Florianopolis car rentals

Top tips for renting a car in Florianopolis

• A rental car is by far the best way to explore Florianópolis, as all the main attractions are spread out throughout the whole island. Many of the main beaches are reachable with a car, meaning you can just hop into a rental car and tour the coastline, stopping at as many paradisiac destinations as you please – including the popular Canasvieiras, Ingleses, and Barra da Lagoa.
• On-site rental car companies at Florianópolis-Hercílio Luz International Airpor (FLN), which is just over 9 miles from the city center, include Unidas, Inovas, and Avis. Rental car desks at FLN can be found on the left side of the Arrivals Hall, which is on the ground floor. You will need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Brazil.
• Driving in Floripa (the city’s nickname) can be really hectic in the summer, when Brazilians take to the island to enjoy their vacations, so watch out for reckless drivers and always drive defensively. If you don’t know the area at all, make sure your rental car has a GPS device that is set to English. There will also be lots of tourists driving buggies and carrying surf boards on their vehicles, so stay alert.
• Traffic in Florianópolis is pretty busy at any time of the year, but particularly in the summer, between January and February. The Beira Mar Norte Avenue is one of the most crowded, as is the area surrounding the Mercado Público. If you’re planning on driving to the beach, make sure you hit the road as early as possible because you’ll encounter traffic jams from 9 a.m. all the way until 7 p.m.
• Book your rental car in Florianopolis at least 1 week before your trip in order to get a below-average price