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 at Pico Airport
Transparent car rental for Pico Island with Excess Protection Included
- Free Cancellation
- Excess Protection
- 24/7 Support
- Fair Fuel Policy
Why book with Zest at Pico Airport?
We know that renting a car can be stressful. We are here to change that with a fresh, honest approach.
Which? Recommended Provider
We are the one and only Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker, an accolade we have earned every year since 2017. Fresh, Honest and Transparent!
Excess Protection Included
We don't hide costs. Excess Protection is included in every quote, so you are covered from the moment you book. No surprises at the desk.
UK-Based Support
Need help? Our UK-based team is here for you 24/7. If you have an issue at the rental desk, we will speak to the provider directly to sort it out.
Which car rental company should I book with at Pico Airport?
We focus on quality, not quantity. At Pico Airport (PIX), we partner with hand-picked national and trusted local companies to ensure you receive the best service. Rental desks are conveniently located inside the arrivals hall near the baggage claim—easy to find immediately after your flight lands. After you have completed your paperwork, your vehicle is typically waiting in the dedicated on-site parking lot just a short walk from the terminal exit. We actively monitor service levels at PIX to ensure a stress-free experience. Precise location details for your chosen vehicle will be clearly provided when you make a quote.
Book with Zest Car Rental at Pico Airport
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to sweat over. We want you to relax and look forward to exploring the volcanic coastlines and historic vineyard fells of the Mountain Island.
Unlock the real Pico
Pico Airport is the premier starting point for discovering the dramatic landscapes of the central Azores. With a rental car, you can reach the UNESCO-protected fells of Madalena in just 12 minutes to explore the lava-stone vineyards. For a journey into maritime history, the historic fells of Lajes do Pico are roughly 40 minutes southeast. If you seek the ultimate trek, the mountain fells of Mount Pico and the Casa da Montanha are a comfortable 25-minute drive, all easily accessible from the terminal.
Pico is an island of immense geographic variety, from the rugged basalt fells of the coastline to the high-altitude fells of the central plateau. A rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore beyond the airport and discover hidden rock pools at Criação Velha, traditional Azorean wineries, and the scenic roads that wind through the island's interior. Find your own rhythm in the raw and natural heart of the Atlantic.
Our Fleet at Pico Airport
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a range of vehicles at Pico Airport to suit every journey. Whether you need a compact car for navigating the narrow fells of the vineyard districts, or a sturdy SUV for a trip toward the island's higher volcanic fells, we have the perfect fit for you. Given the island's steep terrain and winding roads, a vehicle with extra power is often a popular choice for exploring the island with ease. All provider-specific details can be found in your car rental terms and conditions.
One Way Rentals from Pico Airport
As Pico is a self-contained island, rentals typically start and end at the airport or the Madalena ferry terminal. This ensures you have reliable transport available for your entire stay, allowing you to explore the island's dramatic fells from the coast to the mountain peak before your departure.
Driver Age Requirements in the Azores
Can I rent a car in Pico if I am under 25?
Yes. While many providers require drivers to be at least 21 and may apply a Young Driver Surcharge, there are options available for younger drivers with a full, valid licence. Minimum age requirements and surcharges vary by car group.
Can I rent a car in Pico if I am over 70?
Yes. Senior drivers are widely welcomed in Portugal. Most standard rentals have no additional fees, though we always recommend checking the specific terms for your chosen vehicle.
What is the best time of year to explore Pico by car?
The summer months (June to September) offer the most stable weather for exploring the mountain fells and coastal lava pools. Spring is also beautiful, with local flora in bloom across the fells. The winter months offer a more dramatic and quiet look at the island's natural fells, perfect for experiencing the raw power of the Atlantic in peace.
Essential Tips for Driving in the Azores
Driving on Pico is generally unhurried, but the fells can be narrow in the vineyard areas. Using dipped headlights is mandatory in poor visibility and inside tunnels. Your rental vehicle must be equipped with a warning triangle and a reflective safety vest. Be mindful of narrow roads bounded by stone walls; it is common practice to drive slowly and yield to oncoming traffic. Additionally, be prepared for cattle on the road in rural fells; simply stop and wait for them to pass safely. All specific details regarding your rental and the provider's rules will be found in your car rental terms and conditions.
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)
