Car Hire - Spain and Portugal

[natking]

Looking fo a car hire company who will allow pick up of vehicle at Malaga airport and drop off at Faro airport. The firm I usually use doesn't offer this service. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[laserblazer]

I guess you will need to look at one of the international companies. Avis, Hertz etc.

[natking]

Is there not a guy on this forum who does car rentals?

[shanagarry]

I am in the corporate car rental industry and believe you will find it impossible to get a cross border one-way rental (the technical term). The basic rental cost will be inexpensive - the ancillary costs for collection, delivery, one-way surcharge, airport fee and fuel will be enormous.

The suggestion that one of the majors may do it - is worth a try - but it will be expensive - if they accomodate you. The reason revolves around the majors operating corporate owned locations or franchises. Where there are two corporate locations involved - they might agree - but at a cost. In the case of a franchisee (with just a Spanish franchise) - it's a non starter as both the repatriation costs are costly and/or the difficulty in getting a rental going the other way is not going to be easy.

You might find it less expensive to get a taxi from Carvoeiro to collect you from Malaga

[laserblazer]

One solution might be to see if any of the major companies have an office in Ayamonte and get a one way rental from Malaga to there. Then email Steen to see if he could arrange for someone to take a car to Vila Real or hire a car from Vila Real to return to Faro.

[sam]

see http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/001.htm
useful info for some alternatives/no goes

[natking]

Thanks for the info guys. Couple of tha majors do offer this service but woks out at £700 for a week! Would be cheaper taking my own chauffeur. Think I'll bin the idea and spend the full week in the Algarve.

[shanagarry]

Wow - I knew it would be expensive - but that takes the 'biscuit'.

As a comparison - in the UK - a one way hire from Manchester Airport to London Gatwick - with all the add-ons for a 'C' Group (1.6 Astra size) £315 + Vat