Car Rental in Sao Paulo (Brazil): A Practical Guide

To rent a vehicle, you must meet local age requirements, understand the city's vehicle rotation system, and prepare the necessary deposit.

Navigating Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city with over 12.4 million residents, is best done with a clear understanding of local driving regulations and rental logistics. Whether you are arriving at Guarulhos (GRU) or Congonhas (CGH) airport, securing a car rental in Sao Paulo, Brazil, gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. However, driving here requires navigating the city's strict weekday vehicle rotation system (rodízio) and paying tolls on state highways. This practical guide covers everything you need to know for a smooth rental experience in 2026, including age limits, security deposits, digital rental alternatives, and essential tips for driving both within the metropolitan area and on scenic routes across the state of São Paulo.

L'essentiel

To rent a car in Sao Paulo, drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a permanent physical driver's license issued at least 1 to 2 years ago. A physical credit card in the main driver's name is mandatory for a security deposit, which typically ranges from $200 to $1000 USD. When driving in Sao Paulo's expanded center (Centro Expandido), you must adhere to the 'rodízio' vehicle restriction system. Active Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, it restricts cars based on the last digit of their license plate. Violating this rule results in a fine of R$ 130.16 and four penalty points on your license. The system was first trialed in 1995 and became permanent law in 1997. Note that the rodízio does not apply on weekends or public holidays.

Price overview and when to book

Rental prices in Sao Paulo vary by season, vehicle class, and how far in advance you book. To secure the best rates, it is highly recommended to book your vehicle weeks before your trip, especially during peak travel seasons. When budgeting, factor in the cost of highway tolls. Typical toll rates for passenger cars on São Paulo State highways range from R$ 18.70 to R$ 26.20. To save money and time, ensure your rental car is equipped with an electronic toll tag such as Sem Parar, ConectCar, or Veloe. These tags allow automatic, barrier-free passage through toll plazas and offer discounts ranging from 5% to 15% on toll rates. Always clarify with your rental agency if the tag is pre-installed and what administrative fees apply for its usage.

Where to pick up the car

Most travelers pick up their vehicles at the city's primary airports: Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) or Congonhas Airport (CGH). Major car rental companies operating at these hubs include Localiza, Movida, Unidas, and Foco. While some agencies have counters inside the terminals, others require taking a shuttle bus to external parking lots or adjacent terminals, so check your booking details carefully. For a modern alternative, Turbi is a 100% digital car rental platform founded in São Paulo in 2017. It allows users to rent cars by the hour or day and unlock them via a mobile app. However, foreign tourists should note it is unclear whether registration is possible without a Brazilian CPF (taxpayer registry number).

Tips for driving out of the city

Driving out of Sao Paulo offers access to beautiful coastal towns and historic inland cities. The state of São Paulo boasts well-maintained highways, though they are heavily tolled. When planning your route, keep specific toll rates in mind: driving to the industrial hub of Campinas via the BR-050 highway incurs a toll of R$ 21.10, while traveling to the coastal city of Santos via the Anchieta or Imigrantes highways costs R$ 26.20. Typical toll rates for passenger cars on other state highways range from R$ 18.70 to R$ 26.20. Ensure your vehicle has a functioning electronic toll tag to avoid stopping at manual booths. Always plan your departure times to avoid the heavy rush-hour traffic leaving the metropolitan area, particularly on Friday afternoons when roads get highly congested.

Where to go by car

Tolls: motorway estimate (~€0.11/km) — free secondary routes often exist.