Renting a car in Portugal can be a convenient way to explore the country and access secluded beaches, small picturesque towns, wineries and off-the-beaten-track viewpoints. When renting a car, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience.
1. What Driver’s License Do I Need to Rent a Car in Portugal?
An EU driving license is valid in Portugal on its own; non-EU visitors typically also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home license.
- An EU driving license is valid in Portugal. Non-EU drivers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their license.
- Ensure your license is valid and not set to expire during your trip.
- If your licence has non-standard letters, you might be required to get an International Driving Licence.
2. Age Restrictions
- The minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is usually 18-21 years, but most companies charge an additional fee for drivers under 25.
- Some premium or larger vehicles may have higher minimum age requirements.
3. What Insurance Coverage Do I Need When Renting a Car in Portugal?
Basic Third-Party Liability insurance is typically included with every rental in Portugal, but adding Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection is worth considering to minimise your liability.
- Basic insurance (Third-Party Liability) is typically included, but it’s worth considering Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection to minimise liability.
- Check your credit card or travel insurance policy; they might cover car rental insurance, saving you from having to purchase extra coverage.
4. Toll Roads
- Portugal has many toll roads, especially on highways (like the A1, A2, A22) between major tourist hubs like Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve.
- Most rental cars come equipped with an electronic toll device (Via Verde) that allows you to pass through tolls without stopping. You’ll be required to pay a deposit (50-100 EUR) and usually up to 14 days after the car is returned, you will receive a statement and will be refunded the difference or requested to pay for the use of Via Verde.
- If a Via Verde device isn’t included, you’ll need to manually pay tolls at kiosks or online for some roads (e.g., A22 in the Algarve).
5. Transmission Type
- Manual (stick-shift) cars are standard in Portugal. If you prefer an automatic, book in advance as they are less common and cost more.
6. Fuel Policy
- Understand the fuel policy of the rental company: full-to-full is standard, meaning you return the car with the same amount of fuel as when picked up.
- Diesel cars are often more economical, but confirm the type of fuel your car uses to avoid costly mistakes.
- Electric cars usually can be returned with 5% battery, but confirm it with your car rental service as the terms vary depending on the company.
7. Parking
- Parking can be challenging in cities like Lisbon and Porto. Oftentimes, tourists don’t understand what the sign says and end up with a hefty fine for parking in residential-only spaces. Keep an eye out for parking signs that mention something along the lines of
This means that this area is a paid parking zone between Monday and Friday, 9 AM and 7 PM.
- Look for public parking garages like Telepark or marked parking zones (make sure to purchase your ticket). You can find prices here.
- Avoid illegal parking as fines can be steep, and your car may be towed.
- Many hotels don’t have parking available onsite (especially the ones in central Lisbon and Porto), so find out in advance what your parking situation is going to be at the accommodation you are staying in.
8. Driving in Portugal
- Roads are well-maintained, but mountain roads or rural areas can be narrow and winding.
- Drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
- According to Portugal’s official Highway Code (Article 27), speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways.
9. Rental Office Location
- Compare prices for rentals at the airport vs. city locations. Airport pickups may include additional fees.
- Check the drop-off policy if you’re renting one-way; additional fees might apply for returning the car to a different location.
10. Car Inspection
- Inspect the car for any existing damage before driving off. Take photos or videos to document scratches, dents, or issues.
- Ensure the company notes the condition in the rental agreement.
11. Are Child Car Seats Required When Renting a Car in Portugal?
Yes — Portuguese law (Article 55 of the Highway Code) requires child car seats for children under 12 or shorter than 135 cm, whichever comes first.
- Bear in mind that European Car seat regulations (ECE R44/04 and R129/i-Size) differ from the US ones (FMVSS 213) and the U.S.-made car seats are not legally allowed for use in Europe, and vice versa. That is why we highly recommend renting a car seat from a trusted provider to ensure your child’s safety and legality.
- If you’re travelling with children, Portuguese law (Article 55 of the Highway Code) requires child seats for kids under 12 or shorter than 135 cm, whichever comes first.
- Request a child seat from the rental company in advance (additional fees may apply). Oftentimes, in peak season rental companies have a limited availability therefore we recommend securing your car seat in advance. At Rent Anything, we take car safety seriously, and offer a wide range of car seats, including newborn car seats, rear facing car seats, and highback boosters.
12. Emergency Numbers
- The emergency number in Portugal is 112.
- Keep the rental company’s contact details handy in case of breakdowns or issues.
Here are additional points to consider when renting a car in Portugal, covering lesser-discussed but essential tips:
13. Cross-Border Travel
- If you plan to drive into neighbouring countries like Spain, confirm with the rental company if cross-border travel is allowed. Some companies require additional insurance or charge extra fees.
