Driving & Renting a Car in the Azores: The Ultimate Guide

by Azores Getaways Team

June 16, 2026 • 9 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Renting and Driving a Car in the Azores

Now that you've arrived in the Azores, get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable vacation! To truly experience the breathtaking beauty and remarkable sites across the Azores Islands, consider renting a car. Rest assured, navigating and renting a car here is quite manageable.

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Keep reading for valuable insights and essential information on what to anticipate when renting a car and exploring the islands' roads:

Rent a Car in the Azores: Convenient and Flexible Transportation Options

The best way to explore the islands is to rent a car so that you can have total freedom to explore at your leisure and to be able to reach every destination you desire, even if public transportation does not go there. Unlike the more extensive public transportation systems in Portugal's mainland cities, the Azores have limited public transit options with restricted schedules. This is why hiring a car is both a wise and convenient choice for your trip. Luckily, each island is relatively small and easy to get around, and many of the must-see sights are only accessible by car, making a rental the best option for your journey.

A white car navigating a winding hilltop road above Lagoa do Fogo on São Miguel at sunset, with a telecommunications mast on the rocky summit and a pink and orange sky over the Atlantic landscape below — The road above Lagoa do Fogo is one of São Miguel's best drives

Top 8 Essential Tips for Car Rental in the Azores: What You Need to Know:

1. Right-Side of The Road: Understanding Local Driving Practices in the Azores

If you're arriving in the Azores from Canada or the United States, you'll find the driving familiar, as locals drive on the right side of the road, just like back home. However, if you're coming from the United Kingdom, Australia, Malta, or any other left-side driving country, be prepared for a change, as driving in the Azores is on the right lane. Driving on the opposite side of the road in the Azores is surprisingly manageable for travelers, even more so than in many other destinations. This ease of navigation is partly due to the islands having much less traffic compared to other places. This creates a relaxed driving environment, making it easier for those not accustomed to driving on this side of the road to explore all the beautiful sights the Azores have to offer.

A woman leans out of a parked car on the crater rim road above Lagoa do Fogo, photographing the turquoise crater lake below with her phone, surrounded by steep green volcanic hillsides and a glimpse of the Atlantic on the horizon, São Miguel, Azores — The rim road above Lagoa do Fogo is one of those drives where you stop every five minutes — the lake appears differently from every angle.

2. Embracing Both Worlds: Manual and Automatic Car Options in the Azores

While locals in the Azores mainly drive manual cars, there's no need to worry if you're more comfortable with automatic vehicles. Azores Getaways offers partnerships with reliable local rent-a-car providers, ensuring you have a comfortable and confident driving experience while exploring the islands. For any car model you prefer, particularly if you need or prefer an automatic transmission, it's wise to book as early as possible, ideally when you arrange your flights and accommodation. Fortunately, Azores Getaways simplifies this with travel packages that include a wide selection of automatic cars, book yours!

Please note: While both manual and automatic vehicles are available in the Azores, automatics are rarer and often more expensive, so early booking is essential to ensure availability and to accommodate your budget considerations.

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Explore More Than One Island — Car Included on Every Leg

Our multi-island packages include a rental car across São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, and more — so you're never without wheels, no matter which island you're on.

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3. The Importance of Opting for Car Rental Insurance

Driving in the Azores often involves narrow roads, increasing the likelihood of minor accidents like dinged mirrors. Additionally, some destinations may require travel on less maintained roads, where potholes and other issues are more common. Therefore, opting for additional insurance is a smart travel decision. It's also important to check with your rental company about their driving location policies, as some restrict off-road driving to prevent such incidents. Considering these factors, unless your credit card provides extensive international insurance coverage, it's advisable to purchase additional insurance from the rental car company for complete protection and safety. In short, investing in rental car insurance can be a cost-effective choice in case of unforeseen events.

View from the back seat of a vintage yellow Land Rover driving on a dirt track in the Azores, showing the driver at the wheel, the sparse analogue dashboard, and the spare tyre mounted on the bonnet visible through the windscreen — Some of the best roads in the Azores aren't paved — a 4x4 opens up the islands considerably.

4. Azores Weather: Expect the Unexpected

When renting a car in the Azores, it's wise to be prepared for the unexpected, particularly regarding the weather. The islands' rich greenery owes much to frequent rainfall, which can be heavy and sudden. Additionally, the Azores often experience storms, strong winds, and regular fog. These weather conditions require extra care and caution while driving, especially for those who are not overly confident drivers or unfamiliar with the island's roads and terrain. Fortunately, while the Azores' weather can shift quickly to rain, wind, and fog, it can also clear up just as rapidly, giving way to sunny days. If you encounter bad weather while driving, the best approach is to reduce your speed or safely pull over and wait for conditions to improve for safe travel.

Psst: Did you know that you can monitor the weather across all the Azores Islands? While traveling in the Azores, consider downloading the "Spotazores" app. It offers live webcam feeds from the islands, helping you make informed decisions based on your preferred weather conditions.

A straight black road leading toward the Capelinhos lighthouse and the red-brown volcanic cone on Faial Island, with green vegetation on both sides giving way to bare volcanic landscape, and the Atlantic Ocean visible beyond — The road to Capelinhos ends at one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Azores

5. You May Need an International Driver's Permit

In the Azores, the typical minimum age for renting a car is 18 years, though this can vary with different rental companies, and higher rates may apply for drivers under 25. A valid driver's license is essential, and for non-EU visitors, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your national driver's license is recommended, particularly if it's not in Portuguese or English. Additionally, certain car rental companies might require that you have had your driver’s license for a minimum period, usually one or two years.

