Why renting a car for day trips from BA is ideal

Public transport is great for the city center. However, reaching rural estancias or small villages can be tricky. Often, BA nearby towns transportation involves multiple transfers. A car saves you hours of waiting at dusty terminals. You control the music, the AC, and the itinerary.

For groups of three or more, a rental is often cheaper. You split the daily rate and fuel costs easily. Many of the best spots near the city lack direct train lines. Having your own vehicle allows you to visit three towns in one day. You can also explore the top attractions near Buenos Aires on your own schedule.

Before you book, check the official Visit Argentina site for road conditions. Driving in the province is generally straightforward and flat. Most roads are well-paved, but watch for occasional potholes. It is the best way to see the real countryside.

Top 10 destinations when renting a car for day trips from BA

Here are the best spots to visit when you have your own wheels. These locations offer a mix of culture, history, and nature. Most are within a two-hour drive from the city center. Check out these quick picks for your planning:

• Best overall: San Antonio de Areco
• Best for families: Temaikén Biopark
• Best rainy-day: Luján Basilica
• Best free: Chascomús Lagoon walk

1. Name: San Antonio de Areco
   Type: Gaucho Town
   Why go: This is the capital of gaucho tradition. You will see silversmiths and historic pulperias.
   Best for: Culture seekers
   Where: 120km North
   Time: Full day
   Cost: Low to Medium
   Getting there: Take Route 8
   Tip: Visit the Draghi Museum to see incredible silver work.
2. Name: Carlos Keen
   Type: Gastronomy Village
   Why go: It is a tiny town famous for massive country lunches. The old train station is very photogenic.
   Best for: Foodies
   Where: 90km West
   Time: 5 hours
   Cost: Low for entry, Medium for food
   Getting there: Route 7 to Luján, then local roads
   Tip: Arrive before 1:00 PM to secure a table at local restaurants.
3. Name: Luján
   Type: Iconic Sight
   Why go: The Neo-Gothic Basilica is massive and stunning. It is the most important pilgrimage site in Argentina.
   Best for: History buffs
   Where: 70km West
   Time: 4 hours
   Cost: Free (Donations welcome)
   Getting there: Direct via Access West
   Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid massive religious crowds.
4. Name: Chascomús
   Type: Nature/Lagoon
   Why go: The massive lagoon is perfect for a sunset drive. You can eat fresh silverside fish by the water.
   Best for: Nature lovers
   Where: 125km South
   Time: Full day
   Cost: Free access
   Getting there: Route 2
   Tip: This is a popular stop on the way to the coast, so avoid Sunday evenings.
5. Name: Uribelarrea
   Type: Vintage Experience
   Why go: It feels like time stopped in 1940. It is famous for artisanal cheeses and craft beer.
   Best for: Photographers
   Where: 80km Southwest
   Time: 6 hours
   Cost: Low
   Getting there: Route 205
   Tip: Visit the "El Parque" vineyard for a local wine tasting.
6. Name: Campanopolis
   Type: Unique Sight
   Why go: A surreal medieval-style village built from recycled materials. It looks like a movie set.
   Best for: Families
   Where: 35km West
   Time: 4 hours
   Cost: Medium (Must book tickets online)
   Getting there: Route 3
   Tip: You cannot buy tickets at the gate, so book weeks in advance.
7. Name: San Miguel del Monte
   Type: History/Lagoon
   Why go: One of the oldest towns in the province. It has a beautiful lagoon and historic ranches.
   Best for: Relaxing
   Where: 110km South
   Time: Full day
   Cost: Low
   Getting there: Route 3
   Tip: Visit the Ranch of Juan Manuel de Rosas for local history.
8. Name: Temaikén Biopark
   Type: Museum/Indoor-Outdoor
   Why go: This is a world-class bio-park with a massive aquarium. It focuses on conservation and education.
   Best for: Families
   Where: 55km North
   Time: Full day
   Cost: High
   Getting there: Route 9
   Tip: Buy tickets via their official app for potential discounts.
9. Name: Capilla del Señor
   Type: Quiet Heritage
   Why go: It was the first town to be declared a protected historical site. It is very peaceful.
   Best for: Quiet walks
   Where: 85km North
   Time: 5 hours
   Cost: Free
   Getting there: Route 8
   Tip: See the old cemetery with its unique 19th-century architecture.
10. Name: Tigre (Paseo Victorica)
    Type: Viewpoint/Experience
    Why go: While you can take a train, a car lets you drive along the beautiful riverfront. You can visit the art museum easily.
    Best for: Sunset views
    Where: 30km North
    Time: 4 hours
    Cost: Free to walk
    Getting there: Pan-American Highway
    Tip: Read our Tigre Delta day trip guide for boat tour info.

Practical tips for your rental car day trip

When renting a car for day trips from BA, keep your documents ready. You need a valid driver’s license and your passport. Most agencies also require a credit card for the deposit. International permits are recommended but not always mandatory for tourists. Always check with the rental agency before finalizing your booking.

Traffic in Buenos Aires can be intense, especially during rush hour. Try to leave the city before 8:00 AM. Returning after 8:00 PM helps you avoid the worst congestion. Use apps like Waze to navigate the complex highway exits. Most highways use a toll system called TelePase which is often included in rentals.

Parking in small towns is usually easy and free. In the city, look for garages called "Estacionamiento" for safety. Do not leave valuables visible in the car when parked. For official city rules, visit the Buenos Aires official site for updates. Driving here is a great way to see more of Argentina safely.