Planning to reach Mar del Plata or Rosario by road?

Car rental at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) makes sense once your plans go beyond central Buenos Aires. Several international and local agencies operate directly at the airport, with counters typically open from around 07:00 to 23:00 depending on the company. This setup works well if you want to land, grab keys, and head straight out on Ruta 2, Ruta 8, or Ruta 9 without routing back across town later.

Most agencies base their fleets near the main terminal, so you usually walk 3–5 minutes from arrivals to the rental desks. You’ll find compact and economy cars as the cheapest options, often starting at a lower daily rate than downtown branches once you factor in round-trip taxi fares. Automatic transmission is available but fewer in number than manuals, and pricing can jump 20–30% for autos, so book that specifically in advance.

Fuel policy, mileage caps, and toll handling matter on Argentina’s long-distance routes. Many AEP contracts include a standard fuel policy where you return the car with the same level you received; others require full-to-full, so check the exact wording before you sign. Several rental outfits allow unlimited kilometers within Argentina, but a few set daily caps around 200–300 km and charge per extra kilometer, which adds up quickly if you’re driving to places like Córdoba or Mendoza.

Cross-border trips into Uruguay or Chile need advance permission from the rental firm and extra paperwork that can take 24–72 hours to arrange. Expect added fees for the permiso de salida and cross-border insurance, often a flat amount per rental rather than per day. If you plan to take a Buquebus ferry to Colonia and continue driving, confirm in writing that your AEP rental contract covers that route, including liability insurance outside Argentina.

For a smooth pickup and drop-off, time it with your flights at AEP. Late arrivals after 23:00 can mean after-hours fees or restricted service, depending on the agency. One practical tip: photograph the car thoroughly on the airport ramp before leaving, including odometer and fuel gauge, and keep those photos until the final invoice clears your credit card.