I-VII 07:00 – 00:00
Golfauto is a local Faro rental company – a good-value, flexible alternative to the big chains for exploring the Algarve, with economy cars from around €12–22/day ($13–$24) in low season. Great news for 2026: the A22 Via do Infante, the Algarve's main motorway, became toll-free, so driving around the region from Faro now costs nothing in tolls. This guide covers Golfauto in Faro, the real prices, how it compares, and the practical tips for driving the Algarve.
Golfauto is a local Faro operator, often cheaper than the international chains.
Faro Airport (FAO) is the Algarve's gateway and a big, competitive market, which keeps prices low outside peak summer. Expect roughly the following in 2026:
Average Daily Rates in Faro by Season
Booked 4–6 weeks in advance, prices in EUR
| Season | Manual Economy | Manual Compact | Automatic Compact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €12–22 | €16–28 | €28–42 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €20–32 | €26–40 | €40–56 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep) | €34–52 | €42–62 | €58–85 |
With the A22 now toll-free, your only running cost around the Algarve is fuel.
Golfauto is a local Algarve operator working out of the Faro area. Local companies generally undercut the global chains and are more flexible on deposits and add-ons, with helpful local knowledge – though quality varies, so check recent reviews and read the agreement.
Golfauto typically offers meet-and-greet at Faro Airport (FAO) or a short shuttle to a nearby depot; confirm the exact arrangement, the deposit and the card requirement when booking. Read the fuel and insurance terms, decline cover you don't want, and document the car at pickup.
The subject of this guide – a local company offering keen prices and flexible terms versus the chains, with Faro Airport pickup. Worth a direct quote. Confirm pickup, deposit and insurance details when booking.
A well-rated Portuguese brand with a strong Algarve presence that often undercuts the global chains, with transparent terms.
A dependable major with a broad fleet at Faro – a safe fallback, useful if you want a guaranteed automatic.
The pick for a newer, higher-spec car at Faro. Pricier; decline the counter extras you don't need.
Aggressive upsells, fuel and damage disputes, and one of the lowest Trustpilot scores in the industry. Common at Faro – book with care.
The very cheapest online listings at Faro often carry strict fuel rules and excess disputes at return. Read the fine print or stick with a trusted local or major.
Basic CDW with an excess of €900–€1,600, blocked on your card. Tyres, glass and underbody usually excluded.
Super CDW to zero the excess is €14–22/day – €98–154 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 Algarve Rental
2026 pricing
| Option | Daily Cost | 7-Day Total | Covers Tyres/Glass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic CDW (included) | €0 | €0 | No |
| Counter Super CDW | €14–22 | €98–154 | Sometimes |
| Third-party excess cover | €4–7 | €28–49 | Yes |
The A22 Via do Infante became toll-free in 2025, so the Algarve's main east–west motorway now costs nothing. The alternative N125 coast road is also free but slower. You'd only pay tolls driving up the A2 toward Lisbon.
| Route from Faro | Road | Toll |
|---|---|---|
| Faro → Lagos / Albufeira | A22 | Free (since 2025) |
| Faro → Tavira / Spain | A22 | Free (since 2025) |
| Faro → Lisbon | A2 | ~€22 (booth) |
| Petrol / Diesel | – | ~€2.02 / €1.96 per L |
Faro fills up in summer; automatics go first.
See the market, then get a direct quote from Golfauto and Guerin.
Cheaper and more available than automatics.
Buy third-party excess cover beforehand.
The A22 is free now.
Refuel near Faro before drop-off.
A graceful old town on the Gilão river, gateway to the Ria Formosa islands.
The busy heart of the Algarve's beach scene.
Golden cliffs, grottoes and the best boat trips in the west.
The Moorish castle town and the cool green mountains above the coast.
The lagoon nature park and its fishing-town markets.
Yes – Golfauto is a local Faro operator offering good value and flexible terms versus the chains, with airport pickup. As with any local company, check recent reviews and get the rate, deposit and fuel policy in writing.
No longer on the main motorway. The A22 Via do Infante became toll-free in 2025, so Algarve driving costs nothing in tolls. You'd only pay on the A2 if you drive up to Lisbon.
Golfauto typically offers meet-and-greet at Faro Airport (FAO) or a short shuttle to a nearby depot. Confirm the exact arrangement and deposit when booking.
Low-season manual economy cars start at €12–22/day ($13–$24). Shoulder season is €20–32/day and peak summer €34–52/day, with automatics more.
It's cheaper to buy standalone excess insurance (€4–7/day) before you travel than the counter Super CDW (€14–22/day). Third-party cover also includes tyres, glass and underbody.
A manual is cheaper and more widely available. An automatic is more relaxing in summer traffic but costs more and sells out first – book early if you need one.
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.
