Algarve Car Hire

Our car rental partners in the Algarve are arranged through www.Algarve-Rentals.com/cars :

You can book direct and as a thank you for booking through this web site you can have a 5 per cent discount by using the Discount Code 300-ARA.

Prices are very competitive, cars are of a very high standard and, importantly, you will have a contact throughout your stay.

In order to secure a car rental you must show proof of identity (Identity Card for EC citizens or passport for other nationals) and a current driving license. You must also have a green card and it’s always advisable to take out insurance. In Algarve, car hire is not available to those under 21 years of age and can be 24 in many cases.

Some useful tips for driving in Portugal

In Portugal all cars are driven on the right hand side of the road. Unless otherwise indicated, vehicles approaching from the right have priority at junctions. Seatbelts are obligatory and the police can fine you if you are not wearing them, and this could also affect your Algarve car hire insurance. The law is strict regarding drinking and driving with limits lower than the UK, Ireland and most other European countries.
So don't risk it - if coming back from a bar or café just take a taxi, they are extremely good value and in most areas of the Algarve your car hire will be safe. Taxis are usually beige mercedes but there are still some of the older green and black cabs around.

alternative to algarve car rental

You will see an illuminated taxi sign on the top of the car. In the cities you will be charged a standard metre fare and outside the cities they charge per km and can charge for the return journey. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. there is a surcharge of about 20%. People usually tip around 10% of the fare but it is recommended to agree a fixed cost with the driver first.

The maximum speed in towns is 50 km p/h and on main roads and highways is 90 and 120 km p/h respectively. Petrol stations are usually open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m and often much later. On motorways, service stations are open 24 hours a day.