Car Rental in Mendoza, Argentina: Practical Driving & Hiring Guide

Pickup locations are available at Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), downtown, and the central bus terminal.

Renting a car in Mendoza is the most practical way to explore the Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo, and the Precordillera without relying on scheduled tour buses. International rental operators like Hertz, Avis, and Localiza maintain operational desks at both Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ) and central city branches, while booking platforms such as DiscoverCars and Localrent allow travelers to compare availability across local and international suppliers.

Driving across Mendoza Province requires strict adherence to Argentine road regulations, including a total zero-tolerance alcohol policy on all national routes and mandatory daytime headlight usage. This guide outlines everything required to secure a vehicle in Mendoza, navigate local road laws, manage credit card deposits, and prepare cross-border documentation for Andean routes.

L'essentiel: Driving Rules, Age Limits & Security Deposits

Driving in Argentina involves specific national safety laws that apply across Mendoza Province:

• Zero Tolerance Alcohol Law: Under the national Ley de Alcohol Cero, drivers are subject to a strict 0.00% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit on national routes and highways. Even when touring wineries in Luján de Cuyo or Uco Valley, designated drivers cannot consume any alcohol.
• Headlights & Safety Gear: Low-beam headlights must stay on 24 hours a day on all highways and rural routes. Vehicles must carry two reflective warning triangles and an accessible fire extinguisher inside the passenger cabin.
• Driver Age & Requirements: While the legal driving age in Argentina is 18, rental agencies typically require drivers to be between 21 and 25 years old. Drivers under 25 face daily young driver surcharges.
• Documentation: Renters must present a valid passport and an original home-country driver's license in the Latin alphabet. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for foreign tourists.
• Credit Card Deposit: Rental desks place a pre-authorization hold between $600 and $2,700 USD on a physical credit card in the primary driver's name, depending on vehicle category and insurance excess.

Pricing Dynamics, Platform Comparison & When to Book

Car rental pricing in Mendoza fluctuates heavily between the quiet winter months and peak travel periods such as the summer harvest season (Vendimia in late summer) and winter ski periods.

Comparison platforms like DiscoverCars and Localrent aggregate rates across regional suppliers and international brands, allowing you to review excess fees and cancelation terms before arriving. Established international desks—including Hertz, Avis, and Localiza—manage dedicated vehicle fleets across airport and city outposts.

To secure automatic transmissions or compact SUVs suited for mountain corridors, reserve your vehicle at least 3 to 6 weeks in advance. If planning a border crossing into Chile, book early to allow the rental provider the mandatory processing window (72 hours to 7 business days) to issue the notarized cross-border transit permit.

Vehicle Pickup Locations: Airport, Downtown & Suburbs

Mendoza features several rental distribution points suited to different travel schedules:

Picking up at MDZ Airport allows direct departure onto RN40 or RP82 without navigating the one-way street grids of central Mendoza.

Regional Driving: Speed Limits & Andes Mountain Crossings

Mendoza features wide, well-maintained arterial roads leading to major wine districts, though mountain routes require extra vigilance.

• Speed Limits: Standard limits are 40–60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on open rural routes, and up to 120 km/h on national expressways. Speed controls are active along National Route 40.
• Fueling Up: Gas stations are frequent along RN40 and near major towns, but become scarce on high mountain passes toward Uspallata and Las Cuevas. Always refuel before heading into the Andes.
• Chile Border Transit: You cannot cross into Chile spontaneously in an Argentine rental vehicle. Rental companies must issue a notarized customs authorization and cross-border liability insurance beforehand. This process requires an advance request of 72 hours to 7 working days.

Where to go by car

Tolls: rates vary by country and route segment — check current pricing before you go.