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Compare car rental prices from leading companies in Faro with Road Genius. From compact cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Faro Airport (FAO) or in the city center, compare international brands with well-reviewed local agencies and book early in summer to avoid queues. Planning an Algarve road trip? A toll transponder makes the A22 quicker, and a compact car helps with parking near the old town and beaches.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Faro Airport (FAO) |
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| Off-Airport Providers |
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| Faro City Center |
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| Montenegro/Gambelas |
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The car rental area at Faro Airport is in the P4 parking lot, a short walk from the terminal. Major providers (Europcar, Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise/Guerin) have desks inside the terminal, while some budget providers operate from nearby locations and offer a shuttle service.
Well-regarded local agencies like Zitauto, Amoita and Drive4Fun offer a meet-and-greet service at Faro Airport. They often have competitive rates and quicker vehicle handovers than multinational companies. Always check recent reviews before booking a lesser-known provider.
On average, car rentals in Faro cost around €48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €6 per day.
Compare pickup locations: Faro Airport is convenient but often pricier with a €15-30 airport surcharge and long queues in Jul-Aug. Off-airport or city center pickups can be cheaper. Factor in shuttle time or a short taxi to Montenegro/Gambelas.
Be flexible with dates/times: Summer Saturdays are peak chaos. Try a Sunday or midweek pickup/return. For Jul-Aug in the Algarve, lock a cancellable deal early and keep checking prices.
Pick the smallest car that fits: Compacts are cheaper, easier to park in old towns, and sip less fuel on Algarve’s roundabout-heavy roads.
Check fuel policy and refuel smart: Prefer full-to-full when possible. If it’s a prepaid tank, compare the real cost. Skip airport pumps and fill up at cheaper spots like Intermarché in Montenegro or Prio on the EN125.
Toll strategy: Only add the A22 transponder if you’ll use the highway often. To save, use the free N125, but expect slower travel, especially in summer.
Season matters: Nov-Mar usually has the lowest prices and decent last-minute options. In peak weeks, prices jump, so comparing multiple suppliers and nearby pickup spots pays off.
| Location | Parking Options | Cost | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faro City | Street parking (blue zones) Underground garage (Forum Algarve) Municipal lots |
Paid, rates vary Paid, rates vary Paid, rates vary |
Time limits in blue zones (usually 2 hours). Forum Algarve shopping center has plenty of spaces. |
| Faro Old Town | Limited street parking Largo de São Francisco parking lot |
Paid, rates vary Paid, rates vary |
Very limited inside walls. Park at São Francisco parking lot and walk in. |
| Faro Beach (Praia de Faro) | Beach parking lot Roadside spaces |
Mix of free and paid options Mix of free and paid options |
Very crowded in summer. Arrive early or later in the afternoon. The bridge to the beach has limited capacity. |
| Faro Airport | Short-term (P1/P2) Long-term (P3) |
Paid, short-term rates vary Paid, long-term rates vary |
A short free drop-off period may apply. Book online for potential discounts on multi-day stays. |
| Popular Beaches | Designated parking lots Informal roadside areas |
Free and paid options Free and paid options |
Ilha Deserta and Ilha do Farol require boat transfer. Praia de Faro fills quickly in summer. |
Traffic Flow in Faro: The EN125 running east-west through Faro gets congested during morning and evening rush hours (8-9am, 5-7pm). The A22 toll highway provides a faster alternative. Within Faro city, Avenida 5 de Outubro and Avenida da República experience heaviest traffic. The causeway to Praia de Faro can back up significantly on summer weekends.
ZTL and Restricted Areas: Faro's old town (Cidade Velha) has limited vehicle access within the ancient walls. Some streets are pedestrianized or restricted to residents. Watch for "Zona de Acesso Limitado" signs. If your accommodation is within this zone, ask your host about access permits or recommended parking lots.
Payment Systems: Most street spaces use pay-and-display machines that accept coins and sometimes cards. Display ticket on dashboard. Some areas now use the ePark app which allows payment by phone (download before arrival if possible).
Book a rental car to drive to:
Ria Formosa – Olhão, Fuseta, Santa Luzia
Albufeira – beaches
Lagos
Sagres
Eastern Algarve towns – Tavira, Cacela Velha, Vila Real de Santo António
Monchique – mountains
How much time should I allow for car pickup at Faro Airport? During the summer peak (July-August), you should allow 1-2 hours for pickup. In the off-peak seasons, it usually only takes 30-45 minutes.
Is it worth paying for a toll transponder in Faro? Yes, if you plan to use the A22 highway even once. Without one, A22 tolls are electronic only. For rental cars, the company matches the charges to the license plate. They will either bill you later and often add an admin fee, or you can pay at a CTT/Payshop after 48 hours. Both options are less convenient for short trips.
Are there any driving restrictions specific to Faro? You can't drive in some parts of the old town. Also, authorities might restrict access to the bridge to Praia de Faro during extreme weather or on busy summer days.
Can I return my car outside business hours at Faro Airport? Most major companies let you return your car after hours. You can leave it in special areas in the P4 parking lot and use the key drop boxes. You should confirm this service when you book and ask for clear instructions.
Is it easy to find parking at Algarve beaches? Major beaches have parking lots, but they fill up quickly in summer, often by 10am. Some remote beaches have limited or unofficial parking spots. You should arrive early or think about visiting less popular beaches.
What's the best car size for exploring the Algarve from Faro? A compact car is a good mix of fuel economy, easy parking and comfort. If you are only visiting major towns and beaches, an economy car will be fine. For exploring the countryside, you might want to get a small SUV.
Are there EV charging stations in the Algarve? Yes, and more are being added. You can find charging points at Faro Airport, the Forum Algarve shopping center and most large hotels. The Mobi.E network covers the major towns, but you will find fewer charging points in rural areas.
Is it possible to drive to Ilha Deserta or other Ria Formosa islands? No, you can only get to these islands by boat. You can park in Faro marina or Olhão and take a water taxi or a scheduled ferry.
How reliable is GPS navigation in the Algarve? It's generally good on main roads. Some newer housing areas or country roads may not be on the map yet. You should download offline maps before you arrive as a backup.
Is it difficult to drive to the western Algarve beaches from Faro? It's not difficult, but it can take a long time in summer because of traffic. You should allow 1.5-2 hours to reach the western coast beaches (Sagres area) if you use the N125. The A22 toll road is faster and costs around €5-7 one-way from Faro to Lagos. There are no tolls west of Lagos.
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