El Salvador car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65
Thu 4/4
Thu 4/11

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Cheap car rentals in El Salvador

Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
Minivan
Passenger van
SUV
Commercial
Pickup Truck

Top tips for renting a car in El Salvador

  • An El Salvador car rental is a fantastic way to get out and about in this small central American country. Filled with gems ranging from Mayan ruins to volcanoes and magnificent Pacific coastlines, car rental is the ideal way to go where public transportation stops. The roads in El Salvador have been through a major overhaul, resulting in some of the better road networks in central America. They are well-signed and well-paved, yet the rainy season in the country always leaves behind pothole damage which could be quite devastating to tires.
  • In El Salvador, seat belt laws aren't strictly adhered to, but the law dictates that the driver and every passenger in the vehicle should wear their seat belts at all times. Kids below 2 and up to 30 lbs (15 kg) should be in the back seat in a child restraint device.
  • If you wish to travel across the border, most El Salvador car rental providers will let you at an additional fee. Besides the fee, you will need to purchase a cross-border permit, which must be purchased 72 hours in advance.
  • The type of car you need in El Salvador will depend on the places you plan on visiting and your visiting party. Due to the fairly decent network of roads in El Salvador you will be quite free to plan your car rental choice around your itinerary and budget. If you are limited to city limits, consider getting a compact car to squeeze in those tight parking spaces and easily maneuver through traffic. For those planning to venture off the beaten path or onto some of the potholed rural roads, a 4X4 SUV or pickup truck will come in handy. If planning on remaining at the coast, then a convertible will add some holiday spirit to your driving experience. SUV’s are great for larger groups and offer more power to tackle steep mountain roads. But even if you choose a small compact car or sedan, you shouldn’t find El Salvador’s roads to be too much of a challenge.
  • For the best trip across El Salvador, you will need El Salvador car rentals. Although public transport is affordable in El Salvador, a rental car offers many advantages. First, with a car rental, you have the freedom to go wherever you want and for however long. A rental car also gives you the comfort and convenience you need, and you don't have to drag your luggage between attractions. Moreover, with a car rental, hidden gems, and many of the country's attractions, including Santa Ana Volcano and the Mayan ruins Of Tazumal and Joya De Cerén, are within reach.
  • Book your rental car in El Salvador at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Mini rental cars in El Salvador are around 69% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in El Salvador

  • What is the most popular rental car in El Salvador?

    Mini (Kia Picanto or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in El Salvador.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in El Salvador?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • What is driving like in El Salvador?

    As you explore El Salvador's hidden gems and attractions, here are some rules of the road you should keep in mind. Stick to the right side of the road when driving in El Salvador. Stick to the far side of the road unless overtaking. Before overtaking, ensure you use your turn signals, and overtaking is prohibited on curves, crossroads, and narrow roads. You should not drink and drive El Salvador car rentals, and getting on the road with a BAC higher than 0.05% is a criminal offense. You are not allowed to use your phone while driving unless you use a hands-free kit, and only for emergencies. While Salvadorans are known for being friendly and warm people, you should still be on alert and practice careful driving during your visit. In the areas where congestion rises such as the inner cities, this can be quite daunting. You will need to stay alert and drive defensively, as the chances of being cut-off or recklessly over-taken are quite high. Towards the coastal and rural areas drivers tend to be a bit more laid-back and the traffic is far less congested. To avoid congested areas, consider booking a GPS with your car hire and get congestion alerts as well as a great navigation tool.

  • How old do you have to be to rent a car in El Salvador?

    You must be at least 21 to rent a car in El Salvador despite locals being allowed to drive from 18. Many providers will also not allow you to rent a car in El Salvador if you are over 75. Drivers below 25 will incur a daily charge/youth fee for El Salvador car rentals. You will need your original driver's license and a credit card in your name to rent a car.

  • How are gas prices in El Salvador?

     You will not have trouble accessing gasoline while driving car rentals in El Salavador. Most of the major cities have many gas stations with some providers that you already know, including Shell. As you head further out of the city, the number of gas stations decrease, but there still are several dotted across the major highways. The price of gasoline per liter is around 10 SVC (1.1 USD), and the price per gallon is around 4.3 SVC (38 USD).

  • What are the speed limits in El Salvador?

    Overspeeding is one of the main causes of road accidents in El Salvador, and unless you want to ruin your trip, you should maintain the speed limit. When driving within and around city limits, you should keep your speed below 50 km/h (30 mph). On highways and rural roads, you can go as fast as 90 km/h (55 mph). Most rural roads don't have speed limit signage, and you're advised to pace yourself accordingly while on these roads.

Car rental directory

  • national

    National car rental locations in El Salvador

    7 Locations

  • alamo

    Alamo car rental locations in El Salvador

    6 Locations

  • enterprise

    Enterprise Rent-A-Car car rental locations in El Salvador

    6 Locations

  • avis

    Avis car rental locations in El Salvador

    3 Locations

  • budget

    Budget car rental locations in El Salvador

    3 Locations

  • sunnycars

    Sunnycars car rental locations in El Salvador

    3 Locations

  • flexways

    FlexWays car rental locations in El Salvador

    2 Locations

  • hertz

    Hertz car rental locations in El Salvador

    2 Locations

  • dealrentacar

    Deal Mobility Rent a Car car rental locations in El Salvador

    1 Location

  • dollar

    Dollar car rental locations in El Salvador

    1 Location

  • economy

    Economy Rent a Car car rental locations in El Salvador

    1 Location

  • europcar

    Europcar car rental locations in El Salvador

    1 Location

Good to know

Most popular car type

Mini

When to book a rental car in El Salvador

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Car rental locations in El Salvador

The rates displayed include all taxes and fees for car rentals for the class listed and were found by KAYAK users in the last 48 hours. Offers are subject to change and may not be available on all car rentals listed or dates of travel. Some car rental providers charge additional fees for other services (GPS, infant car seats, etc.). Please check the car rental providers' sites.