Small
Renault Sandero
Summit Rent A Car- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €467/7 days
See offer →
Rent a Car at El Calafate International Airport (FTE)
Check live prices from 15 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers15
Price tipBook 2-4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At El Calafate International Airport you can compare rental cars from 15 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in El Calafate International Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 13 Nov. Prices collected 14 Oct.
Summit Rent A CarMid-size
Volkswagen Gol
Rent A Car Argentina- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Manual
- 5 seats
from €671/7 days
See offer →SUV
Renault Alaskan
Street Rent a Car- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €739/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in El Calafate International Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 SIXT | (22) | Inside the terminal | €465 |
| Rent A Car Argentina | (57) | Inside the terminal | €660 |
 Keddy | (10) | Inside the terminal | €723 |
| Summit Rent A Car | Inside the terminal | €467 | |
 Europcar | (5) | Inside the terminal | €781 |
| Street Rent a Car | (8) | Inside the terminal | €739 |
 Flexways | (40) | Meet & greet on arrival | €602 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 14 Oct, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at El Calafate International Airport
Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE) is your best starting point for your Patagonia adventure, with 15 rental companies on site. The airport is located about 23 km east of El Calafate city center and offers one of the best car rental selections in southern Argentina. Pick up your car right after landing and drive to Perito Moreno in under two hours.
FTE Airport is located on Patagonia's steppe and surrounded by vast open spaces with views toward the Andes. It takes about 25 minutes to reach El Calafate city center via Route 11. Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park is approximately 100 km to the west of the airport, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours of driving.
With 15 rental companies at FTE, it's still wise to pre-book during high season - Patagonia attracts enormous tourist crowds from November to March. Ask the rental company for a car with good wind stability - Patagonia's famous winds can make driving across the open steppe challenging. Check whether the rental company offers roadside assistance in remote areas.
Which rental companies are at FTE Airport? At Comandante Armando Tola Airport we compare prices from 15 rental companies, including international chains such as Hertz, Avis, and Budget, as well as local Argentine operators. Compare prices on SmartCarRental.com for the best offer.
How long is the drive from FTE to El Chaltén? El Chaltén is approximately 240 km north of the airport via Route 40. Plan for 3 to 4 hours of driving depending on road conditions and wind.
Do I need special insurance to drive in Patagonia? Standard insurance typically covers paved roads. If you plan to drive on gravel roads such as sections of Route 40, comprehensive insurance is recommended to cover tire damage and stone chips.
We compare prices from all major providers at El Calafate International Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
What to Know Before Picking Up at El Calafate International Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Argentina. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at El Calafate International Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at El Calafate International Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At El Calafate International Airport you can compare rentals from 15 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2-4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Argentina ▼
In Argentina you drive on the right side.
- Urban speed limit: 40 km/h
- Rural roads: 100 km/h
- Motorway: 130 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking can be limited in cities, use parking garages where possible.
Road tolls: Always have cash or a credit card available for toll fees.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at El Calafate International Airport
Which rental companies are available at El Calafate International Airport?▼
You can compare 15 rental companies at El Calafate International Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Argentina?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at El Calafate International Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Argentina is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Argentina?▼
In Argentina you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 40 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 130 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at El Calafate International Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at El Calafate International Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at El Calafate International Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2-4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for El Calafate International Airport
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El Calafate International Airport
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