Car hire in Buenos Aires, whether at Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza, EZE) or in the city centre, is one of the most flexible ways to explore Argentina. With competitive daily rates, you can compare major providers such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise, and local companies to find the best deal for your trip. This guide covers everything from car rental locations and driving tips to Buenos Aires’s top attractions, accommodation, and dining.
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, with around 3 million residents in the city proper and over 15 million people in the wider metropolitan area. Often called the “Paris of South America”, it is known for its grand boulevards, historic architecture, lively neighbourhoods, and world-famous tango culture.
Plaza de Mayo: The historic heart of the city, surrounded by landmarks such as the Casa Rosada presidential palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo. The square has been the setting for many of Argentina’s key political events.
Casa Rosada: The iconic pink presidential palace facing Plaza de Mayo, known from history and popular culture. Guided tours give visitors a glimpse inside one of Argentina’s most important buildings.
Recoleta Cemetery: A striking cemetery of elaborate mausoleums and statues, final resting place of many famous Argentinians including Eva Perón. It sits in the elegant Recoleta neighbourhood, with cafés and museums nearby.
Teatro Colón: One of the world’s great opera houses, renowned for its acoustics and architecture. Even if you do not attend a performance, a guided tour of the theatre is highly recommended.
La Boca and Caminito: A colourful riverside barrio famous for its bright façades, street art, and tango performers. The Caminito street museum is one of the most photographed places in Buenos Aires.
Palermo and its Parks: A large, leafy district known for its parks, trendy bars, and boutiques. The Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods) are perfect for walking, boating on the lake, or relaxing in the rose garden.
San Telmo: One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, with cobbled streets, antiques markets, and traditional tango venues. The Sunday feria (market) around Plaza Dorrego is a highlight.
Puerto Madero: A modern docklands area with sleek high-rises, waterfront promenades, and upscale restaurants. The striking Puente de la Mujer bridge is a local landmark.
MALBA: The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, showcasing 20th and 21st century works from across the region, including pieces by Frida Kahlo and other major artists.
Asado and Parrillas: Buenos Aires is famous for its grilled meats. Traditional parrillas (steakhouses) serve cuts like bife de chorizo, vacío, and costillas, often accompanied by chimichurri and simple salads.
Empanadas: Baked or fried pastries filled with beef, ham and cheese, chicken, or vegetables. They are a popular snack or light meal throughout the city.
Milanesa and Choripán: Breaded meat cutlets (milanesas) and grilled chorizo sausages served in crusty bread (choripán) are classic comfort foods and staples of local menus.
Dulce de Leche and Ice Cream: Caramel-like dulce de leche appears in cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Buenos Aires has a strong gelato tradition, reflecting its Italian heritage.
Wine and Malbec: Pair your meal with Argentine wine from Mendoza or Patagonia. Malbec is the most famous varietal, but you will also find excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and white wines.
Recommended Areas and Restaurants: For classic parrillas, explore San Telmo and Palermo (for example, long-established grill restaurants along Defensa or in Palermo Soho and Hollywood). Recoleta and Puerto Madero offer more upscale dining rooms with river or city views, while Microcentro has many traditional cafés and confiterías for coffee and medialunas.
Tango Shows and Milongas: Buenos Aires is the home of tango. You can book a dinner-and-show experience in areas such as San Telmo or Puerto Madero, or visit local milongas where residents dance late into the night.
Football Culture: If you are a sports fan, try to experience a match at one of the city’s famous stadiums, such as La Bombonera (Boca Juniors) or El Monumental (River Plate). Organised tours and ticket packages are widely available.
Museums and Architecture: Beyond MALBA and the National Historical Museum, Buenos Aires has numerous smaller museums and galleries. Simply walking through Recoleta, Retiro, and the city centre reveals a mix of French, Italian, and Art Deco architecture.
Cafés and Literary Heritage: Historic cafés such as Café Tortoni capture the city’s artistic and literary spirit. Many writers, musicians, and intellectuals have gathered in these spaces over the decades.
