Motor Home Time Rental company category:Standard
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1618 Magallanes Street, UshuaiaView map
Ushuaia, capital of Argentine Tierra del Fuego, climbs the slopes between the waters of the Beagle Channel and the snowy peaks of the Martial mountains. Hiring a campervan in Ushuaia means setting off from our partners' southernmost departure city, where National Route 3 comes to an end: Tierra del Fuego National Park starts at the edge of town, Lake Fagnano and Tolhuin are one stage away, and Chilean Tierra del Fuego opens up beyond Río Grande. 2 partner companies, Motor Home Time and Ruta Sur, each have a depot here.
Their vehicles range from small 2WD vans to five-seat 4x4 motorhomes, designed for ripio gravel roads and the Fuegian wind.
Observed prices
Rental prices observed in Ushuaia
| Vehicle | Winter July | Spring October | Summer January | Autumn April |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campervan | from €260/day median €384/day | from €260/day median €423/day | from €262/day median €341/day | from €262/day median €400/day |
| Low-profile motorhome | from €432/day median €437/day | from €432/day median €437/day | from €437/day median €442/day | from €437/day median €442/day |
Daily prices observed on October 19, 2026 for a 15-day rental: CoolDrive selling price, mandatory fees included, 2 rental companies compared. 43% of offers with unlimited mileage. Median excess: €2,500.
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Ushuaia
1 Lapataia and the shores of the Beagle Channel
- Ushuaia
- Ensenada Zaratiegui
- Lake Roca
- Lapataia Bay
- Ushuaia
- Puerto Almanza
- Estancia Harberton
- Ushuaia
To the west, a dozen kilometres are enough to enter Tierra del Fuego National Park: Ensenada Zaratiegui bay and its little post office on stilts, Lake Roca, then Lapataia Bay, where a sign marks the end of Route 3. To the east, ripio gravel tracks lead down to the Beagle Channel, the fishing village of Puerto Almanza and Estancia Harberton, where boats leave for the penguins of Martillo Island.
- Distance
- about 250 km
- Recommended vehicle
- All campervans and motorhomes
2 Garibaldi Pass, Lake Fagnano and the Atlantic coast
- Ushuaia
- Garibaldi Pass
- Lake Escondido
- Tolhuin
- Lake Fagnano
- Cabo San Pablo
- Río Grande
- Ushuaia
Heading north, Route 3 crosses the Fuegian Andes at Garibaldi Pass, whose viewpoint overlooks Lake Escondido, then follows Lake Fagnano to Tolhuin, known for its large bakery. A track then reaches the Atlantic coast at Cabo San Pablo, where the wreck of a stranded cargo ship lies, before Río Grande, capital of sea-trout fishing and one of our partners' departure cities.
- Distance
- about 500 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 campervan or motorhome
3 Chilean loop via Porvenir and Punta Arenas
- Ushuaia
- Tolhuin
- Río Grande
- San Sebastián
- Porvenir
- Punta Arenas
- Punta Delgada
- Cerro Sombrero
- Ushuaia
North of Río Grande, the San Sebastián border post opens up Chilean Tierra del Fuego: long tracks cross the steppe to Porvenir, where a ferry crosses the Strait of Magellan to Punta Arenas. The return follows the strait east to Punta Delgada, takes the short Primera Angostura ferry, then passes through Cerro Sombrero and re-enters Argentina at San Sebastián.
- Distance
- about 1,050 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 campervan or motorhome
Weather and seasons
When to go in Ushuaia?
Best time
The southern summer, November to March
November to March
highs 11 to 13 °C, lows 3 to 6 °C
The only real road-trip season in Tierra del Fuego: days stretch to nearly eleven hours of sunshine, the campsites of the national park and Lake Fagnano are open and the tracks passable. Warmth remains very relative and rain frequent. January, the month of cruises to Antarctica, is the most in demand: our searches found only four van offers for that month.
April-May and September-October
April to May, September to October
highs 5 to 8 °C, lows -1 to 2 °C
These shoulder seasons bring lenga forests turning red in April and a very quiet town, but night frosts are common and snow can hit Garibaldi Pass at any time. They suit short loops around Ushuaia and Lake Fagnano, with a heated vehicle and a flexible plan.
Winter
The southern winter, June to August
June to August
highs 3 °C, lows -3 to -2 °C
The Fuegian winter is harsh: near-constant frost, three to five hours of sunshine a day and snow on Route 3 at Garibaldi Pass. Ushuaia then lives to the rhythm of skiing at Cerro Castor and dog-sledding in the Tierra Mayor valley. The motorhome becomes a base for a stay rather than a way to cross the island.
Climate in Ushuaia, month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13 °C | 6 °C | 117 mm | 10 h/day |
| Feb | 13 °C | 5 °C | 104 mm | 9 h/day |
| Mar | 11 °C | 4 °C | 104 mm | 7 h/day |
| Apr | 8 °C | 2 °C | 83 mm | 6 h/day |
| May | 6 °C | 1 °C | 82 mm | 4 h/day |
| Jun | 3 °C | -3 °C | 66 mm | 3 h/day |
| Jul | 3 °C | -3 °C | 69 mm | 4 h/day |
| Aug | 3 °C | -2 °C | 75 mm | 5 h/day |
| Sep | 5 °C | -1 °C | 76 mm | 7 h/day |
| Oct | 8 °C | 1 °C | 79 mm | 9 h/day |
| Nov | 11 °C | 3 °C | 96 mm | 10 h/day |
| Dec | 12 °C | 5 °C | 104 mm | 11 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Garibaldi Pass, the only way north
Every trip from Ushuaia to the rest of the island goes over Garibaldi Pass, a winding mountain road where snow and ice appear from autumn onwards and sometimes in midsummer. Check road conditions before leaving, ask the rental company what winter equipment is provided and drive down slowly towards Lake Escondido.
Fuel and groceries before the steppe
Ushuaia, Tolhuin and Río Grande are the only real supply stops in Argentine Tierra del Fuego; on the Chilean side, filling stations are scarce. The province has a special tax regime that often makes fuel cheaper than on the mainland: fill up before each steppe crossing and carry water and food.
Ripio and gusts
The roads to Harberton, Cabo San Pablo and across Chilean Tierra del Fuego are gravel tracks, known as ripio, slippery after rain. Drive at a moderate speed, keep right when a lorry comes the other way and keep both hands on the wheel: westerly gusts hit high vehicles side-on in the steppe north of Tolhuin.
Nights in the national park
In Tierra del Fuego National Park, an entrance fee is charged and overnight stays are only allowed at designated campsites, most of them basic and without electricity. Set off with full water tanks and an empty cassette, take your rubbish back to town and only light fires in the fireplaces provided.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Ushuaia
Where can I pick up a campervan in Ushuaia?
Two partner companies each have a depot in Ushuaia: Motor Home Time, at number 1618 Magallanes Street, and Ruta Sur, whose exact pick-up address is given in your booking confirmation. Let your rental company know your arrival time, especially if you arrive on an evening flight or by boat.
How much does it cost to hire a campervan in Ushuaia?
Our searches in October 2026, covering 42 offers from two companies for a fifteen-day hire, mandatory fees included, found vans from €260 per day, with a median of €341 to €423 depending on the departure month. Low-profile motorhomes start at €432 per day. Run a search with your dates to see the real prices.
Do I need an authorisation to cross into Chile?
Yes, and there is no way around it once you leave the island by road: to reach mainland Argentina, you have to cross Chilean Tierra del Fuego. The rental company must provide a notarised authorisation for the vehicle to leave the country and insurance valid in Chile, often for an extra fee and with a few days' notice. At the borders, fresh fruit, meat and dairy products are confiscated.
Can I return the campervan in Río Gallegos or El Calafate?
Río Grande, Río Gallegos and El Calafate are also departure cities of our partners. Reaching Río Gallegos takes about 600 km, two borders and the Primera Angostura ferry; El Calafate is another long day's drive further on. If a one-way hire is offered, its fees are included in the displayed price as soon as you choose the return city.
Which vehicle should I choose for Tierra del Fuego?
For Lapataia, Lake Fagnano and Route 3, paved as far as Río Grande, a 2WD is enough: the Charito Camping for two, the Pampero Evo for four or the Aconcagua with six berths. The Chilean tracks and Cabo San Pablo call for a 4x4, from the Adventure Camper range to the Eminence Camper or the Puma RTT with its roof tent.
Verified customer reviews
They rented in Ushuaia with CoolDrive Nomad
4.3
818 reviews
Excellent follow-up, pleasant and efficient contact.
Jérôme K.
Argentina · Mar 2025
Avis Vérifiés
Booking a pick-up with a rooftop tent. A flawless experience from the first exchange with Cooldrive to the return of the vehicle, which allowed us to travel across Argentina just as we wanted: on an ADVENTURE!! This will remain an unforgettable trip. A big thank you for your valuable advice and your responsiveness. Rental company in Buenos Aires very professional and extremely kind.
S.
Argentina · Mar 2025
Trustpilot
The quality of the vehicle was limited, with basic comfort considering the excessive price. Good rating for customer relations, but there was a lack of verification of the rented vehicles.
(anonymous)
Argentina · Jan 2024
Avis Vérifiés
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Campervan and motorhome hire in Ushuaia
What licence do I need to drive a motorhome in Argentina?
The models offered in Ushuaia are light vehicles, driven with a car licence. An International Driving Permit alongside your national licence is recommended for foreign drivers, especially as crossing into Chile adds more checks. Traffic drives on the right. The minimum age and years of driving experience required are listed in each offer's conditions.
Where can I sleep in a campervan around Ushuaia?
The town has a few campsites on its upper slopes, and Tierra del Fuego National Park several rustic camping areas along the channel and rivers. Further north, the shores of Lake Fagnano near Tolhuin also have campsites. In the steppe, wild camping is often tolerated away from estancia land: check the local rules.
Is mileage unlimited?
Not always: 43% of the offers observed in October 2026 included unlimited mileage. A simple return trip to Río Grande already exceeds 400 km, and the Chilean loop is over 1,000 km. Compare the included allowance and the price per extra kilometre on each offer before booking.
What excess should I expect in case of damage?
The median excess of the offers observed in October 2026 is €2,500. In Tierra del Fuego, the most common damage comes from stones thrown up on ripio, ice on Garibaldi Pass and doors slammed by the wind: check what the insurance excludes and have every chip noted on the departure inspection report.
How do I get from Ushuaia airport to the depots?
Malvinas Argentinas International Airport sits on a peninsula in the bay, just a few kilometres from the centre. A taxi reaches the depots in about a quarter of an hour. Give your flight number to the rental company, as wind-related delays are frequent, and plan to collect the vehicle the next day if you land late.
About us
Why start a campervan trip from Ushuaia
Ushuaia is the only large town of Argentine Tierra del Fuego on the Beagle Channel, and the only one giving access, within a few kilometres, to sub-Antarctic forests, hanging glaciers and bays where albatrosses and sea lions pass by. Setting off from here by campervan means exploring the island at your own pace, sleeping on the shores of Lake Fagnano or facing the channel, and choosing your stops according to the sunny spells.
The two partner companies offer campervans and motorhomes suited to the Fuegian climate, observed from €260 per day in October 2026. With Río Grande, Río Gallegos and El Calafate among our other departure cities, Ushuaia can also be the start of a great journey north through Patagonia, provided you leave between November and March.
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