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Rent A Car In Mendoza, Argentina For Flexible Wine Country Travel

Compare competitive rates, choose airport or downtown pickup, and use this practical guide to navigate rental locations, insurance, fees, and fueling so you can explore Mendoza on your schedule.

Updated Traveler Guide
Mendoza Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect
Renting a car in Mendoza is one of the easiest ways to reach wineries in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, scenic drives toward Potrerillos and the Andes foothills, and day trips that are time-consuming by bus. It’s especially convenient if you value door-to-door flexibility, plan to visit multiple bodegas in one day (with a designated driver), or want to stay outside the city center. Downsides include city parking, local driving style at busy intersections, and potential extra costs like cross-border restrictions, tolls, and insurance deductibles. For most visitors, picking up at the airport is the simplest option, while downtown locations can work well if you’re spending a day or two in the city before heading out.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ plus
Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) – Arrivals Car Rental Area
Mendoza’s main airport (also called El Plumerillo). Most major rental brands and local operators serve MDZ. Typical pickup is at counters in or near the arrivals hall, with vehicles parked in the airport lot. Pros: fastest start after landing, longer hours, easy luggage handling. Cons: airport surcharges may apply, peak-time lines, and limited vehicle choice if you arrive late without a reservation.
Mendoza City Center (Microcentro) – Near Plaza Independencia
Convenient if you’re staying downtown and only need a car for day trips. Advantages: you can avoid airport fees and start your trip after settling in. Disadvantages: limited parking, potential one-way street confusion, and shorter office hours on weekends/holidays.
Arístides Villanueva / Parque General San Martín Area
Good access to major avenues for heading toward wineries and Route 40. Advantages: easier outbound driving than the core microcenter and close to popular hotels and restaurants. Disadvantages: fewer rental offices than the center and parking can still be tight at night.
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De quoi avez-vous besoin pour louer une voiture à Mendoza ?

Louer une voiture à Mendoza est assez pratique, mais il peut y avoir certaines exigences spécifiques, notamment pour les conducteurs étrangers.

  • Forme d'identité : A valid physical Argentina national photo ID is required for the main driver (and any additional drivers). The original document must be presented at the counter; copies or scans are not accepted.
  • Permis de conduire : The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical Argentine driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held continuously for at least 1–2 years (most offers require at least 1 year, some require 2 years).
  • Cartes acceptées : Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required for most offers. Visa and Master are always accepted; many offers also accept AMEX and some accept Diners Club. Debit cards are not accepted for deposit. A single credit card is usually sufficient; convex embossed cards may be required in some offers. E‑voucher or printed voucher may be required depending on the offer.
  • Exigences d'âge : Standard driving age limits across offers range approximately from a minimum of 18–26 years to a maximum of 70–99 years, depending on the specific car/offer. Common unrestricted ranges include 21–80, 21–99, 22–80/99, 25–75/80/99 and 26–70. Some offers allow young drivers with an additional fee: age 18–20 may incur about USD 5.78 per day; age 18–21 may incur about ARS 16528.93 per day (about USD 12.20); age 21–24 may incur about USD 15.00 per day. Young driver surcharges apply only within the stated age bands and are charged per day unless otherwise specified.
  • Permis de conduire : The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held continuously for at least 1–2 years (most offers require at least 1 year, some require 2 years). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note the IDP is only a translation and must be presented together with the original licence; photocopies or scans are not accepted or
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation provided on the back of the licence (only available in some offers).
  • Forme d'identité : A valid passport is required for the main driver (and any additional drivers). The original document must be presented at the counter; copies or scans are not accepted.
  • Cartes acceptées : Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required for most offers. Visa and Master are always accepted; many offers also accept AMEX and some accept Diners Club. Debit cards are not accepted for deposit. A single credit card is usually sufficient; convex embossed cards may be required in some offers. E‑voucher or printed voucher may be required depending on the offer.
  • Exigences d'âge : Standard driving age limits across offers range approximately from a minimum of 18–26 years to a maximum of 70–99 years, depending on the specific car/offer. Common unrestricted ranges include 21–80, 21–99, 22–80/99, 25–75/80/99 and 26–70. Some offers allow young drivers with an additional fee: age 18–20 may incur about USD 5.78 per day; age 18–21 may incur about ARS 16528.93 per day (about USD 12.20); age 21–24 may incur about USD 15.00 per day. Young driver surcharges apply only within the stated age bands and are charged per day unless otherwise specified.
requirementsrequirements

Best Car Rentals in Mendoza for Every Journey

Explore Argentina's wine capital and Andean wonders with our curated vehicle selection for unforgettable drives.

