Car Hire Faro Airport (FAO)

Our Faro Airport car hire service offers a wide variety of rental options. Small rental cars like the nifty Fiat 500 or a compact automatic like the Mercedes-Benz A-Class are ideal for navigating the cobbled streets of Faro, while medium rental cars like the Volkswagen Golf are perfect for a coastal drive to the pristine beaches of the Algarve.

For longer Algarve road trips with friends and family, check out our range of large cars, estates and 7-seater people carriers.

Explore our car hire Faro fleet for a full range of options.

Can I cancel or amend my booking?

Yes, you can cancel, amend or extend your Faro Airport car hire with us via the manage your booking section online or on our Avis app. Avis offers free cancellations up to 48h before pick-up.

What are the age requirements for hiring a rental car at Faro Airport?

The minimum age to rent a car with Avis from Faro Airport is 21. In Portugal, a young driver surcharge will apply to drivers the age of 25. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.

There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car but you’re over 75, you’ll be told if there are any age restrictions for the vehicle you request on booking.

What documents do I need to hire a car from Faro Airport in Portugal?

To hire a car at Faro Airport in Portugal, you just need to bring your:

• Driving licence - held for at least 1 year from the date of pick-up.
• The credit card used for your booking.
• Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
• Photo ID such as a passport or driving licence taken in the last 10 years.

Can I pick up my rental car at Faro Airport and return it at another location?

One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from Faro Airport and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Portugal or even another country in Europe. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel.

Is it worth hiring a car in Faro?

The centre of Faro is easily walkable and the Algarve has a good network of buses but you’ll want to hire a car to reach out of the way places and enjoy the freedom of independent travel.

If you are driving in the Algarve and Portugal for the first time or have just arrived in Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with Portuguese driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in Portugal include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that cars must use dipped headlights throughout the day. This is applicable all year round. Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device. As you approach toll booths on motorways, avoid the green lanes reserved for drivers using an automatic e-toll payment system.

Which side of the road?
In Portugal, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
• If you're caught committing a driving offence, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine
• Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
• As you approach toll booths on motorways, don't use the green lanes. These are reserved for drivers using an automatic e-toll payment system. (Please speak to an Avis representative when collecting your rental car if you would like us to register you for this service)

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Motorways: 120 km/h (74 mph)

• Rural areas: 90 km/h (55mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat

• Children aged under 12 and less than 135cm must be seated in appropriate child restraint for their size

Please note – It is the child’s parent/guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk. Please refer to the Portugal Driving Guide for more information.

From the Avis car park at Faro Airport to the centre of Faro is a drive of 10km which will take around 18min depending on the time of day. Head northeast from the airport via the N125 following signs to the centre of the town. The heart of medieval Faro is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets bustling with outdoor cafés. Don’t miss the 13th century Faro Cathedral or Faro Museum in a 16th century convent. Escape to the beach at Praia de Faro and or discover the range of wildlife at Faro Lagoon, the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

When you land at Faro Airport, you’ll be within easy reach of the A22 highway crossing the Algarve. You can drive through whitewashed villages like Alte, 34 miles to the north-west of Faro and the storied town of Lagos, a perfect road trip destination 1hr to the west. Drive inland to the Serra de Monchique mountain range with its hiking and biking trails and ancient spa town of Caldas de Monchique. Enjoy playing golf on one of the region’s immaculate courses. But for ultimate relaxation, the Algarve’s main attraction has to be the nearly 200 kilometres of coastline from resorts to secluded coves with the golden sands of Pria da Marinha often topping the list as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.