I – VII 09:00-12:00; 15:00-18:00
Albufeira is the Algarve's biggest resort town, and Avis is the established international rental brand serving it – a dependable, terminal-desk choice for exploring the central Algarve, about 35–45 minutes from Faro Airport. Economy cars start around €9–16/day ($10–$18) in low season, and – great news since 2025 – the A22 motorway across the Algarve is now completely toll-free. This guide covers Avis in Albufeira specifically, the real prices, how it compares to the local value operators, and the practical tips for driving the region.
Avis offers a dependable, well-known service for exploring Albufeira and the central Algarve.
Most Albufeira visitors rent at Faro Airport (FAO), 35–45 minutes east – a large, competitive market with around 37 companies. Avis also has a presence in the resort area itself. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates (Faro / Albufeira) by Season
Booked 4–6 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €9–16 | €13–21 | €24–40 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €17–28 | €21–35 | €35–52 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep) | €30–50 | €36–58 | €55–85 |
International brands like Avis usually sit above the best local value operators for the same car class.
Avis is part of the Avis Budget Group and a long-established global brand, offering a standard, predictable rental experience with the reassurance of a major name for one-way drops and breakdowns.
Most visitors collect at the Avis desk at Faro Airport on arrival and drive to Albufeira; Avis also operates in the resort area for local pickups. As with any chain, the counter will offer insurance and upgrades – decide what you want before you arrive. Avis and sister brand Budget often share premises and fleet, so compare both.
The subject of this guide – a dependable international choice with global backing, ideal if you value a recognisable name and a real terminal desk at Faro. Usually pricier than the local value operators; watch the counter upsell.
One of the best-rated companies at Faro (~9/10), clean cars and below-average prices. The value benchmark for the drive to Albufeira.
A well-rated local operator praised for honest pricing and no surprise charges – a reliable alternative to the chains.
A dependable major with a broad fleet and good availability of automatics – a safe fallback for the central Algarve.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
Low headline prices but repeated complaints over deposit holds and fuel policy. Read the terms carefully.
Cheap online but notorious for strict fuel rules and excess disputes at return that can wipe out the savings.
Basic CDW with an excess of €1,000–€1,800, blocked on your credit card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €15–25/day – €105–175 a week, often more than the car.
Standalone excess insurance (RentalCover, iCarhireinsurance) costs €4–7/day, covers the excluded items and refunds any excess charged. Buy it before you travel and decline the counter upsell.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Algarve Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €15–25 | €105–175 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
Good news for Albufeira drivers: the A22 (Via do Infante) across the Algarve has been toll-free since 1 January 2025. There are no booths, no electronic tolls and no transponder needed – the whole Algarve motorway is now free to drive. The parallel coastal N125 is free too.
| Route from Albufeira | Road | Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Albufeira → Faro Airport | A22 / N125 | Free |
| Albufeira → Lagos | A22 | Free (since 2025) |
| Albufeira → Tavira | A22 | Free (since 2025) |
Albufeira fills up in summer; automatics go first.
See the market, then check value operators like Rent-a-Star and CAEL – and compare Avis against sister brand Budget.
Cheaper and more available than automatics.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
No transponder or toll fees to worry about since 2025.
Refuel before drop-off and tidy the interior.
The Algarve's iconic orange-ochre cliffs above a long golden beach, just east of Albufeira.
The famous sea cave and the pretty clifftop town of Carvoeiro, west along the coast.
The western Algarve's most photogenic cliffs and grottoes, an easy run on the toll-free A22.
A historic inland town with a red sandstone Moorish castle and cathedral.
The regional capital's old town and the lagoon nature park, east of Albufeira.
Avis is a dependable international option with global backing and a terminal desk at Faro – ideal if you value a recognisable brand. It's usually pricier than local value operators like Rent-a-Star and CAEL, so compare before booking.
Most visitors collect at the Avis desk at Faro Airport (35–45 minutes east) and drive in; Avis also operates in the resort area for local pickups. Check your voucher for the exact location.
From Faro, low-season manual economy cars start at €9–16/day ($10–$18). Shoulder season is €17–28/day and peak summer €30–50/day, with automatics more.
No longer – the A22 (Via do Infante) has been toll-free since 1 January 2025, with no booths, electronic tolls or transponder needed. The coastal N125 is free too.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€15–25/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody.
Both are part of the Avis Budget Group and often share premises and fleet at Faro. Compare the price under each brand – the same car can cost differently.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Our company reviews are based on Trustpilot scores, Google Maps reviews, traveler-forum feedback and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: June 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
