Faro Car Hire

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Faro

We offer low-cost car hire for those days when public transport just isn’t an option for you. Exploring the Algarve by car is arguably the best way to appreciate everything the region has to offer, from its famous golf courses to its rich history and camera-worthy sights. Being strategic and well-organised with your car hire is imperative, especially during the months of June to August when tourist season is at its peak.

Securing the Best Deals

During peak summer months, Faro sees a higher demand for car rentals as the number of tourists increases. To avoid missing out on your ideal vehicle, ensure you book your hire car at least one month in advance, especially between June and August.

Understanding Faro’s Driving Regulations

● The general speed limit in Portugal is 75 mph (120 km/ph) on motorways and 30 mph (48 km/ph) in inner city or built-up areas.
● All road signs are shown in kilometres.
● In Faro, as with the rest of Portugal, driving is on the right side of the road and overtaking is on the left.
● All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.
● Faro’s car hire age requirements are the same as the country’s – to drive in Portugal, you must be 18 or older, and to hire a vehicle you must be 21 or over.
● You must have any relevant paperwork and a full valid driving licence to hand.
● It is illegal to use your phone when driving any vehicle.
● It is illegal to run a red light in Faro.

Rules of the Road for Renters

● Give way to the right when driving.
● Every occupant of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
● Using your phone while driving is illegal. If you absolutely have to use your phone, switch to hands-free mode so you’re not distracted.
● The busiest times trafficwise are from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
● Many rental cars in Faro may be fitted with an electronic transponder, depending on the supplier. This is used for toll roads, which are common in Faro and other areas across the country. The cost of the transponder will normally be added to the overall cost of the vehicle rental.

Parking in Faro: A Guide

Parking in Faro is usually street parking, with various parking garages and parking zones available usually for a fee. Certain coloured zones may indicate the type of parking available, such as residential or permit holders only, free parking, or paid parking. There are usually also on-street parking meters available for drivers to pay for their parking.
If you park your car in the wrong designated area or on yellow lines, you may incur a fine of up to €200. You should ensure when parking on one-way or single-entry streets that you park facing the same direction as oncoming traffic.
For free parking, there are certain areas like Largo de São Francisco, a large car park close to the city that provides parking free of charge. For parking meters, ensure you have cash to hand in case card payments are not accepted.

Finding Convenient Parking in Faro

As Faro is small, parking is usually easy to find, especially if you are in the city centre or in busier areas. During peak tourist season, large parking areas like Largo de São Francisco may be full, so ensure that you have backup options readily available if you struggle to find a parking space. Apps like EasyPark and other online platforms can help you find parking options in your area, so consider using them if you’re new to Faro and are wondering where to store your vehicle. For the most part, parking is signposted.

Top Attractions in Faro

Faro and the Algarve provide locals and tourists with a variety of things to do– from wine tours to golf courses and cultural and historical hubs like museums. Faro and the Algarve are often cited together when talking about attractions or things to do, and as Faro is the capital of the Algarve region, you’ll surely find many exciting and fulfilling activities to make your trip memorable.

Discovering the City’s Highlights

Some of the best things to do in Faro and the Algarve include:
Waterparks: Waterparks including Aqualand and Zoomarine are great for kids and adults alike. For more water-based activities, why not head on a boating tour around the Algarve?
Algarve Science Centre: Head to the fascinating Algarve Science Centre, which hosts an abundance of interactive activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained and occupied. Learn about science, nature, and interesting facts and information that’ll leave you in awe.
Golf Courses: The Algarve is known for its stunning and world-famous golf courses, where you can tee off and try your hand at one of the world’s most well-loved sports. Some of the most renowned golf courses in the region include Monte Rei, Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura.

Transport Options in Faro

The mode of transport that’s right for you depends solely on your personal circumstances and preferences. If you want to access somewhere without having to worry about parking, opt for a bus. Taxi fares are usually reasonable, depending on the length of the journey– on average, you can expect a taxi to cost around €10-15 for around a 10-minute journey. Faro also has an efficient railway station to transport you quickly to other cities or regions and an airport for domestic or international travel.

Buses: An Extensive Network Across the City

Buses are one of Faro’s main modes of transport, with destinations including other cities and areas in the Algarve, such as Albufeira or Vilamoura, plus citywide areas. Payments on buses include contactless payments or cash. You can expect to find a bus to most small towns surrounding Faro. Bus stations are usually at their busiest between June and August.

Taxis: Convenient for Direct Routes

Taxis around Faro are also popular ways of getting around the city, as fares tend to remain affordable and reasonable, and taxis are efficient and convenient ways of accessing attractions and other sights. Taxis are a good option for people who don’t want to rely on public transport.

Best Day Trips from Faro

Vilamoura: A prime Algarve tourist hotspot, this resort town is known for its world-famous golf courses, large marina where you can take boat tours to neighbouring towns or cities, and its entertainment scene which includes a casino and several bars/restaurants. A short distance away, you can relax and soak up the sun at Praia de Vilamoura, a well-loved beach that is lined with clubs and bars.ç

Distance from Faro: 15,4 miles

Albufeira: Complete with a lively marina, bustling nightlife and entertainment scene, and even more sand and sea, Albufeira is also a short distance from Faro and is certainly worth the journey. Why not take a boat trip to go dolphin watching, or explore the Algarve’s waters?

Distance from Faro: 28,4 miles

Tavira: Complete with medieval buildings, beaches, and lagoons, Tavira is a hidden gem of the Algarve. And with flamingos and other bird species often setting up home here, Tavira is the perfect place for birdwatching.

Distance from Faro: 23,7 miles

Planning your Adventure

The Algarve is filled to the brim with must-see sights, so it’s a good idea to have an itinerary and plan the places you want to visit, and how you will get to them. Use a sat-nav, Google Maps, or additional navigation tools to help make your journey easier and more convenient.

Optimal Driving Times in Faro

Much like the UK, Faro has certain times of day where traffic is heavier than normal, such as rush hour. Avoid driving between 7-9 am and 4-7 pm on weekdays, if you can.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Faro

Driving gives you much more freedom to explore your destination based on your own timings and preferences. However, car hire is not for everyone.

Advantages of Personal Mobility

The advantages of driving in Faro and the Algarve include the ability to access places that might not be reached by public transport or that are a little further away. Additionally, you have the freedom to access places in your own time. Public transport can be unreliable, as delays or cancellations may occur.

Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

Driving in Portugal can be hard, especially if you’re unfamiliar with roads or regulations, and when driving on toll roads, which are common in Portugal.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Faro

From downtown Faro or Faro Airport (FAO), you can find a large selection of vehicles supplied by some of the most trusted and well-known car hire suppliers in Europe. Select from a compact Volkswagen Polo, a spacious Volvo V60, or for larger groups or families, a 7-seater Mercedes V-Class.

Partnering with Faro’s Car Hire Providers

Enjoy Travel sources and provide low-cost and exceptionally reliable vehicles from well-known and well-loved companies: Airauto, Alamo, Avis, Best Deals, Budget, Centauro, Dollar Europe, Drive on Holidays, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, GoldCar, Guerin, Hertz, Keddy, Key-n-Go, KlassWagen, Luz Ocean Drive, Million Car Hire, Movyng, National, Ok Mobility, PAA, SurPrice, Tangerine, Thrifty, Yes Car Hire.

Selecting a Reputable Company

The best way to ensure the company you hire from is reputable and reliable is to read previous reviews about the services offered and assess whether they align with your expectations and requirements.