How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Maria (SMA)
Whether you need a small car for scooting around the city or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap Santa Maria rental car. Choose from options averaging $188 a day and go where you want for less.
$40 is the cheapest daily price listed for a rental at Santa Maria.
Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $280 and say yes to more adventures across Santa Maria.
If you want to get the best price, book your SMA car hire around two weeks in advance.
At Santa Maria, you can pick from leading rental brands such as Ilha Verde, addCar and AUTATLANTIS.
Whether you go with Ilha Verde or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Santa Maria car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply choose 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SMA.
Avoid those steep refueling fees by choosing a car hire in Santa Maria with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit the highway without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you roam without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging $56 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $55, this provider takes the runner-up spot.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $54 a day.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you're unsure which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most at SMA.
Compare car hire types from Santa Maria (SMA)
Small: These cheap Santa Maria rental cars may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but with some added perks. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the bags, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this SMA car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Santa Maria that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or large groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different SMA car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Santa Maria by adding some handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always read your home company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
Add a car seat to your SMA car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules can change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest way to go.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's license, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any extra must-haves will be shown in your booking.
If you're new to driving in Portugal, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 45kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05% applies in Portugal. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for general expenses and excursions. Pay with a debit or credit card when you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Drive smarter from the start
After you've picked up the keys to your SMA car hire, it's time to write your own itinerary. Central Santa Maria is about 5 kilometres east and a drive of around 15 minutes if that's where your journey begins.
Allow roughly 20 minutes to get from Santa Maria to the city centre during peak hours.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
Don't need a set of wheels right after landing? Consider grabbing a car hire in Santa Maria instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Santa Maria (SMA)
You'll want to take in some of the major attractions in Santa Maria before doing anything else. Farol de Goncalo Velho and Reserva Florestal de Recreio de Fontinhas are a great way to kick things off.
Around 97 kilometres northwest of SMA, Ponta Delgada deserves a spot on your itinerary. Head to must-see sights like Portas da Cidade and Gruta do Carvao.
Alternatively, start up your Santa Maria car hire and travel around 88 kilometres north to Lagoa. Featuring Church of Santa Cruz and Colecao Visitavel Matriz of thegoa, its attractions are worth the drive.
