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Rent A Car In Montevideo, Uruguay With Competitive Prices And A Clear, Practical Guide

Compare airport and downtown pickup options, learn what to expect with insurance and fees, and get on the road confidently—whether you’re staying in the city or exploring Uruguay’s coast.

Traveler Essentials
Montevideo Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up, What To Know, And How To Save
Renting a car in Montevideo is a convenient way to combine city sights with easy day trips along the coast and beyond (for example, Punta del Este, Piriápolis, and the wine region around Canelones). Driving is generally straightforward, but costs can vary based on pickup location, season, and insurance choices. For most travelers, airport pickup offers the widest selection and longest service hours, while downtown pickup can be a better fit if you’ll spend your first days walking, using taxis, or staying in neighborhoods like Pocitos, Punta Carretas, Centro, or Ciudad Vieja. Key considerations: choose automatic vs. manual early (manuals are often more available), confirm your fuel policy (full-to-full is usually easiest), expect a credit-card deposit, and review insurance details carefully—especially windshield/tire coverage and theft protection. Uruguay uses electronic tolling on some routes; ask how tolls are handled (pay-at-counter, transponder, or billed later). Parking in central areas can be limited, so confirm your hotel’s parking situation if you plan to keep the car overnight.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Carrasco International Airport (MVD) — Arrivals Car Rental Area
Best for maximum availability and convenience after landing. Car rental counters are typically located in or near the arrivals hall; follow signs for 'Rent a Car' after baggage claim. Pros: broad vehicle choice (including automatics and larger cars), extended hours, straightforward access to Route 101/Interbalnearia for coastal drives. Cons: airport surcharges may apply, and rush periods can mean longer lines.
Pocitos
Pros: convenient for travelers staying near the beach and Rambla; easy to start local drives without returning to the airport. Cons: street parking can be competitive; some offices have shorter weekend hours and smaller fleets.
Punta Carretas
Pros: central residential area with good road access and many hotels/apartments; often calmer pickups than Centro. Cons: availability of specialty vehicles may be limited; traffic can slow during peak hours.
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What do you need to rent a car in Montevideo?

Renting a car in Montevideo is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical Uruguay national photo ID is required for all local renters.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional local drivers must present a full, original physical Uruguay driving license with no major endorsements. The license must have been held for at least 1–2 years (most offers require a minimum of 1 year, some require 2 years). Photocopies or digital copies are not accepted.

    Notes: Local renter notes: Where a range of 1–2 years is indicated, specific vehicles or offers may require a full 2 years of holding a valid license.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Accepted credit cards typically include Visa and Master; some offers also accept American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. Debit cards are not generally accepted. A single credit card is usually sufficient; convex embossing is not required. Some offers support XpCard for payment.
  • Age requirements: The standard eligible driving age across offers is generally 21–80 years. Some offers allow rentals up to 75 years, while others extend up to 99; a few require a minimum age of 23. There is no explicit young driver surcharge policy provided in the available data; only the minimum and maximum ages are specified.
  • Driving licence: The main and any additional foreign drivers must present a full, original physical driving license with no major endorsements. The license must have been held for at least 1–2 years (most offers require at least 1 year, some 2 years). Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note the IDP is a translation only and must be presented together with the original license — photocopies or scans are not accepted.
    or
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation provided on the back of the license.

    Notes: Foreign renter notes: Where a range of 1–2 years is indicated, some car categories or offers may require a full 2 years of holding a valid license. An IDP alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by the original national license.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport is required for all foreign renters.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are generally required. Visa and Master are accepted on all offers; some also accept American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. Debit cards are not generally accepted. Typically only one credit card is needed; convex embossing is not required. Some offers additionally support XpCard.
  • Age requirements: The standard eligible driving age across offers is generally 21–80 years. Some offers allow rentals up to 75 years, while others extend up to 99; a few require a minimum age of 23. There is no explicit young driver surcharge policy provided in the available data; only the minimum and maximum ages are specified.
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Best Car Rentals in Montevideo for Every Traveler

From coastal escapes to city adventures, discover the perfect vehicle for your Montevideo road trip. Explore our top-rated picks and more popular choices below.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Beach & Coastal Road Trip

SUV

Perfect for Coastal Roads & Beach Access
5
3
Auto

Montevideo's coastal highways to Punta del Este feature winding roads with stunning ocean views. An SUV handles sandy beach access and unpaved coastal paths with ease.夏季温暖的天气和海风使SUV的宽敞空间成为携带海滩装备的理想选择。

City & Urban Driving

Small

Easy Parking & nimble City Navigation
5
2
Auto

Montevideo's historic Ciudad Vieja has narrow streets and limited parking. A small car maneuvers effortlessly through tight spaces and saves on parking fees. downtown fuel costs stay low with excellent city mileage.

Long Distance Highway Explorer

Premium

Comfort for Colonial Wine Country Tours
5
3
Auto

The scenic route to Colonia del Sacramento and Uruguay's wine region spans 3+ hours of highway driving. Premium sedans offer superior comfort with leather seats and advanced safety features for those long stretched adventures.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport Pickup (MVD)
Downtown Pickup

Why Pick Up At Carrasco International Airport (MVD)

Airport pickup is ideal for travelers who want to start driving immediately after arrival. You’ll typically find the widest selection of cars, more automatic options, and longer operating hours. It’s also the easiest choice for early/late flights and for heading straight to coastal routes. Keep in mind that airport-related fees may increase the total price, so compare the final rate including taxes and surcharges.

