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Exploring Portugal by Car: A Comprehensive Guide

Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is a captivating country that offers a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural wonders. From the lively city of Lisbon to the scenic beauty of the Algarve, Portugal provides a diverse range of experiences.

Why Hire a Car in Portugal?

  1. Freedom and Flexibility: With a car, you're not bound by the schedule of public transportation, allowing you to explore remote locations and hidden gems at your own pace.
  2. Cost-Effective: For families or groups traveling together, hiring a car can often be more cost-effective than buying individual tickets for public transport.
  3. Comfort: Enjoy the luxury of traveling with your belongings, stopping whenever you wish, and setting your own itinerary.

Key Points for Driving in Portugal:

  • Nearest Airport: Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport is a major hub. From here, the city center is a mere 7 km away, or approximately 15 minutes by car.
  • Tolls: Portugal has a mix of electronic tolls and traditional toll booths. Consider getting a transponder or an electronic device (often provided by car hire companies) to ease the process.
  • Road Conditions: Portugal boasts an extensive network of well-maintained roads. Major highways, known as "autoestradas," are marked with an 'A' (e.g., A1, A2).
  • Traffic: While cities like Lisbon and Porto can experience peak-hour congestion, rural areas and non-peak hours generally see smoother traffic flow.
  • Parking: In busy areas, especially in cities, parking can be a challenge. Look for municipal parking lots or consider accommodations that offer parking.

Recommended Attractions to Visit by Car:

  1. Sintra: Just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, Sintra is renowned for its romantic 19th-century architecture, including the colorful Pena Palace.

  2. The Algarve: Approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Lisbon, it's a region known for its stunning cliffs, golden beaches, and quaint fishing villages.

  3. Porto: Located around 313 km north of Lisbon (3 hours via A1), it's a historic city known for its port wine and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

  4. Douro Valley: Around 90 minutes from Porto, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers terraced vineyards along the Douro River, producing world-famous Port wine.

  5. Coimbra: Located roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto (about a 2-hour drive from either city), Coimbra is home to one of Europe's oldest universities.

  6. Óbidos: A picturesque medieval town that's about an hour's drive north of Lisbon. It's renowned for its cobbled streets and fortified walls.

Tips for Car Hire in Portugal:

  • International Driving Permit: While not mandatory, it's recommended for non-EU residents.
  • Age Restrictions: Typically, drivers need to be between 25 and 70, but this can vary among rental companies.
  • Insurance: Ensure you have the necessary coverage, and understand your liabilities in case of accidents.

Hiring a car in Portugal unlocks the freedom to discover its diverse regions and hidden treasures. With well-maintained roads and a plethora of attractions suitable for road trips, Portugal promises an unforgettable driving experience


Cheapest car hire in Portugal

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 4.86 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 34.05 EUR from 11/12/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 4.86 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 34.05 EUR from 11/12/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat 500

4 Adults, 3 Doors

From 4.88 EUR/day
Fiat 500

7 Days rental at 34.22 EUR from 11/12/2023

  1 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Renault Captur

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.93 EUR/day
Renault Captur

7 Days rental at 41.53 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Citroen C3 Aircross

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.96 EUR/day
Citroen C3 Aircross

7 Days rental at 41.77 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Opel Astra

5 Adults, 3 Doors

From 6.04 EUR/day
Opel Astra

7 Days rental at 42.28 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.13 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 35.96 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.15 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 36.06 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.15 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 36.06 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

BMW 3 Series Estate

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 32.48 EUR/day
BMW 3 Series Estate

7 Days rental at 227.40 EUR from 11/12/2023

  5 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Mercedes C Class

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 37.39 EUR/day
Mercedes C Class

7 Days rental at 261.75 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Mercedes C Class

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 37.39 EUR/day
Mercedes C Class

7 Days rental at 261.75 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Volkswagen T-Roc

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 8.64 EUR/day
Volkswagen T-Roc

