How to find a cheap car hire deal in Sao Jorge Airport (SJZ)
Need a cheap Sao Jorge Airport rental car? With an average price of R 629 a day, your trip is already off to a wallet-friendly start. Whether you're after a compact ride, a spacious SUV, or anything in between, we round up all the best offers to get you real value.
Daily rental prices at Sao Jorge Airport start from just R 317.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from R 915 and take the time to discover more of Fajã de Santo Amaro.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding a cheap SJZ car hire. Book about three weeks before your departure date to score the best price.
Check out the options available with Ilha Verde, AUTATLANTIS and AzoreanWay. These are some of the popular providers at Sao Jorge Airport.
The coverage Ilha Verde or another supplier offers for your Sao Jorge Airport car hire can vary, so remember to read the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SJZ. Providers often have to move vehicles between locations, which means you can bag some excellent one-way prices.
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a car hire in Sao Jorge Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average R 396 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 761, this provider is next in line.
https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/ilha-verde/174 also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly R 797 a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that works for most trips? The Mini rental category is the go-to choice for travellers at SJZ.
Compare car hire types from Sao Jorge Airport (SJZ)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Sao Jorge Airport rental car is all about getting you on the road for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient rides are perfect for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are good for couples and small families.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this SJZ car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Sao Jorge Airport that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group excursions, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your SJZ car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Sao Jorge Airport by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in Portugal, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a surcharge, so always check the terms before finalizing your booking.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you need to add a car seat to your SJZ car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.
If you've never driven in Portugal, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Portugal is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
Drive smarter from the start
With a SJZ car hire, you're in the driver's seat when it comes to your next move. If central Fajã de Santo Amaro is your first port of call, it's around 6 kilometres south of the airport and a drive of about 10 minutes.
Driving from Sao Jorge Airport to the centre in peak travel times can take as long as 15 minutes.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also grab a car hire in Fajã de Santo Amaro. If you don't need a vehicle as soon as you arrive, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Sao Jorge Airport (SJZ)
Navigate your way to Angra do Heroísmo. Around 80 kilometres east of SJZ, it's home to must-see sights like Monte Brasil Caldeira and Historical Institute of Terceira.
Add Horta to your journey too. Roughly 40 kilometres west of the airport, head there in your Sao Jorge Airport car hire to explore standout attractions like Naturalist - Science & Tourism. Whale Watching and Church of the Holy Saviour.
