Car Rental in Faro, Portugal: The Ultimate Guide

Faro, the capital of Algarve region in Portugal, is a beautiful coastal city known for its historic old town, stunning beaches and vivid life. The city impresses with its well-preserved medieval walls, cobblestone paths and the imposing Faro Cathedral. Faro is also the gateway for road trip to the wider region of Algarve, where you can find famous summer resorts.

With car rental in Algarve, you can explore all the unmissable spots in an unforgettable journey of sea, sun and rich culture.

Vehicle hire in Faro, Portugal is a simple procedure. The step-by-step guide consists of the following:

Choose from Abbycar’s easy platform or in person in one of our rental locations the car type that meets your needs, travel plan and budget.

Provide a valid driving license, passport or ID and credit card.

A deposit amount will be blocked in your credit card, but not charged. This deposit will be charged only in case of damage.

You take the car after inspecting its situation and take photos to prove any pre-existing damage. You should also check the mileage and gas mileage.

You return the car at the drop-off point.

The requirements and documentation needed to rent a car in Faro are:

• Driving license (International Driving Permit for foreign non-EU drivers)
• Passport or ID
• Valid credit card under the main driver’s name.

To find the best car rental deals in Faro Portugal, consider the following tips:

• Travel in the low or mid-season and avoid July and August.
• Book in advance, even 4-6 months prior to your arrival.
• Check in Abbycar’s site for online deals and discounts, which are renewed consistently.
• Choose the same pick-up and drop-off point.
• Read the rental agreement to have a full overview of the charges.
• Rent a small economy car.

The pros of renting a car in Faro are:

• You are flexible to travel at your own pace and see as many points of interest as possible.
• You have convenience and you avoid the overcrowded public transportation
• You can travel easily with kids, pets etc.
• You can explore off-the-beaten-path places that are not accessible by public transportation.
• You can make a road trip to discover the wider beautiful Algarve region.

The cons of renting a car in Faro are:

• The traffic is heavy in rush hours during the high touristic season.
• The parking spots are limited, especially around the old town.
• The driving conditions, including narrow streets, unknown roads and aggressive driving style, may be unfamiliar to you.
• The travel cost is higher than other transportation options.

However, keep in mind that Abbycar is the most affordable car hire in Algarve region and offers many deals and discounts to find the best car according to your budget.

Other transportation options you have:

• Public transportation: Faro has a good public transportation network with buses that connect the city and surrounding areas. Trains connect Faro with the wider Algarve region. However, as expected, public transport does not cover all areas and has specific routes and schedules. So, if you want to explore the wider area at your own pace, your own vehicle is necessary.
• Taxis and rideshare services: Taxis and rideshares services are easily available and convenient, but they are not the most cost-effective mode of transport in Faro, especially if you do many routes and long distances per day. They are a god solution for 1-2 short routes.
• Biking: In Faro, you can rent a bike at low price and enjoy biking as there are many dedicated paths. However, you should be very careful, as the traffic is heavy and Portuguese driving style is stressful.

What you will decide depends on what type of traveler you are. The factors you should consider according to your travel plans and personal preferences, to decide whether to rent a car or choose an alternative transportation option are:

• Do you have kids or pets with you?
• How long will you stay in Faro?
• Do you want to stay in the city center or explore other areas as well?
• Do you want to go around also at night?
• How many persons travel together?
• What is your budget?

Renting a car in southern Portugal and in Algarve is ideal if you have kids, pets, equipment for outdoor activities or if you want to make short trips, explore the region and go to off-the-beaten-track places.

The driving regulations in Faro Portugal follow the same rules as in all continent European countries:

• Drivers drive to the right side of the road.
• The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 years old must use appropriate child seats.
• Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on rural roads and 120 km/h on highways.
• Driving after having drunk alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Please remember that from 8-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. the traffic is heavy, so it is wiser to avoid driving then. The old town has many pedestrian-only streets, with limited car access.

Regarding the parking, street parking is limited. To avoid paying a fine, look for blue zones, indicating paid zones. Another option are the public parking lots, which are available throughout the city.

The best tips for navigating Faro's streets are:

• Use a navigation app as the narrow streets in the old town are confusing.
• Park outside the historic center, which can easily be explored on foot.
• Be careful with pedestrian and limited access zones.

Please remember the following car rental safety tips in Algarve:

• Ensure all passengers wear seat belts at all times.
• Avoid Alcohol.
• Park in well-lit, secure areas and avoid leaving valuables in the car.
• Roundabouts are common in Faro, so be prepared and familiarize yourself.
• Be aware of weather conditions that might affect driving, such as rain or fog.
• The emergency number in Portugal is 112.

The insurance options for car hire in Faro and their coverage details are:

• Collision Damage Waiver: This type covers the financial liability for damage to the rental car, but it includes a deductible. This is the amount, which is blocked in your credit card.
• Theft Protection: It covers the rental car in case of theft.
• Third-Party Liability Insurance: It covers damage to other people’s property and injuries to others.
• Personal Accident Insurance: It covers medical expenses for the driver and passengers in case of an accident.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver: This type covers all damages to rental car and others, so it reduces or eliminates the deductible. If it eliminates the deductible, you are not obliged to provide a credit card, as no security amount is blocked.
• Roadside Assistance: Road assistance provides help 24/7 in case of emergency.

These types of insurance can be offered both individually and in packages. The mandatory basic coverage includes Third-Party Liability Insurance and Collision Damage Waiver. Additional coverage is not mandatory, but you may find it useful, especially if you drive in a place you are not familiar with or you are an inexperienced driver.

Faro has a low crime rate compared to other European cities, especially the large ones. However, like any tourist destination, it features petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Some security measures you can take are:

• Accommodation: Choose reputable hotels or accommodations with good security measures, such as safes and surveillance systems.
• Personal belongings: Be careful with your belongings, especially in busy places like markets and public transport.
• Secluded Areas: Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
• Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers theft and loss.

If you want to rent a car with debit card in Faro, the good news is that there are various auto rental policies in Faro regarding the payment methods. Abbycar is one of the car rental agencies in Faro accommodating credit card-free rentals.

However, keep in mind the following tips for renting a car with a debit card or cash:

• Inform the rental office before your arrival about your desire to pay without a credit card.
• Ensure you have sufficient fund for the security deposit.
• You can pay only with Visa and MasterCard.
• You may be required to buy extra insurance with wide coverage, such as Super Collision Damage Waiver that eliminates the deposit amount.

Generally speaking, there are various rental locations within Faro, such as airport, city center and train station. However, the most convenient spot to rent a car in Faro is the airport, where you can pick up and drop off the car.

The best tips for choosing a reliable rental agency are:

• Price comparisons and deals: Check the offers and discounts for the car category you want.
• Hidden fees: Read thoroughly the rental agreement to avoid hidden charges.
• Car fleet: Choose a rental company with new and safe vehicles and great variety to find the perfect car for you.
• Customer service and reliability: A worldwide reliable company with local partners is your safe option.
• Online booking: The easy and straightforward process of booking online in a user-friendly platform is the best choice to perfectly organize your trip and find the best deals. Booking a rental car in Faro online is the most convenient and affordable way to organize your journey.

Abbycar is one of the most affordable car rentals in Faro, with worldwide reputation, offering super deals all-year-long. Plus, it has great variety in new and modern vehicles, 24/7 road assistance and excellent customer service.

Explore the sights of Faro with Abbycar easily, safely and on a budget!