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Automatic Car Rental at Faro Airport (2026)
Automatic cars sell out fast in the Algarve. Here’s how to guarantee one.
Portugal’s default is manual transmission — if you need automatic, you must book early, especially in summer. I have rented automatic cars at Faro Airport more times than I can count, and the one constant truth is this: if you leave it to the last minute, you will end up with a manual or pay double. Portugal is a manual-transmission country. Most driving schools teach on manual, most fleets are manual, and the automatic stock at Faro is a fraction of what you would find at Heathrow or Schiphol.
For our full ranking, see our Faro Airport car rental comparison.
This guide breaks down exactly which companies carry automatics, what you will pay, and how to lock one in before they disappear.
Which Companies Have the Best Automatic Fleet?
Not all rental companies at Faro invest equally in automatic vehicles. After comparing fleets across multiple booking windows, here is how the main players stack up.
1. Sixt
8.5 / 10
The Verdict: Sixt has the largest automatic fleet at Faro Airport, and it is not even close. Their focus on premium brands — BMW, Audi, VW — means automatic transmissions come standard on most of their vehicles. Almost every SUV in their lineup is automatic. I have never been unable to find an automatic with Sixt, even booking just three weeks ahead in July.
- ✅ Widest automatic selection: BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, VW Tiguan — all automatic as standard.
- ✅ In-terminal desk: No shuttle bus, Fast Track service available.
- ✅ Reliable summer stock: Their premium positioning means automatic supply stays consistent.
- ❌ Premium pricing: Expect 15–25% more than mid-range brands for comparable categories.
2. Guerin (Enterprise / National)
8.2 / 10
The Verdict: Guerin benefits from the Enterprise/National international fleet, which means they get a solid allocation of automatic models. The Renault Captur and Peugeot 3008 are their automatic workhorses, and both are genuinely pleasant to drive around the Algarve. Pricing sits in the mid-range — not cheap, but fair for what you get.
- ✅ Good automatic range: Renault Captur, Peugeot 3008, Renault Clio Auto in the fleet.
- ✅ Mid-range pricing: The sweet spot between budget and premium.
- ✅ In-terminal location: Cars parked in P4, short walk from arrivals.
- ❌ Peak season pressure: Their automatic stock does thin out by late June if you have not booked.
3. Europcar
7.5 / 10
The Verdict: Europcar has a decent automatic selection that works well outside of peak season. Their VW Polo DSG and T-Roc are both good cars for the Algarve. The issue is consistency — I have booked an automatic with Europcar in August and been told at the desk that they only had manual available in my category. Book early and confirm in writing.
- ✅ Solid VW models: Polo DSG and T-Roc are well-maintained and fuel-efficient.
- ✅ Reasonable pricing: Competitive with Guerin in the mid-range segment.
- ❌ Availability gamble: Can be hit-or-miss in peak season — “or similar” substitutions happen.
- ❌ Upsell pressure: Desk staff may push insurance if you do not have full coverage.
4. MasterKings
6.5 / 10
The Verdict: MasterKings is a fantastic local company — honest, fair pricing, no upsell games. But their fleet is overwhelmingly manual. They do carry a handful of automatics, but if you want one in summer, you need to book three months ahead minimum. Outside of summer, they are a viable option with good value.
- ✅ Honest company: No hidden fees, fair fuel policy, flexible with debit cards.
- ❌ Very limited automatic stock: Mostly manual fleet, a few automatics only.
- ❌ Summer scarcity: Book 3+ months ahead or you will not find one.
5. Goldcar
6.0 / 10
The Verdict: Goldcar does list automatic cars, but the experience is inconsistent. The vehicles tend to be older, the quality varies, and you may find yourself in a car with significantly more mileage than expected. If you go this route, add full coverage from DiscoverCars at checkout — it protects your deposit and gives you peace of mind given the fleet age.
- ❌ Inconsistent vehicle quality: Older models, higher mileage than competitors.
- ❌ Large deposit holds: Up to €1,500 blocked on your credit card.
- ❌ Upsell heavy: Expect aggressive insurance pitches at the desk.
| Company | Automatic Models Available | Price Premium vs Manual | Summer Availability | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt | BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, VW Tiguan, VW Golf | +20–30% | ✅ Excellent | 8.5 / 10 |
| Guerin | Renault Captur, Peugeot 3008, Renault Clio | +15–25% | ✅ Good | 8.2 / 10 |
| Europcar | VW Polo DSG, VW T-Roc, Peugeot 2008 | +15–20% | ⚠️ Hit-or-miss | 7.5 / 10 |
| MasterKings | Limited — varies by season | +10–15% | ❌ Very limited | 6.5 / 10 |
| Goldcar | Older models, mixed availability | +10–20% | ⚠️ Inconsistent | 6.0 / 10 |
How Much More Does Automatic Cost?
