How to find a cheap car hire deal in Rio de Janeiro Internacional (GIG)
Your plane may have landed, but your journey's just getting started. Pick up a cheap Rio de Janeiro Internacional rental car for an average of Rs57,268 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, making it easy to compare prices and book.
Daily rental prices at Rio de Janeiro Internacional start from just Rs5,231.
Staying longer in Rio de Janeiro and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? Rs36,616 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To get the cheapest price, book your GIG car hire around four weeks in advance.
Foco, Localiza and Movida are some of the most popular providers at Rio de Janeiro Internacional.
Whether you go with Foco or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Rio de Janeiro Internacional car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved around. Just choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in GIG.
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a car hire in Rio de Janeiro Internacional with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you explore without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at Rs14,104 a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around Rs18,831.
The third option also makes the list of budget-friendly suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly Rs19,465 a day.
If you can't decide which ride is right for you, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type at GIG.
Compare car hire types from Rio de Janeiro Internacional (GIG)
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a quick trip, this cheap Rio de Janeiro Internacional rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this GIG car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Rio de Janeiro Internacional is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different GIG car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Rio de Janeiro Internacional.
Good to know
Age requirements for rentals vary by provider and even car type, so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Brazil may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your GIG car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to go.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
Driving in Brazil might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
Brazil enforces a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving. Leave the car behind and arrange another way to travel if you plan to consume alcohol.
The Brazilian real (BRL) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and excursions. Use cards when it's possible, and keep a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Drive smarter from the start
With a GIG car hire, you're in charge when it comes to your next move. If central Rio de Janeiro is the first place you're exploring, it's around 19 kilometres southeast of the airport and a journey of about 30 minutes.
The drive from Rio de Janeiro Internacional to the centre in peak travel times can take as long as 1 hour 5 minutes.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 6pm. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You can also grab a car hire in Rio de Janeiro. If you don't need a vehicle as soon as you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Other airports around Rio de Janeiro also have car hire services. For even more choice, compare the car hire options at Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Rio de Janeiro Internacional (GIG)
Explore the major attractions in Rio de Janeiro before doing anything else. Track Corcovado, Christ Redeemer and Christ the Redeemer are classics for any first-time visitor.
Navigate your way to Nova Iguaçu. Around 23 kilometres west of GIG, you'll find must-see sights like Parque Natural Municipal de Nova Iguaçu and Cachoeira K11.
Add Duque de Caxias to your trip lineup. About 8 kilometres west of the airport, drive there in your Rio de Janeiro Internacional car hire to explore leading attractions like Life and Science Museum and Sitio-escola Sambaqui Do São Bento.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Volta Redonda, roughly 97 kilometres west of GIG. First, visit Municipal Natural Park Fazenda Santa Cecília do Ingá, then follow it up with Jardim Botânico de Volta Redonda.
