Car rental in Montevideo, Uruguay

Airport and downtown pickup, one-way options and clear insurance choices.

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Carrasco International Airport (MVD) is the entry point for Montevideo and the launchpad for Uruguay's coast, where a rental car turns the run to Punta del Este and the beaches beyond into the easy highlight of the trip. Several suppliers work the airport - Localiza, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Thrifty and local operator Punta Car among them - with some desks in the terminal and others reached by a short shuttle. One-way drop-offs to Punta del Este are widely offered, making a coastal road trip simple to set up if you book the leg in advance.

Airport vs downtown car rental pickup in Montevideo
Pickup option	Convenience	Typical price	Watch for
Airport desk	Land and drive, no transfer needed	Higher (airport surcharges)	After-hours return rules
Downtown office	Needs a transfer first	Often 10-25% cheaper	Limited weekend hours
Hotel delivery	The car comes to you	Varies by supplier	Availability outside major cities

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Frequently asked questions

Which car rental firms are at Montevideo Carrasco Airport?

Carrasco (MVD) hosts several suppliers including Localiza, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Thrifty and the Uruguayan operator Punta Car. Some desks are inside the terminal while others - among them Localiza, Punta Car and Alamo - are reached by a short shuttle. The Uruguayan summer of December to February is peak season, so book early for the best rates and automatics.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Uruguay?

You may drive on your national licence, but many rental agencies in Uruguay ask for an International Driving Permit alongside it, so carry both to avoid problems at the desk. Bring the licence, the IDP and a credit card in the main driver's name. Confirm your specific supplier's requirement when you book, as policies vary between firms.

How do tolls work on the drive to Punta del Este?

The coastal Ruta Interbalnearia from Montevideo toward Punta del Este has a few toll plazas, and tolls are inexpensive and generally paid in cash in Uruguayan pesos at the booth. Keep small notes and coins handy. The highway speed limit is 110 km/h, and weekend and holiday traffic toward the beaches can be fast, so allow extra time.

What are the must-know driving rules in Uruguay?

Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, on every road - it is strictly enforced. Seat belts are mandatory, there is a zero blood-alcohol limit for drivers, and children under 12 must travel in the back seat. For one-way coastal trips, arrange the Punta del Este drop-off when booking, as it must be reserved in advance and a fee usually applies.