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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Portugal - Azores
Portugal - Azores
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Portugal - Azores
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Portugal - Azores
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Portugal - Azores
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in the Azores?
The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, offer breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, and unique cultural experiences. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore these islands at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages that are often inaccessible by public transport.
Ultimate Freedom & Flexibility. Public transport on the islands can be limited. A rental car lets you travel whenever and wherever you want, without being tied to bus or ferry schedules.
Access to Hidden Gems. Many of the Azores' most stunning locations are off the beaten path. With a rental car, you can uncover secluded beaches, volcanic craters, and panoramic viewpoints at your own pace.
Comfort & Convenience. A car rental offers a hassle-free, comfortable way to get around—perfect whether you're on a solo trip, a family vacation, or a business visit. Avoid the inconvenience of waiting for buses or taxis.
Maximize Your Time. With multiple islands to explore, a rental car allows you to efficiently visit numerous attractions and make the most of your time in the Azores.
Driving in the Azores: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Portuguese
Average petrol price
£1.35 per litre or £6.14 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90 km/h or 56 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.8/10
Dialing Code
+351
Driving in the Azores is generally a pleasant experience, but it’s important to be aware of local rules and regulations to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. General Speed Limits In urban areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h (31 mph). Outside urban areas, the limit is generally 90 km/h (56 mph). On motorways, the limit is 120 km/h (75 mph). Always pay attention to posted speed limit signs, as they can vary.
- Speed limits can vary
2. Seatbelt Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle. Ensure that everyone is wearing a seatbelt before starting your journey.
- Mandatory seatbelts
3. Drinking and Driving The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05%. It is strictly enforced, and penalties for drunk driving can be severe. It's best to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan to drive.
- Low BAC limit
4. Traffic Signs Traffic signs follow international standards and are generally easy to understand. However, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with common Portuguese road signs before your trip.
- International signs
5. Parking Parking can be challenging in some towns and cities, especially during peak season. Look for designated parking areas and pay attention to parking regulations. Blue zones indicate paid parking areas.
- Blue zones for paid parking
Top drives in the Azores:
Exploring the Azores by car offers unparalleled freedom and the chance to discover the islands' diverse landscapes at your own pace. The well-maintained road network makes it easy to navigate between towns and attractions.
Consider the size of the car. Compact cars are fine for paved roads, but bigger vehicles can be better for unpaved, steeper roads.
Car Rental Prices in Azores – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Classic:
from £25 / $32 / €28
Executive:
from £45 / $57 / €52
7 Seater:
from £50 / $63 / €58
Automatic:
from £35 / $44 / €40
SUV:
from £32 / $40 / €36
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in the Azores
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day. Expect higher prices due to increased tourist traffic.
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £30/ $38 / €37 per day. Fewer tourists mean lower demand and better deals.
Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location.
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Azores
Renting a car in the Azores gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but costs can add up quickly. Here are some smart ways to save money on your car rental while still getting the best experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices tend to rise closer to the pick-up date. Booking in advance not only guarantees better rates but also gives you a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use price comparison sites to find the best car rental deals. Many rental companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or memberships with travel reward programs.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Bigger vehicles cost more to rent and fuel. If you're travelling solo or as a couple, an economy car is the most budget-friendly option.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies may offer expensive insurance add-ons. Before purchasing, check if your travel insurance or credit card covers rental car insurance to avoid extra charges.
5. Stick to a Single Driver.: Adding extra drivers often comes with additional fees. If possible, stick to one designated driver to keep costs down.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Returning a car with an empty tank can result in high refuelling charges. Always refill at a local gas station before drop-off to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in the Azores?
Renting a car in the Azores is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need:
Valid Driver’s Licence – If you're from Portugal, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 6 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum Age Requirement – Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Credit or Debit Card – A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
Proof of Identity – A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Portugal - Azores as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Azores weekend: breathtaking scenery! Driving around was so easy, and the views were incredible.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 11.10.2024
Back in the Azores after years, and it's even more stunning! Exploring by car was effortless and so rewarding.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Having a car made exploring São Miguel so easy! The scenery was unbelievable, though the ferry to Vila Franca do Campo was a bit crowded.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Summer in Azores was idyllic; exploring by car was effortless.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 23.10.2024
Azores bliss! Coastal drives and easy car rental made it perfect.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Azores adventure! So glad I rented a car; exploring was a breeze. The local restaurants were a bit pricey though, but otherwise wonderful.
Maya Hansen
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Pretty chill, overall
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 03.11.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
Kinda underwhelming; food's bland.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 26.06.2025
A spontaneous weekend in the Azores was pure magic! Exploring the islands by car was the perfect way to soak in the dramatic landscapes and charming villages. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 27.02.2025