Top 10 Things to See in the Azores.
Head almost 900 miles off the coast of Portugal and you’ll discover one of Europe’s last great secrets. In terms of geology and scenery, the Azores have more…
Car Hire in the Azores.
Search for car hire deals in the Azores, Portugal
- Free Cancellation
- Excess Protection
- 24/7 Support
- Fair Fuel Policy
What our customers say
Excellent customer service from the rental company. They even dropped us back to our hotel afterwards as we were not flying until the following day. The car was perfect and the process of pick up and drop off was very quick and simp…
DAVID - Ponta Delgada Airport, 2 weeks ago
Be amazed at the Azores.
This beautiful group of islands are the most western territory in Europe and perhaps the most beautiful destination in the entire continent.
- Excess insurance included
- Free Additional Driver in all destinations
- Free Cancellation & amendments
- Fair Fuel Policy
- Breakdown assistance
- 24/7 customer support
- Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker
Which car rental company should I book with in the Azores?
At Zest, we partner with both local and multinational providers in Azores to give you the best choice and service every time. Whether you book with Drive on Holidays, Way 2, or one of our other trusted providers, you can be sure of having a great car rental experience with no hidden complications. Start your holiday the right way with Zest!
Book with Zest Car Rental in the Azores
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to worry about.
We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.
Unlock the real Azores
The Azores archipelago is famous for its dramatic volcanic crater lakes, lush green thermal valleys, and cascading waterfalls, making it a dream destination to discover by car.
A scenic drive across the largest island, São Miguel, seamlessly connects historic coastal towns like Ponta Delgada with the jaw-dropping vistas of Sete Cidades and the geothermal hot springs of Furnas.
Navigating these rolling paths reveals stunning clifftop viewpoints, historic lighthouses, and remote black-sand bays that public transport options cannot easily match.
Beyond São Miguel, a rental vehicle gives you the complete freedom to explore the unique character of the other islands at your own comfortable pace.
You can cruise the scenic coastal ring roads of Terceira, drive past the traditional stone vineyards of Pico underneath its iconic volcanic peak, or catch panoramic ocean views on the maritime hub of Faial.
Having complete control over your travel itinerary allows you to stop at rural roadside viewpoints, explore peaceful walking trails, and discover traditional village eateries completely free from rigid group tour schedules.
Our Fleet in the Azores
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in the Azores to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models are highly practical for navigating narrow historic village streets and finding parking spaces in busier urban centres like Ponta Delgada or Angra do Heroísmo.
If you plan to tour the steep mountain routes of the interior, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional island highways with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a compact SUV can provide additional power, ground clearance, and reliable interior comfort for the changing terrain.
One Way Rentals in the Azores
In the Azores, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location on the same island, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-island travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Ponta Delgada Airport and dropping it off at a different regional hub or hotel location on São Miguel.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Driver Age Requirements in the Azores
Can I rent a car in the Azores if I am under 25?
Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.
Can I rent a car in the Azores if I am over 70?
Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.
What is the best time of year to explore the Azores by car?
The ideal time to explore the Azores on a driving holiday is during the months of June to September, which bring the lowest risk of rain and the calmest, clearest driving conditions.
During these summer months, you can enjoy beautifully mild temperatures, vibrant fields of blooming hydrangeas along the roadsides, and excellent visibility across the stunning mountain crater viewpoints.
Essential Tips for Driving in the Azores
Driving in the Azores is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. The Azores have no toll roads, toll bridges, or motorway toll systems. Drivers can use all public roads across the islands free of charge, including major routes on São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Pico, and the other islands. No vignette, toll tag, electronic transponder, or road-use permit is required. Rental vehicles can be driven throughout the Azores without any toll-related fees.
Drink-driving is prohibited under Portuguese law and punishments are strict. If you plan to drink, you should not drive.
When navigating major island routes, drivers are likely to encounter mountainous terrain, narrow roads, and winding coastal switchbacks. In major towns and historic old quarters, roads can become tightly compressed, so drivers should look out for limited street parking and remain alert for sudden gradients.
Outside the urban centres, maintain a defensive driving style to account for fast-changing weather conditions that can cause sudden mist on high mountain passes, slow-moving agricultural machinery, and livestock like dairy cows occasionally crossing rural roads.
Book nowPlaces to hire in Azores
- Flores Airport (FLW)
- Horta Airport (HOR)
- Pico Airport (PIX)
- Ponta Delgada
- Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL)
- Santa Maria Airport (SMA)
- Terceira Airport (TER)
Average customer rating for car hire in Azores
(4.52 out of 5.00) based on 61 responses to our customer survey.
Zest's Top 3 Tourist Attractions in the Azores!
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São Miguel Island
Explore São Miguel Island, the largest in the Azores, with its stunning landscapes including the Sete Cidades twin lakes, Furnas volcanic hot springs, and the picturesque town of Ponta Delgada.
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Pico Island
Visit Pico Island, known for its towering Mount Pico, the highest peak in Portugal, and explore its unique vineyards and traditional wine culture.
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Faial Island
Discover Faial Island, where you can see the iconic Capelinhos Volcano and its interpretive center, as well as the charming town of Horta with its vibrant marina and historic sites
