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Car Hire in Portugal - Best Rates Guaranteed

Experience the sunny beaches and Mediterranean climate of Europe's westernmost country, Portugal, by hiring a car! Auto Europe offers a wide selection of cars through our exceptional car rental services. We have pick-up points in all major tourist destinations worldwide. Book your car rental in Portugal online now and get yourself the best deal for your trip.

With a car hire in Portugal, you have the freedom to explore every corner of the country at your own pace. Start your journey in the World Heritage city of Porto and drive south through the Dão wine region, known for its famous Port wine, to Coimbra. Coimbra, the capital of Portugal during the High Middle Ages, is home to one of Europe's oldest universities, the University of Coimbra, established in 1290. Alternatively, you can pick up a car in Lisbon, the capital city, and head south to Faro or Lagos. Along the way, you'll discover peaceful villages, beautiful beaches, and historic castles. If you prefer, you can begin your adventure in Madeira and enjoy the scenic mountainous roads and lush natural landscapes of the archipelago.

No matter your itinerary, Auto Europe is here to provide you with the best service to meet your driving needs. Take a look at the Portugal car hire reviews written by our clients after their recent experiences with Auto Europe in towns and cities across Portugal.

Traffic Rules and Driving Tips

• Cars in Portugal must drive on the right side of the road.
• Overtaking manoeuvres are done on the left side.
• All passengers in the vehicle and the driver must wear a seat belt.
• Children under the age of 12 or are less than 135 centimetres tall are not permitted to sit in the front seats of a vehicle. They must also wear child restraints that are appropriate for their size.
• Speed limit signs in Portugal are displayed in kilometres per hour (km/h). 1 kilometre = 0.621371 mile.
• The average speed limit in built-up areas is 50km/h (31mph). The minimum speed limit on motorways is 50km/h (31mph) and the maximum speed limit is 120km/h (74mph).
• It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level over 0.05 BAC. Do not drink and drive.
• Fines issued by the traffic police must be paid in euros (€). ATMs are fitted on most traffic police vehicles.
• Bicycles may not be carried on the back of the vehicle.
• Drivers in Portugal must carry a valid form of photo identification.
• It is recommended for visiting drivers to carry a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in the vehicle for use in accident situations or in the case of vehicle immobilisation.
• You may not use the horn in built-up areas during the night except for emergencies.
• Areas where parking is forbidden are indicated by a white or blue sign with a diagonal red line going across the front.
• It is prohibited to park 25 metres before a bus stop, or 5 metres after it. It is also prohibited to park 5 metres from a junction.

Road Tolls

There are two types of toll roads in Portugal: auto-estrada ('motorway') and electronic toll roads formally known as SCUT (Sem Custos Para o Utilizador, "With no costs for the user"). Motorway tolls can be paid at toll booths by cash or by card. Older motorways dispense tickets to drivers at the starting point of the toll road. This ticket must be given back at the toll booth at the exit along with the toll fee.

SCUT roads were formally free to use, but nowadays they are electronic toll roads. Signs for electronic toll roads are white on a blue background, depicting the front half of a car facing towards the left, with a euro symbol above the roof of the car and an electronic wave emitting from the top left. Electronic toll booths read the licence plate of the vehicle that passes by them. The main electronic toll roads are: A28, A29, A44, A4, A41, A42, and parts of the A17 and A25.

The supplier of your car hire in Portugal may fit your vehicle with a transponder that will allow you to use electronic toll roads. The toll charge is sent to the supplier and paid by you at the end of the rental period. Without such a device, drivers must pay the toll at public post offices (CTT: Correios de Portugal). Their logo is a courier blowing a trumpet on horseback, usually on a red background. If you have any doubt, ask your supplier how to best arrange toll payments. More road rules for Portugal can be found here.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age for driving a car in Portugal is 18. The minimum age for renting a car is 21 and you must have held a licence for one full year. It is possible that drivers under the age of 25 are required to pay a surcharge to the car hire supplier.

Motorhome hire in Portugal

Portugal stands out as a top destination in Europe, drawing tourists with its pleasant weather and abundant sunshine all year round. Rent a campervan to explore the mainland and coastal areas, visiting cities like Lisbon, Ponta Delgada, and Porto. Embark on a leisurely journey through the westernmost region of the Iberian peninsula at your own convenience.

Useful Links

Important information when planning to drive in Portugal

Motorway Rules and Luxury Cars

Official Tourism Website of Portugal