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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in São Luís
São Luís
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
São Luís
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
São Luís
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
São Luís
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 São Luís?
São Luís is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and stunning coastal scenery. While public transportation is available, hiring a car offers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Here’s why you should consider hiring a car in São Luís:
Explore Coastal Wonders: São Luís is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes. A rental car allows you to easily access these attractions and enjoy the scenic drives along the coast.
Discover Historic Sites: The city's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with a rental car, you can conveniently visit the numerous colonial buildings and historical landmarks.
Venture Beyond the City: With a car, you can explore nearby towns and natural attractions, such as the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, making for unforgettable day trips.
Rental Terms and Conditions in São Luís
Before hiring a car in São Luís, it's crucial to understand the rental terms and conditions. Here’s what you need to know:
Area
Approximately 834 square kilometres (322 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.1 million residents
Time Zone
GMT-3 (Brasília Time)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and coastal areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in São Luís require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may impose additional fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required, and international visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but you may want to consider additional coverage. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy, as some rentals may have limitations. Fuel policies vary, so understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, late returns, or optional equipment such as GPS or child seats.
Car Hire Prices in São Luís – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February and July): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand during these months.
Low season (March to June and August to November): You can often find discounted rates during the off-peak months.
*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 São Luís?
Booking a rental car in São Luís involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and the type of driving you’ll be doing.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and other conditions.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure availability by booking your car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental.
General Information About São Luís
São Luís is the capital of the state of Maranhão in Brazil, known for its unique blend of Brazilian, African, and European cultures. Hiring a car allows visitors to navigate the city and explore its surrounding areas with ease.
As a historic city, São Luís features narrow streets and some areas with heavy traffic. Understanding the local driving conditions is essential for a stress-free experience. Always be mindful of local traffic laws and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Historic Centre
Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre with its colourful colonial buildings.
Lençóis Maranhenses
Take a day trip to the stunning Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Beaches
Visit beautiful beaches such as Praia do Calhau and Praia de São Marcos.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for public parking garages in the city centre for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking is available, but be aware of time limits and parking fees.
Hotel Parking
Check if your hotel offers parking facilities for guests.
Gas Stations in São Luís
Major Brands
Find gas stations from major brands like Petrobras and Shell.
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and on major highways.
Payment Methods
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting São Luís
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel during rush hours to avoid delays.
Use GPS Navigation
A GPS navigation system can be helpful for navigating the city's streets.
Be Aware of Local Laws
Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and regulations.
Secure Your Belongings
Keep your valuables out of sight to prevent theft.
Key Transportation Hubs in São Luís
Major Bus Stations
Rodoviária de São Luís
The main bus terminal connecting São Luís to other cities and states in Brazil.
Airports
Marechal Cunha Machado International Airport (SLZ)
The primary airport serving São Luís, with domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in São Luís?
To hire a car in São Luís, you’ll need to meet a few essential requirements.
Ensure you have a valid driver’s license. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card is required for the security deposit.
A passport or government-issued ID may be needed for verification.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as São Luís 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.
São Luís exceeded expectations! Catching up with friends and exploring independently was fantastic.
David Lee
Reviewed: 19.06.2025
Family vacation in São Luís was amazing! Having a car made getting around so easy, and we saw so much. The beaches were gorgeous, the food delicious. Highly recommend!
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 28.12.2024
Getting around São Luís was a breeze! Having a car made it so easy to discover hidden gems and enjoy the stunning beaches at my own pace. I loved it!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Busy trip to São Luís, but having a car helped immensely. The historical center was amazing, though the local cuisine wasn't quite to my liking.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 06.06.2025
São Luís charmed me! Exploring independently was great, although the beaches were a bit crowded.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.05.2025
São Luís was breathtaking! First time there, and having a car made exploring so easy and fun.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 12.06.2025
São Luís was a wonderful surprise! Exploring at my own pace with a rental car was perfect. I'll definitely be back.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 27.07.2025