Car Hire At Faro Airport

Where to pick up your Faro car rental 

Picking up your rental car at Faro Airport is an easy process when booking with Orbit Car Hire. You will find brands such as AirAuto, Centauro, Europcar, Guerin, OK Mobility, Goldcar, and Enterprise to have rental kiosks inside the terminal. You will find your pick-up instructions on your voucher; you can also see them while searching for offers through Orbit.

Faro Airport has a tourist information desk located in the arrivals hall. The agents on the information desk will also be able to provide all needed information about all car rental companies in Portugal. So if you have any doubt after you land, walk to them and ask them for instructions on how to find your hired car in Portugal.

Faro Airport Terminal 

The Portuguese airport has only one terminal, which you will find immediately after entering on the right-hand side. The check-in counters are also on the ground floor, next to an entrance leading to Faro city centre, from where all other flights depart. All passengers must pass through security before taking the escalators or lifts across the departures/arrivals floors. They take them directly to domestic terminals A and B for international arrivals or gate C for domestic flights.

Toll roads 

There are two toll systems in Portugal. The traditional one is called Via Verde (Green Lane). These toll lanes are marked with green V signs. You can pay with cash, credit cards or prepaid cards while driving. To use a Via Verde lane, you must purchase or rent an electronic transponder or vignette at all CTT Post Office and Via Verde stores. Do not use the Via Verde lanes if you do not have the Via Verde transponder. Other roads have electronic tolls only, meaning there are no toll booths, and you cannot pay while driving. The devices placed at the beginning of these highways detect passing vehicles. They are marked with a black car with three expanding bars. Most car rental companies in Portugal have Via Verde transponders pre-installed in their vehicles. If you want to rent a car in Portugal, you should still check with the car rental company about how they work with both toll systems.

What car size do you need when visiting Faro?

When it comes to finding the right vehicle for your trip around the Algarve area, it can be good to know the differences between the car classes. Orbit is here to help you with your car hire at Faro Airport. 

Mini: The Mini is always the smallest vehicle you can hire, so it is commonly referred to as a small car. Mini cars are ideal for three to four people if you are travelling a short distance. If you travel a longer length, it is better suited for a single driver or two people. (Example, Opel/Vauxhall Adam)

Economy: The Economy category is the second smallest car category you can rent after the Mini. They are perfect for city driving. For long-distance journeys, they are suitable for two or three people, and four people are ideal for four people. Economy Cars are the group above the Mini Cars and below the Compact Cars. (Example, Ford Fiesta)

Full-Size: A full-size car is the largest car that is not an SUV, lorry or van. It is often called a full-size sedan. These are cars with a larger boot compared to standard or mid-size cars. They are suitable for four to five passengers for long journeys. (Example, Audi A4)

Estate/Family car: Station waggons are also known as estate cars or station waggons. Station waggons have a larger boot for luggage compared to the luxury class and lower vehicle classes. They are ideal for five passengers with luggage travelling together. (Estimate, Peugeot 3008)

People Carrier/Minivan: A minivan can also be categorised as a people carrier. They are available for five passengers, seven passengers and nine passengers. Minivans have a larger boot than standard cars and offer more space for passengers. They are suitable for groups travelling together with more luggage and still looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle.

SUV: SUV stands for Suburban Utility Vehicles. In-car rental they offer a reasonable size that is suitable for rougher roads compared to standard cars. The chassis of the SUV is specially designed, and often they are equipped with AWD or 4x4. SUVs have a larger boot than regular cars. The SUV is usually driven on a paved road but can also go very well on medium-difficult roads. (Example, Opel/Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, Renault Trafic)

Convertible: In-car rental convertibles are cars that have a soft roof that can be folded down to drive without a roof. A convertible is perfect for warm destinations. They are suitable for two passengers travelling together. (Example, Fiat 500 Convertible)

Luxury/Premium: In-car rental, luxury cars are more expensive vehicles that offer more comfort than regular cars. They are perfect for people who want to travel in style. Luxury cars are made by high-quality brands and have the best features. (Example, Mercedes Benz C-Class)

For more information about differences in car classes, you can read our guide right here.