How to find a cheap car hire deal in El Calafate (FTE)
It's time to trade your seatbelt for a steering wheel. Pick up a cheap El Calafate rental car for around $91 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, so you can easily compare prices and book.
$65 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental at El Calafate.
Staying a while in El Calafate and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $450 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap FTE car hire. Book around three weeks before you travel to score the best price.
Find your perfect ride with Hertz, FlexWays or Sixt, some of the most well-known providers at El Calafate.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your El Calafate car hire policy, whether with Hertz or a different supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in FTE by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a car hire in El Calafate with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of $159 a day.
Taking second place is this provider, which offers daily rates of around $134.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly $159 a day.
The Compact rental category is a dependable choice if you're unsure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other at FTE.
Compare car hire types from El Calafate (FTE)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap El Calafate rental car gets you moving without breaking the bank. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A dependable choice when you want something that's easy to manoeuvre but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this FTE car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: If you need a car for rent in El Calafate big enough for a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group outings, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your FTE car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so check how each one stacks up.
Make life easier when you rent a car in El Calafate by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Age requirements for homes often vary by supplier (and even car type), so know the rules before you book. Some companies in Argentina may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
Add a car seat to your FTE car rental reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to travel.
Bring the right documents to keep the pick-up process smooth. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no electronic copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in Argentina, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
In Argentina, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you expect to drink, get someone else to do the driving or find a safe alternative way to get around.
You'll be using the Argentine peso (ARS) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Get into the fast lane once you've collected the keys to your FTE car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you choose, but if you're off to central El Calafate, it'll take you about 25 minutes to cover the 21 kilometres or so west.
The drive from El Calafate to the centre during rush hour can take as long as 35 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
Don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive? Think about collecting a car hire in El Calafate instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from El Calafate (FTE)
Before you move on, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around El Calafate first. Well-known attractions like Los Glaciares and Mirador Lago Argentino set the tone for your whole journey.
