I-VII 06:00 – 00:00
Dollar is the budget-oriented arm of the Hertz family, and at Faro Airport it pairs that global backing with mid-range prices – economy cars from around €8–15/day ($9–$16) in low season. It's a solid, no-drama choice if you want a recognisable brand without paying full Hertz rates, but it's one of roughly 37 companies at Faro, and the cheapest local operators often beat it on value. This guide covers Dollar in Faro specifically, the real Algarve prices, how it compares, and the toll and insurance traps to avoid.
Dollar operates at Faro Airport as part of the Hertz family, offering mid-range prices with global backing.
Faro is the Algarve's gateway and one of the most competitive rental markets in Portugal – around 37 companies compete here, which keeps prices low. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates at Faro Airport by Season
Booked 4–6 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €8–15 | €12–20 | €22–38 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €16–28 | €20–34 | €34–52 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep) | €30–50 | €36–58 | €55–85 |
Dollar typically sits mid-table – cheaper than Hertz, pricier than the best local value operators.
Dollar is part of the Hertz family (alongside Thrifty and Firefly), which means a global reservation system, a generally well-maintained fleet, and operations often shared with the Hertz desk at Faro Airport.
At Faro, Dollar is handled through the Hertz airport operation, so you get the reassurance of a major brand for breakdowns, one-way drops and after-hours support. The trade-off is the same as with any big chain: the counter will try to sell you insurance and upgrades, so know what you want before you arrive.
The subject of this guide. A dependable middle-ground choice: cheaper than Hertz, with the same global support network and a decent fleet. Watch the counter upsell, and compare against the best local value operators before booking.
One of the best-rated companies at Faro (~9/10), clean cars and below-average prices. Meet-and-greet pickup just off the airport. The value benchmark to beat.
A well-rated local operator praised for honest pricing and no surprise charges – a reliable alternative to the chains.
The strongest international brand at Faro for a newer fleet and premium cars, with a terminal desk. Pricier; watch the upsell.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry.
Also a Hertz-family brand, but its budget positioning draws repeated complaints over deposit holds and fuel policy. Read the terms carefully.
Cheap online but notorious for strict fuel rules, toll fees and excess disputes at return.
Basic CDW with an excess of €1,000–€1,800, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €15–25/day – €105–175 a week.
Standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) bought before you travel covers the excluded items and refunds any excess charged. Buy it and decline the counter upsell.
Insurance Cost Comparison: 7-Day Faro 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: the A22 (Via do Infante) has been toll-free since 1 January 2025 – no booths, no electronic tolls, no transponder. The parallel N125 coastal road is also free.
| Route from Faro | Road | Approx. Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Faro → Lagos | A22 | Free (since 2025) |
| Faro → Tavira | A22 | Free (since 2025) |
| Faro → Spanish border | A22 | Free (since 2025) |
| Coastal N125 | N125 | €0 |
Faro fills up in summer; automatics go first.
See the market, then check value operators directly – and compare Dollar against its sister brands.
Cheaper and more available than automatics.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
The Algarve's A22 has been toll-free since 2025 – nothing to set up.
Refuel before drop-off.
The Algarve's most photogenic cliffs and golden beaches, west on the A22.
The famous sea cave near Carvoeiro, reachable by boat, kayak or SUP.
The wild south-western tip of Europe, with dramatic cliffs and a powerful lighthouse.
A lagoon nature park and the elegant old town of Tavira, east of Faro.
A feasible cross-border day trip – confirm your cover crosses into Spain first.
Dollar is a solid mid-range choice – part of the Hertz family, so you get global backing and a well-maintained fleet, at prices below Hertz itself. The best local value operators are often cheaper, so compare before booking.
At Faro Airport, Dollar is handled through the Hertz family operation, so you collect at or near the Hertz desk. Check your voucher for the exact instructions.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €8–15/day ($9–$16). Shoulder season is €16–28/day and peak summer €30–50/day, with automatics more. Dollar typically sits mid-table.
No. The A22 (Via do Infante) has been toll-free since January 2025 – no booths, no electronic tolls, no transponder needed. The N125 coastal road is free too.
Dollar is part of the Hertz family (with Thrifty and Firefly). It shares the reservation system and often the airport operation, but is positioned as a more budget-friendly brand than Hertz.
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.
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.
