Car Rental Santa Maria

Search and Compare from Car Companies in Santa Maria

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top Car Deals in Santa Maria

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in Santa Maria
View all cars

What you need to know for your Santa Maria car rental

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 .

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.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

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

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
 
Our second best deal of the day
 
Our third best deal of the day
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Maria?
Budget car rentals started at a day in Santa Maria, based on prices within the past seven days. With rates like this, we make it easy to grab some keys and take off for less.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Maria car reservation?
Good news! You should be eligible for a full refund if you let us know a minimum of six hours ahead of collecting the car. Your confirmation contains information about this, as does our Customer Service Portal. Not all prepaid rentals result in a refund though, so it's a good idea to check your car's rental agreement.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Maria?
Santa Maria has plenty to keep you on the move, but don't restrict yourself to just the one place. Organize a set of wheels and take to the road to see what's in the wider region. Here are some great options:

  • Coimbra is approximately 95 miles from Santa Maria. Famous tourist attractions like Portugal dos Pequenitos deserve to be high on your must-see list while you're in town.
  • Your next pit stop? Consider Aveiro, which is around 65 miles away. Ria de Aveiro is one local hot spot you shouldn't miss.
  • Make your way to Guincho Beach to feel grounded in nature. Take a picnic to enjoy or just recharge your batteries in the fresh air. From Santa Maria, it's around 200 miles away.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Maria with Expedia?
Check out customer reviews, choose your favorite ride and compare offers from leading providers. Expedia makes it a cinch to pick up the best deal on your rental wheels. Bundle your Santa Maria car rental with flight or hotel bookings and start your road trip with extra savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Maria?
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Santa Maria is 18. A surcharge for young drivers usually applies, so check before you book and factor in possible additional costs. There could also be restrictions on the car categories available to young drivers. For instance, some providers will only rent out economy, compact and medium-sized cars to young motorists. Requirements may differ between outlets, so look over the fine print.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Maria?
Be prepared to present your driver's license and a credit card in your name when you get to the rental counter. Before pickup, check with your rental provider whether anything else is needed. For example, you may also need to provide proof of auto insurance.
What side of the road do you drive on in Santa Maria?
In Santa Maria and around Portugal, people drive on the right-hand side of the road. While this is the same as in the U.S, make sure you're aware of any different driving rules.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Maria?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that the most affordable daily rate was . The next best price to rent a ride in Santa Maria was a day. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Santa Maria?
Yes, and you'll find your ideal wheels among our long-term car rental deals. Simply enter your trip details and we'll list fabulous offers from numerous quality companies.
Where can I find a Santa Maria car rental if I am younger than 25?
Whether you can rent a vehicle if you are under 25 years old in Santa Maria often depends on the rental company you choose. Some places apply a surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 years old, whereas others may not apply any additional costs for this age bracket. It'd be good to understand the terms and conditions of your chosen rental dealer to avoid extra charges when picking up your keys.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Santa Maria?
It's wise to have collision protection to cover your Santa Maria rental car against theft, vandalism and accident damage. And with Expedia, it's easy to purchase this insurance for your vehicle at the time of booking. Covering primary physical damage of up to $35,000, it also offers 24/7 emergency assistance and a zero-dollar deductible in the event of a claim. Change of plans? If you cancel your policy before your scheduled pick-up time, you'll receive a full refund.
Can I drive in Santa Maria with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license issued in Portugal, then you'll likely need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country to be allowed to rent a car. You should also be aware that if you do need an IDP, it has no validity on its own. You'll be asked to show your current driver's license your passport and other forms of identification as well. Lastly, it's important that the credit card used to book the rental vehicle matches the name on your license and passport. A few other things to note for international car rentals are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in many countries to rent a car. If you're younger, it may still be possible to rent a car but you'll have to pay a Young Driver's Surcharge. Additional restrictions may also apply to the types of vehicles you can rent.
  • Driving limitations: Make sure you read the rules and regulations before you drive away. With rental cars, you usually can't cross country borders, drive onto ferries or on certain types of rugged terrain with a rental car.