Car Rental in Horta

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Horta, Portugal - Azores Islands
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700+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Horta Airport
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
Fiat 500
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Auto Turistica Faialense
$15.16 per day
Horta Port
Mini Elite
Fiat Panda or similar
Fiat Panda
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Autatlantis
$20.78 per day
Horta Port
Economy
Renault Clio or similar
Renault Clio
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Ilha Verde
$20.81 per day
Downtown
Compact
Fiat Tipo or similar
Fiat Tipo
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
$87.26 per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Horta Port
Intermediate Crossover
Nissan Qashqai or similar
Nissan Qashqai
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Man.
Ilha Verde
$46.48 per day
Downtown
Standard Van
VW Transporter or similar
VW Transporter
  • 9
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Europcar
$112.97 per day
Horta Airport
Full-size Van
Opel Vivaro or similar
Opel Vivaro
  • 9
  • 4
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Man.
Auto Turistica Faialense
$151.68 per day
Horta Port
Mini
Renault Twingo or similar
Renault Twingo
  • 4
  • 1
  • 3
  • A/C
  • Man.
Ilha Verde
$16.25 per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 10:37 AM on 11/4/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
Portuguese
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+351
Average car rental price
$59 per day
Average car rental length
3 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
80 - 100 km/h or 50 - 62 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
8.6 / 10
Average gas price
$1.75 per liter or $6.62 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.53 per liter or $5.79 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.80 per liter or $6.82 per gallon

Why rent a car in Horta?

Faial, one of the nine Azores Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, is a fascinating place to visit.  It’s known as the “blue island” thanks to its numerous hydrangeas flowers that border its rural roads, making a road trip on Faial especially scenic. Although the island is so small you can travel from one end to the other in less than one hour, there’s plenty to see and do, from impressive volcanic landscapes and vast protected areas to doing water sports or even going on a whale-watching tour. 

Horta

One-Way Car Rentals in Horta

The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Horta and drop off in another city include:

  • From Horta to Ponta Delgada - 3 offers from $63.77 per day

Top ways to enter Horta

  • Horta Airport: A small and cozy international airport, Horta-Faial served nearly 250,000 travelers in 2018. As of August 2019, the airport is served by two airlines, Azores Airlines and SATA Air Açores. They offer flights to and from the other Azores Islands as well as Portugal’s capital Lisbon. The airport is located near the village of Castelo Branco, about 8km (5 miles) west of Horta and which can be reached in ten minutes.
  • By ferry: It is possible to fly to another international airport on one of the nearby Azores Islands and then take a ferry to Faial. Some of the islands are directly connected to Faial while from others, you might need to take two ferries. Some airports near Faial include Pico Airport on Pico, São Jorge Airport on São Jorge, Lajes Airport on Terceira, Flores Airport on Ilha das Flores, and Ponta Delgada João Paulo II Airport on São Miguel. It’s important to look up the ferry schedules in advance as the services are much more frequent during the spring and summer months.

City facts

  • Like the rest of the Azores Islands, Horta has a humid subtropical climate with hot, but tolerable summers, warm winters and little temperature changes between seasons. The average high temperature is 25°C  (77°F) in August, the warmest month, and 16°C  (61°F) in February. Horta is generally considered to be the warmest settlement in the Azores. Summers are relatively dry while winters are quite humid, with the highest precipitation between November and January.
  • With a population of 14,994, Faial is the third-most-populous of the Azores Islands, with about half of its inhabitants living in Horta. The general population of the island has been in  decline for the last 170 years, going from nearly 25,000 in 1849 to 20,000 in 1960; it stabilized to around 15,000 in the 1980s. 
  • Faial is often considered the westernmost point in Europe.. Although Monchique Islet, also part of the Azores, is even further west, it is part of the North American tectonic plate. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Faial is nearly equal distance from Portugal in Mainland Europe, Morocco in Africa, and Newfoundland in North America.

Top sights and activities

  • Horta Marina. One of the nicest seaside areas in all of the Azores, walking around the Horta Marina will reveal everything this small, cozy city has to offer. The marina is a key waypoint for yachts crossing the Atlantic or heading to Cape Verde, so you may see a few sailors and adventurers when you sit down in any of the seafood restaurants and gin bars lining the docks. Be sure to stroll around the marina seawalls to see hundreds of paintings left by boating crews to commemorate their journeys to Horta.
  • Nature Park of Faial. Including about 17% of the island’s territory, the park is a stunning place to visit. Best explored by walking on one of its many hiking paths, the park consists of volcanic landscapes, rugged cliffs and a long, wild coastline. There are many spots that provide amazing views of the rest of the island and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is home to different bird species from common buzzard to different types of shearwaters and goldcrests. With its closest corner located just 10km (6 miles) northwest of Horta, the nature park can be reached in about 15 minutes.
  • Faial Caldera. Part of the Nature Park of Faial, but deserving a special mention, Faial Caldera is the crater of the volcano whose eruption created the island of Faial thousands of years ago. About 2km in diameter and more than 400 m deep, the Caldera volcanic complex is one of the most impressive places in all of the Azores. Visitors can take in its magnificence from an observation desk; if you hire a local guide, you can even head down inside Caldera. Located about 15km (9 miles) from Horta, Caldera can be reached in about 20 minutes. Be sure to check weather reports before going, as clouds can get trapped inside the caldera on some days, obscuring the views if you’re unlucky.

