Car Rental in Neuquen

Where to drive

• Drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) to San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, approximately 430 km round trip, taking around 6-8 hours of scenic driving.
• Explore the dinosaur fossil sites near Plaza Huincul and El Chocón, about 80-100 km from Neuquen, a 1-1.5 hour drive each way.
• Visit the stunning Lanín National Park and the iconic Lanín Volcano, a journey of approximately 250 km to Junín de los Andes, taking around 3-4 hours one way.
• Discover the picturesque wine region of San Patricio del Chañar, just 50 km north of Neuquen, a quick 45-minute drive for vineyard tours.
• Take a day trip to Villa El Chocón for its paleontological museum and dinosaur footprints, approximately 80 km south, about a 1-hour drive.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Argentina, you typically need a valid driver's license from your home country (held for at least one year), a passport, and a major credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and often required by rental agencies, especially if your license is not in Spanish or English. The minimum age to rent is generally 21, though surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Neuquen vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around 35-45 USD per day in the low season, while SUVs can range from 70-100 USD. Premium vehicles will naturally be higher. Prices typically peak during the summer months (December-February) and winter holidays (July).

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Argentina, speed limits are approximately 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-110 km/h on rural roads, and up to 130 km/h on highways, unless otherwise posted. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is generally 0.05% in most provinces, but some provinces, like Mendoza and Salta, have a zero-tolerance policy. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day, on highways and interurban roads. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 10 must use appropriate child seats or booster seats in the back.

Parking

In central Neuquen, parking can be a mix of paid street parking and private parking lots. Paid street parking often uses a system where you purchase prepaid parking cards or pay at designated machines. Outside the city center and in smaller towns, free street parking is generally more available. Always check local signs for restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel (nafta) is widely available throughout Neuquen and along major routes. You'll find both 'Nafta Súper' (regular gasoline) and 'Nafta Premium' (premium gasoline). Diesel is also available. Prices are generally lower than in Europe or North America, but can fluctuate. Payment is usually accepted in Argentine Pesos, and credit cards are widely accepted, though cash is always a good backup.

Which car to choose

For exploring Neuquen and its immediate surroundings, an economy or compact car is usually sufficient. However, if you plan to venture into the Andes or tackle unpaved roads (common in Patagonia for accessing certain attractions), a higher-clearance vehicle or an SUV with good tires is highly recommended. Manual transmission cars are more common, but automatics are available, especially in larger vehicle categories.

Frequently asked questions