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Rent a Car in Punta del Este, Uruguay With Competitive Rates

Compare airport and downtown pickup options and use this comprehensive guide to choose insurance, avoid hidden fees, and drive the coast with confidence.

Updated Travel Guide
Renting a Car in Punta del Este: What to Know Before You Drive
Renting a car in Punta del Este is one of the easiest ways to move between beaches, neighborhoods, and nearby day-trip spots on your own schedule—especially in peak summer when taxis and rideshares can be less predictable. Expect the widest selection at the airport and more limited inventory downtown. Before booking, confirm what’s included (taxes, mileage, required deposit, and insurance), understand the fuel policy, and inspect the vehicle carefully at pickup. Driving is generally straightforward, but plan extra time during weekend check-in/check-out waves and summer holiday traffic.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ más
Punta del Este Airport (PDP) – Laguna del Sauce
Primary airport for Punta del Este. Car rental counters are typically in or near the arrivals area, with vehicles parked in designated airport lots. Best for immediate pickup after landing, late arrivals, and one-way trips if available. Pro: broadest fleet and longest operating hours. Con: airport surcharges may apply and prices can spike during summer demand.
Punta del Este Peninsula (Downtown/Core Area)
Convenient if you arrive by bus or already checked into a hotel. Pro: easy walk-up access near accommodations and the waterfront. Con: limited vehicle choice, shorter business hours, and curbside pickup/return can be slower due to traffic and parking constraints.
La Barra
Popular beach and dining area east of the peninsula. Pro: great for travelers staying in La Barra/Manantiales who want a short transfer to pickup. Con: fewer agencies and cars; you may need to reserve well ahead in high season.
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¿Qué necesitas para alquilar un coche en Punta Del Este?

Alquilar un coche en Punta Del Este es bastante cómodo, pero puede haber algunos requisitos específicos, especialmente para los conductores extranjeros.

  • Forma de identificación: A valid physical Uruguay national photo ID must be presented at the counter.
  • Permiso de conducir: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full, original physical Uruguay driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must have been held for at least 1–2 years (most offers specify 2 years, some 1 year). Photocopies or scans are not accepted.
  • Tarjetas aceptadas: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted cards may include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, and in some offers Discover. Some offers only accept Visa and MasterCard. Debit cards are not accepted. Requirements can vary by offer; check card brand acceptance for your specific booking.
  • Requisitos de edad: Eligible driving age ranges by offer between 21–99, 23–99, 21–80, and 21–75 years. In practice, the minimum age is typically 21 (some cars may require 23) and maximum age may be restricted to 75 or 80 on certain offers, up to 99 on others. No specific young driver surcharge details are provided in the policies; any extra fees for young drivers would depend on the individual offer and must be checked at booking.
  • Permiso de conducir: The main driver and any additional drivers must present a full, original physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1–2 years (most offers require 2 years, some 1 year). Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version with English translation provided on the back).
  • Forma de identificación: A valid passport must be presented at the counter.
  • Tarjetas aceptadas: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted cards may include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express, and in some offers Discover. A few offers may only accept Visa and MasterCard. Debit cards are not accepted. Card brand and scheme acceptance (including XpCard support on some offers) can vary; check details for your specific booking. Proof of Collision/Theft and sometimes Third Party Liability coverage from your card issuer may be required on certain offers and must be presented in printed form at the desk.
  • Requisitos de edad: Eligible driving age ranges by offer between 21–99, 23–99, 21–80, and 21–75 years. In practice, the minimum age is typically 21 (some cars may require 23) and maximum age may be restricted to 75 or 80 on certain offers, up to 99 on others. No specific young driver surcharge details are provided in the policies; any extra fees for young drivers would depend on the individual offer and must be checked at booking.
requirementsrequirements

Best Rental Cars for Exploring Punta Del Este & Beyond

From coastal cruises to city adventures, discover the perfect wheels for your Uruguay road trip. Click to explore our top-rated vehicles.