- Ensure you have proper documentation for driving across borders.
14. Hidden Fees
- Be aware of additional charges, such as airport fees, cleaning fees, or charges for returning the car outside of the office hours.
- Some companies charge extra for adding additional drivers, so confirm this in advance.
15. Roadside Assistance
- Confirm if the rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance and understand the procedure for getting help in case of a breakdown.
- Keep emergency contact numbers provided by the rental company easily accessible.
16. Seasonal Demand
- Prices for car rentals skyrocket during peak travel seasons (summer and holidays). We highly recommend booking well in advance to secure better deals.
- Availability of specific vehicles (like automatic cars or family-friendly SUVs) may also be limited during these times.
17. Local Rental Companies
- In addition to international chains, consider reputable local rental companies, which often offer more competitive pricing and personalised service.
- Check reviews online to ensure reliability and transparency.
- Some companies have offices outside of the airport and offer shuttle service. To save yourself time and wandering around the airport, find out where you will be collecting your car from.
18. Fuel Stations
- Many fuel stations in rural areas close early or operate only during specific hours.
- Pay-at-pump machines often require local debit cards or specific credit cards, so carry cash as a backup.
19. Avoiding Damage in Tight Spaces
- Streets in historic towns (like Alfama in Lisbon or Porto’s Ribeira) can be narrow, with tight turns and limited parking. Opt for a smaller car to navigate these areas more easily or leave the call at a hotel and explore the city by foot.
- Fold in side mirrors when parking to avoid accidental damage.
- Make sure there is a parking available at your destination as you could end up driving for hours around the historical parts of the city looking for a parking.
20. Traffic Violations
- Traffic fines (like speeding or illegal parking) can be deducted from your credit card by the rental company, sometimes with an additional administrative fee.
- Always check speed limits and parking regulations to avoid unexpected penalties.
21. Car Features
- Portuguese roads, especially in rural or coastal regions, can be challenging with steep inclines or sharp turns. Consider renting a car with enough power to handle such terrains comfortably.
- Check if the car has air conditioning, especially during summer months when temperatures can be high.
22. Navigation
- Roads in Portugal are well-marked, however, it is always useful to have Google Maps or Waze which can help you navigate the areas and avoid traffic.
- Download offline maps or ensure you have a data plan for uninterrupted navigation.
23. Driving Etiquette
Portuguese drivers can be assertive, especially in urban areas or on highways. Stay calm and drive defensively.
Remember to use turn signals and follow right-of-way rules to avoid confusion or accidents.
24. Scenic Drives
Portugal offers some of Europe’s most beautiful road trips, like the Douro Valley wine region, the Algarve coast, or the Serra da Estrela mountains. Plan your routes to make the most of your rental.
About Rent Anything
This article is published by Rent Anything. Here is what the service is, in case you arrived here from a search.
What is Rent Anything?
Rent Anything is a short-term and mid-term equipment rental service operating in Lisbon and Paris.
Equipment rental refers to paying a daily rate for an item you use and then hand back, rather than buying it or carrying it with you. A mid-term rental means that the booking runs for weeks or months rather than days. Five ranges are stocked: baby and children's gear, mobility equipment, remote-work tech, home and living, and travel and outdoors. In short, you travel light and it is waiting when you arrive.
How does renting work?
Four steps: browse the catalogue, book your dates, take delivery or collect, then return the item at the end.
Rates are quoted per day and fall the longer you rent, because every product carries a rate ladder, also known as pricing tiers, rather than one flat price. For example, a week costs less per day than a weekend does. A minimum rental period refers to the shortest booking an item accepts, and it is stated on that item's own page beside its live availability. According to our own how-it-works guide, there is no deposit at any point. Therefore the figure shown for your dates is what those dates cost, not a starting price. Source: How it works.
Where do you deliver?
Across Lisbon and Paris, including both cities' airports and the Lisbon Cruise Terminal.
Delivery refers to us bringing the item to where you are staying - hotels, Airbnbs, serviced apartments and private residences - rather than you finding a depot. Specifically, it is priced from the distance between our warehouse in that city and the address you give, so the fee appears at checkout. In addition, free cancellation means that a booking can be cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before it starts. Simply put, you book the address you are staying at and we handle both ends. Source: Frequently asked questions.
In summary
Key takeaways
- Equipment rental in Lisbon and Paris, delivered to where you are staying.
- Per-day rates that fall with length. No minimum period, no deposit.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date.
- Everything is cleaned and sanitised between rentals.
Live prices and availability for any single item are on its own page. Source: the full catalogue.
