Car Rental in Albufeira

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Albufeira, Portugal
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Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Downtown
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Keddy
$12.44 / per day
Downtown
Economy
Opel Corsa or similar
Opel Corsa
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
ABBYCAR
$16.60 / per day
Downtown
Compact SUV
Renault Captur or similar
Renault Captur
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
SIXT
$18.46 / per day
Downtown
Intermediate SUV
Seat Arona or similar
Seat Arona
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Auto Prudente Rent A Car
$20.22 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Downtown
Standard
Volkswagen Passat or similar
Volkswagen Passat
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
$45.31 / per day
Downtown
Full-size
Ford Focus STW or similar
Ford Focus STW
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Discovery Cars
$46.56 / per day
Downtown
Intermediate Elite
Audi A3 or similar
Audi A3
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
$49.85 / per day
Downtown
Premium Elite SUV
Skoda Kodiaq 5+2 or similar
Skoda Kodiaq 5+2
  • 7
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Discovery Cars
$122.22 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 02:35 on 2024-03-26. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
Portuguese
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+351
Average car rental price
$41 per day
Average car rental length
6 days
Speed limit within town
20 - 50 km/h or 12 - 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
90 - 120 km/h or 56 - 75 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.2 / 10
Average gasoline price
$1.92 per liter or $7.27 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$1.76 per liter or $6.66 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$2.19 per liter or $8.29 / 1 gallon

Why rent a car in Albufeira?

Located in the central part of the Algarve, Albufeira is one of the most visited destinations in the famous beach region of Portugal. Mainly visited for its attractive coastline, Albufeira also boasts interesting history and architecture for those eager to explore it. Better yet, the town offers easy access to the rest of Algarve and everything that this part of the country has to offer.

Furthermore, the public transport in the Algarve isn’t very good, so if you want to explore this region, renting a car is a must.

Albufeira

One-Way Car Rentals in Albufeira

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Albufeira and drop off in another city include:

  • From Albufeira to Faro - 82 offers from $19.20 per day
  • From Albufeira to Porto - 34 offers from $26.70 per day
  • From Albufeira to Lisbon - 83 offers from $23.70 per day

Top ways to enter Albufeira

  • Faro Airport: The main airport of the Algarve is only a 40-minute drive east of Albufeira. The airport is a large hub for the low-cost carriers Ryanair and easyJet, and also has flights by a number of other airlines. While there are many direct flights between Faro and other European countries, it is also possible to first fly to Lisbon and Porto and then get a connecting flight to Faro (this is an especially useful option for visitors coming from outside of Europe).
  • Lisbon Airport: The main air hub of the country, Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport handled more than 31 million travelers in 2019. In addition to European connections, there are many flights to and from the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. As mentioned above, it’s possible to get another short flight from Lisbon to Faro, but many travelers choose to pick up a rental car at Lisbon Airport and drive the rest of the distance. Lisbon is 275 km (171 miles) north of Faro and the trip between them takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Top destinations and activities

  • Beaches. Characterized by their golden sands and the Blue Flag status that most of them have, Albufeira has a wealth of pretty beaches to choose from. These include the very central Praia dos Pescadores ( Fisherman’s Beach), Tunnel Beach (named after a tunnel that you have to travel through to reach it), and the hip  Praia da Oura. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there are also good opportunities for doing watersports like kayaking and snorkeling.
  • Old Town. Albufeira has a lovely Old Town featuring cobblestone streets, whitewashed and tiled houses, museums, lovely alleys, picturesque churches, lively squares, and a myriad of restaurants, stores, bars, and pubs. There’s also two famous viewpoints, Miradouro do Pau da Bandeira and Peneco, from where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city.
  • Nightlife. Albufeira has the hottest nightlife in the Algarve with a plethora of bars and clubs that attract young locals and tourists. You can go to two different areas of the city: the Old Town, where you can find lots of bars with live performances and entertainment; and the Strip, a 2 km-long avenue full of neon lights, cafes, restaurants, themed bars and clubs. Both parts get busier from 9 - 10 pm and go until 3 – 4 am.
  • Marina de Albufeira. Located around two kilometers west of the Old Town, Albufeira Marina is considered one of the best marinas in the country. In addition to the marina itself and the Nautical Club, this development hosts several types of restaurants, stores, tour agencies, and beauty parlors. It also provides family-friendly entertainment such as bowling, a leisure center, and indoor karting, which are perfect for a rainy day.
  • Castle of Paderne. Like neighboring Andalusia in Spain, the Algarve spent centuries under Islamic rule during the Middle Ages (even its name comes from the Arabic word al-ḡarb, meaning “the west”). Many historic sites and much architecture remain as reminders of that era, including the Castle of Paderne, an impressive fortification built in the 12th century. Located just a short 20-minute drive north of Albufeira, it is definitely worth a visit.
  • Zoomarine. A theme park, an aquarium, and a 4D cinema, Zoomarine is one of the most popular attractions in the Algarve. The park has varied flora and fauna, including sharks, dolphins, and seals, as well as pools, beaches, and water slides. Located just 10km (6.2 miles) northwest of Albufeira, the Zoomarine can be reached in about 15 minutes.