Par type de voyage
Marques populaires

Wine Country Tour

Convertible

Open-Air Vineyard Views
4
2
Auto

Cruise through the scenic Uco Valley wine route with the top down, enjoying perfect weather and breathtaking mountain vistas. The convertible lets you stop at wineries freely, capture photos instantly, and embrace Mendoza's relaxed wine culture. Easy highway access to Maipú and Luján de Cuyo wine districts makes this the ultimate touring choice.

Mountain Adventure

SUV

Conquer the Andes in Comfort
5
3
Auto

Navigate winding mountain roads to Aconcagua Provincial Park with confidence. The SUV's elevated stance handles gravel passages and rocky terrain with ease, while all-wheel drive provides traction on variable surfaces. Hefty boot space accommodates hiking gear and supplies for high-altitude excursions into the Andes.

City Exploration

Medium

Urban Agility Meets Comfort
5
2
Auto

Manuever effortlessly through Mendoza's compact downtown streets and find parking with ease. The medium sedan delivers superior fuel economy for city driving while keeping you comfortable during summer heat. Great visibility and responsive handling make navigating busy avenues and exploring local markets stress-free.

Choisissez votre véhicule

Trouvez le véhicule parfait pour votre voyage. Comparez les options ci-dessous.

Airport Pickup (MDZ)
Downtown Pickup

Best For Fast Departures And Late Arrivals

Airport pickup at MDZ is ideal if you want to land and drive straight to your hotel, the vineyards, or the mountains. You’ll typically find the widest range of suppliers, clearer signage, and more flexible operating hours. To get better pricing, reserve early, compare total costs (including airport surcharges), and confirm what’s included—especially mileage limits, deposit amount, and insurance deductible.

logo
City SmartSmall
Volkswagen up!

Volkswagen up!

Hertz0.7 mi
4
1
4
Manual
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
City SmartSmall
Toyota Etios

Toyota Etios

Hertz0.7 mi
5
2
2
Manual
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
City SmartSmall
Renault Logan

Renault Logan

SixtIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
Dépôt de garantie$500.00
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
Family SpaceLarge
G Toyota Yaris Mt

G Toyota Yaris Mt

Hertz0.7 mi
5
1
2
Manual
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
Family SpaceLarge
Citroen Basalt

Citroen Basalt

Hertz0.7 mi
4
4
4
Manual
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
Family SpaceLarge
Citroen Basalt

Citroen Basalt

StreetIn terminal, Walk to counter
4
4
4
Manual
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
Dépôt de garantie$292.00
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
Andes ReadySUV
Renault Duster

Renault Duster

SixtIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
Dépôt de garantie$972.00
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
Andes ReadySUV
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

SixtIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
Dépôt de garantie$972.00
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs
logo
Andes ReadySUV
Volkswagen Tera

Volkswagen Tera

Hertz0.7 mi
5
2
4
Manual
Annulationdes frais d’annulation s’appliquent
KilométrageIllimité
PaiementCarte de crédit
Vérifier les tarifs

Discover Top-Rated Car Rentals at Mendoza Airport MDZ

Read genuine reviews from real travelers who rented cars at Mendoza Airport. Make informed decisions for your Argentina adventure with trusted ratings.