7 Days rental at 60.53 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Peugeot 3008

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 9.30 EUR/day
Peugeot 3008

7 Days rental at 65.16 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Ford Kuga

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 9.53 EUR/day
Ford Kuga

7 Days rental at 66.71 EUR from 11/12/2023

  4 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Nissan Leaf

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 42.61 EUR/day
Nissan Leaf

7 Days rental at 298.29 EUR from 11/12/2023

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Renault Zoe

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 42.40 EUR/day
Renault Zoe

7 Days rental at 296.82 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Renault Zoe

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 33.54 EUR/day
Renault Zoe

7 Days rental at 234.81 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Fiat Panda

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.13 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 35.96 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.15 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 36.06 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Fiat Panda

5 Adults, 5 Doors

From 5.15 EUR/day
Fiat Panda

7 Days rental at 36.06 EUR from 11/12/2023

  2 |
  Manual |
  Yes

Top tips when hiring a car in Portugal

  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Portugal, just like its neighbour Spain.
  • The alcohol limit to drive in Portugal is 50mg (0.05% BAC), significantly lower than the UK
  • Toll roads are prevalent in Portugal, various options are available to car rental customer, ask for details.
  • Fuel prices are similar to most of mainland Europe, expect to pay around €60 to fill the tank of an average hire car,

Laws and rules of the road when driving in Portugal

  •  

    R

    Road Driving Side

  •  

    50kph

    Urban speed Limit

  •  

    90kph

    Rural Speed Limit

  •  

    120kph

    Motorway Speed Limit

  •  

    EUR  1.85/Ltr

    Current Petrol Price

  •  

    50mg

    Drink Drive Limit

  •  

    EUR €

    Currency

  •  

    YES

    Tolls

  •  

    23

    Min Rental Age

    18

    Min Driving Age

  •  

    Front and Rear

    Seatbelts

  •  

    Fixed and Mobile

    Speed Cameras

  •  

    Hands Free Only

    Mobile Phones

Compare car rental agents in Portugal

Rental Agent
Locations
Rating (/10)
Customer Reviews
Mini (€/day)
Compact (€/day)
Intermediate (€/day)
Standard (€/day)
 Enterprise
16
8.9/10
1,326
€ 43.49
€ 20.43
€ 42.76
€ 89.17
 Guerin
24
8.8/10
13,225
€ 14.57
€ 15.86
€ 24.28
€ 200.00
 Budget
29
8.5/10
6,016
€ 12.85
€ 29.71
€ 82.30
 Sixt
28
8.5/10
15,473
€ 11.68
€ 16.36
€ 23.77
€ 113.78
 Avis
32
8.4/10
3,619
€ 16.75
€ 21.73
€ 28.08
€ 74.95
 Drivalia
11
8.4/10
1,747
€ 7.96
€ 8.76
€ 36.26
 Europcar
78
8.3/10
87,389
€ 16.80
€ 21.40
€ 56.00
€ 183.50
 Hertz
55
8.3/10
7,127
€ 17.87
€ 23.14
€ 36.64
€ 85.49
 Keddy by europcar
53
8.3/10
4,203
€ 13.20
€ 16.77
€ 24.28
€ 78.10
 Thrifty
10
8.2/10
1,034
€ 13.88
€ 17.87
€ 30.21
€ 82.28
 Ilha verde
16
8.0/10
1,588
€ 13.50
€ 22.57
€ 44.88
€ 59.91
 Dollar
24
8.0/10
3,080
€ 13.88
€ 16.26
€ 27.39
€ 90.91
 Goldcar
6
7.8/10
1,922
€ 10.55
€ 12.69
€ 27.20
 Ok mobility
6
7.8/10
941
€ 8.29
€ 10.22
€ 10.22
€ 58.18
 Surprice
6
7.6/10
1,693
€ 5.43
€ 6.55
€ 18.73
€ 50.58

Car rental agent statistics in Portugal

  • Highest Rated Agent Icon
    9.3/10
    Highest rated agent:
    WHEEGO
  • Lowest Rated Agent Icon
    7.2/10
    Lowest rated agent:
    GOLDCAR
  • Total Number of Reviews Icon
    155,706
    Total number of reviews in
    Portugal
  • Most Locations Icon
    61
    Most Locations in Portugal:
    EUROPCAR
  • Average Wait Time Icon
    19
    Average wait time
    (Min.)
  • Total Rental Companies Icon
    50
    Total rental companies
     

