Car Hire at Trelew Airport, Argentina

Located in northern Patagonia, Trelew is the gateway to one of Argentina’s most spectacular wildlife regions. Most visitors arrive via Almirante Marcos A. Zar Airport (Trelew Airport), which sits just a short drive from the city and within easy reach of the UNESCO-listed Península Valdés.

Hiring a car at Trelew Airport gives you the freedom to explore the region’s coastal reserves, wildlife viewing points, rugged Patagonian landscapes and nearby towns at your own pace. Public transport across Patagonia is limited, making a rental car the most convenient and flexible way to get around.

Picking Up Your Car at Trelew Airport

Trelew Airport is compact and easy to navigate. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals area, and vehicles are collected from car parks just outside the terminal.

Because Patagonia attracts visitors year-round for wildlife tourism, pre-booking your hire car is highly recommended, particularly from September to April.

Why Hire a Car at Trelew Airport?

Access to wildlife hotspots
A rental car makes it easy to reach Península Valdés, famous for whales, penguins, elephant seals and guanacos.

Freedom to explore the coastline
Drive to remote beaches, dramatic cliffs and wildlife viewing points not accessible by tours or public buses.

Convenience for day trips
A car allows flexible travel to places such as Puerto Madryn, Gaiman and other Welsh-settlement towns.

Perfect for photographers and nature lovers
With long distances between sites, a hire car helps you stop wherever you like for landscapes, wildlife sightings and coastal views.

Car Hire with Rhino Car Hire at Trelew Airport

We partner with trusted rental companies based directly at Trelew Airport to provide a smooth pick-up and drop-off experience.

What you can expect
A choice of vehicles suited to both city and rural travel, including compact cars, saloons and SUVs
Clear pricing with no hidden extras
Airport pick-up right after landing
Flexible booking options for short or extended trips
Optional extras such as GPS, child seats, additional drivers and enhanced insurance

Best Places to Visit by Car from Trelew Airport

Península Valdés
Around 1 hour 30 minutes from Trelew. A wildlife reserve home to whales (seasonal), elephant seals, penguins, sea lions and unique coastal formations.

Puerto Madryn
About 45 minutes away. A lively coastal town with beaches, dive centres and tours.

Gaiman
Only 30 minutes from Trelew. A charming Welsh-heritage town famous for tea houses and traditional architecture.

Rawson & Playa Unión
A short drive south to the provincial capital and its popular beach, ideal for dolphin watching.

Punta Tombo
Around 2 hours south. One of the world’s largest Magellanic penguin colonies.

Dique Ameghino
A scenic inland reservoir surrounded by canyon landscapes, perfect for photography.

Driving Tips for Trelew and Patagonia

Distances can be long, so plan fuel stops in advance
Roads within cities are paved, but some rural and coastal routes may be gravel
Wildlife (guanacos, rheas, armadillos) may cross roads unexpectedly
Winds can be strong in open Patagonian areas, so drive with caution
Carry water, snacks and a phone charger for longer journeys
Weather changes quickly, especially outside summer months

Distances from Trelew Airport

Trelew city centre – 4 miles
Puerto Madryn – 36 miles
Gaiman – 17 miles
Rawson – 18 miles
Playa Unión – 21 miles
Península Valdés (Puerto Pirámides) – 95 miles
Punta Tombo – 110 miles

Trelew Airport Car Hire FAQs

Do I need a car at Trelew Airport?
Yes. A car is highly recommended for visiting Península Valdés, Puerto Madryn, Gaiman and regional wildlife sites where public transport is extremely limited.

Is driving in Patagonia difficult?
Driving is straightforward on paved roads. Rural routes may be gravel, and winds can be strong, so slower speeds are advised.

Can I pick up a rental car directly at Trelew Airport?
Yes. Most major rental companies operate from the airport terminal with simple pick-up processes.

Is fuel available throughout the region?
Fuel stations are available in Trelew, Puerto Madryn and Rawson, but may be limited in remote areas, so plan ahead.

What type of car is best for Patagonia?
Compact cars are fine for main roads, but an SUV can be beneficial for gravel routes or longer rural journeys.

Start Your Patagonian Adventure

Hiring a car at Trelew Airport gives you full freedom to explore Northern Patagonia’s dramatic coastlines, unique wildlife and welcoming Welsh-settler towns. Book today and enjoy flexible, comfortable travel across the region.