The 5 best car rental companies in the Algarve at Faro Airport
- Anna Rijnders
- May 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 11
Looking for the best car rental company in the Algarve at Faro Airport? It can be overwhelming to choose the best option, considering the numerous car rental companies available. After thorough research and lots of personal experience, I've listed my top 5 car rental companies that offer the best services in the region. Good to know: this is not sponsored and non of the companies have paid me to post their car rental offers in this list.
Key takeaways
All my recommendations come from personal experience and honest reviews.
For the best value-for-money car rentals, go with Guerin or CAEL.
Just make sure to double-check the car’s pick-up location.
With this blog, you don’t have to stress about sneaky upsells or confusing deals at shady car rentals.
Scroll down for top 5 car rentals 👇
Which car rental companies at Faro Airport offer the best value in 2026?
Based on my personal experience & reviews
1. | Geurin | Review Discover Cars: 9.2 |
2. | CAEL | Review Discover Cars: 9.2 |
3. | FireFly | Review Discover Cars: 7.7 |
4. | Hertz | Review Discover Cars: 8.9 |
5. | Dollar | Review Discover Cars: 8.4 |
1.
So what's my number one choice car rental? Guerin!
📍On Airport
Located just outside the arrivals hall at Faro (aka Ana) Airport, Guerin is always my first choice car rental company. Their service is top-notch, and they prioritize customer satisfaction, unlike other companies. With Guerin, you don't have to worry about any hidden charges, and they offer clear communication throughout the rental process. Though their prices are average, they provide excellent customer service and have good reviews.
Good to know:
Great customer service
Accept AMEX
No pushy salesmen
Average prices
Located on Faro Airport parking
Good reviews
2.
Looking for the best budget car rental? It's CAEL!
📍On Airport (P2 - P3 airport parking)
Though CAEL is located a few minutes' drive from Faro Airport, they provide your car at the airport parking lot (P2-P3). The prices are relatively low, which might raise suspicion, but they offer excellent customer service, accept AMEX, and have good reviews.
Good to know:
Great customer service
Accept AMEX
No pushy salesmen
Cheap to average prices
Provide your car on Faro Airport (between P2 - P3) airport parking
Good reviews
3.
Looking for a reliable budget option? I recommend FireFly!
📍 5 minute walk outside the Airport
FireFly is a budget car rental company located within a 5-minute walk from the Faro Airport arrivals hall. Despite having slightly older cars, their service level is good, and they offer budget prices, with no pushy salesmen. FireFly is owned by Hertz, and they often provide free car upgrades to their clients.
Good to know:
Good service
Could be slightly older cars
No pushy salesmen
Accept AMEX
Budget prices
Walking distance from airport
Don't accept V-pay or Meastro!
4.
Looking for the best reliable luxury car rental? Have a look at Hertz!
📍On Airport
A trustworthy and established car rental company, Hertz is located at Faro Airport, just outside the arrivals hall. They offer new and luxurious cars, perfect for those who fancy a touch of luxury during their vacation. However, their prices are higher compared to other rental companies. Also, they have a generous membership earning program, which makes them ideal for frequent travelers.
Good service
Fairly high prices
New cars
Accept AMEX
No pushy salesmen
On airport parking
5.
So what would be a good budget alternative? Dollar!
📍On Airport
Dollar is another car rental company located at Faro Airport, owned by Hertz Corporation. They offer well-priced cars, and their customer service is good, according to personal experience. Despite not having the best reputation, Dollar provides budget prices, and they have no pushy salesmen.
Good service ( in my opinion)
Slightly older cars
Accept AMEX
No pushy salesmen
Budget prices
On airport parking
So these are my top car rentals in the Algarve, that I recommend. All of them are available at the airport for your convenience.
Why I book with Discover cars
Discover Cars is a car rental comparison site that allows you to compare prices from all the car rental companies at Faro Airport. They have a user-friendly interface, and you can easily book your preferred car rental company after selecting your preferred dates and pick-up location. Discover Cars offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before your booking.
Select your preferred dates
Select your preferred car rental company
Book your car!
After you finish your booking you will receive a conformation
Free cancelation up to 48 to your booking
People also ask
How do tolls work and how do I pay for them?
Portugal’s highways use electronic tolls, especially on the A22 (Via do Infante) in the Algarve. Most rental cars come with an electronic toll device linked to your rental contract. You simply drive through, and the tolls are charged to your card after you return the car. If your car doesn’t have a device, you can pay at certain post offices or online but the electronic option is by far the easiest. It's standard at Faro airport car rentals to provide you with a toll device but definitely ask if you're in doubt.
What payment methods do car rentals in Portugal accept?
Most car rental companies accept major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard. Some also allow payment by debit card, but usually only for the rental fee (not the deposit). Cash payments are generally not accepted. You can filter on preferred payment methods at discover cars rental website!
Can I pay with a debit card?
Sometimes but it depends on the rental company. Many require a credit card in the driver’s name for the security deposit. You can filter on preferred payment methods at discover cars rental website!
Do they accept American Express at car rentals at Faro Airport?
Not all companies do. Larger international brands like Hertz (also Dollar) or Avis accept Amex, while smaller local agencies may not. It’s best to double-check during booking or bring an alternative card just in case. However, all my recommendation above DO accept Amex. This is my preferred payment method when renting a car in Portugal.
Is it possible to rent automatic cars in Portugal?
Yes, absolutely! Automatic cars are available, though they’re less common than manual ones and often a bit more expensive. If you prefer automatic, make sure to book early.
Conclusion
It is reassuring to know that all the car rental companies on my list have received excellent reviews from satisfied customers on several platforms. This positive feedback proves their commitment to providing quality service and a positive rental experience.
Additionally, these companies prioritize good customer service, ensuring that you receive assistance and support whenever needed during your rental period.
Transparency in pricing is another crucial factor to consider when selecting a car rental company. The companies recommended on my list have clear and transparent pricing policies, so you can rest assured that there will be no hidden fees or surprises when it comes to settling the bill.
I particularly recommend Guerin as our top choice. Guerin stands out for its exceptional service and reliability, especially at Faro Airport. Choosing Guerin can provide you with peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands and can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience throughout your stay in the Algarve.
* Important note: The recommendations provided in this article are solely based on my personal experience and reviews, and have not been sponsored by any car rental company. I have rented multiple times from each of the recommended companies. It's worth noting that if you decide to book through my website, I will receive a small commission, but this will not result in any extra charge for you.
