How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Maria
Searching for a cheap rental car in Santa Maria? With prices averaging Rs36,006 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're wanting a zippy little number, a spacious family car, or anything in between, we round up all the best offers to help you spend less.
Daily rental prices in Santa Maria start from just Rs12,931.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from Rs90,516 and fit more into your itinerary.
Here's your clue on when to book. Around two weeks in advance gives you the best chance at finding the best price on a Santa Maria car hire.
Read the fine print when it comes to the coverage on your Santa Maria car hire. A collision damage waiver (CDW) might be included in the deal or cost extra, depending on the supplier.
Booking one-way could save you cash on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Santa Maria.
Skip the hidden fees by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging Rs13,778 a day.
Offering daily rates of around Rs24,572, [this provider]([this provider) is next in line.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly Rs25,954 a day with this supplier.
If you're not sure what kind of wheels you need, choose something from the Compact rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Santa Maria.
Flying to Santa Maria? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Santa Maria, get moving sooner by booking a car hire at Santa Maria Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 5 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Santa Maria
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Santa Maria gives you the freedom to explore for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to couples and small families.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Santa Maria car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country routes alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Santa Maria that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your Santa Maria car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. These features can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Santa Maria.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is typically 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always go over your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Santa Maria car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Regulations change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to travel.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Get familiar with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in Portugal.
Local speed limits are often about 45kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Portugal is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
Around 8am is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't available.
Best hotels in Santa Maria for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Charming Blue. About 5 kilometres from central Santa Maria, it comes with parking, a laundry and Wi-Fi.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Hotel Santa Maria. The city centre is roughly 5 kilometres from this option, which also features shuttle services and a laundry.
Like some more inspiration? Browse through the full list of hotels in Santa Maria. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've found a car hire deal in Santa Maria and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Farol de Goncalo Velho, Reserva Florestal de Recreio de Fontinhas and Cascata do Aveiro are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Maria
Shift gears and take off to Ponta Delgada. Around 97 kilometres northwest of central Santa Maria, it's home to must-sees like Portas da Cidade and Gruta do Carvao.
You'll be well taken care of at Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico and VIP Executive Azores Hotel, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Ponta Delgada.
Add Lagoa to your journey too. Grab your cheap car hire in Santa Maria and drive roughly 97 kilometres northwest to explore highlights such as Church of Santa Cruz and Colecao Visitavel Matriz of thegoa.
Kick back after a day of exploring Lagoa at Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico or VIP Executive Azores Hotel. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Rest your head in Arrifes at either Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico or VIP Executive Azores Hotel. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place to park too.
