Calama car rentals
Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Calama
Save up to 48%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customize your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Cheap car rentals in Calama
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger Van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Calama
- Visitors whose tour of Chile coincides with annual events or festival celebrations will likely encounter challenges when driving cheap car rentals in Calama. For example, those visiting in the last week of June will find locals and other guests celebrating Fiesta de San Pedro at the Catholic church in San Pedro. In the third week of February, the town hosts the Chiloe Folk Festival at the city of Castro’s Municipal Park. Normally, the roads leading to the venues of these festivals face closure, resulting in congested streets. Therefore, you can expect slow service at car rental stations.
- It is helpful to read and understand Chile’s traffic laws before sitting behind the wheels of cheap car rentals in Calama. First, Chileans keep to the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left. Secondly, remember it is prohibited to drive while smoking, and the traffic officers are obliged to pull you over and fine you if found culpable. Thirdly, listening to music with headphones on while driving Calama car rentals is illegal. Fourthly, drivers on your right have the right of way at an intersection without traffic lights. Lastly, you cannot use an electronic device, particularly a mobile phone, while driving.
- You must be 21 or older when booking Calama car rentals, although the legal driving age is 18. Bear in mind that the age requirement might vary depending on the company and vehicle categories. Still, the cheap car rentals in Calama will expect you to have acquired your driver’s license a year earlier. Moreover, most car rental agencies impose a surcharge fee on renters who are under 25. Foreign nationals must present valid driver’s licenses from their country of origin and an International Driving Permit. As you cannot rent a car using someone’s credit, only a credit card in your name is allowed. Furthermore, renters must have insurance before hitting the road in Calama.
- Plonked amidst the wide, Chilean landscape with no other big cities nearby, it is highly recommended to get a rental car when coming to Calama. This will let you get the most out of your trip and explore the city conveniently on your own four wheels. With a rental car you could also discover the beauty of the Reserva Nacional Alto Loa, which is a 2-hour drive to the north, or roam through the breathtaking beauty of the Atacama Desert.
- El Loa Airport is about twenty minutes by car from Calama, so it is advised to pick up a rental car directly from there to save the hassle of traveling into the city with alternative transport or expensive cabs – also because there is no public transport going into the city. Head to the agency desks following the signs from the terminal and choose the Avenue Balmaceda for the quickest route to Calama.
- Driving in Calama should generally cause no problems for most drivers, but bear in mind that road conditions in Calama and the whole of Chile can be poor and riddled with potholes. It is important to inquire whether the rental insurance covers damages to the underside of the car, and it is also important to reduce your speed and approach damaged streets with caution.
- As Calama is not a big city and is located remotely, there are no painstaking rush hours to worry about. However, December to February is the high season for tourists visiting the Atacama Desert, so tourism can mean increased traffic, but there should be no major delays for drivers in general.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Calama for C$ 36 or less
- Book your rental car in Calama at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about renting a car in Calama
What type of car is recommended for driving in Calama?
As the streets may be in poor condition and some roads are merely dirt tracks, a truck or SUV is highly recommended. With a city car, passengers could feel sick quickly due to the unsteady roads, and there could even be damages to less robust cars. With an SUV, you gain good road grip without having to maneuver a bulky car.
What’s the speed limit in Calama?
Within city limits, the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) and there are some roads that permit 60 km/h (38 mph). Secondary rural roads allow up to 100 km/h (62 mph), but drivers should also take the road conditions into account. Freeways permit 120 km/h (75 mph) unless posted otherwise.
Where are the best places to park in Calama?
Many hotels in Calama have hotels with their own parking lot, so ask your accommodation whether a spot for your rental car is included, as this is the easiest and most convenient way to find a parking space for your car. There are also public parking lots, like the Estacionamiento Progreso Calama, the Estacionamiento Centro, or the Carpe Diem parking lot, that are good options when leaving the hotel for the city.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Calama?
On average a rental car in Calama costs C$ 42 per day.
Can I rent an automatic car in Calama?
Yes, automatic cars are available in most car renting companies in Calama. As cars with manual transmission are more common in many countries, you might have to pay an additional charge for renting an automatic car.
How much is gas price in Calama?
The average gas price in Calama is C$ 7.34 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 88 and C$ 117, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Calama?
Economy (Volkswagen Gol or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Calama.
Which car rental companies are at El Loa airport (CJC)?
Car rental companies onsite at El Loa airport include Avis, Budget, Chilean Rent A Car and UNITED RENT A CAR.
How can I find car rentals near me in Calama?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in Calama?
An Economy car rental in Calama costs C$ 31 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Calama?
In Calama, cars are most frequently rented at Budget El Loa (5 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Calama?
On average a rental car in Calama costs C$ 291 per week (C$ 42 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Calama?
On average a rental car in Calama costs C$ 1,247 per month (C$ 42 per day).
What is the blood alcohol level in Calama?
Chile has zero tolerance for drink-driving. To this end, it has enforced a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.05%. A violation of this regulation attracts a punitive fine, including possible imprisonment. The law enforces have the right to stop you anywhere, anytime, and conduct a breathalyzer test.
What are the child seat rules in Calama?
The Chilean traffic law requires all children aged 12 or younger to occupy the back seats and strap themselves in safety belts. Children under four must be secured in a car restraint system to travel in Calama car rentals legally.
