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Car Rental at Horta Airport (HOR) – Pickup, Prices, and Local Driving Tips
Economy cars
SUVs
Vans
Convertibles
Premium cars
Lowest prices for car rental at Horta Airport
Choose the right car for your trip in Horta (Azores), Portugal and book in minutes. Compare trusted rental options, find great daily rates, and secure convenient airport pick-up for your travel dates.
Renault Clio
Compact car
from
€18
per day
- Automatic
- 5
- 2
- 4
Airport pick-up
No deposit options
Insurance packages available
Good for city driving
Opel Astra
Compact car
from
€21
per day
- Automatic
- 5
- 2
- 5
Rental office in terminal area
Unlimited mileage offers
Debit card accepted by some suppliers
Popular for regional trips
Volkswagen Up
Small car
from
€16
per day
- Automatic
- 4
- 2
- 4
Easy parking in the city
Low fuel consumption
Fast airport collection
Convenient for short stays
Fiat 500
Mini car
from
€17
per day
- Automatic
- 4
- 1
- 3
Rental office
Small deposit plans
Ideal for couples
Quick return process
Volkswagen Polo
Economy car
from
€20
per day
- Automatic
- 5
- 2
- 5
Free shuttle service from airport
Balanced price and comfort
Available from major suppliers
Suitable for longer itineraries
Dacia Sandero Stepway
SUV
from
€26
per day
- Automatic
- 5
- 2
- 5
Better road visibility
Useful for family travel
Comfortable luggage space
Good for mixed city and highway routes
Arriving at Horta Airport and planning to explore the beautiful island of Faial, or perhaps hop over to Pico? Renting a car offers the most flexibility. This guide covers everything you need to know about picking up a vehicle, understanding costs, and navigating the roads in Portugal.
Finding Your Rental Car
Rental car desks are generally located within the arrivals hall of Horta Airport. You’ll likely find representatives from several companies offering services there. Common rental companies operating at Horta Airport include those offering a wide range of vehicles, from basic economy cars to larger SUVs. Expect a short walk, or potentially a shuttle ride, to the actual vehicle pickup area.
Popular Car Choices at Horta Airport
The best car for you depends on your plans. For solo travelers or couples sticking to the main roads, an economy or compact car is often ideal. Families or those planning to explore more rugged terrain might prefer an SUV. Here’s a general idea of what’s typically available:
| Economy | $30 - $50 |
| Compact | $40 - $60 |
| Intermediate | $50 - $70 |
| Standard | $60 - $80 |
| SUV | $80 - $120 |
| Luxury | $120+ |
Prices change by season and availability.
What You’ll Need to Rent
Generally, you’ll need a valid driver’s license held for at least one year. For many international visitors, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also recommended, though not always required. The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21, but drivers under 25 may face additional fees. Be prepared to present your passport and a major credit card in the driver’s name. Rental companies will typically place a security deposit on your card to cover potential damages or excess mileage. Payment by debit card is sometimes possible, but often comes with stricter requirements and may not be accepted for the deposit.
Understanding Your Insurance Options
Rental agreements often include basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this usually has a significant excess – the amount you’d pay towards repairs in case of an accident. Consider purchasing Super CDW to reduce or eliminate this excess. Theft Protection is also commonly offered. Carefully review the terms of each insurance option and ask the rental agent to explain what is and isn’t covered. It’s also wise to check if your existing travel insurance or credit card provides any rental car coverage.
Driving in Portugal: A Few Things to Know
Portugal has a network of toll roads, some of which are electronic. If you rent a car, the rental company will usually handle the electronic toll payment, but you may be charged a daily fee for this service, even if you don’t use the toll roads. Parking in Horta and other towns can be limited, especially during peak season. Pay attention to parking signs, as regulations are strictly enforced. Speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. Drive on the right side of the road.
FAQ
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
It’s recommended for visitors with non-EU licenses, but check the specific requirements based on your country of origin.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Major credit cards are generally required for both rental and the security deposit. Debit card acceptance varies.
What is the excess on the CDW insurance?
The excess is the amount you pay towards damage. It can be several hundred dollars, so consider Super CDW to reduce it.
Are toll roads common in Portugal?
Yes, especially on motorways. Rental companies often offer electronic toll payment services.
What if I damage the rental car?
Report the damage immediately to the rental company and follow their instructions. Your insurance will cover costs based on your policy.
Can I add an additional driver?
Yes, but there’s usually an extra daily fee for each additional driver.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns usually incur extra charges, often a full day’s rental rate.
Is GPS navigation available?
Yes, you can usually rent a GPS device or use a smartphone navigation app.
What side of the road do I drive on?
You drive on the right side of the road in Portugal.
Are automatic cars readily available?
Automatic cars are available, but manual transmission vehicles are more common and often cheaper.
What should I check before leaving the rental lot?
Carefully inspect the car for any existing damage and document it with photos or on the rental agreement.
What is Super CDW?
Super CDW reduces or eliminates the excess amount you’d pay in case of damage to the rental car.