Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Salvador
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Salvador
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Salvador
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Salvador
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
Salvador, with its vibrant culture and stunning coastline, offers a wealth of experiences best explored with the freedom of a rental car. While public transportation is available, a car allows you to venture beyond the city center and discover hidden gems at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the Beaches. While Salvador is famous for its beaches, a rental car lets you easily access the stunning coastline further afield, discovering secluded spots and charming coastal towns.
Discover Historical Sites. Explore historical sites and landmarks outside of the main city area, such as the charming town of Cachoeira, with ease and convenience.
Enjoy Flexibility and Freedom. Public transport schedules can be limiting. With a rental car, you can set your own itinerary and explore Salvador and its surroundings at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you like.
Before renting a car in Salvador, it’s important to understand the local rental terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, license regulations, insurance, and potential extra fees.
Area
Approximately 693 square kilometers (268 square miles)
Population
Around 2.9 million residents
Time Zone
BRT (UTC-3)
Ideal for
Exploring the coastline and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during peak hours: 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Salvador is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young driver surcharges may apply 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. A passport is also necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but you can opt for additional coverage like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection. A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have daily or total limits. Be sure to check the fuel policy. Most companies require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees can apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals (returning the car to a different location), optional extras like GPS or child seats, and late returns.
Car rental prices in Salvador can vary depending on the type of car, rental duration, and time of year. Here's an estimate of daily rates for different car categories.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £28 / $35 / €32 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (December to February): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to increased tourist traffic during the summer months and Carnival.
Low season (May to June, August to September): Rental prices are often discounted during these months due to lower demand.
Car rental prices in Salvador fluctuate based on seasonal demand. Booking in advance can help secure better rates.
Booking a car in Salvador involves a few key steps to ensure a smooth and affordable experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison platforms to check prices from various car rental companies and find the best deals.
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 details on mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserving your car well in advance, especially during peak season, can help you secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter when collecting your vehicle.
Salvador, a city rich in history and culture, offers a unique driving experience. Understanding local traffic conditions and regulations can help you navigate the city with ease.
Salvador is the capital of Bahia, known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, stunning beaches, and historic Pelourinho district. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore beyond the city center, but it's important to be aware of local driving conditions. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can be challenging. Narrow streets and limited parking in historic areas require careful navigation. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Pelourinho
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful colonial architecture.
Farol da Barra
A historic lighthouse offering panoramic ocean views.
Elevador Lacerda
An art deco elevator connecting the upper and lower cities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for parking garages in shopping centers and commercial areas.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits; often hard to find in busy areas.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city center and using public transport to avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Salvador
Major Brands Available
You can find gas stations from major brands like Petrobras and Ipiranga.
Located on Main Roads
Gas stations are readily available on main roads and highways, but less common in the historic center.
Check Fuel Levels
Ensure you have sufficient fuel, especially when planning longer trips outside the city.
Useful Tips for Visiting Salvador
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during rush hours (7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM) to minimize delays.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Be Aware of Local Driving Habits
Be cautious and aware of local driving habits, which can be more assertive than in some other regions.
Secure Valuables
Keep valuables out of sight to prevent theft.
Major Bus Stations
Salvador Bus Terminal (Rodoviária)
The main bus terminal, providing connections to various cities and regions in Bahia and other states.
Airport
Salvador International Airport (SSA)
Located approximately 28 kilometers (17 miles) from the city center, serving domestic and international flights.
To rent a car in Salvador, you'll need to meet certain requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
You'll need a valid driver's license from your country of residence. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in Portuguese.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have higher age requirements for certain vehicles.
A major credit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit.
You'll need to present a passport or other form of government-issued identification.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 Salvador 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.
Salvador was amazing! Getting around with a rental car made exploring so easy. Highly recommend!
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 20.11.2024
Pretty relaxed vibe
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 28.11.2024
Pretty chill, actually.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
It was wonderful revisiting Salvador after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much simpler, and I easily found all my favorite spots. Highly recommend.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 14.07.2025
Summer in Salvador was fantastic! Having a car made exploring the beaches and city so easy.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Family vacation in Salvador was fantastic! Exploring with our rental car was incredibly convenient.
Isabella Diaz
Reviewed: 10.10.2024
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 19.01.2025