Renting a car in the Azores is the best way to explore these luscious islands. We visited the largest island, São Miguel, with its volcanic crater lakes, windswept beaches, and bubbling hot springs. Exploring the most remote and beautiful spots is really only doable by car, and it’s also the most fun way to get around! We spent a week road-tripping and loved how easy it was: smooth roads, free parking, and barely any traffic. Here’s everything you need to know to rent a car in the Azores.
Do You Need to Rent a Car in the Azores?
While you could get around by public transport, renting a car is the best way if you want to reach all the beautiful hikes and viewpoints. The island’s best spots are scattered far apart, often tucked off main roads, and buses are very limited outside the main towns.
Tip: We booked a hotel in Ponta Delgada, which was a great base to explore the rest of the island by car. This gave us the freedom to stop when and wherever we wanted!
What You Need to Rent a Car in the Azores
Renting a car in the Azores is simple; you just need:
- Valid driver’s license (EU licenses are accepted. If you’re a non-EU visitor, we recommend bringing an International Driving Permit).
- Credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit (check your rental policy beforehand, as in some cases, a debit card is accepted).
- Passport or ID.
- Minimum age: 21 years old (sometimes 23), and at least one year of driving experience.
Important: Always double-check your rental policy before you travel. Before you drive away, you should also thoroughly inspect the car with the rental agent and take photos of the exterior and interior.
US Drivers
If you’re visiting from the US, your regular driver’s license should be fine to rent a car in São Miguel. However, some rental companies list an International Driving Permit (IDP) in their terms, so we recommend getting one just in case.
An International Driver’s Permit costs around 65 USD and is valid for one year. You can arrange yours here. You may need to show it at rental pickup, and in the unlikely event that you’re stopped or pulled over by the police.
Is it easy to drive in the Azores?
We loved how calm it was driving in São Miguel; everyone is very well-mannered and considerate, and the roads are in excellent condition. Because it’s a small island, most drives are under an hour, so you’ll never get tired. Don’t forget to allow extra time on your journey in case you want to stop off at random viewpoints along the way.
Things to watch for while driving:
- Sudden fog/mist in higher areas like Lagoa do Fogo (you can check the webcams before your journey)
- Cows crossing rural roads (especially near Sete Cidades)
- Speed limits: 30-50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on open roads, and up to 120 km/h on the highways. Make sure to adhere to this, as there are a couple of speed cameras on the island.
Google Maps works really well in the Azores (though we recommend downloading maps offline if you’re planning on visiting very remote spots).
Parking
We were pleased to discover that parking in São Miguel is a breeze! Most beaches, hiking trails, and viewpoints have free parking areas right next to them, and even in busier towns like Ponta Delgada, you can find free parking outside the center. Even in summer, we always managed to find a spot.
What Kind of Car Should You Rent?
Unlike Madeira, São Miguel’s landscapes are more rolling hills than jagged mountain peaks. This means roads are generally wide, smooth, and not too steep, so you won’t need a 4×4 or an automatic (though an automatic might be preferable for US drivers).
Our recommendation: A small/mid-sized car was more than enough for us, and we found it easier to squeeze into parking spots in the narrow town roads.
We recommend to rent a car in Azores through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
If you’re short on time and planning to squeeze a lot of driving in, or have a lot of luggage, you could hire a slightly bigger car for comfort. However, remember that parking may be harder in small villages or along the viewpoint roads.
Tip: You’re prohibited from parking where yellow or red curbs are painted. Make sure always to check the signs nearby, in case there’s a time limit. If you have a hotel in Ponta Delgada, check whether parking is included to avoid parking fees.
Fuel and Costs
Although the island feels significantly untouched and remote, you’ll still find fuel stations dotted along most roads. Prices are consistent, and because the distances are small, you shouldn’t spend too much on fuel. We drove around São Miguel for a week, and we used just under a tank.
Fuel Information
Portugal is among the countries with the most expensive fuel, with an average price of 2,04 EUR per liter (5,00 EUR per gallon). Pay extra attention to getting the proper fuel type when filling up, as they sound very similar. You can either get diesel (gasoleo) or unleaded petrol 95 and 98 (gasolina).
Car Hire Azores: Costs
Car rental prices range from €30 to €60 per day, depending on season and car size. There’s usually always something available, but we recommend booking in advance for summer so you don’t miss out on your desired rental.
We recommend to rent a car in Azores through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Where to Rent a Car in the Azores
For the best car rental experience in the Azores, we recommend picking up your rental directly at the airport in São Miguel (book your flights here). It’s only a 10-minute drive into the centre of Ponta Delgada from there, but you’ll save on taxi fares. Plus, most car rental companies are conveniently located at the airport, making both pick-up and drop-off a breeze.
We recommend to rent a car in Azores through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Tip: Get a flexible car policy. Sometimes, due to the weather, flights are delayed or cancelled. Car rental companies will give you some leeway on timings, but it’s good to have a flexible solution.
Tips for Renting a Car in the Azores
- Book early, as cars are reserved quickly during the summer months.
- Pick up at the airport. It’s the most convenient and economic option, and it’s only 10 minutes from Ponta Delgada.
- Download Google Maps offline. The signal can drop at higher points on the island, like above Lagoa Fogo.
- Check for parking at your hotel in São Miguel (they may charge a small supplement).
- Take full insurance. While it can be tempting to opt for the basic coverage, we always recommend choosing the most comprehensive option. Roads are narrow in villages, so the chance of scrapes is higher.
- Take photos of the car before you drive away. Always thoroughly inspect the vehicle with the rental agent, and take pictures of the exterior and interior.
- Get a flexible car policy in case of delayed or cancelled flights, especially between the islands.
- Watch for fog among the hills. You can check the webcams before your journey for peace of mind.
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
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- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
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