Por tipo de viaje
Marcas populares

Coastal Scenic Drives

Convertible

Soak Up the Sun on Uruguay's Coast
4
2
Auto

Punta Del Este's stunning coastline deserves an open-top experience. A convertible lets you enjoy the ocean breeze while cruising along Rambla Costanera. Summer temperatures average 77-86°F, perfect weather for roof-down driving. These roads offer breathtaking Atlantic views, and the automatic transmission makes coastal cruising effortless for all skill levels.

City & Shopping Districts

Small

Nimble & Easy Parking Downtown
5
2
Auto

Punta Del Este's main shopping areas around Calle 20 feature narrow streets and limited parking. A compact car maneuvers effortlessly through busy intersections and fits into tight parking spots. Downtown garages have height restrictions, making small cars the smartest choice. Enjoy stress-free errands without the frustration of large vehicle handling in crowded areas.

Road Trip Adventures

SUV

Versatile Power for Any Destination
5
3
Auto

Explore beyond Punta Del Este to hidden beaches near Jose Ignacio or drive the scenic route to Montevideo. An SUV handles mixed road conditions with confidence, from paved highways to sandy coastal approaches. The higher ground clearance tackles unmarked paths to remote viewpoints. Bonus: ample cargo space for beach gear, coolers, and souvenirs from your coastal adventures.

Elige tu vehículo

Encuentra el vehículo perfecto para tu viaje. Compara las opciones a continuación.

Airport Pickup
Downtown Pickup

Fastest Start: Pick Up at Punta del Este Airport (PDP)

Airport pickup is ideal if you’re flying into Laguna del Sauce and want to get on the road immediately. You’ll typically find the broadest selection of cars, clearer after-hours procedures, and easier returns for early flights. It can cost more due to airport fees and peak-season pricing, so booking early often delivers the best value.

logo
Easy ParkingSmall
Renault Kwid

Renault Kwid

EuropcarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$350.00
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Easy ParkingSmall
Renault Kwid

Renault Kwid

SixtIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Easy ParkingSmall
Renault Kwid

Renault Kwid

HertzShuttle bus
5
1
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Explore MoreSUV
Nissan Kicks

Nissan Kicks

EuropcarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$350.00
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Explore MoreSUV
Nissan Kicks

Nissan Kicks

SixtIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Explore MoreSUV
Volvo Ex30

Volvo Ex30

EuropcarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$350.00
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Group FunVan
Mitsubishi Xpander

Mitsubishi Xpander

EuropcarIn terminal, Walk to counter
7
2
4
Auto
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$350.00
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Group FunVan
Chevrolet Spin

Chevrolet Spin

AvisIn terminal, Walk to counter
7
3
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$1,000.00 - $3,000.00
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas
logo
Family ComfortLarge
Opel Vectra

Opel Vectra

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Manual
Cancelaciónse aplican cargos por cancelación
Depósito$500.00 - $800.00
KilometrajeIlimitado
PagoTarjeta de Crédito
Consultar tarifas

Punta Del Este Car Rentals: Trusted Reviews for Your Journey

Read verified car rental reviews from travelers who explored Punta Del Este. Make informed decisions and find the perfect vehicle for your Uruguayan adventure.

