How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Maria
Grab a cheap rental car in Santa Maria and get going for around 44 € a day. From short drives to open-road adventures, we'll match your plans with the right wheels.
Daily rental prices in Santa Maria start from just 26 €.
Staying on a bit longer? Pick up a weekly rental from 182 € and explore beyond the usual highlights.
If you want to time it right, book about four weeks ahead to score yourself the best price on a Santa Maria car hire.
Localiza, Unidas and National are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you book with Localiza or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Santa Maria car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore freely without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average 71 € a day.
Next up is this provider, offering daily rates of around 34 €.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly 38 € a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Economy rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting Santa Maria.
Flying to Santa Maria? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Santa Maria trip by picking up a car hire at Santa Maria Airport. The city centre is about 10 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Santa Maria
Small: These cheap rental cars in Santa Maria may be small in size, but they live up to big expectations. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, great on mileage, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Santa Maria car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Santa Maria that can handle a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group excursions, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different Santa Maria car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Santa Maria.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car rental in Brazil.
Add a car seat to your Santa Maria car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Rules change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest choice.
You'll need some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
Driving in Brazil might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Be aware that traffic travels on the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
Brazil has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Keep the car parked and choose a different way to get around if your plans involve alcohol.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 6pm. Make driving smoother by avoiding rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Brazilian real (BRL) for everyday expenses on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
Best hotels in Santa Maria for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Pousada Quinta São Pedro. Offering parking as well as an outdoor swimming pool and Wi-Fi, this hotel is about 6 kilometres from central Santa Maria.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Hotel Gabriel. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features air conditioning and a lounge.
Browse through the range of hotels in Santa Maria for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find what works for you. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Santa Maria and the right hotel, all that's left is deciding where to explore first. Begin your sightseeing at big attractions such as Memorial of Japanese Immigration and Culture, Santa Maria Art Museum and Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceicao.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Maria
Shift gears and take off to Cachoeira do Sul. Around 97 kilometres southeast of central Santa Maria, you'll find must-do sights like Catedral Nossa Senhora da Concei??o and Jardim Botânico e Zoológico Municipal.
You'll be well taken care of at Hotel Jacuí and REDE Bonnel 88 Standard, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Cachoeira do Sul.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Santa Maria and then head for São Gabriel. Around 88 kilometres southwest of Santa Maria, Charqueada Santo Antônio and Nossa Senhora do Rosario do Bom Fim Museum are top attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Relax after a day of exploring São Gabriel at Hotel San Isidro or Marechal Plaza Hotel. These hotels cater to guests with cars.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Pelotas, roughly 274 kilometres southeast of Santa Maria. First, visit Charqueada Coqueiros, then follow it up with Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Francisco de Paula.
Time to think about catching some z's. Hotel Curi Executive and M Tower Hotel have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Pelotas.
