A Guide To Renting a Car in the Azores

Okay, okay. I know car rentals aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but renting a car in the Azores is pretty much a necessity. The islands are super rugged in a lot of areas and you’ll definitely be in sorry shape if you don’t rent a car for at least part of your trip. It’s also one of the best ways to totally immerse yourself in the beauty of the islands.

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Renting a Car in the Azores

Choose the Right Company to Rent From

When it comes to renting a car in the Azores, you’ll find a lot of reputable car rental companies to choose from. And unless you enjoy flying by the seat of your pants, it’s essential to do your research and compare prices, services, and customer reviews before making a decision (pretty easy for all you Type-A travelers).

Some popular car rental companies in the Azores include Sixt (get up to 30% off!), Hertz, and Avis. These companies offer a wide range of vehicle options, from compact cars to SUVs, so you’re sure to find a vehicle that suits your needs and budget. I strongly recommend a compact car here (more on that below).

Book Your Rental Car in Advance

To secure the best rates and ensure availability, I highly recommend that you book a rental car in advance. The Azores are a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. As a result, demand for rental cars can be insanely high. By booking early, you’ll have a better chance of getting the car you want at a reasonable price. Be sure to check out the best times to visit the Azores before booking.

And for the love of Pete, don’t pull a Jordan. The rental agency I picked was off-site, by which I mean not at Ponta Delgada Airport, so the cost was literally half the price of the on-site rentals for the week. But, we had to meet up with someone from their office at six in the morning in a random parking lot after a long overnight flight. It was whole thing.

Fly to the Azores with TAP Air Portugal from dozens of cities in the US and around the world.

You’ll Pay Almost Double For An Automatic

Another reason to book in advance—manual versus automatic. Most rental car options in the Azores are manual, and the automatics get booked fast. Not only do they get reserved quickly, you’ll pay nearly double the price. Everything’s relative, though, because “double” is actually only ~$60 USD per day.

I will say, if you know how to drive stick, the roads in the Azores can be really fun to drive. They’re small and super curvy. My dad thought he was on Super Mario Brothers and having the time of his life.

Get A Small, But Mighty Car

Yes, you can find full-size vehicle rentals in the Azores. The question is—do you really want one? I could list a hundred reasons why a full-size vehicle is a bad idea pretty much anywhere in Europe. And the Azores is no different.

The roads are tiny, the parking spaces are tiny, everything is… tiny. And having an equally tiny car is super helpful. It’s possible you’ll come across some terrain (or weather) which doesn’t seem to suit a tiny, economy car, but the positives outweigh the negatives in this area. Just trust me.

Double Check the Age Requirements

To rent a car in the Azores, you must hold a valid driver’s license from your home country. However, it’s worth noting that the minimum age to rent a car varies among rental companies. While the minimum age to rent a vehicle in the Azores is 18 (likely with an additional fee), some companies require drivers to be at least 23–25 years old. Additionally, some companies require you’ve had your driver’s license for a minimum period of time (usually one or two years).

No, You Do Not Need An International Driving Permit

Americans do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in the Azores. Provided you are not a legal resident of Portugal, you may drive with your US-issue driver’s license for up to 185 days. Note, however, that many sites will recommend having an IDP to accompany your license, particularly if you’re non-EU and your license is not written in English or Portuguese.

Should you choose to get an International Driving Permit, it’s actually really simple in the US. Complete this AAA form and bring $20, (2) passport photos, and your valid driver’s license to a AAA office near you. You don’t have to take a driving test or a computerized test. Just walk in with your application and the items listed above and you’ll walk out in a half hour with an IDP.

Do I Need Insurance?

When renting a car in the Azores, it’s advisable to consider the insurance options and consider purchasing additional coverage. (And by “consider,” I mean, “no one really does it but think about it anyway.”) That being said, do whatever makes you most comfortable and gives you peace of mind.

Most car rental companies offer different insurance options, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection (TP). CDW reduces your liability in case of damage to the rental car, while TP protects you in the event of theft (which isn’t much of “a thing” in the Azores).

Full disclosure: I, personally, always book my rental on my Platinum AmEx credit card that includes vehicle coverage and forgo coverage at the rental car office. I’ve only had an issue getting fleeced once, and would still argue that, overall, you’ll save more without it. (By the way, that card covers lost baggage and trip delays and cancellations, too!)

They Drive On The Right Side of The Road

Before driving in the Azores, you should know… they drive on the right side of the road. Seems obvious to us Americans, but for those coming from the United Kingdom, for example, it will be an adjustment. That aside, you should absolutely familiarize yourself with Azores driving rules and signage. Because no one wants to get interrogated by police in a foreign country, amiright?

Leave the Lead Foot at Home

Speed limits are typically 50 kmh (31 mph) in urban areas, 80 kmh (50 mph) on open roads, and 100 kmh (62 mph) on highways (which is less than in mainland Portugal). They’re monitored by unmarked cars and radar, so don’t be my dad acting like Mario Andretti.

Other Rules of the Azores Roads

Wear your seatbelt. Children under 12 aren’t allowed to sit in the front. Don’t drink and drive, as a single drink can push you over the legal limit (50mg per 100ml of blood). And, don’t use your phone or other devices while driving. It’s strictly prohibited, and the fines are… impressive, to say the least (anywhere between 250 and 1250 Euro).

Check Your Rental Car’s Fuel Type

Avoid the insanely costly mistake of putting the wrong type of fuel in your rental car by specifically confirming it prior to filling up. Usually there’s a sticker near the tank. You think this is obvious, but many cars in Europe require diesel, so… better safe than sorry on this one.

Returning Your Rental Car

All good times must come to an end, right? When returning your rental car, be sure to follow the guidelines provided by the rental company and return your vehicle on time. Seriously, they will find a way to charge you for anything. Inspect the vehicle with the rental company’s representative and point out pre-existing scratches, scuffs, etc. to avoid disputes later on.

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To Rent or Not To Rent?

While I stand by my statement that renting a car is the way to go for exploring the Azores, I won’t discourage you from public transit and/or walking. Just know that public transport in the Azores is mostly centered in the cities, which makes accessing much of the islands pretty tough. Taxis can be costly and difficult to track down, and Uber and Lyft isn’t yet available. Given these factors, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore what you want, when you want.

To start planning your Portuguese island road trip, see what to do in the Azores, a 5-day Sao Miguel itinerary, or check out some amazing Azores beaches.

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