Compañía de alquilerCalificaciónTarifa media diariaMétodo/distancia de recogidaDepósitoAcepta tarjetas de débitoVentajas clave
SixtBest Overall
4.3
9700+ reviews
$1281.6 mi
$250 - $5,000
  • Excellent staff and service
  • Easy quick rental process
  • Clean vehicles with upgrades
Hertz
2.7
17,000+ reviews
$662 mi-
  • Professional and courteous staff
  • Smooth pick-up and return
  • Reliable comfortable vehicles
Dollar
2.0
3385+ reviews
$622.4 mi
$950 - $32,000
  • Professional and fair service
  • Smooth pickup and drop-off
  • Clean and reliable vehicles
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$481.6 mi
$500 - $800
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Easy online booking process
  • Clean and well-maintained cars
Europcar
1.5
3800+ reviews
$52In terminal, Walk to counter
$350
  • Great customer service
  • Efficient professional staff
  • Clean well-maintained vehicles
Budget
1.2
5,600+ reviews
$70In terminal, Walk to counter
$1,000 - $2,000
  • Wide Global Location Network
  • Competitive Base Pricing
  • Established Brand Presence
Avis
1.2
4,600+ reviews
$951.6 mi
$1,000 - $3,000
  • Professional and helpful staff members
  • Quick and efficient rental process
  • Clean and quality vehicles available

Los datos de valoraciones y opiniones se obtienen de Trustpilot. Los detalles de la póliza pueden variar según la ubicación y el tipo de vehículo. Por favor, confírmelo en el momento de la reserva.

Fuente de datos: Alquiler de coches QEEQ
Última actualización: Jun. 11 2026
Centro esencial de alquiler
Todo lo que necesitas saber antes de salir a conducir. Selecciona un tema para ver toda la información detallada.
A Complete Guide to Refueling Your Rental Car in Uruguay
Discover how to refuel your rental car in Uruguay with this comprehensive guide, covering the unique full-service process, fuel types, payment options, and essential tips for a smooth experience.
Ver detalles
Avoid Hidden Car Rental Fees in Punta del Este
This guide reveals common hidden car rental fees in Punta del Este, including insurance upsells and fuel policies, helping you navigate costs and enjoy your trip.
Ver detalles

Información de la plataforma

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Métricas de especialización

Reconocimiento de la plataforma

La mejor web de reserva de coches de Asia 2023 y 2024

Volumen de reservas

Revisar calidad

Más de 10.000 reseñas verificadas de 5 estrellas

Experiencia en el mercado

Autoridad de datos

Verificación de especialización

Datos de QEEQ verificados con fuentes de datos oficiales locales

Información clave de expertos

Análisis de la plataforma

"Airport locations account for 70% of rentals in Uruguay, with Punta Del Este Airport being the primary pickup point. SUV rentals grew 15% YoY in 2024, driven by beach route demand."

Patrones de reserva

"Online bookings represent 72% of all rentals, up 7% CAGR through 2034. Short-term rentals dominate at 72% share, with economy vehicles leading at 45% of fleet allocation."

Puntos de dolor del cliente

"Hidden fees remain the top complaint, with 43% of renters reporting unexpected charges at pickup, driving FTC junk fee regulations targeting the car rental industry."

Fuentes de datos

  • Base de datos interna de reservas de QEEQ
  • 6Wresearch - Uruguay Tourism Vehicle Rental Market
  • Global Market Insights - Car Rental Market
  • ConsumerAffairs - Car Rental Industry Statistics
  • Global Market Insights - Car Rental Market
  • Eventurismo - Uruguay Tourism Annual Report 2024
  • CEIC Data - Uruguay Visitor Arrivals
  • Federal Trade Commission - Junk Fees Rule
  • TripSavvy - Worst Rental Car Companies
  • Skadden Arps - FTC Junk Fees Rule Analysis

Viajes por carretera

One-way rental routes starting from Punta Del Este

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Punta Del Este

Drive Through Paradise: Your Ultimate Punta del Este Road Trip Guide

Everything you need to know about driving in Uruguay's premier beach destination - from speed limits to gas prices and car rentals.

IDIOMAS

Spanish

MONEDA

UYU

Sigue conduciendo

Right-hand side

CÓDIGO DE PAÍS

+598

PRECIO MEDIO DE ALQUILER DE COCHE

$50 per day

Duración media del alquiler de coche

6 days

Límite de velocidad dentro de la ciudad

40 km/h

LÍMITE DE VELOCIDAD FUERA DE LA CIUDAD

110 km/h

Límite aceptable de alcoholemia

0.0% (Zero Tolerance)

PRECIO MEDIO DE LA GASOLINA

$1.50/L

PRECIO DE GASOLINA MÁS BAJO / MÁS ALTO

$1.30/L - $1.80/L

Punta Del Este Car Rental Guide

Essential driving and car rental FAQs for your Uruguay beach road trip

Can I drive in Uruguay with my US driver's license?
Yes, US licenses are valid for up to 90 days. However, rental agencies often require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your US license—it's inexpensive (around $20) and takes 15 minutes to get at AAA. Without an IDP, some agencies may refuse to rent or hold a higher security deposit ($500-$1,500). Get the IDP to avoid complications.
How do I pay for tolls in Uruguay? Are electronic tags worth it?
Most Uruguayan highways use cash-only tolls (peajes) accepting USD or Uruguayan pesos. If you're driving from Montevideo to Punta Del Este (about 130 km), expect 2-3 tolls costing roughly 150-250 pesos (~$4-7 USD) each way. Rental companies don't typically offer electronic tags, so budget cash. Renting a tag is rarely worth it unless you plan multiple long trips.
I'm 22—will I pay young driver fees, and how much?
Yes, expect a young driver surcharge if you're under 25. Most agencies charge $15-$25 USD per day for drivers aged 21-24. At 25+, you're exempt. Some agencies waive the fee for drivers 22+ with a clean record, but don't count on it. Factor this into your budget—a 7-day rental could add $105-$175 in extra fees.
What side does Uruguay drive on, and how are the roads to Punta Del Este?
Uruguay drives on the right (left-hand drive vehicles). The Interbalnearia highway (Route 93) from Montevideo to Punta Del Este is well-maintained, tolled, and takes about 1.5-2 hours. Coastal detours offer scenic views but some unpaved sections exist—stick to major routes in summer. Speed limits: 110 km/h on highways, 45 km/h in urban areas. Speed cameras are active; fines are stiff.
What fuel does my rental car need, and are gas stations easy to find?
Uruguayan gas stations offer 'Super' (91-octane gasoline), 'Premiun' (95-octane), and diesel (gasoil). Most rentals run on gasoline—confirm your vehicle uses 'nafta' (gasoline) not diesel if you're given a choice. Stations are plentiful on highways but thinner in beach areas after 10 PM. Fill up before heading to remote beaches. Credit cards are widely accepted at major chains like Petrobras and ANCAP.
Is parking in Punta Del Este expensive? Any tips?
Street parking is metered (municipal) in central zones, roughly 40-80 pesos (~$1-2 USD) per hour, typically 9 AM- midnight. Many hotels offer free parking—ask upfront. Beach-area parking lots charge $10-$25 USD daily during peak season (Dec-Feb). Avoid parking in 'prohibited' zones—towing costs $100+ USD and is a major hassle. Always check for 'estacionamiento' signs before leaving your car.

Premios de la plataforma QEEQ

Reconocida a nivel mundial por la excelencia en los servicios de reserva de coches de alquiler y la satisfacción del cliente.

La mejor página web de reservas de coches de Asia 2025

La mejor página web de reservas de coches de Asia 2025

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2024

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2024

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2023

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2023

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2022

El Mejor Sitio Web de Reservas de Alquiler de Coches en Asia 2022

Premio al Mejor Socio Comercial de ABG 2023 y 2024

Premio al Mejor Socio Comercial de ABG 2023 y 2024

Premios a la Excelencia Empresarial 2024

Premios a la Excelencia Empresarial 2024

Los Premios Magellan en la Categoría de Servicio de Alquiler de Autos

Los Premios Magellan en la Categoría de Servicio de Alquiler de Autos

Los Premios Travolution para Mejor en la Carretera

Los Premios Travolution para Mejor en la Carretera

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