Car hire at Faro airport (FAO)
What to know before you pick up a hire car at Faro Airport: where the desks are, what the deposit and excess mean, and the local roads worth knowing about.
Compare car hire at Faro airport
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Faro airport at a glance
| Airport | Faro Airport (FAO), Portugal |
|---|---|
| Operator | ANA Aeroportos de Portugal (official site) |
| Car hire desks | The main brands have desks in the arrivals hall; turn right after baggage reclaim and follow the "Rent-a-Car" signs. Some suppliers work from the car parks outside the terminal and run a free shuttle, so check your voucher for the meeting point. |
Before you book and at the desk
- Credit card in the main driver's name. Most suppliers place a hold on the card at pick-up, and many do not accept debit cards for it. Check the voucher before you fly.
- Fuel policy. "Full to full" means you return it full and pay only for what you use. "Full to empty" charges you for a full tank up front, usually above pump prices.
- Excess. The basic price includes cover with an excess: the amount you pay if the car is damaged. The desk will offer to reduce it. Decide before you arrive, not at the counter.
- Take photos and a video of the car before you drive off, including the wheels, windscreen and fuel gauge. Do the same when you return it.
- Your UK photocard licence is all you need for a holiday in Spain or Portugal; you do not need an International Driving Permit.
Driving from Faro airport
- The A22 motorway across the Algarve has electronic tolls only: there are no booths. Ask the supplier for a toll transponder (usually a small daily fee plus the tolls) or you may get fines through the rental company later.
- Driving into Spain is usually allowed but often costs a cross-border fee. Tell the supplier when you book, not at the desk.
Checked October 2026. Desk locations and rules change: your booking voucher is the final word. Sources: ANA, Faro Airport, Portugal electronic tolls.
Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Faro airport?
The main brands have desks in the arrivals hall; turn right after baggage reclaim and follow the "Rent-a-Car" signs. Some suppliers work from the car parks outside the terminal and run a free shuttle, so check your voucher for the meeting point.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Portugal?
In most cases, yes: the supplier pre-authorises a deposit on a credit card in the main driver's name. Some suppliers accept a debit card if you buy their full cover. Your voucher states the rule for your booking.
Should I buy the excess cover at the desk?
Only if you have not covered the excess another way. Compare the desk price with the full cover offered when you book online; buying at the desk is usually the most expensive option.