How to find a cheap car hire deal in Rio De Janeiro
Searching for a cheap rental car in Rio De Janeiro? You're in just the right place. With prices averaging Rs48,079 a day, we compare the best offers so you can choose fast, spend less, and hit the road happy.
The cheapest daily rental price in Rio De Janeiro is Rs7,375.
Planning an extended stay and want to explore beyond the main attractions? Rs39,321 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your clue on when to book. Three weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Rio De Janeiro car hire.
Rent your wheels from Foco, Localiza or Movida. They're some of the most well-known providers in the city.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Rio De Janeiro car hire policy, whether with Foco or a different supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Rio De Janeiro.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at Rs19,805 a day.
Coming in second is this provider, offering daily rates of around Rs32,939.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly Rs32,870 a day with this supplier.
If you can't decide what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Mini rental category. It's the most frequently booked type of vehicle in Rio de Janeiro.
Flying to Rio De Janeiro? Think about an airport pick-up
Kick off your Rio De Janeiro trip quicker by booking a car hire at Galeao Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport. The city centre is about 19 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 30 minutes.
Or make an early exit with a car hire from Santos Dumont Airport. Once you've grabbed the keys, it'll take roughly 10 minutes to drive the 5 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare the rental car options at Jacarepagua-Roberto Marinho Airport if this is your first stop. Central Rio De Janeiro is around 27 kilometres away, or about 45 minutes in your airport rental.
Compare car hire types in Rio De Janeiro
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Rio De Janeiro is all about getting you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient rides are excellent for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and enhanced tech features, this Rio De Janeiro car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Rio De Janeiro that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van will do the job. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Rio De Janeiro car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
From navigation systems to reverse cameras, the right extras can make all the difference. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Rio De Janeiro.
Good to know
Age requirements vary by company and even car type, so know the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Brazil may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you're outside the typical age bracket, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to browse your options.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a car seat to your Rio De Janeiro car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in Brazil, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 45kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
You cannot drink and drive in Brazil. The country has a zero-tolerance approach, so leave the car behind if you plan to consume alcohol.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 6pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Brazilian real (BRL) for day-to-day spending throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash for more flexibility when paying.
Portuguese is the language you'll most often encounter in this country.
Best hotels in Rio De Janeiro for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Hotel Viña Del Mar adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Rio De Janeiro and also comes with a restaurant and internet access.
Hotel Pouso Real gets the details right with parking and features such as a laundry and internet access. It's roughly 0.80 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse through the range of hotels in Rio De Janeiro for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Rio De Janeiro and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Christ the Redeemer, Track Corcovado, Christ Redeemer and Rio de Janeiro Carnival are the perfect introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Rio De Janeiro
Around 32 kilometres northwest of central Rio De Janeiro, Nova Iguaçu deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Cachoeira Véu de Noiva and Parque Natural Municipal de Nova Iguaçu.
They've perfected the guest experience at Mercure Rio de Janeiro Nova Iguacu and Mont Blanc Apart Hotel Nova Iguaçu, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Nova Iguaçu.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Rio De Janeiro and then set off for Duque de Caxias. Around 18 kilometres northwest of Rio De Janeiro, Panteão Duque de Caxias and Zumbi dos Palmares Statue are standout attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Duque de Caxias has some comfortable places to stay such as Linx Galeão by Wish and Vox Hotel. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Cruise on over to Volta Redonda, about 105 kilometres northwest of Rio De Janeiro. From Praça Tiradentes to Zoologico Municipal, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
All that's left to do now is sleep. Logic Hotel Volta Redonda and Vila Business Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Volta Redonda.
