Driving in Argentina

Overview

Argentina is a driver’s dream for those seeking epic landscapes and long, open roads. From the subtropical north to the windswept south of Patagonia, the country spans over 3,700 km and offers some of the world’s most spectacular driving routes. Ruta 40, running the length of the country along the Andes, is legendary among road trippers.

Driving in Argentina also comes with significant challenges. Buenos Aires traffic is notoriously chaotic, with aggressive drivers, complex one-way systems, and limited parking. Beyond the capital, vast distances separate towns, and fuel availability becomes a critical planning factor. In southern Patagonia, paved roads give way to gravel and dirt, requiring appropriate vehicles and cautious driving.

An International Driving Permit is required for all foreign visitors. The minimum driving age is 17. Argentina drives on the right and uses kilometers per hour. Toll autopistas connect major cities, while secondary roads vary widely in condition.

License & Documents

• International Driving Permit (IDP): Required alongside your valid domestic license. Must be obtained before arrival
• IDP convention: 1949 Geneva Convention format is accepted
• Validity: IDP valid for up to one year from issue; check expiry before travel
• Carry at all times: Domestic license, IDP, passport, vehicle registration, and insurance documents
• Minimum age: 17 for car drivers
• Rental requirements: Most companies require drivers to be 21–25 with a valid license for at least one year

Rules of the Road

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left
• Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): 0.0% for professional drivers; 0.02–0.05% for private drivers depending on province (zero tolerance recommended)
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all occupants
• Child restraints: Required for children under 10 or under 1.50 m height
• Headlights: Must be on at all times on highways
• Mobile phones: Hands-free only. Using a handheld phone is prohibited
• Speed limits: Vary by province; typically 40–60 km/h urban, 80–110 km/h rural, 120–130 km/h on highways
• Right of way: Vehicles approaching from the right generally have priority at unmarked intersections

Road Conditions & Types

Autopistas (Toll Highways)

The main toll highways radiate from Buenos Aires: Autopista Buenos Aires–La Plata, Acceso Norte, Acceso Oeste, and routes to Rosario and Córdoba. Surfaces are generally good. Tolls are collected at booths; cash (Argentine pesos) is the most reliable payment. Some routes have electronic tag lanes (Telepase).

Ruta 40

Argentina’s iconic highway runs from La Quiaca in the north to Río Gallegos in the south. The northern and central sections (Salta, Mendoza, San Juan) are largely paved. The southern Patagonian section (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Perito Moreno) has extensive gravel and dirt stretches. Drive at reduced speed on unpaved sections; washboard surfaces and loose stones are common. Allow extra time and ensure your vehicle is suitable.

Buenos Aires

Driving in the capital is challenging. Traffic is heavy, lane discipline is loose, and motorcycles weave between cars. The microcentro has complex one-way systems and restricted zones. Parking is difficult and expensive. Many visitors pick up rental cars at the airport and avoid central Buenos Aires entirely.

Gravel and Dirt Roads

Southern Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and rural areas rely heavily on unpaved roads. Reduce speed to 60–80 km/h or less. Watch for livestock, potholes, and sudden weather changes. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for remote routes.

Fuel & Charging

• Fuel types: Nafta (gasoline) — regular and premium — and diesel (gasoil)
• Availability: Reliable in cities and along major routes. In remote Patagonia, stations can be 200–400 km apart
• Planning: Use apps like YPF or maps to locate stations. Fill up at every opportunity in the south
• Payment: Cash and cards accepted in cities; cash is more reliable in remote areas. Some stations may not accept foreign cards
• Extra fuel: Carry fuel in approved containers for long Patagonian stretches. Ensure containers are secure and legal
• EV charging: Very limited. Not recommended for long-distance travel outside major cities

Parking

• Buenos Aires: Metered street parking and paid lots. “Estacionamiento” signs indicate paid zones. Watch for tow-away zones
• Parking attendants (guardas): Informal attendants may offer to watch your car; tipping is customary
• Shopping centers: Often have secure underground parking
• Small towns: Usually free street parking. Follow local custom
• Patagonia: Ample free parking in most tourist towns

Tolls & Fees

• Autopista tolls: Cash (pesos) at toll booths. Amounts vary by distance; keep small bills
• Telepase: Electronic tag for frequent users; rental cars may or may not include it
• Secondary roads: Most are free. Some provincial routes have occasional tolls
• Ruta 40: No tolls on the main route

Car Rental Tips

• Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Localiza, plus Argentine operators
• Buenos Aires airports: Ezeiza and Aeroparque have rental desks. Book in advance
• 4WD/SUV: Strongly recommended for Patagonia and Ruta 40 south. Standard sedans can struggle on gravel
• One-way rentals: Available but expensive. Drop-off fees for returning in a different city can be substantial
• Insurance: Verify coverage for gravel roads and off-pavement travel. See our car rental insurance guide — some policies exclude unpaved surfaces
• Documentation: Rental companies require IDP, passport, and credit card

Emergency Information

Service	Number
Universal Emergency	911
Police	101
Ambulance	107
Fire	100
Roadside Assistance (ACA)	0800-999-0707

• 911 is the unified emergency number in major cities
• ACA (Automóvil Club Argentino) offers roadside assistance; temporary membership available for tourists
• Remote areas: Cell coverage is patchy in Patagonia. Consider a satellite communicator for extreme remote travel
• Medical: Private hospitals in cities; remote areas have limited facilities. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential

Cultural Tips

• Patience in traffic: Buenos Aires drivers are assertive. Avoid confrontation; defensive driving is key
• Honking: Used liberally — for greetings, warnings, and frustration. Do not take it personally
• Livestock on roads: Cows, horses, and guanacos may appear on rural and Patagonian roads. Slow down and pass carefully
• Weather: Patagonia is windy year-round. Strong crosswinds can affect high-profile vehicles. Check forecasts before long drives
• Daylight: Plan long drives for daylight hours. Night driving on rural and gravel roads is hazardous
• Distances: Do not underestimate. Buenos Aires to Bariloche is over 1,500 km; to Ushuaia over 3,000 km

Useful Resources

• ACA (Automóvil Club Argentino)
• Argentina National Roads Directorate
• YPF (Fuel stations)
• Ruta 40 information

Related Destinations

• Chile
• Brazil
• Peru