{"id":1322,"date":"2026-07-07T23:55:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T23:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/?p=1322"},"modified":"2026-07-07T23:58:52","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T23:58:52","slug":"driving-in-the-algarve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/driving-in-the-algarve\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving in the Algarve: The Easy Toll-Free, Stress-Free Guide for Relaxed Driving"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best news about <strong>driving in the Algarve<\/strong> arrives before you have even left the airport car park: as of January 2025 the region&#8217;s main motorway, the A22 Via do Infante, is completely toll free. That single change has quietly made driving in the Algarve easier and cheaper than it has been in over a decade, and it is exactly the kind of practical detail that turns a nervous first-timer into a relaxed explorer. Add wide, well-surfaced roads, clear bilingual signage and car hire from around \u00a39 a day in the quiet season, and you have one of the gentlest introductions to European touring anywhere on the continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide to driving in the Algarve is written for the relaxed driver. Whether you are returning to the wheel after a break, travelling with grandchildren in the back, or simply prefer a calm holiday to a white-knuckle one, the aim here is to answer every honest question you might have about driving in the Algarve, then hand you a short list of gentle routes to start with. No hard sell, no glossing over the parts that need a little care. Just the real picture, so you can book with confidence and enjoy the coast at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-toc\" class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#is-driving-in-the-algarve-easy\">Is driving in the Algarve easy?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#do-you-need-a-car-in-the-algarve\">Do you need a car in the Algarve?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#automatic-or-manual-and-should-you-book-ahead\">Automatic or manual, and should you book ahead?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-are-the-roads-like-in-the-algarve\">What are the roads like in the Algarve?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#are-there-tolls-in-the-algarve\">Are there tolls in the Algarve?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#don-t-worry-if-you-re-a-nervous-driver\">Don&#8217;t worry if you&#8217;re a nervous driver<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#things-to-watch-out-for-when-driving-in-the-algarve\">Things to watch out for when driving in the Algarve<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#can-you-rent-a-car-in-the-algarve-if-you-re-over-70\">Can you rent a car in the Algarve if you&#8217;re over 70?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#where-to-pick-up-your-hire-car-in-the-algarve\">Where to pick up your hire car in the Algarve<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#relaxed-scenic-drives-to-start-with\">Relaxed scenic drives to start with<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions-about-driving-in-the-algarve\">Frequently asked questions about driving in the Algarve<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ready-for-a-relaxed-algarve-drive\">Ready for a relaxed Algarve drive?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-driving-in-the-algarve-easy\">Is driving in the Algarve easy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most visitors, yes. Driving in the Algarve is widely considered one of the more forgiving experiences in southern Europe, and there are concrete reasons why driving in the Algarve feels so manageable. The Algarve is compact, so distances between the main towns are short and journeys rarely feel like a slog. The A22 motorway now runs the length of the region, from the Spanish border in the East to Lagos in the West, without a single toll booth to worry about. Roads are generally in good condition, junctions are well marked, and most signs appear in Portuguese and English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The honest caveat, and every relaxed driver deserves an honest caveat, is the local driving style. Portuguese drivers have a reputation for being assertive: expect the occasional tailgater on the motorway and drivers who overtake with more enthusiasm than you might at home. This sounds alarming written down, but in practice the answer is simple and calming. Stay in the right-hand lane, keep to a comfortable speed, and let faster traffic flow past you. You are on holiday and nobody is timing you. Once you settle into that rhythm, driving in the Algarve becomes genuinely pleasant, and the freedom to reach a quiet cove or a hilltop village on your own schedule is worth every mile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-open-coastal-road-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Calm open coastal road in the Algarve, ideal for relaxed driving and easy touring\" class=\"wp-image-1326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-open-coastal-road-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-open-coastal-road-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-open-coastal-road-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-open-coastal-road-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-open-coastal-road-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-open-coastal-road-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Wide, quiet coastal roads make relaxed driving in the Algarve a pleasure rather than a chore.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\" style=\"margin-bottom:28px;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"do-you-need-a-car-in-the-algarve\">Do you need a car in the Algarve?