Public Transportation: Buenos Aires has an extensive network of buses (colectivos), the Subte (underground metro), and suburban trains. To use most services you will need a rechargeable SUBE card, which can be bought and topped up at stations and kiosks.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Taxis are plentiful and relatively affordable. Ride-hailing apps are also widely used and can be convenient for travel at night or with luggage.
Walking: Neighbourhoods such as Microcentro, San Telmo, Recoleta, and parts of Palermo are very walkable, with many attractions located close together. Good walking shoes are recommended, as pavements can be uneven in some areas.
Day Trips by Car: With a rental car you can make easy trips beyond the city, for example to Tigre and the Paraná Delta, the Pampas region, or coastal towns along the Río de la Plata. Ferries from nearby terminals also connect Buenos Aires with Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo in Uruguay.
Rental Companies: Car rentals are available at both Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), as well as at locations across the city. Major international brands such as Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, and local providers offer a range of vehicle types from economy cars to larger SUVs.
Airport Rentals: At Ezeiza, rental desks are usually located in the arrivals area, with car pick up just outside the terminals. Aeroparque, closer to the city centre, also has several rental counters, convenient if you are arriving on a domestic flight.
City Rentals: City centre branches are commonly found in Microcentro, Recoleta, and Palermo, and near major avenues. These can be ideal if you plan to spend a few days in Buenos Aires before starting a road trip.
Extras: GPS, child seats, and additional drivers can be added to most bookings. A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually required to cover the security deposit.
Driving License: A valid driving license is required. An International Driving Permit can be useful, especially if your license is not in Spanish or English, and some rental firms may request it in addition to your national license.
Car Hire Insurance: Standard rentals typically include basic insurance, but the excess can be high. For added peace of mind, consider purchasing additional cover such as excess reduction or comprehensive third-party insurance, particularly if you plan to drive outside the city.
Minimum Age: Many companies require drivers to be at least 21, and those under 25 may face young driver surcharges or higher deposits. Some premium vehicle categories may only be available to drivers aged 25 and above.
Parking: Paid street parking and private garages are common in busy areas. Keep an eye on local restrictions and avoid leaving valuables in the car. In neighbourhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, secured parking is recommended, especially at night.
Traffic Rules: In Argentina, driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Urban speed limits are usually around 40 to 60 km/h, rising to 100 to 120 km/h on major highways unless otherwise indicated. Seat belts are compulsory, and mobile phone use while driving is prohibited without a hands-free system.
Accommodation in Buenos Aires ranges from budget hostels and guesthouses to luxury hotels in Recoleta and Puerto Madero. As a rough guide, mid range hotels typically start from around €60 to €90 per night, while higher end properties may range from €120 to €180+ depending on the season and exchange rate. Budget travellers can often find hostel beds or simple private rooms from around €20 to €40 per night.
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You will need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and your booking confirmation. A passport or national ID is also required, and an International Driving Permit is recommended if your license is not in Spanish or English.
The legal minimum is generally 18, but many rental companies require drivers to be at least 21. Drivers under 25 may be charged additional young driver fees or face higher deposits.
Yes, most companies allow you to drive throughout the country, including destinations such as Mendoza, Bariloche, Salta, and the Iguazu region. Be sure to check mileage limits and any regional restrictions in your rental agreement.
Cross-border travel is sometimes allowed but must be arranged in advance. The rental company will provide additional paperwork and insurance for an extra fee. This is essential if you plan to take ferries across the Río de la Plata or drive into Chile.
Parking can be busy around key areas such as Microcentro, Recoleta, San Telmo, and Palermo, especially at rush hour and weekends. Look for marked paid parking zones, private garages, or hotel parking, and avoid parking where kerbs are painted yellow or signs indicate restrictions.
Renting a car in Buenos Aires gives you the freedom to explore both the city and the wider region at your own pace. Whether you are flying into Ezeiza International Airport or Aeroparque, car hire lets you combine time in the capital with side-trips to the Pampas, wine country, or the Atlantic coast.
With competitive rates, a wide choice of vehicle categories, and trusted providers such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, and local companies, finding the right rental car for your itinerary is straightforward.
Compare prices, choose the vehicle that suits your journey, and book with confidence through our secure partner, CarTrawler. Start planning your Argentine adventure today and make the most of your time in Buenos Aires and beyond.