The price premium for automatic varies dramatically by season, and understanding this pattern will save you real money.
Low season (November – March): Expect a modest €5–€10 per day premium over the equivalent manual. At this time of year, automatic stock sits idle and companies are happy to rent it at near-manual rates. I rented a VW Polo DSG in February for just €4/day more than the manual version — barely noticeable over a two-week trip.
Shoulder season (April – May, October): The premium climbs to €10–€15 per day. Easter and late October half-term bring a wave of UK families, many of whom specifically want automatic. Book at least six weeks ahead during these windows.
Peak season (June – September): This is where it gets expensive — €15–€25 per day more, sometimes even higher for premium categories. The reason is simple: demand from UK and American tourists far outstrips the automatic supply at Faro. Portugal’s fleet is built for a manual-driving domestic market, and the summer tourist surge creates a genuine shortage.
The math is stark. On a 10-day summer rental, the automatic premium alone can add €150–€250 to your bill. But the alternative — struggling with an unfamiliar manual on Albufeira’s steep hills while jetlagged — is worse. Budget for it and book early.
How to Filter for Automatic on DiscoverCars
DiscoverCars makes it straightforward to find confirmed-automatic vehicles. Here is the exact process:
- Search Faro Airport — enter “Faro Airport” as your pickup location and set your dates.
- Click “Transmission” filter — in the left sidebar (or top filter bar on mobile), find the Transmission dropdown.
- Select “Automatic” — this filters the results to show only vehicles confirmed as automatic transmission.
- Sort by price — click the sort dropdown and choose “Price: low to high” to see your best options first.
Important tip: the filter shows only confirmed-automatic cars, not “or similar” gambles. When a car shows as automatic on DiscoverCars, that is what is reserved for you. This is a significant advantage over booking direct with some companies, where “automatic or similar” can mean you arrive to find a manual with an apology.
Best Automatic Cars for the Algarve
Not sure which category to book? Here are our three recommendations based on how most visitors use a car in the Algarve.
Best Economy: VW Polo DSG or Renault Clio Auto
Perfect for couples or solo travellers. These compact automatics are easy to park in the narrow streets of Lagos, Tavira, and Faro’s old town. Fuel economy is excellent — expect 5–6L/100km on the mix of motorway and coastal roads. The boot fits two medium suitcases comfortably. The Polo DSG in particular is a joy in stop-start traffic and on roundabouts.
Best Family: VW Tiguan or Peugeot 3008
If you are travelling with children, a compact SUV is the sweet spot. The Tiguan and 3008 both have ISOFIX points, enough boot space for a pushchair plus luggage, and the raised ride height makes loading child seats much easier on your back. The automatic transmission is a genuine blessing when you are navigating Albufeira’s roundabouts with kids arguing in the back seat. Families should also consider our family car rental guide for child seat details.
Best Premium: BMW 3 Series or Audi A3
For those who want to enjoy the drive itself, these premium automatics transform the N125 coast road into a pleasure rather than a chore. The BMW 3 Series on the winding roads between Sagres and Aljezur is genuinely memorable. Yes, you pay more — but if you are spending two weeks in the Algarve and driving is part of the holiday, the upgrade is worth every euro.
Manual vs Automatic — Does It Matter in the Algarve?
Honestly? If you can drive manual confidently, you will save money and have a wider selection. The A22 motorway is easy in any transmission — straight, flat, and well-maintained. But the Algarve has quirks that favor automatic.
The old towns — Lagos, Silves, Monchique — have steep, narrow cobblestone streets where hill starts in a manual can be stressful. Roundabouts are everywhere in the Algarve (you will hit four between the airport and Albufeira alone), and an automatic makes the constant stop-start far more relaxing. Summer traffic crawls in the central Algarve, and sitting in first gear for 30 minutes on the approach to Praia da Rocha is nobody’s idea of fun.
My advice: if you are comfortable with manual and want to save €100–€200 on a summer trip, go manual. If you are from a country where you drive automatic daily (UK automatic-only licence, US, Canada), do not attempt to “learn manual on holiday.” I have seen the scratched bumpers in the Faro Airport return lot. Book automatic and enjoy your trip. Planning a road trip? See our Algarve driving guide for itineraries and parking tips.
Going electric? See our EV road trip guide — all electric cars are automatic by default.
Compare Prices for Your Dates
We use DiscoverCars because they show all companies side by side, including full coverage options that eliminate the deposit.