How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Maria (RIA)
Whether you need a small car for zipping around town or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap Santa Maria rental car. Pick from options averaging 165 € a day and hit the road for less.
26 € is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental at Santa Maria.
Staying longer in Santa Maria and want to go further than the usual stops? 182 € is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap RIA car hire. Book about four weeks before your departure date to score the best price.
Line up your ride with Localiza, Alamo or National, some of the most trusted providers at Santa Maria.
The coverage Localiza or another company includes with your Santa Maria car hire can vary, so remember to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply check 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in RIA. Providers often have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices.
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in Santa Maria with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at 71 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 34 €, this provider follows in second place.
The third option also claims a spot among the most affordable suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly 38 € a day.
The Fullsize rental category is a dependable pick if you can't decide which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other at RIA.
Compare car hire types from Santa Maria (RIA)
Small: These cheap Santa Maria rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on what matters. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and perfect for city driving or short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are good for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this RIA car hire category. Also known as full-size, they pack plenty of power for open-road performance. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Santa Maria effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're tough, dependable, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different RIA car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. They can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Santa Maria.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your car rental in Brazil. Rules can vary, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Add a car seat to your RIA car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest approach.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) plus another photo ID. Bring a credit card with enough balance for the deposit too. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.
If you've never driven in Brazil, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 45kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
Drinking and driving are not allowed under any circumstances in Brazil. The country has a zero-tolerance policy, so avoid taking the wheel if you plan to consume alcohol.
The Brazilian real (BRL) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and outings. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't an option.
Drive smarter from the start
Get the adventure started once you've grabbed the keys to your RIA car hire. You'll have the freedom to go wherever you want, but if you're off to central Santa Maria, it'll take you about 15 minutes to drive the 10 kilometres or so west.
Allow roughly 25 minutes to get from Santa Maria to the city centre during peak travel times.
Around 6pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
If you're not jumping into the driver's seat immediately, consider picking up a car hire in Santa Maria instead of at the airport. Collect your ride when it makes sense for you and avoid paying for unused rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Santa Maria (RIA)
Before you move on, get in some sightseeing around Santa Maria first. Popular attractions like Memorial of Japanese Immigration and Culture and Santa Maria Art Museum make an excellent first impression.
Cachoeira do Sul should be on your itinerary if you want to see Catedral Nossa Senhora da Concei??o and Jardim Botânico e Zoológico Municipal. This city is around 88 kilometres southeast of RIA.
Alternatively, jump into your Santa Maria car hire and head roughly 88 kilometres southwest to São Gabriel. Featuring Charqueada Santo Antônio and Nossa Senhora do Rosario do Bom Fim Museum, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Motor on to Pelotas, about 257 kilometres southeast of RIA. From Charqueada Coqueiros to Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Francisco de Paula, it'll round out your trip nicely.
