R$120/day with basic insurance is a common AJU rental quote

Car rentals at Aracaju–Santa Maria Airport (AJU, T1) suit anyone planning beach-hopping along the Sergipe coast, like Aracaju–Barra dos Coqueiros–Mangue Seco, where buses thin out fast. Skyscanner and other brokers show base rates from about US$23–33 per day, which roughly matches a local review quoting cerca de R$120/dia with seguro básico. The key detail: taxes, toll tag, and full insurance can push the real daily cost well above that headline number.

Agencies such as Localiza, Avis, Foco, and Unidas list desks directly at or right next to the T1 terminal, so in most cases you walk from baggage claim to the counter without taking a shuttle. One Rentcars review for Localiza at AJU mentions carros novos e atendimento rápido, which lines up with the big-brand feel at this small airport. Figure 15–30 minutes from landing to driving off if you arrive with a confirmed reservation and no checked-in baggage delays.

Expect to see online quotes around US$23–33 per day for a compact manual, but plan for add-ons: toll-transponder fees, an extra driver, or a young-driver surcharge can each add several reais per day. Reviewers on Skyscanner and Rentcars report pressure at the desk to accept extra insurance or upgrades even on prepaid bookings. If you want full coverage, decide your limit before you reach the counter and have the total in reais in your head.

Holiday timing matters: during Brazilian feriados and the January school vacation period, Rentcars users note that AJU inventory drops and walk-up prices spike sharply. Automatic cars are the first to sell out, with several reviewers suggesting booking them a few weeks ahead of New Year’s or Carnaval. For a three-day coastal run, locking something in online can easily save a few hundred reais versus last-minute desk rates.

Step-by-step from plane to driver’s seat at AJU T1:

1. After landing at T1, collect bags on the single arrivals belt and follow signs for “Locadoras” (about a 2–3 minute walk).
2. Go to your broker’s listed company (Localiza, Avis, Foco, Unidas, etc.), show passport, driver’s license, and credit card, plus your printed or PDF voucher.
3. Confirm what is included: daily rate in reais, insurance type (básico vs total), toll-transponder policy, extra-driver and young-driver fees.
4. Sign the contract only after the final total matches what you expect; decline extras you do not want clearly and calmly in Portuguese if possible.
5. Walk with the agent to the parking area beside the terminal, inspect the car, and take time-stamped photos and short video of all sides, wheels, interior, and fuel gauge.
6. On return, refill to the same fuel level at a posto within 5–10 km of AJU, park in the signed rental zone, and repeat photos before handing back the keys.

One practical tip: prepay through a broker like Rentcars in Brazilian reais using a no-IOF or low-fee card, then bring that confirmation printed; regulars say this cuts desk haggling and keeps the AJU pickup closer to that US$23–33/day headline rate.