Average prices per day for car hire in Portugal

ItemPercent
January€ 51
February€ 41
March€ 39
April€ 61
May€ 62
June€ 66
July€ 132
August€ 106
September€ 69
October€ 62
November€ 46
December€ 53
ItemPercent
January€ 37
February€ 32
March€ 33
April€ 44
May€ 42
June€ 44
July€ 94
August€ 80
September€ 53
October€ 46
November€ 36
December€ 41
ItemPercent
January€ 93
February€ 76
March€ 76
April€ 108
May€ 108
June€ 111
July€ 217
August€ 172
September€ 122
October€ 109
November€ 91
December€ 103
ItemPercent
January€ 76
February€ 62
March€ 56
April€ 95
May€ 87
June€ 87
July€ 210
August€ 176
September€ 104
October€ 93
November€ 71
December€ 76
ItemPercent
January€ 107
February€ 111
March€ 120
April€ 144
May€ 154
June€ 158
July€ 210
August€ 196
September€ 175
October€ 119
November€ 115
December€ 132
ItemPercent
January€ 27
February€ 23
March€ 22
April€ 37
May€ 35
June€ 36
July€ 78
August€ 64
September€ 42
October€ 36
November€ 26
December€ 31
ItemPercent
January€ 92
February€ 75
March€ 76
April€ 107
May€ 107
June€ 115
July€ 215
August€ 176
September€ 120
October€ 110
November€ 90
December€ 116
ItemPercent
January€ 58
February€ 43
March€ 43
April€ 73
May€ 69
June€ 75
July€ 183
August€ 139
September€ 85
October€ 67
November€ 49
December€ 58

Select category to see average car hire prices in Portugal

*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices.

Fuel prices in Portugal

DieselUnleaded
Nov , 2022

€ 1.88

€ 1.82

Dec , 2022

€ 1.64

€ 1.65

Jan , 2023

€ 1.60

€ 1.66

Feb , 2023

€ 1.56

€ 1.68

Mar , 2023

€ 1.57

€ 1.69

Apr , 2023

€ 1.49

€ 1.69

May , 2023

€ 1.43

€ 1.64

Jun , 2023

€ 1.45

€ 1.68

Jul , 2023

€ 1.52

€ 1.68

Aug , 2023

€ 1.69

€ 1.82

Sep , 2023

€ 1.82

€ 1.86

Oct , 2023

€ 1.81

€ 1.85

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Oct , 2023 1.81 1.85
Sep , 2023 1.82 1.86
Aug , 2023 1.69 1.82
Jul , 2023 1.52 1.68
Jun , 2023 1.45 1.68
May , 2023 1.43 1.64
Apr , 2023 1.49 1.69
Mar , 2023 1.57 1.69
Feb , 2023 1.56 1.68
Jan , 2023 1.60 1.66
Dec , 2022 1.64 1.65
Nov , 2022 1.88 1.82

Car rental price statistics in Portugal

  • Average Price Icon
    € 34.02
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • Highest Daily Price Icon
    € 525.00
    Highest daily price:
    Toyota C-HR
  • Total Vehicles Icon
    5,500
    Total cars available
     
  • Most Popular Car Model Icon
    278
    Most popular model:
    Renault Megane Estate
  • Locations with Most Cars Icon
    395
    Location with most cars:
    Lisbon - Airport
  • Cheapest Daily Price Icon
    € 4.9 per day
    Cheapest daily price:
    GREEN MOTION - Porto - Downtown
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.

Useful links if renting a car in Portugal

Other Car Hire Locations in Portugal

We specialise in car rentals throughout Portugal to find you the best price and that's a promise...

Albufeira
€9.4
 
 
Mini 5 4 1 from €9.4 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €14.1 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €10.3 per day
Faro
€5.7
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €5.7 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €10.9 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €6.2 per day
Lisbon
€8.4
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €8.4 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €12.7 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €9.1 per day
Porto
€6.3
 
 
Mini 3 4 1 from €6.3 per day
Compact 5 5 3 from €10.9 per day
Economy 5 5 2 from €6.8 per day