$18 Car Rental Santa Maria

These Santa Maria insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 18, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Maria

Renting a car in Santa Maria offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families, business travelers, and those looking to immerse themselves in city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Vicente Pallotti Museum, Mallet Museum and Memorial, and Edmundo Cardoso Memorial House, all located within Santa Maria. Additionally, nearby areas like Camobi and Uglione feature notable sites, including the Diacono Joao Luiz Pozzobon Museum and the Historical and Cultural Museum of the Franciscan Sisters.

Having a rental car allows for easy luggage management and the flexibility to create your travel plans without the constraints of public transportation. Whether you're planning to explore the cultural offerings of Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro or simply wish to enjoy the scenic drives around the city, a rental car makes your journey more comfortable. Embrace the opportunity to discover Santa Maria and its surrounding neighborhoods with ease, ensuring a fulfilling travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Maria

• Localiza: With two rental locations in the Santa Maria area, Localiza is a top choice for travelers seeking flexibility. They offer a selection of vehicles, with the most popular options being Standard and Mini Van models. This supplier provides the convenience of managing your luggage easily and adjusting your travel itinerary as you explore the region at your own pace.
• Budget: Budget features one rental location in Santa Maria, making it a convenient option for tourists. Their most booked vehicle is the Midsize car, which is ideal for comfortable travel. Budget is known for providing great value, allowing you to explore Santa Maria and its surroundings without breaking the bank.

Where to stay in Santa Maria

• Santa Maria Centro: Located in the heart of Santa Maria, Santa Maria Centro offers a rich historical experience for travelers. Visitors can explore notable attractions such as the Edmundo Cardoso Memorial House, the Parish Cathedral Religious Arts Museum, and the Historical and Cultural Museum of the Franciscan Sisters. This neighborhood is ideal for those who appreciate culture and history, with museums and theaters within easy reach, making it a great base for your stay.
• Camobi: This charming village, situated in the Santa Maria area, is known for its educational and historical points of interest. Notable sites include the Diacono Joao Luiz Pozzobon Museum, which offers insights into local history, and the Federal University of Santa Maria, which is a hub of academic life. The Santa Maria Court of Justice is also located here, providing another layer of cultural exploration for visitors. Camobi is a peaceful option for a relaxing stay.
• Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro: This neighborhood features a blend of military and cultural attractions, making it a unique area to explore. Key highlights include the Mallet Museum and Memorial, which provides a glimpse into military history, along with the Edmundo Cardoso Memorial House and the Parish Cathedral Religious Arts Museum, both of which are also found in Santa Maria Centro. This area offers a tranquil environment for those looking to immerse themselves in local culture and history.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Maria

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting specific vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often results in lower prices and greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars tend to be more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be convenient. Just make sure to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Maria

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Santa Maria into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Santa Maria and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Santa Maria

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Santa Maria. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Santa Maria

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $18.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals