Car Rental in Ponta Delgada
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The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 15:42 on 2020-11-27. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Travel Information
Language
Portuguese
Currency
EUR
Country code
351
Traffic direction
Right-hand
Speed limit out of town
90 - 100 km/h
56 - 62 mi/h
Speed limit within town
50 km/h
31 mi/h
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Why rent a car in Ponta Delgada?
Ponta Delgada is a great place for renting a car. Not only is it a great place from where to start to explore the rest of São Miguel island, it also a fascinating city in its own right and has lots to offer.
Top ways to enter Ponta Delgada
- Ponta Delgada Airport: Also known as João Paulo II Airport, it handles about two million travelers per year. The airport has flights by eight different airlines, including low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Norwegian Air, and offers flights to such varied destinations as London, Brussels, Geneva, Boston, and Montreal. Ponta Delgada Airport is 5km (3.1 miles) northwest of the Ponta Delgada city center and takes about eight minutes to reach.
- By sea: There is a frequent ferry service connecting Ponta Delgada to other islands of the Azores like Santa Maria and Terceira. Most rental car providers permit bringing a rental car on board, but you should still make sure in advance. Also, ask your rental car provider if they permit you to bring the rental car on a ferry. If you’re arriving in Ponta Delgada by ferry, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at the Ponta Delgada Port.
Useful city facts
- Ponta Delgada has a Mediterranean climate, albeit with strong subtropical and oceanic influences. Like the rest of the Azores, the island of São Miguel is nearly halfway between Europe and North America and also close to the continent of Africa. The island has very warm, relatively dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The average high temperature is 25.3 °C (77.5 °F) in August, the hottest month, and 16.6 °C (61.9 °F) in January, the coolest.
- With a population of nearly 70,000, Ponta Delgada is by far the largest city not only on São Miguel, but in all of the Azores (nearly 30% of all the archipelago’s population live here). Established in the 15th century as a fishing settlement, Ponta Delgada grew steadily and was an important maritime outpost of the Portuguese Empire.
Top destinations and activities
- Carlos Machado Museum. One of the main indoor attractions in Azores, this museum features natural discoveries made by Portuguese explorers, impressive religious art, and different exhibitions related to the history of the islands. The museum is located in a former convent and still has an impressive wooden altar.
- Arnel Lighthouse. Located at the Ponta do Arnel, the easternmost point of the island, this impressive lighthouse on a cliff is one of the most impressive places in São Miguel. It is a challenge to reach it, but those who persevere will be rewarded with truly magical ocean views. Located some 45km (28 miles) from Ponta Delgada, the lighthouse can be reached in 40 minutes.
- Whale watching. European countries like Norway, Iceland, and Ireland are famous for their whale watching tours, but the Azores, located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, offer just as good, if not better, opportunities to see these magnificent creatures. Sperm whales, blue whales, and humpback whales, as well as bottlenose and spotted dolphins are frequent visitors of the Azores. The whale watching season typically lasts from April to early October. There are many whale watching tours in Ponta Delgada and the rest of São Miguel that you can join, but keep in mind that it’s a good idea to book your place in advance.
Traffic and parking tips
- You can only enter the roundabout after giving way to cars already on it.
- The car documentation and insurance always has to be inside a vehicle.
- Drivers can only use a mobile phone if it is a hands free or an earpiece.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.2 for novice drivers.
- Safety cameras are in use.
- When parking in 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 site toll road site for maps and fees.
Ideas for a day-trip
For more about traveling around the Azores Islands with a rental car, check out our complete guide.
- Lagoa das Sete Cidades. Home to beautiful twin lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde (or the green lake and the blue lakes), Sete Cidades is a crater and a volcanic complex. Surrounded by impressive mountains, it offers great views of the rest of the island and is one of the most popular tourism attractions on São Miguel. Located in the northwestern part of the island, Sete Cidades is about 50km (31 miles) from Ponta Delgada and takes 50 minutes to reach.
- Lagoa da Fogo. Also known as the Lake of Fire, this volcanic reservoir is even higher up in the mountains than Sete Cidades. Perhaps the most Azores place imaginable, Lagoa de Fogo will fill you with a sense of awe (and your camera with awe-inspiring photos). Located some 33km (20 miles), by road, from Ponta Delgada, the lake can be reached in some 30 minutes.
- Ponta da Ferraria. Located in the northwestern part of the island, the cove of Ponta da Ferraria is the location of famous hot springs. Visited by locals for centuries, it is best visited during a low tide. The water temperature in the springs often reaches and even exceeds 30º C (86 F). The cove is located near a popular spa center. Ponta da Ferraria is 48km (30 miles) from Ponta Delgada and can be reached in about 50 minutes.
Most popular rental types and cars
The most popular rental car in the Azores is the VW Polo, but travelers also pick the Ford Fiesta and the Fiat 500 a lot. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.
Further destinations
- Santa Maria. The southernmost of the Azores islands and the one closest to São Miguel, Santa Maria is a relaxed, sparsely populated place. Warmer and more dry than the rest of the Azores, this island of picturesque nature and quaint villages is a great place for a slow, enjoyable holiday.
- Terceira. The island of Terceira is best-known as the location of Angra do Heroismo. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic town is home to probably more man-made landmarks and impressive buildings than the rest of the Azores combined. Nature lovers should be excited, too - Terceira is home to truly fascinating volcanic caves.
- Pico. The small island of Pico is named after Mount Pico, the highest point in all of Portugal. An ancient volcano that dominates the landscape, it offers mind-blowing views of the rest of the island and the ocean from the top (it is possible to climb the mountain, but you’ll need to pay a fee of 15-20 euros; it is possible to join a tour and go with a guide).
Car Rental Prices in Ponta Delgada
- Convertibles - from $73 per day
- Station wagons - from $47 per day
- Large cars - from $51 per day
- Medium cars - from $47 per day
- People Carriers/Vans - from $79 per day
- Premium cars - from $107 per day
- Small cars - from $18 per day
- SUVs - from $70 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
There are ways get a good rental car deal in Ponta Delgada:
- Compare 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 on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Ponta Delgada is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 44% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 67% cheaper than renting a car in July.
Top 8 Cities near Ponta Delgada
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Praia da Vitoria Car Rentals from $4.85 per day168.5 km / 104.7 miles away
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Vila do Porto Car Rentals from $12.54 per day96.2 km / 59.8 miles away
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Madalena Car Rentals from $12.54 per day259.1 km / 161.0 miles away
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Angra do Heroismo Car Rentals from $5.02 per day168.5 km / 104.7 miles away
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Horta Car Rentals from $19.98 per day280.6 km / 174.3 miles away
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Santa Cruz das Flores Car Rentals from $12.54 per day511.8 km / 318.0 miles away
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Velas Car Rentals from $12.54 per day242.3 km / 150.6 miles away
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Furnas Car Rentals from $11.13 per day31.1 km / 19.3 miles away
Top 12 Locations near Ponta Delgada
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Ponta Delgada Port Car Rentals from $3.07 per day
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Ponta Delgada Delivery Car Rentals from $6.44 per day0.9 km / 0.6 miles away
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Ponta Delgada Airport Car Rentals from $2.32 per day2.9 km / 1.8 miles away
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Santa Maria Airport Car Rentals from $12.54 per day96.2 km / 59.8 miles away
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Lajes Air Base Terceira Car Rentals from $4.85 per day168.5 km / 104.7 miles away
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Angra do Heroismo Airport Car Rentals from $5.02 per day168.5 km / 104.7 miles away
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Sao Jorge Airport Car Rentals from $12.54 per day242.3 km / 150.6 miles away
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Velas Harbour Car Rentals from $12.54 per day245.2 km / 152.3 miles away
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Pico Airport Car Rentals from $12.54 per day259.1 km / 161.0 miles away
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Horta Port Car Rentals from $19.98 per day273.6 km / 170.0 miles away
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Horta Airport Car Rentals from $19.98 per day280.6 km / 174.3 miles away
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Santa Cruz das Flores Airport Car Rentals from $12.54 per day511.8 km / 318.0 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
Which is the cheapest month to rent a car in Ponta Delgada?
Car rental prices in Ponta Delgada vary a lot according to the time of year. This graph compares month-to-month price changes to help you find the best offer.
Average Rental Price in Ponta Delgada
The best month to rent a car in Ponta Delgada is November (when prices for an Economy class start from $20.36). This is 44% cheaper than the yearly average and 70% cheaper than renting in July (when rental prices start at $67.24 for a Compact class). Knowing this can help you find the best price.
What’s the usual rental length in Ponta Delgada?
Travel lengths vary from month to month: in May, travelers rent a car for an average of 7 days in September, the average rental period is 4 days.
Average Rental Length in Ponta Delgada
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Ponta Delgada?
While travelers visit Ponta Delgada year-round, the most popular month for renting a car is March, and the least popular is June.
Popularity of Car Rental in Ponta Delgada by Monthly Searches
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ilha Verde | Renault Twingo | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Ilha Verde | Ford Fiesta | 4 | 3 | Small cars |
| Wayzor | VW Up | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Wayzor | Opel Corsa | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Goldcar | Fiat Panda | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Wayzor | VW Polo | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Wayzor | VW Polo | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Goldcar | Opel Corsa | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Ilha Verde | Hyundai i10 | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| Goldcar | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
Our Customers Reviews
VL
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Up
November 3, 2020
If you are planning to visit different spots and see as much of São Miguel as possible, which is the point after all, definitely rent a car. If you are planning to stay in Ponta Delgada only, for a couple of days then there is no point as you can get anywhere you need to get by just walking there or take a taxi.
MR
United Kingdom
Renault Twingo
March 3, 2020
Difficult to get around the island unless you have a car.
BG
Canada
Ford Fiesta
February 18, 2020
Awesome island to drive on. Switchbacks, major ups and downs. Its like driving on a go cart track. Can vacation here without a car but why would you want to. Driving is 60% of the fun
BW
Canada
Ford Fiesta
October 23, 2019
Driving was very good if you can handle narrow, and mountainous roads. Road conditions were excellent, parking was easily available everywhere, other drivers were very good and courteous. I loved driving on the island.
CM
Canada
Opel Corsa 2017
October 11, 2019
Incredibly easy to drive and get around, great road signage, very little traffic, beautiful area, I would absolutely return
MP
Slovenia
VW Up
October 10, 2019
The island is amazing and beautiful, but a 1.0l engine struggles on the uphils
LR
United States of America (USA)
Fiat Panda
October 7, 2019
Roads are VERY narrow in Ponta Delgada and surroundings, you are much better off with a SMALL car, larger vehicles are way too difficult to maneuver and WILL get scratched!!
TS
Slovenia
VW Up
September 26, 2019
It is a "must" to rent a car at Sao Miguel island in order to spend your time in efficient way.
JB
Canada
VW Polo TSI
September 22, 2019
Just an amazing island one we are thinking of returning in late February and booking a car with your company. Can we book a car for 4 different island and if so how do we do that.
SC
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
September 19, 2019
The main roads around the island are brand new & not busy in September.
The old coast road is more interesting but slower.
The roads in the towns & villages can get quite narrow, best to tuck your wing mirrors in.
SA
United States of America (USA)
VW Polo
September 17, 2019
Renting a car and driving around the island is the best way to see it.
MK
Canada
Peugeot 208
September 16, 2019
My experience renting the car was very positive.
SF
United Kingdom
Renault Twingo
August 30, 2019
Car is essential in São Miguel if you want to make the most of your Holidays there. Roads are impecable and you can see a lot in one day. Just driving around the island is a pleasure for the senses!
CM
Canada
VW Polo TSI
August 26, 2019
lots of traffic and very narrow streets
SV
Italy
VW Polo TSI
August 20, 2019
This car rental service was very efficient and I really suggest it. Simone
NR
Portugal
Fiat Panda
August 18, 2019
Very important notice: there are very steep seconday roads where you will need a car with a good engine. Small cheaper cars are not advised and can even be dangerous.
AV
Canada
Volkswagen Up
July 29, 2019
For the most part, locals are patient so don't be afraid. Yes, they drive crazy but I'm sure you do that in the comfort of your home country. Learn the meaning of their road signs. Enjoy! It is a little paradise.
BW
United Kingdom
Ford Fiesta
July 22, 2019
A car is essential for getting to the off the beaten track places and for general convenience, and the driving is easy.
We did meet various people using the local buses which would be a good option if based in PDG and you're looking for a slower more adventurous pace of life.
AF
New Zealand
Skoda Citigo
July 20, 2019
Ponta Delgada is a lovely town and the island is easy to drive around and visit. Our favourite place is Mosteiros with the beautiful coastline, lovely natural swimming pools and wonderful sunsets.
MM
Slovakia
Peugeot 208
July 18, 2019
sao miguel is perfect place also for family holidays. i was suprised about warm weather and ocean.
Top 14 Suppliers in Ponta Delgada in 2020
Interrent
+351914348755 / +351211451381
Área de serviço 2° Circular, Alameda de Belém, 9500-353
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:59
Tue:07:00-23:59
Wed:07:00-23:59
Thu:07:00-23:59
Fri:07:00-23:59
Sat:07:00-23:59
Sun:07:00-23:59
SIXT
+351255788199
Aeroporto João Paulo Segundo, 9500-749 Ponta Delgada
Ilha Verde
+351296304858
Solmar Avenida Center - Lj 14 r/c - 9504-529 Ponta Delgada
Alamo
+351936890727
JOAO PAULO II AIRPORT, APARTADO 704
Enterprise
+351936890727
JOAO PAULO II AIRPORT, APARTADO 704
Europcar
+351296304858
Av.Infante D.Henrique Centro Comercial Solmar,14-R/C
Guerin
+351296306777
Aeroporto Joao Paulo II, 9500-749 Ponta Delgada
Working hours
Mon:07:00-20:00
Tue:07:00-20:00
Wed:07:00-20:00
Thu:07:00-20:00
Fri:07:00-20:00
Sat:07:00-20:00
Sun:07:00-20:00
Avis
351296304858
Av Infante D Henrique Centro Comercial Solmar 14 Rc
Working hours
Mon:08:00-19:00
Tue:08:00-19:00
Wed:08:00-19:00
Thu:08:00-19:00
Fri:08:00-19:00
Sat:08:00-19:00
Sun:08:00-19:00
Wayzor
+351296301805 / +351296301801
Rua de Lisboa, Edifício Varela - R/C, 9500-216 Ponta Delgada
Working hours
Mon:09:00-18:00
Tue:09:00-18:00
Wed:09:00-18:00
Thu:09:00-18:00
Fri:09:00-18:00
Sat:09:00-18:00
Sun:09:00-18:00
Alamo
936890727
Joao Paulo Ii Airport
Working hours
Mon:07:00-23:59
Tue:07:00-23:59
Wed:07:00-23:59
Thu:07:00-23:59
Fri:07:00-23:59
Sat:07:00-23:59
Sun:07:00-23:59
Economy rent a car
+351296205340
Joao Paulo II Airport, PDL
Working hours
Mon:05:00-23:59
Tue:05:00-23:59
Wed:05:00-23:59
Thu:05:00-23:59
Fri:05:00-23:59
Sat:05:00-23:59
Sun:05:00-23:59
Ace Rent a car
+351964862663 / +18778223872
Canto Prestes Cima, 77, 9500-702 Ponta Delgada
Working hours
Mon:00:00-23:59
Tue:00:00-23:59
Wed:00:00-23:59
Thu:00:00-23:59
Fri:00:00-23:59
Sat:00:00-23:59
Sun:00:00-23:59
Goldcar
+34965233425 / 351914348755
749 São Miguel
Rhodium
+351211451595
Área de serviço 2° Circular, Alameda de Belém, 9500-353
Working hours
Mon:07:00-00:00
Tue:07:00-00:00
Wed:07:00-00:00
Thu:07:00-00:00
Fri:07:00-00:00
Sat:07:00-00:00
Sun:07:00-00:00