I-VII 08:00 – 20:00
Airauto is a well-rated local Faro operator: DiscoverCars scores its Faro Airport desk 9/10, it holds an 8.2/10 customer rating across ~535 reviews and won DiscoverCars' Excellent Service Award in 2023 and 2024. It is off-airport – a short shuttle from car park P4 (about 300 m from the terminal) to the office on Rua Samuel Gacon. Service is generally smooth and friendly; the main gripes are occasional extra charges (renters mention a ~€40 fee for returning early). Overall it is one of the safer Faro choices, well above the cheap-broker pack.
Average daily rates at Faro Airport by season
Economy/compact, booked ~4 weeks ahead, EUR
| Season | Economy | Compact | Automatic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €9–20 | €14–26 | €25–40 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €18–35 | €25–45 | €40–65 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep) | €35–60 | €45–75 | €65–110 |
Estimated rental cost by trip length
from €11/day
Illustrative — daily rate × days at the lowest 2026 starting price; real prices vary by season & demand.
Faro Rental Budget Calculator
Rate is prefilled with the lowest realistic low-season figure; change it for your dates.
Airauto is not in the terminal. After arrivals you walk to car park P4 (about 300 m) for the free shuttle to the office, where the contract and car check take place. It is quick in practice, but allow 15–20 minutes. Return the car on time – early returns have reportedly triggered a small fee.
DiscoverCars 9/10 and an Excellent Service Award two years running. Reviewers praise the fast, friendly pickup and clean cars. Watch the return time and read the fuel/extra-fee terms, but as a local operator it avoids most of the deposit games of the cheapest brands.
A 100% Portuguese company and the official Enterprise Rent-A-Car franchisee in Portugal, in-terminal at Faro with DiscoverCars 8/10. A dependable, slightly pricier option with a larger fleet.
Aggressive upsells and damage/fuel charges; Trustpilot around 1.6/5. The cheap quote rarely stays cheap – Airauto is a far calmer experience for similar money.
DiscoverCars verified scores at Faro (2026)
/10, verified-rental ratings
Airauto's rate includes basic CDW with an excess blocked on your card. Rather than the counter waiver, pre-book stand-alone excess insurance (€4–7/day from iCarhireinsurance or RentalCover) – it refunds your excess directly and covers tyres, glass and undercarriage. Confirm the deposit amount and fuel policy in writing before you fly.
The A22 Via do Infante – the main Algarve motorway – has been toll-free since January 2025, so day trips to Tavira, Lagos, Albufeira and Lagos cost nothing in tolls. You only meet tolls heading up the A2 toward Lisbon. Fuel in May 2026 runs about €1.85–2.01/L for petrol (95) and ~€1.95/L for diesel; supermarket pumps (Continente, Intermarché) are cheapest, airport-area stations dearest. Return the car full to avoid refuelling fees.
Sort by total cost with insurance and deposit included, not the headline daily rate.
Airauto reviewers note a small early-return fee – stick to your booked window.
What a week at Faro really costs
Economy car, shoulder season
| Cost item | Airauto (all-in) | Cheapest broker trap |
|---|---|---|
| Base rental (7 days) | €180 (€26/day) | €98 (€14/day headline) |
| Insurance | €35 (pre-booked excess) | €120 (forced desk cover) |
| Deposit hold | Moderate | €1,000–2,000 blocked |
| Tolls (A22) | €0 | €0 |
| Fuel (week) | €45 | €55 (refuel fee) |
| Cash total | €260 (~$283) | €273 (~$297) + big hold |
No – it is off-airport. After arrivals you go to car park P4 (about 300 m) for a free shuttle to the office on Rua Samuel Gacon. Allow 15–20 minutes.
Yes, it is one of the better Faro locals: DiscoverCars 9/10, an 8.2/10 customer rating across ~535 reviews, and an Excellent Service Award in 2023 and 2024. Reviews are largely positive on pickup speed and car condition.
A few reviewers report a ~€40 fee for returning the car early, and the usual advice on fuel policy. Confirm the deposit and fuel terms in writing and return within your booked window.
Yes, a credit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit, which is blocked (not charged) at pickup. Pre-booking stand-alone excess cover reduces your exposure.
No on the main Algarve route – the A22 is toll-free since January 2025, so Tavira, Lagos and Albufeira day trips cost nothing in tolls.
For July and August, book 4–6 weeks ahead; the Algarve fleet tightens and automatics sell out first. Off-season a week or two is fine.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Reviews are based on Trustpilot, Google Maps, traveller forums and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: May 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
