I've extended lots of times with ECH. Easy and cheap

Guys, I usually rent via ECH, but they always use the (semi) off airport operators who work out of white transit vans in car park 4. NEVER ever one of the hire co's with desks/ offices inside the airport terminal. I would suggest they overcome ON AIRPORT charges and taxes this way. Occasionally, I've been met by a minibus and taken one km up the dual carriageway to their depot. You have to take care to ensure you choose an operator who does not make an additional charge of up to 30 euros to cross into spain though. HTH

Some of the companies they use are based at the outside counter in Car Park 4, so I would imagine they do pay the airport fees.

Hi I started out using Economy Car Hire, however now always book direct with Drive4Fun, get a good favourable rate and only have to pay on arrival as opposed to paying at point of booking with ECH. Always had a great service from them, have also had to extend the lease and this was just a call, no problems, no hassle. Wouldn't think to use anyone else.

If you still want to travel by public transport have a look at the following link - despite the title it has information about trains as well:-

www.algarvebus.info/

As from next month it would appear that all the companies that are based in car park 4 will have to pay the new airport charges. This will add at least another 20euros to rental costs.