RENT A CAR IN AZORES – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
DO YOU NEED TO RENT A CAR IN AZORES?
Short answer? Yes, unless you’re happy missing out on half of what these islands have to offer. While São Miguel has some bus routes, the rest of the Azores? Forget it. Public transport is unreliable (or non-existent), taxis can be pricy and the best places like hidden volcanic pools, insane viewpoints and remote hiking trails are impossible to reach without a car.
And if you think you can just show up and grab a rental car at the airport, let me stop you right there. Most of the islands sell out months in advance. I learned this the hard way in Pico. Arrived expecting to rent a car, but there were none left. I had to rent a scooter instead, which was an adventure in itself (especially on those steep volcanic roads). A few days later, a rental company called saying they finally had a car available, and I switched immediately. Lesson learned: book early.
WHERE TO RENT A CAR IN AZORES?
You basically have two main options:
1️⃣ ONLINE PLATFORMS (CHEAPER & MORE FLEXIBLE OPTION)
A cheaper and more flexible option to rent a car in Azores is via Discover Cars which is my usual preference. It lets you compare different companies and often find better rates than local agencies. However, you need to add full coverage separately if you want the same protection as local companies.
✅ Cheaper rates compared to local agencies
✅ Easy cancellation & flexible booking options
❌ Full coverage costs extra (but still cheaper overall)
❌ Dealing with third-party companies instead of locals
👉 CHECK THE BEST RENTAL DEALS FOR AZORES HERE:
2️⃣ LOCAL RENTAL COMPANIES
If you want a hassle-free experience with full insurance included, go with a local company.
✅ Full insurance included (zero hidden fees)
✅ Better service and reliable cars
❌ More expensive than online platforms
❌ Limited availability, especially on smaller islands
BEST LOCAL RENTAL COMPANIES:
🚗 Autatlantis (available on most islands)
🚗 Ilha Verde (São Miguel, Terceira, Pico)
🚗 Micauto (Pico, Faial)
PRO TIP: If you’re traveling in July–August, these companies get fully booked months in advance. If you want a car with full insurance and no stress, book ahead.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A CAR IN AZORES?
Prices depend on the season and the island:
✔ LOW SEASON (NOV–MARCH): €15–€40/DAY
✔ SHOULDER SEASON (APRIL–JUNE, SEPT–OCT): €40–€70/DAY
✔ HIGH SEASON (JULY–AUG): €70–€120/DAY (OR MORE ON SMALLER ISLANDS)
💡 Pico, Flores, and Corvo are the hardest to book. If you wait too long, you’ll either end up without a car or paying ridiculous last-minute prices.
5x ISLAND-BY-ISLAND BREAKDOWN – WHERE DO YOU REALLY NEED A CAR?
🚗 SÃO MIGUEL – YES, BUT YOU HAVE OPTIONS
- The only island with some public transport, but it’s still not reliable.
- A car is essential to reach hikes like Sete Cidades or my favourite Janela do Inferno.
- Best option: Any rental car works here, but get full insurance (road conditions vary).
🚗 PICO – ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL
- No real public transport. You’ll need a car to explore the coastline, vineyards, and get to Pico climb trailhead.
- I made the mistake of not booking early and had to rent a scooter first. Don’t be like me. Book ahead.
- Best option: Compact SUV or small car (roads are decent but can be steep).
🚗 TERCEIRA – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
- Public transport is only good for the city of Angra do Heroísmo.
- Without a car, you’ll miss jungle-like hiking trails, and epic coastline drives.
- Best option: Any small-sized car works fine.
🚗 FLORES & CORVO – TREKKING OR RENT A CAR
- No buses, barely any taxis, and no Ubers.
- Flores has jaw-dropping coastal roads and crazy waterfalls—you’ll want a car.
- Corvo is so small, you can get away without one, if you want to drive up to Miradouro do Caldeirão you can just hike or book a tour.
- Best option: Use your feet! If you can´t – book a tour or a small car.
Ultimate hiking guide for both coming soon!
DRIVING IN AZORES – WHAT TO EXPECT
⚠ NARROW & WINDY ROADS – Be ready for tight turns and sudden hills.
⚠ UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER – Fog, rain, and sunshine all in one hour.
⚠ LIMITED FUEL STATIONS – Fill up when you can, especially on Flores and Pico.
⚠ COWS ON THE ROAD – Slow down and let them do their thing.
FINAL THOUGHTS – IS RENTING A CAR IN AZORES WORTH IT?
100% yes. Without a car, you’ll miss out on some of the best adventures these islands offer. If you go with a local rental for full insurance coverage or booking a cheaper option through Discover Cars, just make sure you book in advance.
💡 CHECK THE BEST DEALS TO RENT A CAR IN AZORES HERE:
🚗 WANT MORE AZORES TRAVEL TIPS?
Check out my other guides, or feel free to support my work with a coffee so I can keep those guides coming! 😊
I wish you an awesome time in this incredible part of the world, enjoy Azores!
Pawel
