Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Top tips for renting a car in Sao Paulo
If you want to rent one of the cheap car rentals in Sau Paulo, you must be over 21 years old. Kindly note that if you’re between 21 and 25 years of age, Sau Paulo car rentals will involve a caution fee for young drivers. To receive the car rental of choice, you must present your driver’s license, a current photo ID or passport, and an international credit card in your name. For your driver’s license to be considered valid, you must have held it for at least a year.
There are several road-trip-worthy destinations near Sau Paulo. If you’d like to go on a short road trip, you can drive to Jundiai, 37.3 miles away; Sao Roque, 43.5 miles away; Embu Das Artes, 18.6 miles away; Boituva, 62 miles away; or Guaruja, 45.3 miles away. In a rental, you’ll be able to get to these destinations in no more than an hour. On the other hand, if you don’t mind driving for a while, you can drive to Monte Verde, 101 miles away; Campos Do Jordao, 104 miles away; Socorro, 86 miles away; and Brotas, 155 miles away. If you drive nonstop to these destinations, you’ll get to them in about 2 to 3 hours.
Sau Paulo is home to millions of people. Thus, like other major cities, it experiences extreme traffic jams. In an attempt to reduce the congestion, city authorities have brought in a traffic rotation system. Vehicles with license plates ending in 1 or 2 aren’t permitted to drive in the city on Mondays; those with plates that end in 3 or 4 aren’t permitted on Tuesdays; those with plates ending in 5 or 6 aren’t allowed on Thursdays; and those with plates ending in 9 or 0 are banned on Fridays. Given that the fines are steep, on the day your rental’s plate is restricted, consider using public transport or driving to destinations outside the city.
Home to the largest population in the Southern Hemisphere, São Paulo is a diverse metropolis with a unique cultural identity and significant economic importance. Deciding to rent a car during your trip will give you the best opportunity to fully understand the grandness of the city and explore nearby wonders and natural beauty, such as the Zu Lai Temple, the São Rogue wine region, or the many beaches and expansive coastline.
The São Paulo – Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is located 25 km (15 miles) from the city center. KAYAK assembles the greatest range and prices from global rental companies such as Avis, Budget, and Hertz, which are located within the East Arrival section of Terminal 2 of GRU Airport. Organizing your rental prior to arriving will give you the ability to get on the road quickly and maximize your time in São Paulo.
Left-hand turns are not permitted on many roads throughout the city, meaning you need to complete three consecutive right turns, effectively completing a P-shaped loop, to head your desired direction. Arranging an International Driver's Permit is crucial before renting a car in Brazil, as driving without one will open you to the risk of receiving considerable fines as well as voiding your rental insurance conditions.
Thanks to its incredibly large population, São Paulo’s traffic system can become heavily congested throughout the day. If you are staying within the city limits for the day, it is advisable to take public transport to your destination and avoid crossing between neighborhoods by car. Paulista Avenue traffic often crawls to a stop during peak rush hours, so it is recommended that you reroute your course to avoid it.
25% of our users found rental cars in Sao Paulo for $16 or less
Book your rental car in Sao Paulo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Off-airport rental car locations in Sao Paulo are around 55% cheaper than airport locations on average
Mini rental cars in Sao Paulo are around 49% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Sao Paulo
A compact sedan will best suit the driving demands of São Paulo roads, helping you navigate tight positions caused by any traffic congestion. A car such as a Kia Rio Hatchback or a Nissan Micra will be perfect for Brazilian roads. Keep in mind that manual transmission cars are far more common in São Paulo, so if you would prefer to rent an automatic it may be a little more expensive.
Unless otherwise indicated, the speed limit on residential streets is 30 km/h (18 mph) and on larger connecting roads such as avenues it is 60 km/h (37 mph). The maximum speed permitted on highways depends on their proximity to a city; in rural areas the limit is 110 km/h (68 mph), while in an urban areas it is 80 km/h (49 mph).
It is not advisable to use on-street parking throughout São Paulo, as the signage can be confusing and security can be an issue. Instead, try one of the many parking garages located close to the city center, where you can expect to pay approximately R$15 ($3.80 USD) per hour. Located a few miles south of the city center, the Sao Paulo Exhibition Center provides 12-hour parking for only R$45 ($11.50 USD) and is conveniently located next to the Botanical Gardens and Animal Park.
On average a rental car in Sao Paulo costs $21 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Sao Paulo found in the last 2 weeks is $9.