Agence de locationÉvaluationTarif moyen par jourMéthode / distance de prise en chargeDépôt de garantieAccepte les cartes de débitAvantages clés
SixtBest Overall
4.3
9,600+ reviews
$76In terminal, Walk to counter
$500 - $972
  • Friendly and professional customer service
  • Easy and smooth pickup and return
  • New, well-maintained vehicle fleet
LocalizaBest Overall
4.3
13455+ reviews
$83Walk to counter-
  • Excellent customer service quality
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
  • Fast easy pickup and return
Street
3.3
33 reviews
$313In terminal, Walk to counter
$292
  • New and clean vehicles
  • Transparent pricing no hidden fees
  • Professional and attentive staff
FlexwaysBudget Friendly
3.3
500+ reviews
$82Pick-up service
$1,722
  • Competitive rental rates
  • Clean, well-maintained vehicles
  • Friendly customer service
Fox rent a car
3.1
21,895+ reviews
$54Walk to counter-
  • Competitive pricing compared to others
  • Friendly and helpful staff members
  • Easy online booking process
Hertz
2.9
17,000+ reviews
$1550.1 mi
$5,200 - $8,300
  • Professional and Friendly Staff
  • Prompt Service Recovery
  • Competitive Pricing Options
National
2.1
57 reviews
$590.5 mi
$600 - $2,200
  • Outstanding customer service staff
  • Emerald Club membership benefits
  • Fast efficient service
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$560.5 mi
$1,995 - $3,420
  • Excellent professional service
  • Easy fast rental process
  • Friendly courteous staff
CordobaBest Overall
1.8
23,000+ reviews
$1285.4 mi-
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Smooth pickup and drop-off
  • Wide vehicle selection
Rentacar argentina
1.8
17 reviews
$76Pick-up service
$414
  • Easy five-minute car pickup
  • Clean and comfortable vehicles
  • Friendly and informative staff

*Les évaluations et les avis proviennent de Trustpilot. Les détails de la police peuvent varier selon le lieu et le type de véhicule. Veuillez confirmer au moment de la réservation.

Source de données: Location de voitures QEEQ
Dernière mise à jour: Jun. 22 2026
Essentiel Location Hub
Tout ce que vous devez savoir avant de prendre la route. Sélectionnez un sujet pour en obtenir tous les détails.
What if I crash my rental car in Argentina?
Ensure everyone's safety and call 911 for emergencies. Do not admit fault. Document the scene with photos, then contact your rental agency immediately. You must file a police report ('denuncia'), as this is required for insurance claims and by the rental company.
Voir les détails
How do I refuel a rental in Argentina?
Most rentals use a Full-to-Full policy. Gas stations are typically full-service; an attendant will pump the fuel. Tipping is appreciated. While cards are accepted in cities, always carry cash (Argentine Pesos), as it is preferred, especially in remote areas. Know your fuel type.
Voir les détails
What to know about renting a car in Mendoza?
When renting a car in Mendoza, ensure your insurance covers local conditions. Be wary of cross-border fees if driving to Chile. Most gas stations are full-service, and it's customary to tip the attendant. Always return the car with the agreed-upon fuel level to avoid extra charges.
Voir les détails
What car rental insurance is needed in Mendoza?
In Mendoza, Third-Party Liability (TPL) is legally required. A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is also highly recommended to cover potential damage to the rental car. Check your credit card benefits, as some offer primary rental insurance, which can help you save money.
Voir les détails

Aperçu de la plateforme

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Indicateurs d’expertise

Reconnaissance de la plateforme

Meilleur site de réservation de location de voiture d’Asie 2023 & 2024

Volume de réservations

Qualité des avis

Plus de 10 000 avis vérifiés 5 étoiles

Expérience sur le marché

Autorité des données

Vérification d’expertise

Données QEEQ vérifiées auprès des sources de données officielles locales

Informations clés d’expert

Analyse de la plateforme

"Mendoza Airport (MDZ) accounts for 50% of rentals, downtown Mendoza 28%, with international chains (Hertz 22%, Budget 16%, Avis 13%) holding 51% market share versus local operators at 35%."

Modèles de réservation

"SUVs dominate at 40% of rentals for mountain roads, peak season (Dec-Feb) sees 70% demand surge, average rental duration is 4.5 days with 3-week advance bookings."

Points de douleur des clients

"Insurance confusion is the top pain point affecting 40% of customers, with CDW excess amounts ($500-$1,500 USD) frequently misunderstood."

Sources de données

  • Base de données interne de réservation QEEQ
  • Mendoza Tourism Board (Ente Mendoza Turismo) - Aggregated Industry Data
  • ALAVRA (Argentina Chamber of Car Rental) - Industry Statistics
  • MDZ Airport Passenger Statistics
  • Argentina Tourism Statistics Yearbook
  • Mendoza Wine Tourism Report
  • OTA Data Reports (Booking.com, Expedia) - Aggregated
  • Trustpilot Car Rental Reviews Analysis - Argentina
  • Consumer Reports - Argentina Car Rental Survey
  • Argentina Automobile Association (AAA) - Road Assistance Data

Road trips

One-way rental routes starting from Mendoza

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Mendoza

Mendoza, Argentina Car Rental Guide: Drive Through Wine Country

Everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Mendoza, Argentina - from speed limits to gas prices and local driving rules.

