Car Hire at Arturo Merino Benitez Airport — Your Gateway to Chile
Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, known to most travellers simply as SCL, is Chile's busiest international gateway. Located northwest of central Santiago in the Pajaritos area, it handles flights from across South America, North America, Europe, and beyond. For visitors planning to explore beyond the capital, arranging car hire right at the terminal is a potentially practical way to start your trip.
The rental car counters are situated in the arrivals hall on the ground floor, within easy walking distance of the baggage claim. Both international and local suppliers operate here, and your 365CarHire voucher will confirm exactly which desk to approach and what paperwork to have ready. Some companies maintain their fleet supplier-arranged, while others run a short shuttle to a nearby depot. Your voucher will specify which applies to your booking.
SCL (Arturo Merino Benitez)
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Pajaritos, northwest of Santiago centre
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Santiago, wine regions, Andes, coast
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Licence, passport, credit card, confirmation
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Match collection to the actual itinerary
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Airport Terminal Pickup
Collecting your car directly at SCL means no additional transfers into the city. The rental desks are in the main arrivals hall, and many suppliers have vehicles parked within walking distance. This is ideal if you are arriving on a long-haul flight and want to reach your accommodation or hit the road immediately.
Santiago Downtown Office
If you are spending a few days in Santiago first, a downtown pickup lets you avoid airport fees and potentially access a wider range of vehicles. Offices are clustered in the commercial districts, though you will need to arrange your own transport from the airport to the city.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Santiago is a city of contrasts. Modern skyscrapers rise against a backdrop of snow-capped Andes peaks, while historic neighbourhoods hide cobblestone streets and colonial churches. With a rental car collected right at SCL, you do not need to navigate the airport-to-city transfer before your trip truly begins. The road network radiating from the capital connects you to Pacific beaches, Andean peaks, and some of the world's most celebrated wine valleys.
The airport itself is Chile's primary international hub, which means the rental operation is well organised and familiar with foreign travellers. Staff at the major counters typically speak English, and the process is straightforward if your documents are in order. The key is knowing exactly which supplier you booked with and whether your pickup is at the terminal or requires a shuttle.
For those heading south into Patagonia or north toward the Atacama, SCL is the natural starting point. The Pan-American Highway runs the full length of the country, and from the airport you can be on your way within an hour of landing. The freedom of having your own vehicle in Chile is hard to overstate — public transport serves the main cities well, but the country's real magic is found in the spaces between them.
Check the conditions behind the price
The selected supplier’s terms and booking voucher control the rental. Review them before payment and again before collection.
Total payable price
Compare the full payable amount and inclusions rather than an unsupported daily-price promise.
Deposit and payment card
Confirm the deposit, accepted card type and whose name must appear on the card.
Excess and cover
Read the renter's liability, exclusions and what any optional protection actually changes.
Fuel policy
Know the collection level, return requirement and whether a refuelling charge can apply.
Mileage and territory
Check any distance limit and where the vehicle may be driven.
Extras and return
Price additional drivers, seats, after-hours service and one-way return before payment.
Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
Licence and Documentation
A valid driving licence held for at least one year is standard. If your licence is not in Spanish, an International Driving Permit is recommended and may be required by certain suppliers. Your passport and a credit card in the main driver's name are almost always necessary. Check your voucher for the exact requirements before you travel.
Peak Arrival Times
Early morning flights between 8am and 11am create the busiest queues at the rental desks. If you are on one of these services, consider having your documents ready and your voucher open on your phone to speed up the process.
Vehicle Choice for Your Route
Santiago and the central valley are well served by standard compacts and sedans. If you are heading into the Andes or planning to drive the mountain passes, consider a vehicle with more ground clearance. Your voucher will show the category you booked; upgrades may be available at the counter subject to availability.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Chile official tourism information.
Build a realistic first journey
Santiago City Centre
Follow the main airport connections toward the city. The route takes you through suburban Santiago before reaching the downtown grid. Traffic builds from mid-morning onward, so an early arrival helps. Allow extra time during weekday rush periods.
Valparaiso and the Coast
Head west from Santiago toward the Pacific. This route crosses the coastal range and delivers you to Chile's historic port city and the adjoining beach towns. The road is generally good, though fog and winding sections near the coast require attention.
Wine Country and the Central Valley
Drive south from the capital into the heart of Chile's wine regions. The Pan-American Highway and connecting roads serve the main valleys well. Plan stops at vineyards in advance, as many require reservations for tastings.
Andes Mountain Routes
Heading east from Santiago takes you into the Andes, with routes toward ski resorts and mountain towns. Winter driving conditions apply from roughly June to September, and snow chains may be required. Check current road status before setting out.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find the rental desks at SCL?
The car rental counters are on the ground floor of the arrivals hall, past the baggage claim and customs area. Your 365CarHire voucher names your specific supplier and confirms whether pickup is at the terminal or via shuttle.
Do Chilean rental companies accept debit cards?
Policies vary significantly. Most major suppliers require a credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. If you only hold a debit card, check your voucher terms carefully before booking, as some companies will not proceed without a credit card.
What is the fuel policy for rentals in Chile?
Full-to-full is the most common arrangement. You receive the car with a full tank and return it full. Make sure you know where the nearest service station is to your return point to avoid refuelling charges.
Can I drive a rental car into Argentina?
Cross-border rentals require specific permission and insurance. Most standard bookings do not include this automatically. If you plan to cross the Andes into Argentina, inform the supplier at the time of booking and confirm the additional documentation required.
Compare Arturo Merino Benitez Airport car hire
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