Car Hire in Buenos Aires
This information is correct as of July 2015.
Buenos Aires, one of the most beautiful cities in South America, is a treasure to behold. It may have various fascinating landmarks such as the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and the Casa Rosada, but it is the residents themselves who make this Latin American capital stand out. The tango, their unique dance, is only one of their distinctive cultural aspects that can beguile one to learn more about Argentina.
Where to hire a car in Buenos Aires
There are various car rental companies to look for in Buenos Aires, with internationally-known companies such as Avis, Alamo, Europcar, Payless Car Rental, and Thrifty Car Rental near the port. There are also independent operators to check out, which allow you different options to consider. Pre-booking should be done, so you can minimise the difficulties involved. You should clarify the terms and conditions, though, so you can choose the right provider fit for your needs and budget.
Preparing the documents is also an important step. You should have a valid driver's licence from your home country, as well as an International Driving Permit (IDP). You should also have other photographic IDs ready, depending on the rental policies of your provider. Insurance coverage should also be taken into account, as this is one of the required documents to keep in your car. Other papers include the rental agreement or a Blue Card and proof of the last road tax payment. Clarify this with your car rental operator to make sure you have all the required papers.
What to expect when hiring a car from Buenos Aires
Driving in Buenos Aires can be a headache, not just due to the traffic, but also the generally careless way the Argentines usually drive. This makes it important that you be prepared with defensive driving techniques, with enough knowledge about the driving regulations of Buenos Aires. There are also toll roads on most of the main highways of Argentina, with currently nine toll roads throughout the city. The toll rates increase around 25% to 60% at peak times, namely between 7:00AM to 10:00AM and 5:00PM to 8:00PM.
One-way roads are also located in the city, which imparts how important it is to take note of them on your maps or navigate through them with a GPS. Other than that, you should also watch out for the tram in Puerto Madero called the Tranvia del Este. Bicycle lanes are also increasing, so you will need to be additionally careful in driving to avoid running into cyclists. Upon reaching the general area of your destination, you can also look for parking spaces. It can be hard to find an available spot, though, so you will need to look for a hotel offering parking spaces.
Getting to your destination
La Plata
One of the primary cities of Argentina, one will find in La Plata several beautiful landmarks. There is the City Hall Building with its German Renaissance style, as well as the Cathedral opposite Moreno Square. It has a New Gothic design and 34 French and German vitreaux. These are just among a few others to be seen in this part of the country.
Get on Au Buenos Aires - la Plata/RN1 in Comuna 4 from Av. Corrientes and Av. Ing Huergo. Follow Au Buenos Aires - la Plata/RN1 to Av. Domingo Mercante/RP11 in Ensenada. Take exit 52 from Au Buenos Aires - la Plata/RN1. Take Diagonal 74, Calle 115, Diagonal 80, and Av. 53 to Calle 12 in La Plata. It can take around an hour to reach this area, with tolls to pay along the way.
Ezeiza
The capital city of the Ezeiza Partido within the Greater Buenos Aires area, you will find in Ezeiza several gated communities as well as the Ministro Pistarini International Airport. You will also find here the Bosques de Ezeiza (Ezeiza Woods) and the Provincial University of Ezeiza among others.
Get on Au 25 de Mayo, and take Au Luis Dellepiane, RN A002, and Au Ezeiza - Cañuelas to Lucio Salvadores in Ezeiza. Take exit 32 from Au Ezeiza - Cañuelas. This route has tolls, with an estimated travel time of 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Zarate
A city in the northeast of the province of Buenos Aires, Zarante is one of the main points of an important industrial region. Some of the sights to see here is the Estancia los Dos Hermanos and the Complejo Zarate Brazo Largo.
Continue to Comuna 2 and then follow Av. Int. Cantilo and RN9 to RP6 in Campana. Take the exit towards Campana/Zárate/Ruta Nacional 12 from RN9. Continue on RP6 and take Av. Gral. Lavalle to 19 de Marzo in Zárate. Tolls will be passed along the way, with the trip taking around an hour and 20 minutes.