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. Driver’s License Requirements
- 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. Insurance Coverage
- 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
Pago de Segunda A Sexta-Feira das 9:00 Horas As 19:00 Horas
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.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways.
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. Child Car Seats
- 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 requires child seats for kids under 12 or shorter than 135 cm.
- 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.