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not strictly need one, but a car transforms the trip. If you are staying in a single resort town and happy to relax by the pool with the occasional short taxi or Uber ride, you can manage without. Uber is widely available across the main Algarve towns and is far cheaper than in northern Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That said, the Algarve rewards those who explore. Public transport is limited once you leave the main coastal strip, and many of the region&#8217;s finest moments, a hidden beach reached down a quiet lane, a whitewashed inland village, a clifftop viewpoint at Cape St Vincent, are simply not on a bus route. This is where driving in the Algarve earns its place. For relaxed touring, hiring a car in the Algarve gives you the freedom to potter at your own speed, stop when a view catches your eye, and never rush for the last coach back. If your idea of a good holiday involves seeing more than one stretch of sand, a hire car earns its keep quickly, especially once you factor in the saving on airport transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\" style=\"margin-bottom:28px;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"automatic-or-manual-and-should-you-book-ahead\">Automatic or manual, and should you book ahead?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you drive an automatic at home, or you simply want the most relaxed experience possible, book an automatic and book it early. This is the single most useful piece of advice in this guide. Portugal, like most of Europe, runs on manual cars by default, and automatics make up a smaller share of the hire fleet. In the busy summer months they sell out first, and latecomers either pay a premium or find none left at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An automatic removes the one thing that unsettles nervous drivers most: managing a clutch and gears on an unfamiliar hill or at a busy roundabout. With nothing to think about but steering and speed, driving in the Algarve feels immediately calmer. Reserve your automatic as far ahead as you can, ideally the moment your flights are confirmed. Prices for driving in the Algarve start from around \u00a39 a day in the quiet season, though automatics and peak summer dates sit higher, so early booking protects both your choice of car and your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-roads-like-in-the-algarve\">What are the roads like in the Algarve?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The roads fall into three easy-to-understand types, and knowing them takes the mystery out of driving in the Algarve on any journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>A22 (Via do Infante)<\/strong> is the fast, free spine of the region. This is a modern dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, gentle curves and generous slip roads. It is the easiest and quickest way to cover ground between the main towns, and since it lost its tolls it is the natural choice for relaxed drivers who want a smooth, low-stress route. There are no toll gantries to fumble for on the A22 at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>EN125<\/strong> is the older main road that runs parallel to the coast. It is toll free too, passes through towns and villages, and gives you a closer look at everyday Algarve life. It can be busier and slower, particularly near Albufeira in summer, so allow a little extra time and take it steadily. For unhurried driving in the Algarve it is a lovely, scenic alternative to the motorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally there are the <strong>local and village roads<\/strong>. These are where the Algarve shows its charm, but a few are narrow, and old town centres can involve tight, cobbled lanes. The rule here is the calmest one of all: choose a small car, take your time, and if a lane looks too tight, it is always fine to reverse out and find another way. Scratches on hire cars from over-ambitious parking are common, and entirely avoidable at a gentle pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-narrow-town-street-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Narrow whitewashed street in a traditional Algarve town, where a small hire car makes driving easy\" class=\"wp-image-1325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-narrow-town-street-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-narrow-town-street-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-narrow-town-street-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-narrow-town-street-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-narrow-town-street-1536x2048.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In old town centres a small car and an unhurried approach are all you need.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"are-there-tolls-in-the-algarve\">Are there tolls in the Algarve?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not on the roads you will use most. Since 1 January 2025 the A22 Via do Infante, the Algarve&#8217;s main motorway, has been completely toll free along its entire length, from the Spanish border to Lagos. The parallel EN125 has always been toll free. For a holiday spent entirely within the region, you can now drive from Faro Airport to almost anywhere without paying a single toll, which is one of the reasons driving in the Algarve has become noticeably cheaper of late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is one honest exception worth knowing. If you plan to drive north out of the region, for example up to Lisbon, the A2 motorway that links the Algarve to the capital still operates electronic tolls. If you intend to head that way, ask your hire company to fit an electronic toll transponder (often called Via Verde) when you collect the car. It reads the tolls automatically and saves any roadside fumbling. For the vast majority of relaxed Algarve holidays, though, tolls are simply no longer part of the picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"don-t-worry-if-you-re-a-nervous-driver\">Don&#8217;t worry if you&#8217;re a nervous driver<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the idea of driving abroad makes you anxious, you are in good company, and the Algarve is one of the kindest places to ease back into it. A few small choices make driving in the Algarve enormously less daunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Book an automatic, so there is one less thing to manage. Choose the smallest car that suits your luggage, because a compact car is easier to place on narrow roads and slips into tight parking spaces. Pick up your car in the morning when you are fresh rather than after a long delayed