Renting a car on Sao Miguel | Ponta Delgada Airport

Skinny single lane roads as we enter the clouds

Per the recommendation of our Airbnb host, we rented our car via Auto Ramalhense, a local car rental business that operates on the Azore islands. 

What we were looking for:

• Affordable price point
• Vehicle with automatic transmission
• Airport pick-up and drop-off

We found all of that through this car rental service, who we contacted via their email on their website. Through the email communication, I arranged dates and times for the car rental, confirmed costs and vehicle type. 

Their services include the drop off and pick up at the Ponta Delgada airport, half a tank of gas, and car insurance. We also had supplementary car insurance via the credit card that we used on the rental. 

Upon landing, we were instructed to call a designated phone number of the Auto Ramalhense employee dropping off the vehicle. Once you exit the airport, you are immediately faced with the airport parking lot, where you will meet the car rental representative who has paperwork and a credit card reader on-site. We signed the papers, paid for the car, and were good to go from the airport.

If you decide so, you can return your car to the airport as well. If you do so, you will wait with your car in the departures section of the airport until you are met with the same or another car rental rep. They quickly review the car, provide your receipt, and you're all set to depart through the airport doors. 

I'd recommend scheduling the vehicle pick up for 30-45 minutes after your flight lands and around 60-90 minutes before your flight departure. The airport is quite small and security was not an issue for us at the time (this was April 2017). Auto Ramalhense was also quite punctual so only thumbs up from us!

Car Rental Cost: 247.50 Euros for 5.5 days

Watch out as the locals speed around here!

Hair pin turns and gravel roads pushed the power of our tiny Opel Corsa

Windy roads and steep hills were well worth the views at the top