Balmaceda Airport (BBA) Car Hire (BBA)

Balmaceda Airport (BBA) is located 55 km south of Coyhaique and is the gateway to Chile's wildest region – Aysén. With 3 car rental operators on site, you can pick up your car directly and drive north to Coyhaique in approximately 45 minutes along Ruta 245 through spectacular Patagonian scenery. The airport is located on a plateau at 520 m elevation, surrounded by the southern foothills of the Andes and the Río Ñirehuao valley.

Reserva Nacional Coyhaique is reached 60 km to the north (approximately 50 min). To the south, Carretera Austral (Ruta 7) leads toward Puerto Río Tranquilo and Marble Caves, 220 km away (approximately 3 hours). Book an SUV or pickup – Carretera Austral is largely a gravel road and requires good ground clearance.

Fill up with a full tank in Coyhaique; petrol stations along Carretera Austral to the south are sparse and expensive. Take a spare fuel container if you plan to drive south of Cochrane – it's 340 km to the next petrol station. Do I need a special vehicle to drive on Carretera Austral?

An SUV or pickup is strongly recommended. Many stretches are gravel and can be muddy during the rainy season (May–September). How long does it take to drive from Balmaceda airport to Coyhaique?

Approximately 45 minutes (55 km) to the north via Ruta 245 through the town of Balmaceda. Can I drive a rental car the entire Carretera Austral to Puerto Montt? Check with the operator – many allow it but require you to take the car on ferries at several stretches.

One-way rental to Puerto Montt is rare and expensive.

We compare prices from all major providers at Balmaceda Airport (BBA) 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.