By Car in Rio de Janeiro

By Car

The carioca style of driving is passionate to the point of abandon: traffic jams are common, the streets aren't well marked, and red lights are often more decorative than functional. Although there are parking areas along the beachfront boulevards, finding a spot can still be a problem. If you do choose to drive, exercise extreme caution, wear seat belts at all times, and keep the doors locked.

There's a gas station on every main street in Rio: for example, on Avenida Atlântica in Copacabana, around the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, and at Avenida Vieira Souto in Ipanema. International companies, such as Shell and Esso, are represented. The gas stations run by Brazilian oil company Petrobras are called BR. Ipiranga is another local option. Half the gas stations are open from 6 AM until 10 PM, and half are open 24 hours and have convenience stores. Gas stations don't have emergency service, so ask when you rent whether your car-rental insurance includes it.

Car rentals can be arranged through hotels or agencies and at this writing cost about R$110-R$250 a day for standard models. Major agencies include Avis, Hertz, and Unidas. Localiza is a local agency. Hertz and Unidas have desks at the international and domestic airports.

Turismo Clássico Travel, one of the country's most reliable travel and transport agencies, can arrange for a driver to get you around within the city, with or without an English-speaking guide (US$30 per hour). Classico's owners, Liliana and Vera, speak English, and each has 20 years of experience in organizing transportation. They also lead sightseeing tours.

Rental Agencies

Avis (Av. Princesa Isabel 350, Copacabana. 021/2543-8579). Hertz (Av. Princesa Isabel 334, Copacabana. 021/2275-7440 or 0800/701-7300.) Localiza Rent a Car (Av. Princesa Isabel 214, Copacabana. 021/2275-3340.) Unidas (021/4001-2222 for main reservations line.)

Transport Agency

Turismo Clássico Travel (Av. Nossa Senhora de Copacabana 1059, Sala 805, Copacabana. 021/2523-3390).