Travel alerts & warnings
Argentina driving guide.
Driving in Argentina gives you access to Andean scenery, wine regions and Patagonian national parks, but distances can be enormous. Expect busy city traffic, occasional gravel roads and limited services on remote routes, especially in Patagonia.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Right
- Best season
- October to November…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Argentina is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- Exercise normal precautionin Argentina.
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travelers’ Health Notice for Andes virus (Hantavirus) in the region. The risk for most travelers is extremely low. Review the CDC’s Travelers’ Health Notice for more information on Andes virus.
- Petty crime occurs at times, especially in popular tourist locations and throughout Buenos Aires. Stay aware of your surroundings. Criminal and drug trafficking groups are active in Rosario (Santa Fe province) resulting in crime and violence.
- Review our Travel Guidance for Argentina to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Driving there
Your permit in Argentina
- Argentina honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Argentina
Road rules
Everyone must wear a seat belt. Use dipped headlights on national highways even during daylight, and avoid alcohol entirely: national roads have a zero-alcohol driving limit. Avoid remote driving after dark because of livestock, wildlife and poorly lit roads.
Speed limits
Typical car limits are 40 km/h on urban streets, 60 km/h on avenues, 110 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on semi-motorways and 130 km/h on motorways. Posted limits and provincial or municipal rules take precedence.
Tolls and TelePASE
Tolls are common around Buenos Aires and on major highways. Ask whether your rental has TelePASE electronic tolling, how charges are billed and which lanes to use. Some toll points are electronic-only; elsewhere, carry pesos rather than relying on card acceptance.
Fuel and remote distances
Petrol is called nafta; diesel is gasoil. Confirm the required fuel with the rental company, and do not confuse either with GNC, which is compressed natural gas. Fill up before long Patagonian or Andean stretches, where stations can be far apart or temporarily out of fuel.
Rental documents and police checks
Carry your original home driving licence, International Driving Permit, passport, rental agreement and the vehicle registration and insurance documents supplied by the agency. At police or Gendarmería checkpoints, slow down and present documents when requested. For any fine, request an official citation and payment instructions. Crossing into Chile requires advance rental-company approval and additional paperwork.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Argentina
San Antonio de Areco
Buenos Aires Province · Approximately 1.5–2 hours from Buenos Aires, one way.
A historic pampas town known for gaucho traditions, silversmiths and nearby estancias; arrange estancia visits in advance.
Aconcagua Provincial Park
Mendoza Province · Approximately 3 hours from Mendoza, one way, without sightseeing stops.
Follow RN7 into the high Andes for mountain scenery, Puente del Inca and views toward Aconcagua; park access depends on weather and season.
Cafayate via Quebrada de las Conchas
Salta Province · Approximately 3–3.5 hours from Salta, one way, without sightseeing stops.
RN68 passes striking red-rock formations before reaching Cafayate's vineyards; allow extra time for viewpoints and designate a non-drinking driver.
Villa General Belgrano
Córdoba Province · Approximately 1.5–2 hours from Córdoba, one way.
A mountain-town getaway with Central European heritage, reached through the scenic Calamuchita Valley.
Iguazú National Park
Misiones Province · Approximately 30–40 minutes from Puerto Iguazú, the nearest regional gateway, one way.
Drive to the Argentine-side entrance for walking circuits overlooking Iguazú Falls; slow down for wildlife on the access roads.
Perito Moreno Glacier
Santa Cruz Province · Approximately 1.5–2 hours from El Calafate, the nearest regional gateway, one way.
A paved approach through Los Glaciares National Park leads to boardwalk viewpoints facing the glacier; strong winds and seasonal ice require caution.
Heading to Argentina?
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