Rio de Janeiro Private Transportation and Tour Guide
Private transportation usually takes the form of a car, van, or mini-van. This is the most convenient and most comfortable way to get around Rio. Most visitors will require a driver as Rio can be confusing and all of the traffic information is in Portuguese. We do not recommend that visitors to Brazil attempt to drive. It is confusing, dangerous, nerve wracking, and a great way to ruin your otherwise stress-free tropical vacation. If you are determined to drive, our Driving in Rio de Janeiro guide is a must read.
Private Cars and Drivers
Private cars are simply a car, minivan, or van that include a driver. They are usually air conditioned and can be much more comfortable and cleaner than a taxi. In addition, where taxi's are limited by law to 4 passengers, a private car may be filled to capacity. Generally, sedans hold 4 passengers, minivans 6 passengers, and vans can hold up to 16, depending on the seat arrangement. If your party is bigger than this, you will either need multiple vehicles, or you will need to charter a bus. Private vehicles are more convenient when you are shopping as they can be used to store your purchases. They are also just plain handy for keeping the items you want with you but do not want to lug around. Perhaps your tour book, beach clothes, towels, umbrella, or cooler with drinks. They are also a great security precaution when you are out bar hopping late at night. Your driver will wait nearby for your call (and you guide may go in with you) and you don't have to hassle with or worry about a strange taxi driver or area that you do not know.
Private cars can be rented by the hour, day, week, or even for the duration of your stay. The price will go down the longer your commitment. A typical price for a private car will start at R$25 per hour and go up, depending on the type of car, if the driver can speak you language, and what you want to do. Expect to pay more for English speaking drivers. You will also pay more if you are putting a lot of miles on the vehicle, want to stay out all night, or want to leave the Greater Rio area. How does this compare to renting a car? Considering the car rental, gasoline, insurance, and parking, it is usually much cheaper to rent a private car and driver by the hour. The only exception is when you will be driving almost constantly, or will be a substantial distance away from a metropolitan area.
The driver of your private vehicle is pretty important. In most cases, he is also your guide and probably your translator and security advisor. Get one that you like and seems to understand the area and your interests. Some drivers understand more about nightlife than others, or more about history or out of the way areas. If possible, get a driver that speaks your language, or you will miss a lot of the advantages of having a private car.
Private cars can usually be arranged at the front desk or with the concierge of your hotel. Some travel agents can also arrange this.
Rio Holiday has a private car service that is available to visitors to Rio even if they are not staying in one of the Rio Holiday luxury rental homes. We also offer a meet in greet service when you arrive in Rio at the airport or on a cruise ship. You will be greeted in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese on your arrival and taken to your hotel or apartment. This service must be arranged in advance of your arrival, and can be charged to your credit card. This, and your drop-off for your return flight, are free services when you are staying at Rio Holiday. See the Transportation Guide for Guests of Rio Holiday for details or contact us if you have questions.
Tour Service
If you want to see some of the major sites around Rio, you will want to arrange a tour. They can be for large groups of tourists (like a Gray Line Bus tour), or completely private. Most people prefer a tour in a private car with driver. This allows you the most flexibility in your schedule and agenda. If you have a private car and a driver that speaks your language, you are ready for a tour any time. Just say I want to see Cristo or Sugar Loaf and off you go. Tours may also be for special interests, such as nightlife, beaches, history, churches, culture, museums, or even shopping.
Some tour operators offer specialized tours that may be coupled with an event or a special activity. These include things like rain forest tours, Carnival, nature hikes, rafting, fishing, hang gliding, and the like. Sometimes special vehicles are required, like a Land Rover or a boat. For a truly breath-taking experience, consider a helicopter ride around Cristo.
Tours can be arranged through tour companies, hotels, and travel agents. Prices are always quoted in advance and are usually quoted in dollars. Some tour operators are quite small, so there may be a cancellation fee if you decide not to go at the last minute. Rio Holiday offers tours in private vehicles to all major attractions, nightlife tours, and shopping tours. We can also arrange specialized tours and events. See your Hospitality Manager or just contact us for further information.
Rental Cars in Rio de Janeiro
If you have skipped to this section, please read the information above and the page Driving in Rio de Janeiro before you continue. Renting a car and driving in Rio is not recommended. It is much safer, more convenient, and can even be cheaper to hire a private car and driver.
Rental cars are available at the airport, although the operations are much smaller than at all but the smallest airports in the US. Avis and Hertz both operate at GIG, along with some Brazilian firms like Localiza. If you are arriving at Terminal 2, it may be necessary for you to go to Terminal 1 to find the agency that you prefer. Be sure to make a reservation, which can be done over the Internet or via telephone in your country of origin. Walkup inventory is usually limited, especially during the high season.
The requirements are similar to those in the US. You must have a valid driver’s license and a major credit card. Usually, you must be over 25 years of age or over, but be sure to ask when you make the reservation. There is a license issued by the American Automobile Association called the Pan American Driver’s License. This is simply a verification that your state issued driver’s license is still good and includes a picture and translations in Portuguese and Spanish. This is generally not required, but it may depend on the agency that you use. I recommend that you buy full liability coverage on your automobile. This will increase your daily rate by about R$39 or more per day, but it will cover you if you have a fender bender, or if your car is stolen. Trying to collect on your automatic credit card coverage from an accident in Brazil is probably not worth it.
Pay especially close attention to where you need to return the rental car. This business is very small in Brazil so there are not many signs to help you when you return (except that little bitty one that said something in Portuguese a few kilometers back).
Almost all of the Brazilian rental cars are standard transmission. Automatics are rare and more expensive. These cars are also small by US standards, although no smaller than European standards. The largest car that you can rent without a chauffer’s license will accommodate the driver plus 6 passengers. Both the Chevrolet Zafira and the Fiat Doblo have two jump seats in the back that can be opened in the cargo area. All but the cheapest cars have air conditioning. Some vehicles will run on gas or on alcohol. These are usually called “flex-something” and can save you money if you plan to drive a lot. Gasoline is very expensive in Brazil about US$5.00 per gallon or more.