Book at Santiago, Calama, La Serena, Puerto Montt, Antofagasta airports - no deposit required on selected vehicles
Through Car Rental No Deposit, you can find options at major Chile airports with no security deposit required upfront. The rental agreement is concluded directly with the local car hire company, and full payment terms are confirmed in your booking voucher. Advance payment is made by card online - cash is not accepted for upfront bookings.
Chile's geography stretches over 4,300 kilometres from north to south, making airport car rental essential for exploring different regions. The country has several international and domestic airports serving travellers looking to rent a car without deposit requirements.
Santiago Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) is the main gateway, handling most international flights. Northern Chile is served by Calama El Loa Airport (CLC) for access to the Atacama Desert, and La Serena La Florida Airport (LSC) for the Coquimbo region. Southern destinations include Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) for Patagonia and the Lake District, and Antofagasta Cerro Moreno International Airport (ANF) for the mining and coastal region.
Rent a car Chile airport services are available at all major terminals. Most car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall immediately after baggage claim. At smaller regional airports like La Serena airport or Calama airport, suppliers may operate from nearby locations with free shuttle service to the terminal.
| Airport | Code | Region served | Car rental options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago International | SCL | Central Chile, Santiago, Valparaiso | Santiago car rental |
| Calama El Loa | CLC | Atacama Desert, San Pedro de Atacama | 4x4 and SUV recommended |
| La Serena La Florida | LSC | Coquimbo region, beaches, vineyards | Economy and compact vehicles |
| Puerto Montt El Tepual | PMC | Lake District, Patagonia, Chiloe Island | SUV and 4x4 for mountain roads |
| Antofagasta Cerro Moreno | ANF | Northern coast, mining region | Standard and SUV vehicles |
Car rental Calama airport is particularly popular for travellers heading to the Atacama Desert and San Pedro de Atacama. The drive is approximately 100 kilometres on paved roads, taking around 1.5 hours. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended for desert excursions and unpaved routes to geysers and salt flats.
Rent a car La Serena airport serves visitors to Chile's beach resorts and the Elqui Valley wine region. The airport is located about 5 kilometres east of La Serena city centre. Car rental La Serena international airport desks are in the small arrivals terminal, with most suppliers offering economy and compact vehicles suitable for coastal and city driving.
Car rental Puerto Montt airport is the gateway to Chile's stunning Lake District and northern Patagonia. The airport is 16 kilometres northwest of Puerto Montt city. Rent a car Puerto Montt airport services offer SUVs and 4x4 vehicles essential for mountain passes and unpaved roads around national parks like Vicente Perez Rosales and Puyehue.
Car rental Antofagasta airport provides access to Chile's northern mining region and Pacific coast. The airport is approximately 25 kilometres north of Antofagasta city centre. Standard vehicles are suitable for the coastal highway (Ruta 1), while 4x4 is needed for inland desert routes.
After collecting your luggage at any Chile airport, proceed to the car rental area in the arrivals hall. Present your booking voucher, valid driver's licence (held for at least 1 year), passport, and the payment card used for the booking. The minimum driver age is typically 21 years, with some suppliers requiring 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply under age 25.
International driving permits are recommended for non-Spanish licences, though not always mandatory. The rental agent will complete the paperwork, explain the vehicle condition and fuel policy (usually full-to-full), and provide contact details for roadside assistance. Inspect the vehicle for pre-existing damage before leaving the lot - take photos of any scratches or marks.
At Santiago airport, car rental lots are within walking distance of the terminal or accessed by a short shuttle ride. At smaller airports like La Serena or Calama, some suppliers operate from off-site locations with complimentary shuttle service - follow the signs for "Rent a Car" or your specific supplier.
Exiting airports in Chile is straightforward. Santiago airport connects to the Autopista Central (Route 5) toll motorway running north-south through the country. Electronic toll transponders (TAG) are available from your rental supplier - highly recommended as many toll plazas no longer accept cash.
From Calama airport, take Route 23 east toward San Pedro de Atacama or Route 25 west to the coast. Roads in the Atacama region are mostly paved but conditions can deteriorate with weather. Carry extra water and check fuel availability as distances between stations are considerable.
La Serena airport connects to Route 43, which meets the coastal Ruta 5 highway. The drive to La Serena city centre takes 10-15 minutes. Roads are well-maintained in this region.
Puerto Montt airport accesses Route 5 toward Puerto Montt and the Lake District. Mountain roads can be narrow and winding - drive cautiously in wet weather which is frequent in southern Chile.
Antofagasta airport links to the coastal Route 1 highway. The drive to Antofagasta city takes 30-40 minutes. This highway offers spectacular Pacific Ocean views.