Aerial view of a single dark car driving on a narrow road flanked by hedgerows, cutting diagonally through bright green Azorean pasture land — Roads in the Azores are mostly narrow, mostly green, and mostly empty

6. Be Sure to Fill Your Car with the Right Kind of Gas

For travelers, particularly from North America, it's important to note that many cars in Europe, including the Azores, use diesel fuel. When renting a car, make sure to inquire about the type of fuel it requires. Filling up with the wrong fuel can be costly. Thankfully, most rental cars have a sticker indicating the correct fuel type, and gas station pumps are marked, making it easier to avoid mistakes.

7. Google Maps and Waze Coverage is Very Good

Navigating the Azores is straightforward with road signs, making it often unnecessary to depend on Google Maps or other map applications. However, it's reassuring to know that these apps work throughout the islands, providing an added layer of convenience. All major attractions and popular tourist spots in the Azores are well-marked on these platforms, so if you ever feel uncertain about your location, you can easily check your maps app to find out exactly where you are.

Aerial view of a white car on a winding road hugging the shoreline of a deep blue crater lake on São Miguel, with dense conifer forest between the road and the water and green pasture on the slopes above — The road around the crater lakes of São Miguel is one of the best drives in the Azores — the lake fills your windscreen the whole way round.

8. Parking Tips for Travelers

In most parts of the Azores, especially outside major cities like Ponta Delgada and Ribeira Grande on São Miguel Island, parking is typically free. When you do need to pay, like in Ponta Delgada, it's affordable at about 0.60 euros per hour, and it's completely free on Sundays. If you're renting a car and planning to stay in Ponta Delgada, it's a good idea to choose a hotel that offers parking facilities for added convenience.

Elevated view over Ponta Delgada city centre on São Miguel, showing the black and white clock tower of Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, the main square below, terracotta-roofed buildings, and the harbour and marina visible in the background — Ponta Delgada is the main entry point for most visitors to the Azores

9. Speed Limits and Road Rules

Speed limits in the Azores follow standard Portuguese and EU regulations:

50 km/h in urban areas
90 km/h on rural roads
100 km/h on expressways (where available)

Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. Speed cameras are in operation on the main roads of São Miguel and Terceira. Penalties for violations are enforced and can be issued to rental car drivers.

One thing to know: many mountain roads on the interior of the islands have very tight hairpin bends with poor visibility. Horn use before blind corners is common practice among locals.

A car's wing mirror in sharp focus reflecting a straight open road receding through green and golden Azorean hillside landscape under an overcast sky, with another car visible in the distance — The roads of São Miguel don't have much traffic — just rolling hills, the occasional cow, and whatever's behind you in the mirror.

10. Taking Your Rental Car on the Ferry Between Islands

If you're planning a multi-island trip, you can take your rental car on the inter-island ferries operated by Atlanticoline. This is one of the most popular ways to explore the Triangle Islands (Faial, Pico, and São Jorge), where the crossings are short and the ferry schedules are reliable in summer.

Important: You must inform your rental car company in advance and confirm that inter-island transport is permitted under your rental agreement. Not all companies allow it, and some charge an additional fee. Book ferry crossings early in summer — car spaces sell out.

Madalena harbour on Pico Island, with fishing boats and sailing vessels moored at the pier, Mount Pico's volcanic cone partially hidden by clouds rising steeply behind, and the green coastal slopes of the island stretching to the right — The Faial-Pico ferry takes 30 minutes and carries cars — the easiest inter-island drive in the Azores, with Mount Pico filling the windscreen on the way in.

FAQ Section

Frequently Asked Questions: Renting a Car in the Azores

Do I need a car in the Azores? Yes, for most visitors a rental car is essential. Public transport is limited on all islands, and many of the best viewpoints, beaches, and hiking trailheads are only accessible by road. A car gives you the freedom to follow your own schedule and reach spots that tour buses never stop at.

What side of the road do they drive on in the Azores? The right side, the same as mainland Portugal and most of continental Europe. Drivers from the US, Canada, and mainland Europe will find it immediately familiar.

Do I need an International Driver's Permit for the Azores? Non-EU visitors are recommended to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence, particularly if the licence is not in Portuguese or English. US and Canadian licences are generally accepted, but an IDP removes any ambiguity.

Is it easy to drive in the Azores? Yes, relative to most European destinations. Traffic is light, roads are well signposted, and Google Maps and Waze work reliably across all islands. The main things to watch for are narrow mountain roads with tight bends and occasional fog in higher elevations.

Are automatic cars available to rent in the Azores? Yes, but they are less common than manual transmission vehicles and tend to book out early, especially in summer. Book as far in advance as possible if you need an automatic.

Can I take a rental car on the ferry between islands? Yes, on most inter-island ferry routes operated by Atlanticoline — but you must confirm this with your rental company before booking. Car spaces on ferries must be reserved separately and in advance.

How much does it cost to rent a car in the Azores? Prices vary by season and vehicle type. Our packages include a rental car as part of the overall price, with no need to negotiate separately with local providers — all covered and confirmed before you travel.

Aerial view of the narrow causeway road separating the two crater lakes of Sete Cidades on São Miguel, with the green Lagoa Verde on the left, cars on the road, dense forested crater walls rising behind, and the village and farmland visible on the far shore — The road between the two lakes at Sete Cidades is less than 200 metres wide — green water on one side, blue on the other, depending on the light.

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