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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Rio de Janeiro
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Rio de Janeiro
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Rio de Janeiro
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Hire a Car in Rio de Janeiro?
Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city known for its stunning beaches, iconic landmarks, and lively culture. While public transportation is available, hiring a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist spots.
Explore Beyond the Beaches. While Copacabana and Ipanema are must-sees, a rental car lets you venture to quieter coastal areas like Grumari or explore the mountainous region of Tijuca National Park.
Visit Christ the Redeemer with Ease. Driving to Corcovado Mountain can save you time and allow you to enjoy the scenic route, especially if you prefer avoiding crowded trains or buses.
Discover the Historic Charm of Santa Teresa. This bohemian neighbourhood, with its cobblestone streets and artistic vibe, is best explored at a leisurely pace, which a car allows.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Rio de Janeiro
Before hiring a car in Rio de Janeiro, be sure to understand the local regulations. Typically, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old, possess a valid driver's license, and have a credit card for the security deposit.
Area
1,200 square kilometres (463 square miles)
Population
Approximately 6.7 million residents
Time Zone
BRT (UTC-3)
Ideal for
Long-term rental
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 6 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to hire a car in Rio de Janeiro is generally 21, but some companies may have higher age restrictions or charge extra fees for younger drivers.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license from your country of residence is usually sufficient for tourists. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if your license is not in Portuguese.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage. A security deposit is usually required and held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, so check whether unlimited mileage is included. Most rental companies require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, airport pickups, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems.
Car Hire Prices in Rio de Janeiro – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to September): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Rio de Janeiro?
To secure the best car hire deal in Rio de Janeiro, it’s crucial to compare prices and understand the rental terms. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak season.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison tools to find the most competitive rates from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for any restrictions, insurance details, and mileage policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well before your travel dates.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when collecting your vehicle.
General Information About Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city with a mix of beaches, mountains, and urban landscapes. Driving can be challenging due to traffic, but a car offers flexibility to explore the region.
Rio de Janeiro, a city famed for its iconic beaches and vibrant culture, presents both opportunities and challenges for drivers. Understanding the city's traffic patterns and regulations is essential. While some areas have restricted zones, a car allows for exploration of the surrounding regions. Always prioritise safety and be aware of your surroundings.
Top Attractions to Discover
Christ the Redeemer
Iconic statue atop Corcovado Mountain, offering panoramic views of the city.
Sugarloaf Mountain
A peak accessible by cable car, providing stunning vistas of Guanabara Bay.
Copacabana Beach
World-famous beach known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful shoreline.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available, especially in tourist areas. Expect to pay hourly rates.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking can be found, but be mindful of time restrictions and parking meters.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transportation to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Rio de Janeiro
Main Fuel Chains
Major brands like Petrobras and Shell are common throughout the city.
Refuelling Guidance
Ensure you refuel before venturing on long journeys, especially outside the city centre.
Payment Methods
Most stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Rio de Janeiro
Use Ride-Sharing Apps
Ride-sharing apps can be more convenient than taxis and often provide fixed fares.
Be Aware of Traffic
Traffic congestion is common, especially during peak hours. Plan your routes accordingly.
Secure Valuables
Keep valuables out of sight when driving and avoid leaving items in your car overnight.
Learn Basic Portuguese
Knowing a few basic phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals and navigating.
Key Transportation Hubs in Rio de Janeiro
Major Bus Stations
Rodoviária Novo Rio
The main long-distance bus terminal, connecting Rio to other cities and states.
Railway Stations
Estação Central do Brasil
A central railway station providing commuter and regional services.
Airports
Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport (GIG)
The main international airport, located approximately 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the city centre.
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Primarily serves domestic flights and is located closer to the city centre.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Rio de Janeiro?
Hiring a car in Rio de Janeiro requires a few essential documents and considerations to ensure a smooth rental experience.
A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is necessary. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required if your license isn’t in Portuguese.
Generally, the minimum age to hire a car is 21, but some companies may have higher age restrictions or charge extra for younger drivers.
A credit card in the main driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may accept debit cards.
A passport or other form of photo identification is required for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Rio de Janeiro as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Rio was amazing! Cruising along the coast, relaxing on the beaches – pure bliss.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 02.10.2024
Exploring Rio by car was fantastic! So easy to get around and see everything. Breathtaking views!
David Lee
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
First time in Rio, and exploring with a car was incredible! Saw so much more than I expected.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 14.01.2025
Summer in Rio was unforgettable! Having a car made exploring the beaches and sights so convenient.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
Rio exceeded expectations! Driving offered freedom to explore.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 16.01.2025
Meh. Beaches crowded.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 28.07.2025