Cheap car hire in Calama, Chile

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Calama

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Calama car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Find the best car rental locations in Calama

See all car hire locations

The most popular car rental companies in Calama

Hiring a car in Calama: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyunited rent a car
Most popular carEconomy, 4-5 doors
Average daily price85 €
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Calama

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Calama car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Calama

  • Looking for a cheap rental car in Calama? The booking magic happens here. With prices averaging 85 € a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.

  • Reserve your ride in December and accelerate your savings. It's the cheapest time of year to rent a car in Calama, with average daily rates of 74 €.

  • We've cracked the code on when to book. One week in advance gives you the best window to grab a cheap rental car in Calama.

  • Browse car hire deals in Calama from top providers like united rent a car, Street Rent a Car and Euro Rent-a-Car.

  • The coverage united rent a car or another supplier includes with your Calama car hire can vary, so remember to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.

  • Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Calama.

  • Save money on fuel by choosing a car hire in Calama that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.

  • Think about picking up one of the car rentals in El Loa Airport if you're flying into the city. You can skip public transport or cab lines and start exploring Calama right away.

Compare car hire types in Calama

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or simply planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Calama from this category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.

  • Medium: A top choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Calama car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country backroads alike.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Calama makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever your trip demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Calama car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.

  • Make travel easier when you rent a car in Calama by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.

Good to know

  • Age requirements for rentals can vary by supplier (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some companies in Chile may rent to younger drivers for an additional fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, just uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.

  • If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Calama car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Calama

  • Snap up an awesome car hire deal in Calama and then get ready to explore the city's top attractions, such as Mina de Chuquicamata and Skateplaza Calama. Driving may not necessarily be the best way to reach them, but you'll want to see these highlights before you head out of town.

  • When it's time to check in, Ayelen Apart Hotel and Geotel Calama will help you feel right at home in Calama.

  • Shift gears and head toward San Pedro de Atacama. Around 88 kilometres south-east of central Calama, it's home to popular sights like Altiplanic Lagoons and Desierto de Atacama.

  • Popular accommodation options in San Pedro de Atacama include Hotel Parina Atacama and Noi Casa Atacama.

  • Ready to go the extra mile? Tocopilla is a popular road trip destination that's about 137 kilometres west of Calama. Plan to make a few pit stops at Iglesia El Carmen and Plazoleta Moai.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Calama will set you back around 85 € per day or 202 € per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Calama is an intermediate crossover (similar to SUVs). The most popular is Economy, 4-5 doors.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Calama is currently December.
On average, around 202 €. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Calama is 134 €.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Calama, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Calama that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Calama.
Most places – Calama included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is 30 € per day. The average price per day is around 85 €.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like united rent a car, Europcar and Street Rent a Car offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated united rent a car as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Calama.