Rio de Janeiro car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Rio de Janeiro
The best car rental companies in Rio de Janeiro are Localiza, Hertz, Movida. Prices start from €30/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 10%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Rio de Janeiro
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Localiza
Editor’s pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Localiza deal
#2
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €360Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#3
Movida
Top ratedFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Movida deal
#4
Unidas
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View Unidas deal
#5
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €340Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#6
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€28/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#7
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €370Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€36/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €340Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €320Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-21 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Rio de Janeiro
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €30 | Chevrolet Onix | 5 |
| Compact | €36 | Volkswagen Virtus | 5 |
| SUV | €54 | Jeep Renegade | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €80 | Chevrolet Spin | 7 |
| Luxury | €95 | Audi A3 | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Rio de Janeiro
Airport — Rio de Janeiro/Galeão International Airport
Galeão (GIG) sits about 20km north of downtown Rio, roughly a 30-45 minute drive via the Linha Vermelha depending on traffic. Some travelers instead fly into the smaller downtown Santos Dumont Airport (SDU) for domestic connections. Brazil drives on the right.
Downtown — Copacabana / Ipanema
Downtown desks near Copacabana and Ipanema suit travelers who want a car mainly for beach-to-beach trips or excursions to Búzios and Petrópolis rather than daily city driving.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory third-party insurance | €8–15/day | Required by law, often quoted separately |
| Airport surcharge | ~10% of base rate | Galeão (GIG) airport pickup |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €8–15/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €5–8/day | Per extra driver |
| Toll roads (pedágio) | €1–5 per toll | Driving the Linha Vermelha or to Búzios / Petrópolis |
| Refundable deposit | €300–370 | Standard credit-card hold at pickup |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Rio de Janeiro
- Galeão International Airport (GIG) sits about 20km north of downtown Rio, roughly a 30-45 minute drive via the Linha Vermelha expressway.
- Brazil drives on the right, the same side as neighboring Argentina and Uruguay.
- Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Rio de Janeiro's local currency is the Brazilian real (BRL).
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license is recommended for foreign visitors driving in Brazil.
- Toll roads (pedágio) are common on routes out of the city toward Búzios, Petrópolis, and Angra dos Reis — keep cash or a toll tag handy.
- Traffic and street parking in central Rio and Copacabana can be heavy — many visitors pick up a car mainly for excursions outside the city rather than daily use.
- Rental agencies generally advise against leaving valuables visible in a parked car, especially near beach areas — standard local precaution rather than a rental-specific rule.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Rio de Janeiro
Do you need a car in Rio de Janeiro?
The beach neighborhoods and city center are well connected by metro and taxi, but a car is useful for trips to Búzios, Petrópolis, or Paraty.
How far is Galeão Airport (GIG) from downtown Rio?
About 20km, roughly a 30-45 minute drive via the Linha Vermelha expressway depending on traffic.
What currency are prices shown in for Rio de Janeiro?
Prices are displayed in EUR for easy comparison, though Rio de Janeiro's local currency is the Brazilian real (BRL).
Is mandatory insurance really required in Rio de Janeiro?
Yes. Brazilian law requires third-party liability insurance, and it is sometimes quoted separately from the base rate — factor it into your budget.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Rio?
It is recommended alongside your home license, even though some agencies accept a foreign license alone for short stays.
What is the cheapest car type in Rio de Janeiro?
Economy cars like a Chevrolet Onix start around €30/day. An SUV starts around €54/day.
Is it worth renting a car just for Copacabana and Ipanema?
Not really — those neighborhoods are walkable and well served by metro. A rental pays off mainly for excursions outside the city.
