How to find a cheap car rental deal in Uruguay
Searching for a cheap rental car in Uruguay? You're exactly where you need to be. With prices starting at C$37 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and drive away happy.
C$256 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental if your trip is more than just a quick visit.
Browse the range of car rentals in Montevideo. This is where you'll find the cheapest wheels in Uruguay.
Montevideo is the most popular city to rent a car.
If you're unsure which company to go with, check out Keddy By Europcar. It's the leading pick among travellers in Uruguay.
Step off the plane and into the driver's seat by picking up a ride at the airport. Montevideo Airport and Punta Del Este Airport provide access to car rentals.
You can easily rent a set of wheels in cities including Montevideo, Punta Del Este, Salto, Paysandu and Tacuarembo.
Book a one-way rental and you could pay less. If a city is running low on vehicles, providers often lower prices to encourage returns there. Select 'Return car to a different location' to find those cheaper routes.
Need wheels for a few weeks? Sometimes you'll get a discount with a 30-day booking, so play around with your dates to find the best rates.
Go for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' to avoid extra fuel charges. It arrives with a full tank and goes back the same way, so there are no unexpected add-ons.
Rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' give you more freedom to explore without added charges. Search for this option under the 'Policies' filter and travel freely.
Best time to book a car rental in Uruguay
If you want to time it just right, book around three weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a car rental in Uruguay.
October is the most affordable month to rent a car. Expect average daily rates of C$56 then.
If you want to steer clear of peak pricing, avoid December.
Compare car rental types in Uruguay
Economy: Staying true to its name, this option puts savings first. It combines some of the cheapest rates available with low fuel consumption to help keep the total spend down. If stretching your budget is the goal, this is an easy choice.
Small: Covering mini and economy classes, small cars are made for everyday travel. If you're looking for a cheap rental car in Uruguay, this is where you'll bag some of the best deals. They're perfect for city streets and short trips, with easy handling, low fuel use, and enough space for the essentials.
Medium: Need more space without going all out? Medium rentals (which include compact and intermediate models) hit the sweet spot. They feel right at home on busy city streets, on the highway and almost everywhere in between.
Large: More people, more gear, more plans. Large cars offer extra passenger space and increased luggage capacity, making them a perfect match for families and longer drives. Choose one of these full-size rides when comfort is non-negotiable.
SUV: From major highways to scenic detours, SUVs are ready for it all. With a higher driving position, adjustable seating arrangements, and the ability to take on different terrain with ease, they're perfect for road trips across Uruguay.
Van: This type of car for rent in Uruguay includes commercial vans and trucks. With generous load capacity and flexible interior layouts, they're designed to transport bulky items, equipment or bigger groups in one go.
Luxury: Hit the road in ultimate style. Combining head-turning design, advanced technology, and performance tuned for precision and power, these vehicles redefine what a rental experience can be.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Uruguay.
Driving in Uruguay: What you need to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Companies can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check the terms set by each supplier before booking your rental in Uruguay.
Add a car seat to your car rental reservation in Uruguay if you're travelling with small kids. Rules vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, size and weight is always the safest choice.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card for the required security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you haven't driven before in Uruguay, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 100kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% applies in Uruguay. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
Where to road trip in Uruguay?
Uruguay is easy to explore by car, with major rental hubs in Montevideo, Punta del Este and Colonia del Sacramento, plus airport pickup points at Carrasco International Airport and Punta del Este International Airport. If you're planning car rental in Uruguay, these routes show how pickup points, trip lengths and vehicle types can shape your journey.
Colonial Heartland: Colonia del Sacramento to the Rio Uruguay Corridor
Pick up your car in Colonia del Sacramento and drive north through the historic western interior toward a string of river towns along the country's oldest colonial corridor. It's a strong choice if you want a culture-rich drive without covering huge distances each day.
Recommended car: Compact sedan.
Suggested pickup point: Colonia del Sacramento city centre.
Good for: History enthusiasts, couples and first-time visitors.
Road conditions: Paved highways, quiet two-lane rural roads.
Best time to go: March to May for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Trip length: Four to five days.
Key stops: Carmelo, Fray Bentos.
Atlantic Coast: Punta del Este to the Eastern Shore
Pick up your car in Punta del Este and head northeast along the Atlantic shoreline toward the remote eastern coast and its undeveloped beach towns. This drive suits relaxed travellers who are happy covering short daily distances and stopping often.
Recommended car: Compact SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Punta del Este International Airport.
Good for: Beach lovers, families and slow travellers.
Road conditions: Paved coastal roads, unsealed access tracks to beaches.
Best time to go: December to February for warm weather and open businesses.
Trip length: Five to seven days.
Key stops: La Paloma, Punta del Diablo.
Wetlands and Wildlife: The Litoral and Esteros del Interior
Pick up your car in Salto and drive south through the low-lying wetland region that stretches across Uruguay's northwest, where capybaras, caimans and migratory birds are reliably spotted near the river margins. It suits nature-focused travellers who prefer uncrowded back roads and don't need a packed daily itinerary.
Recommended car: Mid-size SUV.
Suggested pickup point: Salto city centre.
Good for: Wildlife watchers, photographers and off-the-beaten-path travellers.
Road conditions: Paved regional roads, gravel rural tracks, unpaved estancia access roads.
Best time to go: September to November for active birdlife and mild temperatures.
Trip length: Four to six days.
Key stops: Paysandú, Quebrada de los Cuervos.
Weather and driving conditions in Uruguay
Weather
Uruguay has four distinct seasons: summer runs December through February with warm, humid conditions, while winter spans June through August with cool, overcast days and occasional frost. Spring and fall, covering September to November and March to May respectively, bring mild and generally settled weather across the country.
Rain is common across Uruguay year-round, and heavy downpours can reduce visibility quickly, so slow down and increase your following distance. Summer heat builds steadily inland, and driving in Uruguay during the hottest part of the day can tire you faster than you expect, so plan longer stretches for the cooler morning hours. Fog is a regular occurrence near the Río de la Plata coast, especially in the early morning, and keeping your headlights on low beam will help other drivers see you clearly.
Driving conditions
You'll find Uruguay's main highways paved and in good condition, linking Montevideo with coastal resorts and towns across the country. If your road trip in Uruguay takes you into the interior, unpaved gravel and dirt roads are common, so consider a higher-clearance vehicle.
Montevideo's grid layout is straightforward, but one-way streets are common downtown, so give yourself extra time to navigate around them. Street parking is widely available but fills quickly near the waterfront and central market areas. {NS} Outside cities, Uruguay's rural roads are often single-lane with minimal signage, and gas stations can be spaced well apart in farming regions, so filling up before heading into the interior is a practical habit to build.
Cattle and sheep regularly cross unfenced rural roads in Uruguay, particularly at dawn and dusk. Stay alert on open pampas routes, where free-roaming livestock can appear with little warning.
Complete your road trip with a hotel
Whether you're going far or keeping it local, a good overnight stop can change everything after a long day on the road. Once you've booked your car rental in Uruguay, browse the range of hotels in Montevideo if this major stop is on your route. You can also compare Punta Del Este accommodation options or browse places to stay in Salto as you plan the rest of your route.
