Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
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Lajes (Terceira Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Lajes (Terceira Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Lajes (Terceira Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Lajes (Terceira Island)
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.
Lajes on Terceira Island is a charming destination with stunning landscapes and hidden gems. While local transport exists, renting a car unlocks the island's full potential, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Discover Scenic Routes: Terceira Island boasts breathtaking coastal drives and verdant interior roads, easily accessible with your own vehicle. You can stop at panoramic viewpoints and capture the island's beauty.
Explore Historical Sites: Visit historical landmarks like the Fortress of São Sebastião or the Monte Brasil, each a short drive away and offering unique insights into the island's rich past.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Sample authentic Azorean cuisine at local restaurants scattered across the island, many of which are easier to reach by car, offering a taste of traditional dishes.
Before booking a rental car in Lajes, ensure you meet the essential criteria. Key factors include age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance details, and understanding the specific regulations applicable to the region.
Area
Approximately 400.3 sq km (154.6 sq miles)
Population
Around 55,000 (Terceira Island)
Time Zone
Azores Time (GMT-1)
Ideal for
Island exploration
Rush Hours
Limited traffic congestion, mostly around Angra do Heroísmo
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required, and visitors from outside the EU may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is generally required, held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for island exploration. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off. Always clarify these costs beforehand.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in Lajes involves a few simple steps to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies, considering your travel dates and vehicle needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your needs, whether it's a compact for easy parking or a larger vehicle for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card when collecting your rental, ensuring all documents are in order.
Lajes on Terceira Island is a picturesque location known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. Exploring the island is best done with a car, allowing you to discover its hidden gems and navigate the varying terrains.
As part of the Azores archipelago, Terceira Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. While the island is relatively small, having a car provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace. However, it’s important to be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel availability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Algar do Carvão
An ancient lava cave offering a unique geological experience.
Monte Brasil
A volcanic crater offering panoramic views of Angra do Heroísmo.
Serra do Cume
A viewpoint offering stunning views of the patchwork landscape.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in Angra do Heroísmo and Praia da Vitória.
On-Street Parking
Common in towns, but can be limited during peak season.
Park & Ride
Not widely available, but some areas offer peripheral parking with easy access to town centres.
Gas Stations in Lajes (Terceira Island)
Major Brands Available
Galp and Repsol are the primary fuel providers on the island.
Availability
Gas stations are generally available in towns and along main roads.
Payment
Most stations accept both cash and card payments.
Useful Tips for Visiting Lajes (Terceira Island)
Drive on the Right
Remember to drive on the right side of the road.
Watch for Livestock
Be mindful of livestock crossing roads in rural areas.
Plan for Weather
Weather can change quickly, so plan your routes accordingly.
Allow Extra Time
Allow extra time for travel due to winding roads and scenic stops.
Airports
Lajes International Airport (TER)
Located near Lajes, it serves as the main entry point to Terceira Island.
Ports
Port of Praia da Vitória
One of the main seaports on the island, facilitating passenger and cargo transport.
Angra do Heroísmo Marina
A popular marina for yachts and smaller vessels.
Renting a car in Terceira Island is generally straightforward, but ensuring you have the necessary documentation is crucial for a seamless experience.
Ensure you have a valid driver's license. If your license is not in English or Portuguese, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card is needed for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.
A passport or other form of identification is essential for confirming your identity.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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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 clients rate such place as Lajes (Terceira Island) 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.
Terceira was lovely, efficient for my quick business trip. The airport cafe was a bit underwhelming, though.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 11.11.2024
Island life, low-key.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 29.06.2025
Exploring Terceira with friends was fantastic; having a car made it easy. The local cheese shop selection felt a bit limited, though.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 30.03.2025
Lajes was breathtaking! So glad we rented a car; it made exploring Terceira so much easier.
Evelyn Miller
Reviewed: 01.01.2025
Terceira Island was a revelation! Getting around with a rental car was effortless, allowing for spontaneous exploration. Loved it!
Benjamin Wilson
Reviewed: 06.11.2024
Relaxing, good drives.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
Heard so much about Terceira, and it lived up to the hype! Having a car was essential for exploring the island. The local restaurants were a bit pricey though.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 05.11.2024
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Pretty chill, really.
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 17.10.2024