evening flight, and if you can, let your first drive be a short, simple one to your accommodation before tackling anything longer. Sit for a minute in the car park to find the indicators, lights and wipers before you set off. And remember the golden rule of relaxed driving in the Algarve: stay right, go at your own pace, and wave the hurried locals past. There is no prize for speed and every reward for calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Portugal drives on the right, the same as most of mainland Europe. If you are coming from the UK or Ireland this is the one genuine adjustment, and it is easiest to get used to on wider roads and roundabouts, where following the car in front and the road markings quickly becomes second nature. Take the first roundabout slowly, and by the second you will barely think about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-cheat-sheet.png\" alt=\"The Relaxed Driver's Cheat Sheet for driving in the Algarve: drive on the right, A22 now toll free, book an automatic early, choose a small car, from \u00a39 a day\" class=\"wp-image-1327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-cheat-sheet.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-cheat-sheet-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-cheat-sheet-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-cheat-sheet-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Save or screenshot this cheat sheet before you travel: everything a relaxed driver needs for the Algarve at a glance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"things-to-watch-out-for-when-driving-in-the-algarve\">Things to watch out for when driving in the Algarve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing on this list should put you off. These are the small, practical things that experienced Algarve drivers simply factor in, and now you will too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Assertive local drivers.<\/strong> As above, expect some tailgating and confident overtaking. Stay right, keep calm, let them pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Priority from the right.<\/strong> On some smaller junctions, traffic joining from the right has priority. Where you see this, approach unfamiliar side turnings with a little extra care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Narrow old-town lanes and parking.<\/strong> Historic centres in towns like Lagos, Tavira and Faro have tight streets. Where possible, park in a signed car park on the edge of the old town and walk in. It is less stressful and often free or very cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Speed cameras and strict limits.<\/strong> Limits are typically 50 km\/h in towns, 90 to 100 km\/h on open roads and 120 km\/h on the motorway. Speed checks are common and fines can be issued on the spot, so stick to the posted limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Documents and the drink-drive limit.<\/strong> Carry your driving licence, passport and the rental paperwork at all times. The drink-drive limit is lower than in the UK at 0.05%, so the simplest approach on a driving day is not to drink at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fuel type.<\/strong> Most hire cars are diesel or petrol and clearly labelled. Check the sticker by the fuel cap and match it at the pump, as filling with the wrong fuel is an expensive mistake to undo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-you-rent-a-car-in-the-algarve-if-you-re-over-70\">Can you rent a car in the Algarve if you&#8217;re over 70?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Older drivers are widely welcomed at Faro and across the region, and driving in the Algarve is well suited to relaxed touring at any age. Most standard rentals carry no additional charge for older drivers. A small number of suppliers apply a modest senior surcharge or an upper age guideline, usually around 75 or above, so it is worth reading the specific terms for your chosen car before you book. A valid driving licence is all most drivers need. If you hold a UK, EU or EEA licence you are covered directly; drivers from further afield may be asked for an International Driving Permit alongside the national licence. Choosing an automatic and a compact car makes for the most comfortable, confidence-building drive, whatever your age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"where-to-pick-up-your-hire-car-in-the-algarve\">Where to pick up your hire car in the Algarve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Almost everyone collects their car at <strong>Faro Airport (FAO)<\/strong>, the region&#8217;s main gateway, and for good reason. The competition between suppliers there keeps prices keen, the rental desks are a short signposted walk from arrivals, and you are on the road within minutes of landing. Picking up at the airport also saves the cost and hassle of a taxi transfer to your resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A calm tip for the smoothest possible start: if you are travelling with a companion, send one person ahead to the rental desk while the other waits for the luggage. It shaves the queue and means you reach the car relaxed rather than frazzled. Compare the full range of deals and lock in your automatic early through our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/car-hire-in-algarve\/\">cheap car hire in the Algarve<\/a> page, which lays out prices, suppliers and the pick-up process in detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"relaxed-scenic-drives-to-start-with\">Relaxed scenic drives to start with<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you have found your feet, the Algarve opens up beautifully. These gentle routes are a perfect way to build confidence with driving in the Algarve while seeing the best of the coast, and each one is easy to reach on the toll-free A22 and EN125.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a full set of routes with maps and stops, our guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/5-best-scenic-drives-in-algarve\/\">best scenic drives in the Algarve<\/a> is the ideal companion to this page. A few relaxed favourites to begin with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Faro to Lagos along the coast.<\/strong> An easy run West on the A22, dipping down to pretty resort towns and famous beaches like Praia da Rocha. All motorway, all toll free, all gentle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Faro to Tavira in the East.<\/strong> A short, calm drive to one of the Algarve&#8217;s most charming towns, with its Roman bridge and quiet riverside caf\u00e9s. Park on the edge and stroll in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The road to Cape St Vincent (Sagres).<\/strong> The dramatic South-western tip of Europe, reached on quiet, open roads with big Atlantic views. Unhurried and unforgettable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you are ready to book, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/car-hire-in-algarve\/\">Algarve car hire<\/a> page has the best current deals from Faro, with relaxed drivers and automatics firmly in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the official rules of the road, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office keeps an up-to-date summary of driving requirements in Portugal on its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/foreign-travel-advice\/portugal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Portugal travel advice pages<\/a>, which is worth a quick read before you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1707\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-clifftop-viewpoint-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Clifftop viewpoint over the Algarve coast, the reward at the end of an easy relaxed drive\" class=\"wp-image-1324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-clifftop-viewpoint-scaled.jpg 1707w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-clifftop-viewpoint-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-clifftop-viewpoint-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-clifftop-viewpoint-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-clifftop-viewpoint-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/driving-in-the-algarve-clifftop-viewpoint-1365x2048.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The payoff for a relaxed drive: clifftop views you simply cannot reach any other way.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions-about-driving-in-the-algarve\">Frequently asked questions about driving in the Algarve<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Is it hard to drive in the Algarve?<\/strong><br>\nNo. For most visitors driving in the Algarve is straightforward, with good roads, clear signage and a compact region that keeps journeys short, so driving in the Algarve rarely feels stressful. The main thing to be aware of is the assertive local driving style, which is easily managed by staying in the right-hand lane and going at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Which side of the road does the Algarve drive on?<\/strong><br>\nThe right, the same as mainland Portugal and most of Europe. Drivers from the UK and Ireland make one adjustment; drivers from mainland Europe and North America will find it familiar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Are there still tolls on the A22 in the Algarve?<\/strong><br>\nNo. The A22 Via do Infante has been completely toll free since 1 January 2025. Only roads leaving the region, such as the A2 towards Lisbon, still charge electronic tolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Should I book an automatic car for the Algarve?<\/strong><br>\nIf you prefer an automatic or feel at all nervous, yes, and book it early. Automatics are a smaller part of the hire fleet and sell out first in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How much does car hire in the Algarve cost?<\/strong><br>\nPrices start from around \u00a39 a day in the quiet season, rising in peak summer and for automatics. Booking early secures both the best price and your choice of car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Can I drive from the Algarve into Spain?<\/strong><br>\nYes, but cross-border travel usually needs to be arranged with your hire company in advance so your insurance and paperwork are in order. Mention it when you book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ready-for-a-relaxed-algarve-drive\">Ready for a relaxed Algarve drive?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With its toll-free motorway, gentle distances and easy pick-up at Faro, driving in the Algarve is one of the most relaxing ways to get behind the wheel anywhere in Europe. Book an automatic, choose a small car, take it at your own pace, and the coast is yours. Compare the latest deals and reserve early on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/car-hire-in-algarve\/\">cheap car hire in the Algarve<\/a> page, and start planning the gentle drives that will make your holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gch-widget-banner\" style=\"margin-bottom:28px;\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#f9f9f9;border-left:4px solid #ffdb70;border-radius:4px;padding:18px 22px;margin-top:28px;\">\n<h4 style=\"margin:0 0 8px 0;font-size:18px;color:#1a1a3e;\">About the Author<\/h4>\n<p style=\"margin:0;font-size:15px;color:#545454;\">Written by the Digitalhound.co.uk editorial team. Every guide is thoroughly researched with genuine local knowledge, road numbers, food stops and practical driving tips gathered from on-the-ground experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget.js?v=10\"><\/script><script src=\"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/booking-widget-banner.js?v=10\"><\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best news about driving in the Algarve arrives before you have even left the airport car park: as of January 2025 the region&#8217;s main motorway, the A22 Via do Infante, is completely toll free. That single change has quietly made driving in the Algarve easier and cheaper than it has been in over a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1322","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1322","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1322"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1336,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1322\/revisions\/1336"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getcarhire.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}