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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel 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.
Why Rent a Car in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)?
Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel Island in the Azores, offers stunning landscapes and hidden gems best explored with the freedom of your own vehicle. While public transport is available, renting a car maximizes your time and allows you to discover the island at your own pace.
Unrestricted Island Exploration. São Miguel is an island of diverse scenery, from volcanic crater lakes to coastal villages. A rental car provides the flexibility to explore these attractions on your schedule.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of the island's most beautiful spots, such as secluded beaches and scenic viewpoints, are not easily accessible by public transport. A car allows you to reach these hidden gems with ease.
Comfort and Convenience. Traveling with luggage or outdoor gear is much simpler with a rental car. You can store your belongings securely and travel in comfort without relying on buses or taxis.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
Before renting a car in Ponta Delgada, be aware of the standard terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Area
744.7 square kilometres (287.5 square miles)
Population
Approximately 68,809 residents (Ponta Delgada municipality)
Time Zone
Azores Time (GMT-1)
Ideal for
Island exploration and scenic drives
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic in Ponta Delgada during peak hours (8 AM - 10 AM and 5 PM - 7 PM)
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Ponta Delgada is typically 21, but 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. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is common, but some rentals may have restrictions. The fuel policy is often 'full to full,' meaning you should return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pick-up/drop-off.
Car Rental Prices in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island) – How Much Does It Cost?
Expect to pay around £20-£30 per day for an economy-class car rental.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £55 / $69 / €63 per day
7 Seater:
from £65 / $82 / €75 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Seasonal Trends
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.
How to Book a Car in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)?
Follow these steps to book your car rental in Ponta Delgada efficiently.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and the terrain you plan to explore.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to insurance, mileage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Book your car well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure better rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver's license, passport, and credit card ready when you pick up the car.
General Information About Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
Ponta Delgada is the largest city in the Azores, offering a blend of historic charm and natural beauty. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the island's diverse landscapes.
São Miguel Island has well-maintained roads, but some rural areas may have narrow or winding roads. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in the mountains.
Top Attractions to Discover
Sete Cidades
A stunning twin lake nestled in a volcanic crater.
Furnas
Known for its volcanic hot springs and traditional Cozido das Furnas.
Lagoa do Fogo
A beautiful crater lake offering panoramic views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in Ponta Delgada city centre for a fee.
On-Street Parking
Can be found, but may be limited in busy areas. Check for parking meters and time restrictions.
Free Parking
Some areas offer free parking, especially outside the city centre.
Gas Stations in Ponta Delgada
Availability
Gas stations are readily available in Ponta Delgada and other major towns.
Brands
Galp, Repsol, and Prio are common fuel brands.
Payment
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash.
Useful Tips for Visiting Ponta Delgada
Drive on the Right
Remember to drive on the right side of the road.
Speed Limits
Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads.
Roundabouts
Yield to traffic already on the roundabout.
Allow Extra Time
Plan for extra travel time, especially when driving to remote areas.
Key Transportation Hubs in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)
Major Bus Stations
Ponta Delgada Bus Terminal
Serves local and regional bus routes.
Railway Stations
No Railway Stations
São Miguel Island does not have any railway stations.
Airports
João Paulo II Airport (PDL)
The main airport on São Miguel Island, located near Ponta Delgada.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Ponta Delgada (São Miguel Island)?
Ensure you have all the necessary documents to rent a car in Ponta Delgada.
A valid driver's license is required. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or national ID card is required for identification.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Ponta Delgada (São Miguel 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.
São Miguel was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring so easy. I spent blissful days relaxing by the coast, soaking up the sun and stunning views. Highly recommend!
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
São Miguel was incredible! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze, allowing us to discover hidden gems and stunning viewpoints. We'll definitely be back!
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 27.06.2025
Pretty chill, eh?
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 30.09.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
São Miguel was a dream! Exploring the island by car during the summer was perfect; so much to see. Highly recommend!
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
Really peaceful, loved it.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 07.09.2024
Pretty laid-back vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 03.04.2025