Car hire on the Azores: what to know first
A rental car is the simplest way to reach the crater lakes, the villages and the viewpoints on São Miguel. The lakes of Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo and Furnas lie in separate places, so a car saves a lot of waiting. If you prefer not to drive, Azores day tours cover the main sights.
Rental conditions differ by company. Companies typically ask for a minimum age of 21 to 25 years, a licence held for more than a year and proof of identity. Check age, young driver rules and any deposit in your contract before you pay.
Compare rental car prices at Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) for your drives on São Miguel on Economybookings.com.
Our picks: tours without a car
If you would rather not drive, these days take you to the west and to Furnas with a driver. The Sete Cidades day is the longest, and the Furnas drive suits a tight schedule.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Furnas and tea plantation with traditional lunch
- Traditional lunch
- Pickup in three towns
- Max. 8 per van
An eight-hour day by minivan with a certified driver-guide. Ask before booking whether any bath or garden entry is part of your date.
Check availability →
Furnas crater and hot springs by car
- Certified local guide
- Live commentary
- All transport
A four- to five-hour guided drive with commentary, handy with limited time or on arrival by ship. Baths and entries are not part of the listed extras, so ask what you pay on site.
Check availability →
Sete Cidades and Fire Lake full day
- Pineapple plantation visit
- Local guide
- Small groups
A seven- to eight-hour day through the west of the island, bookable with or without lunch. The lake views depend on cloud, so a clear forecast helps.
Check availability →Tours if you prefer not to drive
Guided day trips and activities across São Miguel, with live prices and availability.
Car rental São Miguel Azores: rules of the road
General limits for cars in Portugal.
| Road type | Car limit |
|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h |
| Normal roads | 90 km/h |
| Expressways | 100 km/h |
| Motorways | 120 km/h |
Traffic drives on the right, seat belts are required and you may use a phone only with a permitted hands-free system. Traffic inside a roundabout has priority. Local signs and the road category always decide, and not every island has every road type. For most visitors, the 50 and 90 km/h limits are the ones that matter on São Miguel.
Crater lakes, parking and the airport
Where a car helps and where rules apply.
Lagoa do Fogo
The lake is part of a nature reserve. The 2026 summer shuttle began on 1 August, and the road up to the lake is restricted for ordinary visitor cars while it runs. Seasons and rules change, so check the current access before you plan to drive up. Do not assume you can take your rental car to the lake all day.
São Miguel guide →Sete Cidades
The twin lakes and the crater rim are another separate stop. The rim walk from Vista do Rei is a linear route of 7.5 km, so you need a plan to return to your car.
Sete Cidades guide →Parking in Ponta Delgada
The covered car park at Portas do Mar has 200 spaces. Check fees and time limits on site, and do the same for street parking.
Ponta Delgada guide →Picking up at the airport
Ponta Delgada Airport (PDL) is less than 3 km from the centre. Read the airport guide for transfers and taxis.
Car hire Terceira and other islands
Rent where you plan to drive.
If you add Terceira, you can rent a car after you land at TER and visit Angra do Heroísmo, the sea pools at Biscoitos and the lava caves. Gruta do Natal costs €9 and is open on set hours that change by season. Algar do Carvão is due to close from 1 November 2026, so check its status for your dates. See the Terceira guide.
Do not assume a rental car can travel between islands by ferry. The ferry price for a vehicle does not include the driver's ticket, and your rental contract decides whether the car may leave the island. For most trips, rent a car on each island where you need one. The itinerary page shows how many islands fit in a week.
Plan the rest of your trip
Pages that go with your rental.
Car hire Azores: frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to rent a car?
Companies typically ask for 21 to 25 years and a licence held for more than a year. There is no single age for all companies, so check your contract.
Which side of the road do they drive on?
On the right. Seat belts are required, and traffic inside a roundabout has priority.
What are the speed limits?
For cars, 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on normal roads, 100 km/h on expressways and 120 km/h on motorways. Local signs apply first.
Can I drive to Lagoa do Fogo?
The 2026 summer shuttle began on 1 August, and the road for ordinary cars is restricted while it runs. Check the current rules before you go.
Can I take a rental car on the ferry?
Do not assume so. The vehicle fare is separate from the driver's ticket, and your rental contract decides whether the car can leave the island.