I-VI 06:00 – 00:00
Europcar is a major in-terminal brand at Faro Airport, with DiscoverCars scoring its FAO desk 7/10 – but Europcar Portugal's public Trustpilot sits at just 1.9/5 across about 2,067 reviews. The convenience is real (desk in arrivals, large fleet), but the recurring complaints are worth knowing: extras like “roadside assistance” added without clear consent, long pickup queues in peak season, occasional cars handed over with existing damage, and confusing drop-off signage. Book a prepaid all-inclusive rate, decline counter add-ons, and film the car, and Europcar is a workable mainstream choice at Faro.
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 |
Europcar has an in-terminal desk in the arrivals area; cars are in the airport car park. Drop-off is where most confusion arises – follow the airport's rental-return signs rather than your GPS, which may route you to a city office. Allow extra time at peak arrival waves.
DiscoverCars 7/10, in-terminal. Reliable for availability and walk-to-car convenience, but decline upsells and document the car – Trustpilot complaints centre on added extras and damage billing.
Cheaper and rated higher (9/10), with a quick P4 shuttle. The better-value alternative if you do not need an in-terminal global brand.
A dependable in-terminal alternative with Enterprise-standard service.
DiscoverCars verified scores at Faro (2026)
/10, verified-rental ratings
Europcar includes CDW with an excess blocked on your card and will push SuperCover at the desk. Pre-book stand-alone excess insurance (€4–7/day) instead – it refunds your excess directly. Critically, check your contract line by line and decline any “roadside assistance” or extras you did not request.
The A22 Via do Infante is toll-free since January 2025, so day trips along the Algarve cost nothing in tolls; you only meet tolls on the A2 toward Lisbon. Fuel in May 2026 is about €1.85–2.01/L petrol and ~€1.95/L diesel, cheapest at supermarket pumps. Return the car full.
Lock the price and avoid counter upsells.
Ignore GPS that points to a city office; use the airport rental-return route.
What a week at Faro really costs
Compact car, shoulder season
| Cost item | Europcar (prepaid, no add-ons) | Europcar (walk-up + extras) |
|---|---|---|
| Base rental (7 days) | €210 (€30/day) | €280 (€40/day walk-up) |
| Insurance | €42 (pre-booked excess) | €120 (counter SuperCover) |
| Add-ons | €0 (declined) | €50 (roadside etc.) |
| Tolls / fuel | €45 | €55 |
| Total | €297 (~$323) | €505 (~$549) |
Yes, the desk is in arrivals and cars are in the airport car park. Drop-off signage can be confusing – follow the airport rental-return signs, not your GPS.
Europcar Portugal sits around 1.9/5 on Trustpilot (~2,067 reviews), with complaints about extras added without clear consent, queues, and damage billing. Its DiscoverCars verified-rental score is higher at 7/10.
Prepay an all-inclusive rate, read the contract before signing and decline add-ons like roadside assistance, and film the car at pickup and return.
Stand-alone excess insurance bought beforehand (€4–7/day) is cheaper than counter SuperCover and refunds your excess directly.
No on the main Algarve route – the A22 is toll-free since January 2025.
Often yes – Airauto (9/10) and other Faro locals cost less with higher ratings. Compare the all-in price before booking.
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.