Calama car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
10.0
Wonderful
1 reviewCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
10.0
Value for money
10.0
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Parque Apiac Sitio #3c
+56 55 234 1380
Filters
No reviews available
Chilean Rent A Car
6.0
Okay
1 reviewCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
El Loa Airport
+56 229 638 760
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Mar. 2024
National
5.8
Fair
2 reviewsCleanliness
6.0
Comfort
6.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.0
Value for money
5.0
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Felix Hojos 2177 Ii Region
+56 5522 8528
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jan. 2020
Pros:
Staff of the main car company (not National) was friendly.Cons:
Literally doesn't exist. No cars available despite confirmation. Subcontracts the location through another company. Forced to get car from another company last minute. Avoid.9.6 Wonderful
Aug. 2019
Pros:
The staff in Calama (Miguel) was amazing! Very smooth process, great communication and convenient advises. Pick-up process very fast and easy. The blocked amount in my credit card was about 400 USD.Cons:
Everything was just fine!Avis
5.1
Fair
5 reviewsCleanliness
4.9
Comfort
4.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.9
Value for money
5.5
3 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Av Balmaceda 2634
+56 9 8717 7780
Parq Ind Apiac Galp 18-19
+56 2 2795 3963
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec. 2023
4.4 Mediocre
Feb. 2020
Pros:
Drop off was easy, although I never received a receipt.Cons:
The staff at the time of rental were rude and unhelpful. It also took over an hour to complete the rental. The car they gave me didn't feel safe -- it was a very high clearance vehicle that fishtailed every time I hit a bump or pothole in the road.4.0 Mediocre
Jul. 2019
Pros:
Drop off was horrible. Deposit was ridiculously high2.0 Poor
Mar. 2019
Cons:
Avis was close when arrive to airport so I had to canceled and rent another company10.0 Wonderful
Jul. 2021
Europcar
5.0
Fair
3 reviewsCleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.0
Value for money
4.0
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
El Loa Airport
+56 55 257 8170
Parque Industrial Apiac Sitio 1-c
+56 55 257 8300
Filters
Reviews
4.8 Mediocre
Apr. 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
Crappy car3.6 Poor
Sep. 2018
Cons:
My insurance (which I purchased separately from Europcar) was not recognized by the company, and I was forced to leave a $3000 deposit (on my credit card) when picking up the car - and I found out that I was also charged another $700 for a reason I ignore! When I returned the car, they insisted that there were additional scratches (which is completely false) and refused to return my deposit. I am now trying to find a way to get my deposit back (and the additional $700 charge, which I don't understand). Terrible experience. Will never use this company again.Budget
3.4
Poor
12 reviewsCleanliness
4.2
Comfort
3.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.7
Value for money
3.5
3 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Av Balmaceda 2634
+56 9 8717 7780
Parq Ind Apiac Galp 18-19
+56 9 5229 3406
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Feb. 2020
Pros:
NothingCons:
Everything2.0 Poor
Jan. 2020
Pros:
They tried to force an insurance purchase over a 7000 USD guarantee in case I didn't get it. I did not get the car with this company.Cons:
There is no chance of getting a car without paying their own insurance (expensive obviously).3.6 Poor
Oct. 2019
Cons:
Waited for the attendant for over 90 minutes bc no one was at the front desk!2.0 Poor
Jun. 2019
Pros:
They referred me to another companyCons:
The company was able to see my reservation in their computer, but were unwilling to honor it. They said that they only hone reservations made more than 48 hours in advance. I am concerned that I will be double charged, as it required a credit card t secure my reservation5.6 Fair
May 2019
Pros:
The drop off was easy.Cons:
The pick up was terrible. The whole process took 45 minutes. On top of that, a microphone fell out of the lining of the car ceiling and was very off-putting.8.0 Very good
May 2019
Cons:
A bit slow picking it up. Thankfully there was no line. The agent was pleasant enough but it took 20 minutes.Sixt
7.3
Good
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Aeropuerto El Loa Calama
+56 2 2513 6000
Filters
No reviews available
Ace
2.0
Poor
No reviews available
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Aeropuerto El Loa Local 6
+56 55 231 1325
Almirante Juan Jose' Latorre
+56 55 234 1076
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
7.9
Good
No reviews available
4 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Parque Industrial Apiac Sitio 1-C, Calama
+56 552 578 300
Filters
No reviews available
Mitta Rent a Car
7.3
Good
No reviews available
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
Econorent
6.4
Okay
No reviews available
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Calama
+56 55 221 1325
Filters
No reviews available
Fox
2.0
Poor
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Europcar, Aeropuerto El Loa
+56 55 257 8170
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Aeropuerto El Loa Calama, ., Calama
+56 5818 6097
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
El Aeropuerto El Loa
+56 9 9207 9205
Hotel Diego de Almagro, Av, La Paz 1675, Calama
+56 9 9207 9205
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Felix Hojos 2177 I Region
+56 552 594 149
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
El Loa Airport
+86 10 6064 1387
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
Locations in Calama
Calle La Torre 1510
+56 5734 0973
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Calama
from C$ 46/dayLocations in Calama
Filters
No reviews available