Punta Arenas City Car Hire

Punta Arenas is the world's southernmost city of significant size, located at the Magellan Strait in Chilean Patagonia. With 8 rental companies in the city center, it's a well-supplied alternative to the airport for renting a car and exploring Tierra del Fuego, Torres del Paine, and the surrounding steppes. The city is also the departure point for ferries to Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic expeditions.

Punta Arenas center is 20 km south of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo airport (PUQ), approximately 20 minutes' drive. Puerto Natales and the Torres del Paine region are reached via Route 9 north – 247 km and approximately 3 hours. The ferry terminal for Tierra del Fuego at Tres Puentes is 5 km north of the city center.

Wind in Punta Arenas can be extreme – drive carefully on open steppes and maintain extra distance. Always fill up with a full tank in Punta Arenas if you're planning longer trips toward Puerto Natales or Tierra del Fuego. Visit Pingüinera Otway (65 km north, 45 minutes) or Magdalena Island for Magellanic penguins – best visited during October–March.

Can I take the rental car on the ferry to Tierra del Fuego? Yes, the ferry Tres Puentes–Bahía Azul runs regularly and cars are allowed. Confirm with the rental company that it's permitted and that your insurance covers Tierra del Fuego.

How long does it take to drive from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine? It's about 247 km and 3 hours to Puerto Natales, then another 1.5 hours to the park entrance – a total of about 4.5 hours from Punta Arenas center. Are the roads around Punta Arenas paved?

Route 9 toward Puerto Natales is paved. Roads toward Tierra del Fuego and more remote destinations are partially gravel, which is why good ground clearance is recommended.

We compare prices from all major providers at Punta Arenas Center 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.