Car Rental at El Plumerillo International Airport

Rent a Car at El Plumerillo Airport: Essential Tips

How to Find the Car Rental Desk at MDZ

After landing at Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (El Plumerillo) and collecting your baggage, exit customs and proceed to the arrivals hall. Car rental desks are conveniently located directly inside the main passenger terminal building. Major international and local agencies operate dedicated counters in this area. Vehicles are parked in designated rental lots just steps outside the terminal, requiring no shuttle service.

Documents You Must Carry at Pickup

To collect your rental car at MDZ, you must present your valid home-country driving licence, your passport, and a credit card in the lead driver’s name for the security deposit hold. While Argentine traffic law technically allows tourists to drive with a valid foreign licence for up to 90 days, individual rental companies frequently enforce stricter policies. Many suppliers will require you to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence, especially if your licence is not printed in Spanish or English.

International Driving Permit (IDP) at MDZ — Who Needs One

If your home-country driving licence is not in Spanish, carrying a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and often mandatory by rental agencies. The IDP serves as an officially recognized translation of your foreign licence. Note that some local agencies may also offer (or require) the purchase of a temporary local Argentine driving permit at the counter, though major international brands typically waive this if you have a valid licence + IDP.

Minimum Age and Driving Experience

The minimum age to rent a car in Argentina is typically 21 years, though a few suppliers may allow renters as young as 18 with a mandatory surcharge. Drivers must have held a valid licence for a minimum of one year. Renters aged 21 to 24 are subject to a daily young driver fee (typically equivalent to US$25–$35 per day). The maximum rental age accepted by most companies is 75 years.

Credit Card Deposit — What to Expect

A pre-authorisation hold is placed on a credit card in the lead driver’s name at the time of vehicle collection. Deposit amounts at El Plumerillo Airport typically range from US$400 to US$800 (or the equivalent in Argentine Pesos), depending on the vehicle class and the insurance coverage selected. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the security deposit hold. The hold is usually released within 15 to 30 business days after the car is returned undamaged, though this timeframe depends on your card issuer.

Driving Conditions from El Plumerillo Airport

In Argentina, you must drive on the right side of the road. The route from the airport to Mendoza city center is via Ruta Nacional 40 and is well-maintained and clearly signposted. However, outside the city, roads heading into the Andes (such as Route 7 toward Chile or Route 89 to Potrerillos) can be winding, mountainous, and occasionally feature gravel sections. A vehicle with good ground clearance or an SUV is highly recommended for mountain excursions.

Speed Limits and Traffic Rules from Day One

Speed limits in Argentina are strictly enforced: 40 km/h in urban residential areas, 60 km/h on city avenues, 100–110 km/h on rural roads, and up to 120–130 km/h on major highways. The legal blood alcohol limit is strictly 0.05% BAC. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and mobile phone use while driving is illegal without a hands-free device. Police checkpoints are common on routes out of Mendoza, where officers may ask to see your licence, passport, and car rental agreement.

Fuel and Petrol Stations Near El Plumerillo Airport

Petrol stations (such as YPF, Axion, and Shell) are located immediately adjacent to the airport along Ruta Nacional 40. Fuel in Argentina is sold by the liter. As of mid-2026, regular gasoline (Nafta Súper) costs approximately ARS 1,400–2,000 per liter (roughly USD 1.35–1.45 per liter). Most stations are full-service (an attendant will pump the fuel for you). While major credit cards are widely accepted, it is advisable to carry some Argentine Pesos in cash for smaller stations in rural mountain areas.

One-Way Rentals and Cross-Border Travel

One-way car rentals between Mendoza city center and El Plumerillo Airport or other Argentine cities (like Buenos Aires or Córdoba) are readily available, often with a standard drop-off fee. Cross-Border Travel to Chile: Taking a rental car across the Andes into Chile is possible but strictly regulated. It requires advance written permission from the rental company and the purchase of a specific cross-border permit, which typically costs between US$130 and US$200+, depending on the rental duration. Not all vehicle classes are permitted to cross, and this permit must be arranged well in advance of your pickup date.

What Happens if Your Flight Is Delayed

Final Rentals partner suppliers at MDZ monitor incoming flight schedules in real time. If your flight is delayed, your reservation is typically protected for a grace period of 1 to 2 hours past the original pickup time at no additional charge. For delays beyond this window, contact the rental provider directly using the number in your booking confirmation to adjust your pickup time.