Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Santos
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santos
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santos
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santos
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
Santos is a vibrant coastal city with beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and a bustling port. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the Beaches. Santos offers more than just its famous beaches. With a rental car, you can easily visit historical sites, ecological parks, and neighboring towns along the coast.
Convenience and Comfort. Having a car makes traveling with family, luggage, or beach gear much easier and more comfortable than relying on public transport or taxis.
Access to Hidden Gems. Discover secluded beaches, charming cafes, and local markets that are often inaccessible by public transportation.
Before booking a rental car in Santos, it's important to understand the local rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
39.4 square kilometers (15.2 square miles)
Population
Approximately 433,656 residents
Time Zone
BRT (UTC-3)
Ideal for
Coastal exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Santos require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included in the rental price, but you may want to consider additional coverage options. A security deposit is usually required and will be refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy to understand any limits. Fuel policies vary, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $36 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £8.50 / $10.50 / €10 per day
Peak season (December to February): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer holidays and higher demand.
Low season (March to May and August to November): Offers discounts and better availability, making it an ideal time to visit.
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 Santos is easy if you follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental 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 travel needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental car.
Santos is a captivating coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and bustling port activity.
As a major port city in Brazil, Santos offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty. Exploring the city and its surroundings is best done with an understanding of local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel availability.
Top Attractions to Discover
Gonzaga Beach
The most famous beach in Santos, offering a lively atmosphere and plenty of amenities.
Historical Center
Explore the historic buildings and museums that showcase the city's rich heritage.
Monte Serrat
Take a tram or hike up to this hill for panoramic views of Santos and the coastline.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for secure parking in designated garages, especially in the city center.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options if available to avoid city center traffic.
Gas Stations in Santos
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Petrobras and Shell throughout the city.
Refuel Before Exploring
Ensure you have enough fuel before venturing out to more remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santos
Use Local Currency
Have Brazilian Real (BRL) for tolls, parking, and smaller establishments.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in beach areas and residential streets.
Plan for Traffic
Avoid driving during peak hours to minimize traffic delays.
Major Bus Stations
Santos Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal connecting Santos to other cities in Brazil.
Railway Stations
Santos Train Station
Provides local train services within the metropolitan area.
Airports
Santos Dumont Airport (SDU)
Located in Rio de Janeiro, it's a domestic airport often used to connect to Santos.
Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
Located in São Paulo, it's the main international airport serving the region.
Renting a car in Brazil is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're a Brazilian citizen, your standard license is sufficient. International visitors need a valid driver's license from their home country and may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
The minimum age to rent a car in Santos is typically 21 years old, though some companies may have higher age requirements.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or national ID card may be required for international renters.
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 Santos 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.
Exploring Santos by car was fantastic! The coastal drive was breathtaking, and we found hidden gems.
David Lee
Reviewed: 29.09.2024
Relaxing beach vibes.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 23.01.2025
Santos was great; renting a car made getting around a breeze. The beaches were beautiful, although the seafood at that one restaurant was a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
First time in Santos, and I loved the freedom of having a car. The city's historical center felt a bit underwhelming, though the beaches were great.
Olivia Martinez
Reviewed: 14.12.2024
Needed a quick getaway, so I impulsively drove down to Santos! Having a car made exploring so much easier. The beaches were gorgeous, and the city felt vibrant.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 18.07.2025
Low-key, pretty chill.
Mia Davis
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Santos exceeded expectations! Renting a car was a breeze, making exploration simple. The beaches were amazing, although the local seafood wasn't as fresh as I hoped.
Katherine Hernandez
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Pretty chill, yeah.
Isabelle Thompson
Reviewed: 17.12.2024
Peaceful, good vibes.
Sophia Kim
Reviewed: 19.11.2024
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Santos was a lovely surprise! Renting a car made exploring easy. The beaches were stunning, though the local seafood was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 27.07.2025