Traffic and parking

  • In most of the cities in the Algarve, including Albufeira, you won’t have a problem finding a parking spot. You can park on the streets, but remember to always obey the traffic signs, or designated public parking. However, in the height of summer, it can be a bit hard to find available parking slots in places such as Albufeira Old Town and Praia da Marinha.
  • The areas around Zoomarine/Albufeira Shopping and Avenida dos Descobrimentos (the main avenue in Downtown Albufeira) get extremely busy during the summer around 05:00 - 06:00 PM. The same is true of The Strip (Rua da Oura) around 10:00 - 11:00 PM.
  • The Algarve has over 300 days of sunshine a year, so make sure you have sunglasses in the car when road tripping as it can be dangerous if you are blinded by the sun while driving.
  • Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation need to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
  • When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
  • The primary, nationwide emergency number in Portugal is 112. 

Toll roads

A lot of motorways in Portugal are subject to toll fees. See Portugal's official toll road website site for maps and fees.

In the Algarve, the main highway is the A22, also known as Via do Infante. If you don’t want to drive on a toll road, the N125, an alternative parallel route, is the best option.

Ideas for day trips

  • Praia da Marinha. Located in the Lagoa area, a half-hour drive from Albufeira, this award-winning beach has been featured in many Portuguese guidebooks and advertising campaigns. It has amazing orange-yellowish limestone cliffs, golden sand, and crystal-clear blue water and was considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe by Michelin Guide.
  • Benagil Cave. Also located in the municipality of Lagoa, in the little fishing village of Benagil, Algar de Benagil is a stunning cave just around the corner from Benagil Beach. What makes it so special is the perfect combination of golden walls with a round aperture in the ceiling and two beautiful archways. Benagil Cave has gained popularity over recent years and has become one of the most sought-after places in the Algarve.
  • Lagos. Not to be confused with the Nigerian megalopolis of the same name, Portugal’s Lagos is a quaint and historic beach town. Smaller and perhaps also more relaxed than Albufeira, it has just as beautiful beaches and a very special atmosphere that is only heightened by its well-preserved architecture. Located some 60km (37 miles) west of Albufeira, Lagos can be reached in about 45 minutes.
  • Faro. Although Faro is the largest city in Algarve and the location of the region’s main airport, it isn’t usually mentioned among its main attractions. More industrial, it is perhaps less scenic than Lagos, Albufeira, or Portimao. But those who give the city a chance will discover a surprising variety of attractions including a well-preserved old town, the scarily impressive Bone Chapel, the Jewish Heritage Center, and Ria Formosa National Park. You could do worse than checking out Faro before dropping off your car at the airport or as a day-trip. Located 45km (28 miles) east of Albufeira, the city can be reached in some 40 minutes.
  • Monchique. Located in the inland part of Algarve that remains unexplored by most visitors, Monchique is an ancient spa town situated in the region’s hills. Some of the highest peaks of the Algarve are located just outside the town, and you’ll also find hiking trails, baths that have been enjoyed by the Romans, and some of the most charming hill stations in all of the country. Located about 85km (53 miles), Monchique can be reached in just over one hour. Note: If you’re visiting during the warmest time of the year, make sure to check out Portugal’s wildfire forecast — unfortunately, Monchique has periodically suffered from wildfires in the surrounding eucalyptus forests over the last decade.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Albufeira is the Peugeot 308, followed by the Renault Clio and the Citroen C1. The most popular rental car types are compact, economy, and mini.

Car Rental Prices in Albufeira

  • Convertibles - from $18 per day
  • Station wagons - from $23 per day
  • Large cars - from $23 per day
  • Medium cars - from $18 per day
  • Vans - from $114 per day
  • Premium cars - from $175 per day
  • Small cars - from $12 per day
  • SUVs - from $18 per day

Money-saving tips

These are some good methods to save money on your rental car:

  • Compare the rates of different rental car suppliers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Albufeira is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 52% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 60% cheaper than renting a vehicle in July. You can also find great deals in May and September-October.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Pericles Rosa
This article was reviewed by Pericles Rosa, a Brazilian travel blogger and adventurer based in London. Pericles has visited over 50 countries and has been traveling continuously to the Algarve since 2008.

Top 20 Cities near Albufeira

  1. 10.9 km / 6.8 miles away
  2. 12.3 km / 7.6 miles away
  3. 13.1 km / 8.1 miles away
  4. 20.6 km / 12.8 miles away
  5. 25.3 km / 15.7 miles away
  6. 26.8 km / 16.7 miles away
  7. 29.9 km / 18.6 miles away
  8. 36.0 km / 22.4 miles away
  9. 39.0 km / 24.2 miles away
  10. 52.6 km / 32.7 miles away
  11. 70.9 km / 44.1 miles away
  12. 107.9 km / 67.0 miles away
  13. 165.6 km / 102.9 miles away
  14. 170.0 km / 105.6 miles away
  15. 193.3 km / 120.1 miles away
  16. 202.4 km / 125.8 miles away
  17. 202.8 km / 126.0 miles away
  18. 206.8 km / 128.5 miles away
  19. 206.9 km / 128.6 miles away
  20. 214.9 km / 133.5 miles away