Traffic and parking

  • You can only enter the roundabout after giving way to cars already in it.
  • The car’s documentation and proof of insurance always has to be inside the vehicle.
  • Drivers can only use a mobile phone if it is hands-free or has an earpiece.
  • The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.2 for novice drivers.
  • Road safety cameras are in use.
  • When parking on a street, your car must be parked facing the direction of travel.

Toll roads

There are no toll roads on São Miguel, but some motorways are subject to fees on mainland Portugal. See the official toll road website for maps and fees.

Ideas for day trips

  • Capelinhos Volcano. A volcano with more recent activity than the Caldera, Capelinhos last erupted in 1957. Lasting for more than 13 months, the eruption even created a tiny new island off the western coast of Faial. Nowadays, visitors can take in the primeval landscape as well as visit sites like the Ponta dos Capelinhos lighthouse and the Volcanic Interpretation Center which explains the geology and tectonic activity behind the eruptions. Located 23km (14.2 miles) northwest of Horta, Capelinhos can be reached in about 30 minutes.
  • Castelo Branco. A parish, a village, and a nature preserve, Castelo Branco is one of the most visited places on Faial. The area is as known for its crafts and folklore as it is for its splendid beaches and Morro, the impressive coastal cliff. Castelo Branco is on the southwest coast of the island, just a 15-minute drive from Horta.
  • Scuba diving. The Azores have truly magnificent landscapes, but the underwater life of the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds them is just as interesting. The island of Faial is usually considered to be one of the best places for scuba diving in the Azores and has great opportunities for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Many companies that offer diving tours are located in or near the Horta Marina area. 
  • Whale watching. For centuries, whaling was of the main occupations for the inhabitants of Faial, offering them a way to survive in the harsh conditions of the mid-Atlantic. Nowadays, the hunting has stopped, but the large animals continue to frequently visit the waters that surround the island. A number of companies based in Horta offer boat trips to go and see the whales up close, a highlight of any trip to the Azores. The best months for watching the whales in Faial are April and May. 

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Horta is the Renault Clio, followed by the Peugeot 208 and the Ford Fiesta. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Further destinations

  • Pico. The landscape of Pico, an island to the southwest of Faial, is dominated by Mount Pico. 2,351 mi (7,713 ft) tall, the volcano is the highest mountain not only in the Azores, but in all of Portugal. The mountain and its surroundings is a fascinating  area to explore. Climbing down to the coast, travelers can also enjoy the cute town of Madalena, beautiful vineyards, and a good number of museums.
  • Graciosa. Also known as the White Island, Graciosa is a picturesque place where coastal cliffs, volcanoes, and windmills are part of the same landscape. Meanwhile, architecture lovers will appreciate the Lighthouse of Carapacho and the church of Nossa Senhora de Luz. One of the smallest of the Azores islands, it is also one of the least visited, so you’ll have plenty of space just for yourself. 
  • Sao Miguel.  Sao Miguel is the largest of the Azores islands and an entry or exit point for most of the visitors. A trip to the archipelago is incomplete without seeing the island. Those craving some civilization will appreciate Ponta Delgada, the island’s capital and the only real city in the Azores, while nature lovers will enjoy hiking among mountains, valleys, and hot springs. In the town of Furnas, foodies can try a local stew cooked on the thermal energy coming from an active volcano.
  • São Jorge. Rather long and very narrow, the island of São Jorge is characterized by its dramatic coastal cliffs. These make for great hiking (although you have to be careful when going off marked paths) and stunning views of the ocean below. Located to the northeast of Faial, to the north of Pico, and to the west of Terceira, it is notably less busy than these other three islands and can also serve as a bridge between them for those travelers choosing to go by ferry (see more information below).

Note: It is possible to take a ferry from Faial to Pico, Sao Jorge, Graciosa, Flores, São Miguel, and other islands in the Azores, but it’s important to look up the ferry schedule and book tickets in advance - some routes are not active during the winter months, so you might need to either fly or take connecting ferry rides. The ferry from Faial to Pico takes just 30 minutes and goes year-round, making these two islands the easiest to combine in one itinerary.

While it is possible to bring a car on some ferries, many rental car providers won’t permit it, so it’s important to ask them in advance. A better plan can be to drop off your car in Faial, go as a passenger, and then pick up a new rental car at the port of your destination.

Car rental prices in Horta

  • Convertibles - from $30 per day
  • Station wagons - from $32 per day
  • Medium cars - from $27 per day
  • Vans - from $53 per day
  • Small cars - from $15 per day
  • SUVs - from $39 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these simple tips to get a good rental car in Horta:

  • Compare the rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Horta is the cheapest in October when renting a car is about 60% cheaper than the yearly average. Come visit Faial in early autumn!
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Marek Bron
Fact checked and updated by Marek Bron. Living a life of travel for over 10 years, Marek Bron shares independent travel guides from around the world. You can check out his blog Indie Traveller or follow his latest adventures on YouTube.

