Salvador Car Hire

Top tips for renting a car in Salvador

• A hire car is the most comfortable and efficient way to explore not only Salvador but also the more remote, secluded beaches in the area, as well as the rest of the incredible Bahia state. Embark on a road trip along the Coconut Coast, north of Salvador, with its miles and miles of stunning beaches, or drive to Chapada Diamantina National Park, which is 315 miles from Salvador, and make scenic stops along the way.
• Most of the major car hire companies, including Avis and Hertz, can be found at Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA), which is located just over 17 miles from the city center. The car hire desks can be found in the Arrivals Hall of the airport’s main terminal. You will need an International Driver’s Permit to rent a car in Brazil. Make sure to request a GPS device that is set to English.
• The streets in Salvador are quite hilly, so make sure you are confident driving under those conditions. Downtown also features many cobblestone streets. Watch out for one-way streets or pedestrian areas, as road signs can sometimes be confusing. Drivers going at a speed of 12 mph or less are allowed to run red lights between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Avoid driving at night so as not to share the road with drunk drivers.
• While traffic in Salvador may not be as bad as in other Brazilian cities like São Paulo, driving during rush hour is still quite chaotic and can easily add up to an hour to your travels. Plan your journey in advance and avoid driving into the city center or to the airport between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Evening rush hour peaks at 6 p.m., but avoid driving anytime between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Book your rental car in Salvador at least 2 weeks before your trip in order to get a below-average price