Top 16 Locations near Albufeira

  1. 5.6 km / 3.5 miles away
  2. 25.3 km / 15.7 miles away
  3. 196.4 km / 122.0 miles away
  4. 198.0 km / 123.0 miles away
  5. 199.1 km / 123.7 miles away
  6. 199.2 km / 123.8 miles away
  7. 201.1 km / 125.0 miles away
  8. 202.4 km / 125.8 miles away
  9. 203.6 km / 126.5 miles away
  10. 452.2 km / 281.0 miles away
  11. 453.3 km / 281.7 miles away
  12. 453.6 km / 281.9 miles away
  13. 463.8 km / 288.2 miles away
  14. 862.3 km / 535.8 miles away
  15. 918.5 km / 570.7 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Albufeira?

Car rental prices in Albufeira vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Albufeira
$13.72
January
$17.51
February
$20.10
March
$47.73
April
$37.92
May
$41.25
June
$48.94
July
$41.34
August
$33.65
September
$33.91
October
$15.77
November
$19.71
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Albufeira is January (when prices average $13.72 per day). This is 56% cheaper than the yearly average and 72% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $48.94).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Albufeira?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in January, the average renter keeps their car for 12 days, and in October, they keep their car for 4 days.
Average number of rental days in Albufeira
12
January
10
February
6
March
5
April
5
May
6
June
6
July
6
August
5
September
4
October
9
November
6
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Albufeira?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Albufeira is September, and the least popular is January.
Monthly searches in Albufeira by pick-up date relative to the average
44%
January
66%
February
58%
March
93%
April
88%
May
122%
June
137%
July
146%
August
186%
September
83%
October
75%
November
102%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 3
Popular suppliers Auto Prudente Rent A Car, SIXT, Europcar, Keddy, Discovery Cars
Popular car categories Small cars, SUVs, Vans, Medium cars
Lowest price $12 per day
Cheapest supplier Keddy

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Auto Prudente Rent A Car Peugeot 108 5 1 Small cars
Auto Prudente Rent A Car Opel Corsa Hatchback 5 2 Small cars
Auto Prudente Rent A Car Seat Ibiza 5 2 Small cars
Auto Prudente Rent A Car Peugeot 208 5 2 Small cars
Auto Prudente Rent A Car Fiat Panda 5 1 Small cars
Auto Prudente Rent A Car Seat Arona 5 2 SUVs
Auto Prudente Rent A Car Hyundai i10 5 2 Small cars
SIXT Renault Clio 5 1 Small cars
SIXT Renault Captur 5 1 SUVs
Europcar Renault Twingo 3 1 Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

United Kingdom
Seat Ibiza
August 27, 2023
Lovely beaches in Sagres
United Kingdom
Seat Ibiza
July 4, 2023
We enjoyed the inland scenery across mountains & in the historic towns & villages. On the coast, cliffs, caves & beaches.
Ireland
Seat Ibiza
July 1, 2023
First time in Portugal and we wanted to see around so did trips around. Did not spend much time at the beach. We did snorkelling, jeep safari, boat trips and parasailing as well.
Canada
Volkswagen Golf
February 28, 2023
Excellent food every where Spectacular scenery Friendly welcoming people
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Up
June 5, 2022
My top spots in the Algarve were Lagos, Sagres, and Tavira. I recommend hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail.
United Kingdom
Peugeot 108
July 17, 2020
Very easy to book and collect and much cheaper than going directly. Will use again
Ireland
Seat Ibiza 5d
July 3, 2019
Very professional and efficient service.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Best Deal
8.8 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
SIXT
7.3 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
16
Total rental companies
13
Average daily price
$41.46
Lowest daily price
$12.44
Total cars available
182

Top 13 Suppliers in Albufeira in 2024

Best Deal
Best Deal
Very good 8.8 / 53 reviews
3 locations
$20 - $111
Masterkings
Masterkings
Very good 8.5 / 4 reviews
1 location
Auto Prudente Rent A Car
Auto Prudente Rent A Car
Very good 8.4 / 43 reviews
1 location
$14 - $118
Discovery Cars
Discovery Cars
Very good 8.3 / 5 reviews
1 location
$23 - $466
Dollar
Dollar
Very good 8.2
1 location
Keddy
Keddy
Very good 8.1 / 41 reviews
1 location
$12 - $28
Budget
Budget
Very good 8.1 / 2 reviews
1 location
$31 - $300
Avis
Avis
Very good 8 / 2 reviews
1 location
$31 - $76
Thrifty
Thrifty
Very good 8 / 1 review
1 location
$24 - $51
Hertz
Hertz
Good 7.9 / 5 reviews
1 location
$36 - $77
Europcar
Europcar
Good 7.6 / 9 reviews
2 locations
$16 - $54
ABBYCAR
ABBYCAR
Good 7.6 / 2 reviews
1 location
$13 - $179
SIXT
SIXT
Good 7.3 / 24 reviews
1 location
$17 - $75
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