Rental cars in Rio de Janeiro from $45

If your trip to Rio de Janeiro is all organized but your travel itinerary is looking a bit empty, we can give you a few hints and tips.Think of Rio de Janeiro and then say the first thing that pops into your head. You probably said “Sugar Loaf Mountain,” right? Being such a famous landmark, you can’t miss seeing it. Throw your suitcases into the car and tick it off your bucket list.You’ll have to rise and shine if you’re planning to check out all the great attractions this place has to offer. National Library and Catedral de Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro are non-negotiable. Arcos da Lapa and Museum of Modern Art shouldn’t be overlooked either.Stop by Museum of Tomorrow. It’s one attraction you’ll usually find on many visitors’ must-do lists. Selaron Steps and Cinelandia are also close by and worth checking out.

See what’s going on in nearby Saquarema. What’s 40 miles when you’ve got your own set of wheels? The road trip there is half the fun! Among the first stops you make here should be Brazilian Confederation of Volleyball Training Center, Itauna Beach and Heitor Bravo Stadium. The locals will also probably point you in the direction of Nova Friburgo, 60 miles away. If you can only find time for one attraction here, let it be Nova Friburgo Cable Car. (But we’d also highly recommend Eduardo Guinle Stadium and President Getúlio Vargas Square.)

No matter what the weather forecast is, you’ll be able to get a glimpse of the glorious beaches near Rio de Janeiro from behind the wheel of your own rental car. As you draw near to the ocean, keep your eyes open for seabirds soaring over these beautiful stretches of coastline:

• Urca Beach (3 miles away).
• Vermelha Beach (3 miles away).
• Praia do Leme (4 miles away).

After a long day of networking with like-minded individuals, it’s always good to be able to lay your head someplace nearby. If you’re traveling to Rio de Janeiro primarily for business, here are some of the best convention centers that are close to hotels, restaurants and cafés:

• Casa das Canoas (8 miles away).
• Parque dos Atletas (15 miles away).
• RioCentro Convention Center (16 miles away).

If you’ve never visited Rio de Janeiro, you’re in for an incredible time. With renowned sights like Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, you’ll ask yourself why you didn’t plan your getaway sooner. But like all busy cities, driving can be a little tricky — so why not reserve a compact car? Parking is a snap and maneuverability is about as effortless as it gets. However, if you’d rather stay away from the city center and discover the farther-flung sandy shores in Rio de Janeiro State, you can’t beat an SUV or a four-wheel drive.

For some of us, owning a luxury vehicle is little more than a lofty dream. But renting the car of your dreams is easier than you think! Imagine the joy of rolling into town in a snazzy convertible, even if it’s only for a few days. Or maybe all you’re after is a cheap ride to get you safely from A to B. Extravagant or economical? Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a rental car to suit you in Rio de Janeiro.

It’s relatively easy to find a car space in Rio de Janeiro, though you might find it hard to get a spot in the biggest and busiest streets. Booking a hotel that has on-site parking is a wise idea.

The hours before and after work is when Rio de Janeiro roads are at their busiest, so steer clear of these times if you can. Cruising around a city of 6,023,700 people is fun and exciting, but not when you’re stuck in a traffic jam.

While cruising through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, keep in mind that the speed limits generally range from 30km/h to 110km/h. Most residential areas are 30km/h unless otherwise signed.

More often than not, your chosen rental car company will bill the fined amount to your credit card, including local taxes. Otherwise, they may share your information with local authorities, who’ll then send a fine straight to you.

As long as you have hands-free functions like Bluetooth enabled, you can lawfully use your cell phone while operating a vehicle in Rio de Janeiro. But ensure you keep your eyes on the road.

In Rio de Janeiro, it is against the law to operate a vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol content) higher than 0.02%. If you plan to have a few drinks over dinner, leave the rental car behind.

It’s a big no-no to turn at a red light in Rio de Janeiro. When you encounter one, take the opportunity to enjoy a mindful moment until the signal goes back to green.

Subject to a few exceptions, seat belts must be worn in Rio de Janeiro State.