highly practical, offering a compact design that makes manoeuvring through Santiago’s bustling streets a breeze. Ideal for those who value efficiency and affordability, the economy car allows you to make the most of your rental experience while enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace.
• Compact: The compact car is another excellent choice for solo travellers, couples, and families, comfortably seating 5 travellers and fitting up to 3 medium suitcases. Its size makes it easy to park and navigate through urban areas, while still providing enough space for your luggage. This option strikes a balance between comfort and efficiency, making it a great fit for anyone looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of Santiago without sacrificing convenience.

Top rated car suppliers in Santiago

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 3 rental locations throughout Santiago, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility in their journey. Known for its reliable service, the most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, catering to a variety of needs. Whether you're exploring the city's vibrant culture or heading to the surrounding regions, Alamo provides options that can accommodate your travel plans efficiently.
• Hertz: Also featuring 3 rental locations in Santiago, Hertz is well-regarded for its wide selection of vehicles and excellent customer service. The most popular choices among customers are Economy and Midsize cars, making it easy for you to find the right fit for your travel group and luggage. Hertz's presence in the area ensures that you can easily pick up and drop off your rental, providing a hassle-free experience as you navigate the beautiful Santiago Metropolitan Region.
• Enterprise: With 3 convenient rental locations in Santiago, Enterprise is committed to delivering a seamless car rental experience. Their most booked vehicles, including Economy SUVs and Standard SUVs, offer great versatility for your adventures around the city and beyond. Known for its customer-focused approach, Enterprise makes it simple to manage your itinerary while enjoying the scenic landscapes of the Santiago area.

Where to stay in Santiago

• Providencia: This vibrant neighborhood is perfect for business and family experiences. Providencia features attractions like the impressive Gran Torre Santiago, which offers stunning views, and the scenic Santa Lucia Hill, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shopping centres and local wineries. With its proximity to major landmarks and excellent dining options, Providencia is a great base for exploring Santiago.
• Downtown Santiago: The heart of Santiago, Downtown offers a rich mix of culture and urban life. Key highlights include the historic Palacio de la Moneda and the picturesque Plaza de Armas, both showcasing the city's heritage. This area is also home to various shopping venues and vibrant restaurants, making it a suitable choice for families and business travellers alike, with easy access to outdoor spaces like Santa Lucia Hill.
• Las Condes: Known for its modern appeal, Las Condes attracts visitors seeking a blend of city life and outdoor adventure. Explore the family-friendly KidZania Santiago, or take in the views from San Cristobal Hill. The neighborhood boasts numerous shopping centres and urban parks like Parque Araucano, perfect for relaxation. With its range of wineries and restaurants, Las Condes is an excellent option for travellers looking for a diverse experience.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santiago

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and desired features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well before your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, 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 premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the convenience it provides can be worthwhile.
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 unnecessary expenses and offers added peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It's easy to include car rental insurance while booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning lengthy road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
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 Santiago

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santiago is November, when prices are at their lowest and demand is relatively calm. October also offers slight savings with steady demand. June is another quiet month with slightly low prices, making it an appealing option for those looking to avoid crowds. In contrast, August tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and prices, followed closely by January and February, which also see elevated demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	68.0°F (20.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
February	67.5°F (19.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
March	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
April	59.2°F (15.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
May	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Low	Average
June	46.6°F (8.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
July	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	48.0°F (8.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	51.1°F (10.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	60.8°F (16.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High