LANGUES

Spanish

DEVISE

ARS

ROULEZ

Right-hand side

CODE PAYS

+54

PRIX MOYEN DE LOCATION DE VOITURE

$57 per day

DURÉE MOYENNE DE LOCATION DE VOITURE

7 days

LIMITATION DE VITESSE EN AGGLOMÉRATION

40-60 km/h

LIMITATION DE VITESSE HORS AGGLOMÉRATION

80-130 km/h

TAUX D’ALCOOLÉMIE LÉGALEMENT AUTORISÉ

0.05% (Mendoza retained provincial limits; 0% national)

PRIX MOYEN DU CARBURANT

$1.43/L

PRIX DU CARBURANT LE PLUS BAS / LE PLUS ÉLEVÉ

$1.43/L - $2.88/L

NOTE DES VOYAGEURS

4.3 / 10

Mendoza Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and car rental FAQs for exploring Argentina's wine country and Andes

Can I drive in Mendoza with my US driver's license, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
You'll need both. Argentina requires an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your valid US license—your US license alone won't suffice. The IDP translates your license into Spanish and is mandatory for rental pickups and police checkpoints. Get one from AAA before your trip (about $20). Without it, you risk being turned away at the rental counter or fined 500+ pesos if stopped by police.
How do I pay for toll roads in Argentina, and what's the typical cost?
Cash only on most Argentine highways (called 'peajes'). Carry Argentine pesos—some toll booths reject USD, and credit cards aren't accepted at many gates. Tolls typically cost 200-600 pesos (about $0.25-$0.75 USD) per segment. The main route from Mendoza to Buenos Aires has multiple toll sections. Budget roughly 1,500-2,000 pesos ($2-3 USD) for a one-way Mendoza-Buenos Aires trip if driving the full distance.
Is winter driving to Aconcagua or the Andes passes safe, and do I need snow chains?
From May-September, mountain passes like Paso Internacional Los Libertadores (the main Chile-Argentina crossing near Uspallata) often close due to snow and ice. When open, snow chains are mandatory on the Argentine side—you'll be turned back without them at police checkpoints. Rent a 4WD with winter tires if visiting during these months. Summer (December-February) is the safest window for mountain and Andean driving, with clear roads and temps around 75-90°F.
I'm 22—will I pay a young driver surcharge, and how much is it?
Yes, expect one. Most Argentine rental agencies charge a 'conductor joven' (young driver) fee for drivers under 25, typically ranging from 200-400 pesos (~$5-10 USD) per day. This surcharge applies even if you're the only driver. At 21, some agencies may refuse rental entirely or charge even higher fees. Compare quotes across agencies—local companies like ILCA Argentina may be cheaper than international brands, though service standards vary.
What fuel does Mendoza use, and should I choose full-to-full or prepaid tank?
Argentine gas stations offer 'nafta' (gasoline) in three grades: Super (87 octane), Premiun (95), and Ultra (98). Most rental cars run on Super or Premium. Always opt for the 'full-to-full' policy—return the car with a full tank to avoid inflated prepaid fuel rates (often 30-50% more than pump prices). Gas stations are plentiful along major routes but can be sparse in rural wine regions, so fill up before venturing into the foothills.
What's the process for picking up a rental car at Mendoza Airport, and how long does it take?
Mendoza Airport (MDZ) has all major rental agencies on-site (Hertz, Avis, Budget, local ILCA). After baggage claim, walk 50 meters to the rental desk area—it's well-signed. Expect 15-30 minutes for pickup during peak season (December-February). Book online in advance; walk-up rates spike 40-60%. Confirm your vehicle has working AC—Mendoza summers regularly exceed 95°F, and many rental cars have weak or broken cooling systems.

Prix de la plateforme QEEQ

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Prix d’Excellence en Affaires 2024

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Les Magellan Awards dans la catégorie des services de location de voiture

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