Explore Montevideo (MVD) – Real Reviews for Better Car Rentals

See what real travelers say about car rentals at Montevideo (MVD). Honest reviews help you find the perfect vehicle at the best price.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
SixtBest Overall
4.3
9700+ reviews
$1281.8 mi
$250 - $5,000
  • Excellent staff and service
  • Easy quick rental process
  • Clean vehicles with upgrades
Hertz
2.7
17,000+ reviews
$862.6 mi-
  • Professional and courteous staff
  • Smooth pick-up and return
  • Reliable comfortable vehicles
Dollar
2.0
3385+ reviews
$558.9 mi
$950 - $32,000
  • Professional and fair service
  • Smooth pickup and drop-off
  • Clean and reliable vehicles
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$75Call for pick-up
$500 - $800
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Easy online booking process
  • Clean and well-maintained cars
Europcar
1.5
3800+ reviews
$542.7 mi
$350
  • Great customer service
  • Efficient professional staff
  • Clean well-maintained vehicles
Budget
1.2
5,600+ reviews
$701.9 mi
$1,000 - $2,000
  • Wide Global Location Network
  • Competitive Base Pricing
  • Established Brand Presence
Avis
1.2
4,600+ reviews
$951.2 mi
$1,000 - $3,000
  • Professional and helpful staff members
  • Quick and efficient rental process
  • Clean and quality vehicles available

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 7 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
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.
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Navigating Car Rentals in Montevideo: Avoid Hidden Fees
This guide helps you avoid hidden fees in Montevideo car rentals by outlining common charges, insurance options, and essential pre-rental checks for a hassle-free experience.
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Don't Rent a Car in Uruguay Until You Read This Insurance Guide
A no-nonsense guide to insuring rental cars in Uruguay: compare rental-company vs third-party coverage, why SLI (high liability) is crucial, credit-card pitfalls, pickup checklist, and real-world scenarios to protect your trip and finances.
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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Airport locations account for 45% of all rentals in Montevideo, with Carrasco Airport being the dominant pickup point due to its international traffic."

Booking Patterns

"SUV and 4x4 vehicle bookings increased 30% in 2023 compared to 2022, with peak demand during summer months (December-February)."

Customer Pain Points

"38% of first-time renters in Uruguay report confusion over insurance coverage options, particularly regarding CDW and Super CDW distinctions."

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Montevideo

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Montevideo

Drive Through Uruguay: Essential Travel Guide for Montevideo

Everything you need to know about driving, car rentals, fuel costs, and road rules in Uruguay's vibrant capital

LANGUAGES

Spanish

CURRENCY

UYU

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+598

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$45 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

45 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

110 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.0% (Zero Tolerance)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.90/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.75/L - $2.08/L

Driving in Montevideo

Essential car rental and driving tips for navigating Uruguay's capital city

Can I drive with my US license in Montevideo, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Your US driver's license is valid for tourist visits up to 90 days. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended—many rental agencies won't hand over the keys without one, and police checkpoints are common outside the city. Get your IDP from AAA before departure ($20, valid 1 year). Your IDP must be paired with your original US license at all times.
How do I pay for tolls and fuel in Uruguay?
Highway tolls in Uruguay accept cash (Uruguayan pesos or US dollars) at staffed booths—electronic tags are rare and not worth the hassle for tourists. For fuel, credit cards are widely accepted at Petrobras and AXION stations, but carry small bills (500-1000 pesos) for rural stations that may only take cash. Diesel vehicles are common; confirm your rental's fuel type before filling up.
What's the young driver surcharge for renting a car in Uruguay?
If you're under 25, expect to pay a 'conductor joven' (young driver) surcharge of approximately $15–$25 USD per day on top of your rental rate. Some agencies won't rent to drivers under 21 at all. Drivers over 70 may face similar restrictions at certain companies. Book directly with local agencies like Localiza or Movida rather than international chains to negotiate better rates on surcharges.
How dangerous are Montevideo's roads for drivers?
Montevideo's city driving is generally safe but chaotic—expect aggressive lane changes, limited use of turn signals, and frequent sudden stops. Potholes appear suddenly on secondary roads, especially after rain. Outside the capital, roads deteriorate significantly; RN5 heading toward Punta del Este is well-maintained, but rural routes often lack lighting and guardrails. Drive defensively and avoid night driving outside urban areas.
What happens if I get a traffic fine or have an accident in Uruguay?
Traffic fines are typically issued on the spot by police or sent to your rental agency's address. The rental company will charge your credit card for any violations plus a $30–$50 administrative fee. For minor accidents, exchange details with the other party and report to your rental agency within 24 hours—crash reports are mandatory. For serious accidents, call 911 and don't move the vehicles. Your US auto insurance and credit card coverage may not apply; verify before your trip.
Is parking in Montevideo affordable, and where should I avoid parking?
Street parking downtown costs 40–60 pesos per hour (roughly $1–1.50 USD) via the ' Montevideo Parking' app or blue zone meters. Never park overnight on the street in Ciudad Vieja or Pocitos—car break-ins are common, even in guarded lots. Look for 'Estacionamiento' signs with an attendant. Hotel parking is your safest bet. If you must street park, leave nothing visible and remove the stereo faceplate if applicable.

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