Collect your vehicle at MDZ terminal and drive straight to the wine valleys or Andes passes.
Mendoza Airport - officially Governor Francisco Gabrielli International Airport, code MDZ, also known as El Plumerillo - sits 8 km north of the city centre. Most flights from Buenos Aires take around 1 hour 50 minutes; there are also connections from Santiago de Chile. The drive into Mendoza takes 15-20 minutes via RN40 and Acceso Norte, but many travellers turn west towards Lujan de Cuyo or south into Valle de Uco as soon as they leave the terminal.
Rental desks and meeting points are inside the terminal or in the adjacent car park, depending on which local company handles your booking. You will receive a voucher by email after you pay the booking advance online; the voucher tells you where to go, what documents to bring, and how to contact the supplier if your flight is delayed. The rental agreement is signed when you collect the keys, and any existing damage is noted in that contract.
This page covers airport pickup only - arrival procedures, the terminal layout, and routes out of MDZ. If you prefer to collect in the city itself or need details about urban parking and Mendoza neighbourhoods, visit the main Mendoza page. For a broader view of Argentina car rental overview across all provinces, start at the homepage.
Four steps between landing and driving away from MDZ.
Collect your luggage and walk into the arrivals hall. Domestic passengers exit directly; international arrivals clear customs first. The terminal is small and easy to navigate.
Check your voucher: some suppliers have a counter inside the terminal, others ask you to call a number and wait in the car park. In the booking widget above, use the "Specify location" field to select Mendoza Airport MDZ so the search shows only airport-based cars.
Present your driving licence, the International Driving Permit if you have one, and the payment card or cash stated in your voucher for the balance. The staff will print the rental contract, note any scratches or dents, explain the fuel policy, and hand over the keys.
Walk to the car park, load your bags, and exit onto Acceso Norte. Turn right for RN40 south towards the city, or follow signs for RN7 west if you are heading to Uspallata or Chile.
Key distances and the type of vehicle that suits each route.
Four examples of models often available at MDZ, covering sedans, compact SUVs, and pickups.
| Model | Category | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Etios | Compact sedan | City errands, Valle de Uco wine tours, paved routes; fuel-efficient for long highway stretches to Buenos Aires. |
| Fiat Cronos | Sedan | Similar to the Etios; slightly larger boot for extra luggage, comfortable on RN7 up to Puente del Inca. |
| Dacia Duster | Compact SUV | Higher ground clearance for unpaved winery access roads and shoulder-season snow; front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim. |
| Fiat Toro | Pickup | Open bed for cases of wine or camping kit; part-time four-wheel drive for dirt tracks in the foothills or river crossings on estancia roads. |
These models are examples. Actual availability changes daily; use the search widget to see which cars the local Mendoza suppliers have for your dates. Each listing shows the deposit requirement and accepted payment methods for that specific vehicle.
Six practical notes for a smooth handover at MDZ.
How to identify airport cars that do not require a deposit hold or a credit card at pickup.
Not every car at MDZ is offered without a deposit; the policy depends on the individual vehicle and the local supplier. When you search in the widget above, each result shows a green "No Deposit" badge if that particular model does not require a hold on your card. Read the terms carefully: the excess - the amount you pay out of pocket if the car is damaged - still applies; the difference is that no funds are blocked in advance. These are independent conditions.
You pay a booking advance online by card when you reserve; no cash is accepted on the website. The balance is due when you collect the keys at MDZ. The voucher and the search result both tell you which payment methods the supplier accepts for that car: debit card, cash, or credit card. Requirements vary by model, not by category. If you do not have a credit card, check your debit card limit before you travel. For full details about advances and balance payments, visit the payment and advance page.
Six common queries about collecting a car at MDZ.
Yes, if the car you choose accepts debit cards or cash for the balance payment. Each vehicle in the search shows its accepted methods; pick one that matches what you carry. The booking advance is always paid online by card.
Some cars require a deposit hold, others do not. Look for the "No Deposit" badge in the search results. Even without a deposit, an excess applies if the car is damaged; the two terms are separate.
Your voucher gives the precise location: either a desk inside the arrivals hall or a meeting point in the car park. If your supplier uses the car park, you will see a phone number to call when you land; a staff member will meet you within a few minutes.
The rental company monitors your flight number and adjusts the pickup time automatically. You do not need to call ahead unless the delay exceeds several hours and you want to confirm; contact details are in the voucher.
Only if you arrange a written cross-border permit from the rental company before you travel. The permit costs extra and must be requested at the time of booking. Without it, you are not allowed to leave Argentina; border guards check the paperwork.
Driving between the two is about 1,050 km and takes fourteen to sixteen hours on RN7 and RN8. Most travellers fly; the AEP or EZE to MDZ flight lasts around 1 hour 50 minutes. If you do want to drive, consider splitting the journey at Santa Rosa or San Luis. For rental options at the Buenos Aires terminal, see Buenos Aires Airport.
Search above to compare sedans, SUVs, and pickups available at Mendoza Airport. Every car shows its deposit policy, payment methods, and mileage limits before you book. Free cancellation applies up to the deadline in your confirmation email.