Car Rental in Uruguay - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Uruguay is highly recommended for tourists wanting to explore beyond Montevideo. The country drives on the right side of the road, making it comfortable for North American and European visitors. Road conditions are generally good on major highways connecting cities like Punta del Este, Colonia del Sacramento, and coastal destinations, though rural roads can vary in quality. Car rental works best for countryside exploration, beach-hopping along the Atlantic coast, and visiting wine regions near Carmelo. The flexibility allows you to discover small towns and estancias at your own pace. However, skip the rental in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja, where narrow streets and limited parking make walking more practical. Public buses adequately serve the capital and major routes between cities. Driving in Uruguay is relatively straightforward, though be prepared for aggressive local driving styles and limited road signage in rural areas. International visitors need a valid driver's license from their home country. Gas stations are less frequent outside urban areas, so plan fuel stops accordingly. Check current rental rates and availability through booking platforms, as prices vary by season and vehicle type.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for Uruguay's specific IDP requirements. Check with rental agencies and Uruguay's official tourism sources before travel.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old, though specific age requirements vary by company. Young driver surcharges may apply.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is generally required. Verify acceptance of your specific license type with rental agencies.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted for deposits.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included, but comprehensive coverage is recommended. Check what your rental includes and consider additional coverage options.

Additional Documentation

Passport and rental voucher are generally required. Verify specific documentation requirements with your chosen rental agency before pickup.

Rent from international agencies at Montevideo's Carrasco Airport for convenience and reliability, though local agencies in cities may offer competitive rates - compare options but verify insurance coverage carefully before booking.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the spare tire and jack are present, and confirm the fuel policy (typically full-to-full) to avoid disputes at return.

GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze work well in Uruguay, but download offline maps as mobile coverage can be limited in rural areas between cities.

Fuel stations are readily available in cities and along major routes, but fill up before heading to remote areas - parking in Montevideo's Old City can be challenging, so look for paid parking lots rather than street parking.

Return the car with the agreed fuel level and allow extra time for the vehicle inspection - take photos of the odometer and fuel gauge as documentation of the return condition.

Rural roads in Uruguay can have unexpected hazards including livestock, potholes, and limited lighting at night - exercise extra caution outside major cities and reduce speed after dark.

Montevideo experiences heavy traffic congestion during morning (7:30-9:30 AM) and evening (5:30-7:30 PM) rush hours - plan extra travel time or avoid these periods when possible.

Police checkpoints (controles) are common throughout Uruguay for license and vehicle document verification - always carry your driver's license, passport, rental agreement, and insurance papers.

Aggressive driving and tailgating are more common than in many Western countries, and right-of-way rules may not always be followed strictly - drive defensively and maintain safe following distances.