South America > 🇦🇷Argentina
Should You Hire a Car in Argentina? This can be broken down into two similar questions - do you need a car in Argentina (in other words, will your holiday be ruined without one), and is it worth hiring a car in Argentina - i.e. is a car better value than using public transport? We'll weigh up both questions and give you a response generated by Chat GPT, together with our own curated opinion before finally giving a yes or no verdict at the end.
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | EZE | |
| Córdoba | COR | |
| Mendoza | MDZ | |
| Salta | SLA | |
| San Carlos de Bariloche | BRC | |
| Trelew | REL | |
| Ushuaia | USH |
Should You Rent a Car in Argentina? 🚗✨
Argentina is a land of extremes — from Buenos Aires’ tango-filled streets to Patagonia’s glaciers, wine country in Mendoza, and wild plains in the Pampas. It’s huge, beautiful, and diverse. But distances are long, and transport choices matter. So, should you rent a car in Argentina? Let’s find out.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
If you’re traveling between major cities or sticking to classic tourist routes, Argentina’s buses, flights, and trains can take you everywhere.
✅ Best No-Car Destinations
| Destination | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Best Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Perfect for walking | Subte (metro), taxis, Uber |
| Iguazú Falls | Tours include transfers | Shuttle & guided tours |
| Ushuaia | Small and easy on foot | Excursion buses |
| El Calafate | Tour-based sightseeing | Hotel pick-ups included |
| Mendoza (city-based) | Wine tours include transport | Organized tastings + transfers |
➡ In these locations, renting a car adds cost without adding value.
🚗 When a Car Changes Everything
Argentina stretches nearly 4,000 km from north to south. Many of its best landscapes lie far from public transport routes. A car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
✅ Best Regions for Renting a Car
| Region | Why Driving Is Amazing | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Patagonia (north & south) | Stunning highways, national parks | Route 40, Bariloche, El Chaltén |
| Mendoza Wine Region | Freedom to visit independent vineyards | Uco Valley, Andes foothills |
| Salta & Jujuy (Northwest Argentina) | Epic desert and mountain drives | Quebrada de Humahuaca, Salinas Grandes |
| Pampas & Estancias | Rural landscapes | Gaucho country, ranch stays |
➡ With a car, you can stop at viewpoints, visit remote towns, and take the scenic route instead of the main highway.
⚠️ Driving Reality in Argentina
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You drive on the right-hand side
-
Route 40 is legendary: beautiful but remote
-
Gas stations are sparse in Patagonia — plan ahead
-
Speed limits are enforced in towns
-
In cities, traffic is intense, and streets can feel chaotic
🚕 Transport Without Driving Yourself
| Mode | Good For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-distance buses | Affordable & comfortable | Bed-style “cama” seats available |
| Domestic flights | Fast over long distances | Essential for Patagonia and Iguazú |
| Guided tours | National parks & glaciers | Include transfers |
| Private drivers | Wine regions & rural trips | Good alternative to self-driving |
🏁 Final Recommendation
| Traveller Style | Car Needed? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| City & major tourist sites | ❌ No | Easy tours and flights |
| Patagonia explorer | ✅ Yes | Best done by road |
| Wine lover (beyond tours) | ✅ Yes | Flexibility between boutique vineyards |
| Adventure photographer | ✅ Yes | Scenic stops everywhere |
| Budget long-distance traveller | ❌ No | Overnight buses are excellent |
✨ Final Takeaway
So, should you rent a car in Argentina?
👉 If you’re exploring Patagonia, Mendoza’s countryside, or the mountainous northwest, renting a car gives you total control, unbeatable scenery, and access to places no tour bus reaches.
👉 But if you’re sticking to Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, and guided excursions, you can travel easily without renting a car.
Should You Hire a Car in 🇦🇷 — or Not? Advice on this page has been written using Chat GPT, backed up by 20 years experience in the travel industry. This site is planned for full launch on 1st January 2026. Full terms, advice, FAQs, disclaimer etc to follow. UN flag is a placeholder
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