Car hire in Santiago, Dominican Republic

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Choose from 19 pick-up spots

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There are 19 car hire providers in Santiago. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Santiago

Hiring a car in Santiago: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyNational
Most popular carEconomy, SUV
Average daily price$173
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Santiago

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 Santiago car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santiago

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Santiago for an average of $173 a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the major providers, making booking quick and easy.

  • $42 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental in Santiago.

  • Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the usual highlights? $294 is the best rate for a weekly rental.

  • Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Around one week in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Santiago car hire.

  • Browse the offers available with Alamo, Zezgo Rent a Car and amerirent. They rank among the city's most trusted providers.

  • Whether you book with Alamo or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Santiago car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.

  • Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Santiago.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Roam without limits by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you want without extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $190 a day.

  • Next in line, [this provider](this provider) offers daily rates of around $173.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly $192 a day with this supplier.

  • If you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked type of car in Santiago.

Flying to Santiago? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make an early start on your Santiago plans by booking a car hire at Santiago Airport. The city centre is about 16 kilometres away from this airport, which is a drive of around 25 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Santiago

  • Small: These cheap rental cars in Santiago may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to drive, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Santiago car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Santiago makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, reliable, and built to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something you should consider. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different Santiago car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Santiago.

Good to know

  • Check each provider's age requirements before booking your rental in the Dominican Republic. Rules can differ, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.

  • Bringing the kids with you? Car seat rules differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Check if you need to add one to your Santiago car hire reservation.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • Driving in the Dominican Republic can seem unfamiliar if it's your first time. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 30kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the Dominican Republic is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.

  • You'll be using the Dominican peso (DOP) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider taking some cash for minor purchases.

Best hotels in Santiago for drivers

  • Spend less time hunting for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Nohian Collection Hotels. Around 2 kilometres from central Santiago, it comes with accessible parking, a 24-hour front desk and a teahouse.

  • Hotel Santiago, Curio Collection By Hilton also works well for a trip built around driving. It features parking, along with a lounge and a pool. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the full range of hotels in Santiago for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Santiago and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. MTB National Park, Catedral de Santiago Apostol and Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration are classics for any first-time visitor.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santiago

  • Puerto Plata should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Long Beach and Golden Beach (Playa Dorada). This city is around 32 kilometres north of central Santiago.

  • VH - Gran Ventana Beach Resort and BlueBay Villas Doradas Adults Only-All Inclusive are recommended accommodation options with parking in Puerto Plata.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Santiago and drive around 48 kilometres southeast to San Francisco de Macorís. Featuring Prof. Juan Bosch Park and Jardin botanico, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.

  • Take things a bit further and road-trip it to San Pedro de Macorís, about 193 kilometres southeast of Santiago. Make your first stop Pedro Mir Ecological Park, then take your time exploring Malecon San Pedro de Macoris.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Santiago will set you back around $173 per day or $816 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Santiago is a compact SUV. The most popular is Economy, SUV.
The cheapest car hire companies in Santiago are currently Budget and Thrifty.
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 Santiago is currently July.
On average, around $816. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Santiago is $294.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Santiago for a whole month is $3,665. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Santiago, 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 Santiago 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 Santiago.
Most places – Santiago 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 $42 per day. The average price per day is around $173.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like National, Dollar and Europcar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Europcar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Santiago.