Car hire in São Martinho, Portugal

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in São Martinho

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find São Martinho car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your São Martinho pick-up location

There are 7 car hire locations in São Martinho. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in São Martinho

Hiring a car in São Martinho: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAuto-Union
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, Crossover
Average daily priceR 3,986
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in São Martinho

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your São Martinho car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in São Martinho

  • Grab a cheap rental car in São Martinho and start your adventure for around R 3,986 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll find the right wheels for whatever you have planned.

  • Lock in your ride in November and keep your spending in low gear. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in São Martinho, with average daily rates of R 635.

  • Book early to lock down a cheap rental car in São Martinho. Besides saving money, you're more likely to find a car that fits your style or needs.

  • Browse car hire deals in São Martinho from leading providers like Sixt, 7M rent a car and Dollar.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your São Martinho car hire policy, whether with Sixt or a different supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Look into booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Find the best available rates for a car for rent in São Martinho by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in São Martinho with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.

  • Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.

Compare car hire types in São Martinho

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a short trip, a cheap rental car in São Martinho from this category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this São Martinho car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in São Martinho takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're tough, dependable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your São Martinho car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Think about which extras will suit your needs when you rent a car in São Martinho.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in Portugal is generally 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so check your rental company's policy to find out where you stand.

  • Add a car seat to your São Martinho car hire reservation if you're planning to travel with the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest approach.

Hit the road: Where to drive from São Martinho

  • Line up an awesome car hire deal in São Martinho and then get ready to explore the city's most popular attractions, such as Levada and Funchal City Centre. Whether you drive or get there another way, you'll want to tick off these highlights before you take off.

  • When you need somewhere to lay your head, Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel and Quinta Funchal Gardens - Adults Only offer a welcome end to the day in São Martinho.

  • Around 19 kilometres north-east of central São Martinho, Machico deserves a spot on your itinerary. Make a beeline for must-see sights like PR10 Levada do Furado (endpoint) and Praia de Machico.

  • Vila Gale Santa Cruz and Albatroz Beach & Yacht Club are recommended accommodation options in Machico.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in São Martinho and then set off for Santana. Roughly 19 kilometres north of São Martinho, Levada Caldeirao Verde and Sao Jorge trek are top attractions that are worth going out of your way for.

  • Hotel O Colmo and Casa da Tia Clementina are comfortable places to stay in Santana if you're planning to stick around.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in São Martinho will set you back around R 3,986 per day or R 37,589 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in São Martinho is a compact SUV. The most popular is Premium/Luxury, Crossover.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in São Martinho is currently November.
On average, around R 37,589. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in São Martinho is R 4,418.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in São Martinho for a whole month is R 32,226. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore São Martinho, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in São Martinho that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of São Martinho.
Most places – São Martinho included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 1,045 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,661.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Auto-Union, Insularcar and Bravacar offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Yes – van hire is available in São Martinho.