I-V 08:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 18:00
Hertz is the premium in-terminal option at Faro Airport: a desk in the arrivals hall, a newer fleet, and DiscoverCars scores it 8/10. You pay for the convenience and the cars – Hertz is among the pricier names at FAO – and Trustpilot reviews of Hertz Portugal are mixed, with recurring complaints about post-return damage charges (one renter billed €430) and an incorrect €194 one-way fee on a same-location rental. Good for travellers who want a brand-name, walk-to-your-car experience and will photograph everything at return.
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 |
Hertz is in-terminal – the desk is in the arrivals hall and the cars are in the airport car park, so there is no shuttle. That convenience is the main reason to choose Hertz over a cheaper off-airport brand, especially with a late flight or young children.
DiscoverCars 8/10, in-terminal, newer cars. The downside is price and a mixed Trustpilot record on damage billing. Film a detailed return video and query any one-way or extra fee on the spot.
If you do not need the in-terminal brand, Airauto is cheaper and rated even higher (9/10), with smooth shuttle pickup from P4. A strong alternative to a premium chain.
Trustpilot around 1.6/5, with upsell and damage-charge complaints. Not worth the saving over Hertz or a good local.
DiscoverCars verified scores at Faro (2026)
/10, verified-rental ratings
Hertz includes CDW with an excess that is blocked on your card. The counter will sell SuperCover to wipe it; a cheaper route is stand-alone excess insurance (€4–7/day) bought before travel, which refunds your excess directly. Given the damage-billing complaints, photograph the car in detail at pickup and return and keep timestamped images.
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.
If yes, Hertz is a strong pick; if not, a top local saves money.
Film a walk-around at pickup and return to defend against damage and one-way fee errors.
What a week at Faro really costs
Compact car, shoulder season
| Cost item | Hertz (in-terminal) | Airauto (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Base rental (7 days) | €245 (€35/day) | €180 (€26/day) |
| Insurance (pre-booked excess) | €42 | €35 |
| Convenience | Walk to car, no shuttle | Short P4 shuttle |
| Tolls (A22) | €0 | €0 |
| Fuel (week) | €45 | €45 |
| Cash total | €332 (~$361) | €260 (~$283) |
Yes – the Hertz desk is in the arrivals hall and the cars are in the airport car park, so there is no shuttle. That walk-to-your-car convenience is the main reason to pick Hertz.
It is one of the pricier options at FAO, reflecting the newer fleet and in-terminal location. Good local operators like Airauto cost less for a similar or higher rating.
Mixed Trustpilot reviews cite post-return damage charges (one renter billed €430) and an incorrect €194 one-way fee on a same-location rental. Film the car at pickup and return and query fees immediately.
Stand-alone excess insurance bought before travel (€4–7/day) is usually far cheaper than the counter SuperCover and refunds your excess directly. Hertz will still block the excess on your card.
No on the main Algarve route – the A22 is toll-free since January 2025. You only pay tolls heading up the A2 toward Lisbon.
Yes, a credit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit, which is blocked at pickup.
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.
