Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Recife
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Recife
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Recife
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Recife
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Recife, a vibrant city in northeastern Brazil, offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore Recife and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Limits. With a rental car, you can easily venture beyond Recife to discover the stunning beaches of Porto de Galinhas, the historic charm of Olinda, and the natural beauty of the Zona da Mata.
Convenience and Flexibility. Public transport schedules and routes can be limiting. A rental car allows you to travel on your own schedule, making spontaneous stops and detours as you please.
Comfort and Space. If you are traveling with family or a group, a rental car offers ample space for luggage and ensures a comfortable journey for everyone.
Before renting a car in Recife, familiarize yourself with the standard terms and conditions. These typically include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and fuel policies.
Area
Approximately 218 square kilometers (84 square miles)
Population
Approximately 1.6 million residents
Time Zone
BRT (UTC-3)
Ideal for
Exploring nearby beaches and historic sites
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening commute times
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to rent a car in Recife is 21 years old. However, some rental companies may have higher age requirements or charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Portuguese or English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price. Additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is typically required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage while others have restrictions. Fuel policies generally require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, optional equipment (such as GPS or child seats), and out-of-hours pick-up or drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 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 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (December to February): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (March to May and August to November): Discounts and lower prices are often available during these months.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Recife involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and budget, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms and conditions, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car well in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Upon arrival, present your driver's license, passport, and credit card to pick up your rental car. Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off.
Recife is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Driving around Recife requires awareness of local traffic regulations and conditions.
As the capital of Pernambuco, Recife is known for its canals, bridges, and historic architecture. While the city has a public transportation system, renting a car can provide more flexibility, especially for exploring the surrounding regions. However, be aware of traffic congestion and parking limitations in the city center. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and driving customs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Boa Viagem Beach
A popular urban beach with natural reefs that create calm swimming pools.
Instituto Ricardo Brennand
A cultural complex housing a museum, art gallery, and library.
Historic Olinda
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful colonial architecture.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in the city center, offering secure parking for a fee.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find and may have time restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city center and taking public transportation to your destination.
Gas Stations in Recife
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Recife and its surrounding areas.
Major Brands
You can find major fuel brands like Petrobras, Shell, and Ipiranga.
Payment Methods
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Recife
Traffic
Be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
Driving Style
Driving in Recife can be chaotic, so be cautious and attentive.
Local Customs
Familiarize yourself with local driving customs and traffic regulations.
Safety
Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to prevent theft.
Major Bus Stations
TIP - Terminal Integracao Passageiros
The main bus terminal in Recife, connecting the city to various destinations.
Railway Stations
Recife Metro
Recife has a metro system with five lines connecting several areas of the city.
Airports
Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC)
Located approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) from downtown Recife, it is the main airport serving the city and the surrounding region.
To rent a car in Recife, you'll need to meet a few essential requirements to ensure a smooth rental process.
You must present a valid driver's license from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for licenses not in Portuguese or English.
The minimum age to rent a car in Recife is typically 21 years old, although some rental companies may have higher age requirements or charge additional fees for younger drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit and rental payment. Some rental companies may only accept credit cards for the security deposit.
You will need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport or government-issued ID.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Recife as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Recife was fantastic! My family and I had a wonderful time exploring the city and nearby beaches. Having our own transport made everything so much easier and more convenient.
David Lee
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 19.02.2025
Recife was breathtaking! My family loved exploring everything, so convenient with our rental.
Maria Santos
Reviewed: 03.07.2025
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 25.01.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 23.10.2024
Pretty chill, really.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Exploring Recife was a dream! So much freedom having a car; we saw everything.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
Recife was efficient for my business trip. Having a car made getting around simple. The food, while diverse, wasn't always to my taste. Overall, a productive visit.
Jessica Thompson
Reviewed: 10.07.2025
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Recife was amazing! Having a car made exploring the beaches and historical sites so easy. The vibrant culture and delicious food were highlights. I'd definitely go back!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.06.2025