Top 7 cities near Horta

  1. 24.2 km / 15 miles away
  2. 49.7 km / 30.9 miles away
  3. 131 km / 81.4 miles away
  4. 143.7 km / 89.3 miles away
  5. 233.2 km / 144.9 miles away
  6. 279.8 km / 173.9 miles away
  7. 356.1 km / 221.3 miles away

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Horta?

Car rental prices in Horta vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Horta
$25.70
January
$29.45
February
$27.29
March
$41.53
April
$55.34
May
$75.53
June
$98.33
July
$97.93
August
$60.03
September
$32.68
October
$30.16
November
$27.82
December
The cheapest month to rent a car in Horta is January (when prices average $25.70 per day). This is 49% cheaper than the yearly average and 74% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $98.33).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the usual rental length in Horta?

How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in July, the average renter keeps their car for 4 days, and in December, they keep their car for 2 days.
Average number of rental days in Horta
3
January
3
February
3
March
3
April
3
May
3
June
4
July
3
August
3
September
4
October
4
November
2
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Horta?

Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Horta is August, and the least popular is February.
Monthly searches in Horta by pick-up date relative to the average
31%
January
24%
February
37%
March
75%
April
75%
May
125%
June
175%
July
312%
August
162%
September
101%
October
49%
November
33%
December

Car rental information

Car rental locations 3
Airport locations 1
Popular suppliers Ilha Verde, Auto Turistica Faialense, Autatlantis, Wayzor, Thrifty
Popular car categories Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Vans
Lowest price $15 per day
Cheapest supplier Auto Turistica Faialense

Most popular car models of rental suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Ilha Verde Renault Twingo 3 1 Small cars
Ilha Verde Renault Clio 5 2 Small cars
Auto Turistica Faialense Citroën C3 5 2 Small cars
Autatlantis Toyota Yaris 4 1 Small cars
Ilha Verde Hyundai i10 5 1 Small cars
Autatlantis Volkswagen Up 5 1 Small cars
Wayzor Citroen C3 5 2 Small cars
Wayzor Volkswagen Polo 5 1 Small cars
Auto Turistica Faialense Fiat Panda 5 1 Small cars
Auto Turistica Faialense Fiat 500 3 1 Small cars

FAQ

Can I take a rental car on a ferry to other islands?
No, rental companies don't allow their cars to be taken on ferries. You'll have to rent a different car on each island you travel to.
How old do I have to be to rent a car in Horta?
You have to be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Horta. Keep in mind that if you're under 25, you'll likely be charged an additional young driver fee.
Are there any tolls on the island of Faial?
No, there are no toll roads on the island, nor are there any on any of the Azores Islands.
Where's the best place to pick up a rental car in Horta?
The best place to pick up a rental car is at Horta Airport. This is how most visitors arrive on the islands and where most rental companies have offices. If you're arriving by ferry, though, you can pick up a car at the port (or have it delivered there).

Our customers' reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Spain
Nissan Qashqai
8/13/24
Restaurants and bars are not as good as they seem. People of the shops/ cafes/ hotels is not so nice
Canada
Renault Clio Sport Tourer
6/15/24
We drove all around the island
Poland
Toyota Aygo
3/25/24
Nice island.
Portugal
Renault Clio
9/1/23
We explored Fail island for 5 days, diving and hiking all over the beautifull island - an unforgettable experience.
Belgium
Renault Twingo
9/1/22
Don't miss Horta and Porto Pim, Capelinhos, the caldeira, Monte Queimado, ... Don't miss breakfast at A Padaria in Porto Pim, and the evening at Oceanic bar and grill.
United States of America (USA)
Renault Twingo
8/5/22
We spent a gorgeous week on Faial Island. The island is beautiful. As our trip was the last week of July, we got to see all the Hydrangeas in bloom.

Car Rental Statistics

Highest-rated company
Autatlantis
8.9 / 10
)
Lowest-rated company
Hertz
7.6 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
17
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$58.92
Lowest daily price
$15.16
Total cars available
147

Top 12 suppliers in Horta in 2024

Autatlantis
Autatlantis
Very good 8.9 / 46 reviews
2 locations
$17 - $63
Wayzor
Wayzor
Very good 8.7 / 56 reviews
2 locations
$22
Auto Turistica Faialense
Auto Turistica Faialense
Very good 8.5 / 148 reviews
3 locations
$15 - $152
Ilha Verde
Ilha Verde
Very good 8.4 / 378 reviews
3 locations
$16 - $65
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8.2
2 locations
Avis
Avis
Good 7.8 / 4 reviews
2 locations
$53
Thrifty
Thrifty
Good 7.8 / 1 review
3 locations
$28 - $36
Keddy
Keddy
Good 7.8
3 locations
Dollar
Dollar
Good 7.7
1 location
Firefly
Firefly
Good 7.7
2 locations
Hertz
Hertz
Good 7.6 / 3 reviews
2 locations
$32 - $41
Europcar
Europcar
Good 7.6 / 2 reviews
3 locations
$45 - $118
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