Punta Arenas in Southern Chile is the gateway to the wild and world famous Patagonia region. Pick up a cheap hired car to see nature at its finest.
Explore the history of Punta Arenas with a visit to museums, the cemetery, and the central plaza. Catch a bargain at the tax-free Zona Austral shopping mall, featuring over 80 shops, including food outlets and cafes.
When you’re ready to hit the road, hop in your rental car to visit national parks, glaciers and mountains. Whichever direction you go, you’re guaranteed to experience incredible, jaw dropping landscapes.
![Punta Arenas at dawn]()
Image: NASA ICE
Renting a car from the President Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International Airport
Reserve your cheap Punta Arenas airport rental car quickly and easily with Airport Rentals. Simply pop your travel details into the search box to instantly compare vehicles across multiple brands. Narrow your search with the easy-to-use preference filters such as vehicle type, transmission type and more.
Select your ideal car rental and complete your booking in just a few clicks. Manage your booking online with no cancellation fees or amendment costs. Need assistance? No problem, contact our helpful customer service team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Presidente Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International Airport (PUQ)
Located 20 kilometres north of Punta Arenas, the President Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International Airport is the gateway to the Patagonia region. First opened in 1950, it is one of the busiest airports in Southern Chile. Currently, it is a joint military and civilian airport.
The main airlines operating from Punta Arena are LATAM and Sky Airlines, both offering frequent flights to Santiago, Puerto Montt, Balmaceda, and Concepcion. It also services seasonal charter flights.
The airport has one terminal and a small selection of shops and stands selling souvenirs, handicrafts, jewellery, newspapers, and magazines. Make use of the free WiFi available throughout the terminal. Food options are limited to one full-service restaurant and a small kiosk with few options. The car hire companies’ customer service desks can be found in the arrivals hall.
Driving your car hire in Punta Arenas
Driving around Punta Arenas offers breathtaking scenery. Drive cautiously on gravel surface roads. Flat tyres on the bumpy roads are common; make sure your vehicle has a spare and all the necessary tools should you need to change it. Petrol stations can be hard to find, so plan ahead and check your tank before heading off on a long journey.
Getting from President Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International Airport to Punta Arenas
Driving to Punta Arenas from the airport is an easy 15-minute drive. Simply drive along the main road number 9 until you reach the city centre.
Driving tips for Chile
● Drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left.
● Take care on windy mountain roads, which have hard curves and often no guard rails.
● Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
● The road conditions in rural areas can be poor, keep a lookout for potholes.
● Patagonia is incredibly remote; plan your road trips carefully.
Parking at President Carlos Ibanez Del Campo International Airport and in the city Centre
There is ample parking at the Punta Arenas Airport. The open air car park has just over 400 spaces available, all within easy walking distance to the terminal.
The city is known for its strong winds. Keep this in mind when parking your vehicle to avoid damage to your vehicle's doors.
