Why Rent a Car in Portugal?
Renting a car in Portugal isn't just about transportation; it's about unlocking the essence of the country. So buckle up, embrace the open road, and let Portugal's beauty unfold before you.
Portugal is a wonderful country to explore by car. From the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto to relaxing beaches in the Algarve, historical gems like Sintra, and surfing meccas like Peniche and Nazaré, there are countless places to discover, and having your own ride will allow you to see and experience them all on the same trip.
Portugal, with its sun-kissed coastline, historic towns, and captivating landscapes, beckons travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey. And what better way to explore this gem of the Iberian Peninsula than by renting a car? Let's delve into why renting a car in Portugal is a savvy choice for your next adventure.
Practical Tips for Renting a Car
Here's how to make your car rental experience seamless:
- Book Early: Reserve your car online in advance to secure the best rates.
- Insurance: Check insurance coverage and understand any additional fees. Be safe.
- Pickup Locations: Major cities and airports offer convenient pickup points and also accommodation delivery.
- Fuel: Most rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy.
About Portugal. Why visit Portugal?
Portugal a Gem of the Iberian Peninsula
Portugal, nestled on the southwestern edge of Europe, is a captivating destination that enchants travelers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Let's delve into the touristic capacities that make Portugal a must-visit for globetrotters worldwide.
Here are some facts that will make you want to visit Portugal:
1. Diverse Landscapes: Coastal and Mountain Magic
Portugal boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes. From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the rugged cliffs of the Azores, travelers can explore a myriad of coastal wonders. The Algarve, with its dramatic rock formations and hidden coves, is a sun-soaked paradise for beach lovers. Meanwhile, the Azores, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, offers lush greenery, volcanic lakes, and hot springs.
Inland, the Douro Valley unfolds like a picturesque canvas, where terraced vineyards produce world-renowned port wine. And let's not forget the Serra da Estrela, Portugal's highest mountain range, where snow-capped peaks give way to charming villages and pristine lakes.
2. Historic Cities and Charming Villages
Portugal's cities blend old-world charm with modern vibrancy. Lisbon, the capital, entices visitors with its colorful neighborhoods, historic trams, and iconic viewpoints. Wander through the narrow streets of Porto, where centuries-old wine cellars line the Douro River. Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites exploration of its Roman ruins and medieval architecture.
Venture beyond the cities, and you'll discover enchanting villages like Sintra, with its fairytale palaces, and Óbidos, encircled by medieval walls. Each corner of Portugal whispers tales of its past, inviting travelers to step back in time.
3. Culinary Delights and Vinho Verde
Portuguese cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors. Savor pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in a Lisbon café, indulge in fresh seafood along the coast, and relish hearty stews in rustic taverns. Don't miss the chance to sample bacalhau, Portugal's beloved salted cod dish, prepared in countless ways.
And then there's vinho verde, the crisp and slightly effervescent wine that pairs perfectly with sunny afternoons. Wine enthusiasts can explore vineyards in the Minho region, where the grapes thrive in the Atlantic-influenced climate.
4. Fado: Soulful Melodies
Fado, Portugal's melancholic music genre, tugs at the heartstrings. In dimly lit taverns, singers pour their emotions into haunting melodies. The soulful tunes narrate tales of love, longing, and saudade (a uniquely Portuguese feeling of nostalgia). Attend a fado performance in Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district, and let the music transport you to another realm.
5. Warm Hospitality and Safety
Portugal embraces visitors with open arms. Locals welcome strangers like old friends, sharing stories over a glass of wine or a cup of bica (espresso). The country's safety record adds to its allure, making it a comfortable destination for solo travelers and families alike.
In 2022, Portugal was recognized as one of the best European destinations to visit by car, thanks to its favorable weather, affordability, safety, and iconic landmarks. Whether you explore the Pena Palace in Sintra, surf the waves of Nazaré, or hike the Rota Vicentina along the Alentejo coast, Portugal promises unforgettable experiences.
So pack your bags, immerse yourself in Portugal's magic, and let its timeless beauty captivate your heart.
One-way Car Rentals in Portugal
Here are the most popular one-way rental options for pickup in Portugal and drop off in another country:
From Portugal to Spain - 336 offers from € 47.54 per day
From Portugal to Germany - 48 offers from € 147.39 per day
From Portugal to Italy - 24 offers from € 147.86 per day
From Portugal to France - 24 offers from € 147.86 per day
Top ways to enter Portugal
Lisbon Airport: Portugal’s largest airport serves flights to and from nearly all European countries, as well as destinations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Porto Airport: Large, modern, and well-connected, Porto Airport is popular with low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair.
Faro Airport: Well-connected to the rest of Europe and especially busy during the summer, Faro Airport serves the southern region of the Algarve.
Madeira Funchal Airport: Located on Madeira’s southeastern coast, Funchal Airport connects the island to mainland Portugal as well as many destinations in Europe and is served by more than 40 different airlines. There are direct flights from London, Manchester, Rome, Geneva, Paris, and even New York.
By land: If your rental supplier permits it, you can rent a car in a neighboring country and then drive to Portugal. Some large international airports near Portugal are Malaga Airport, Seville Airport, and Madrid Airport, which are all in Spain.
Book Your Portugal Car Hire in Advance to Guarantee Availability and Lower Prices
Top cities and places to visit
Lisbon: Portugal’s capital is often mentioned as one of the most interesting cities in Europe, and that’s for a good reason - it has rich culture, outstanding cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife.
Porto and the North: Different in looks and atmosphere from its large southern rival, Lisbon, Porto is just as fascinating. A metropolis of arts and architecture, it is the capital of Northern Portugal, a historical region, famous for its wine, worth exploring in its own right.
Alentejo, Algarve and the South: Portugal’s southernmost region is famous for its beaches, as well as charming little towns like Albufeira, Lagos, and Sagres on the Atlantic Coast. Traveling the roads less traveled that lead inland and higher up into the mountains to towns like Monchique can be amazing road trips.
Sintra: Just a scenic 30-minute drive away from Lisbon, the entire town of Sintra and its natural surroundings have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attractions include Sintra National Palace and the Moorish Castle, as well as other historical monuments of architecture.
Aveiro: A city dating back to pre-Roman times, Aveiro is known for its canals (and like Venice, gondolas traveling through them), art noveau architecture, and stunning cathedrals.
Madeira: often referred to as the "Pearl of the Atlantic," is an incredible, island destination offering stunning natural landscapes, rich culture and traditional cuisine. Its rugged beauty, ranging from high cliffs to lush forests, along with unique levada hikes, make it an adventurer's paradise. Additionally, the vibrant local festivals and exceptional gastronomy, featuring Madeira wine and fresh seafood, offer a taste of the island's unique cultural flavor, making a visit to Madeira a truly enriching experience.
Most popular rental car
The most popular rental car in Portugal is the VW Polo, but travelers also tend to pick the Ford Fiesta and the Fiat 500. Many of the cities in Portugal have smaller roads in certain parts, which were built centuries ago. These roads often only facilitate smaller vehicles, which is why compact rentals car is so popular in Portugal. For longer trips family and station wagons are the preferred cars hired by travelers.
Driver's license requirements
Portugal recognizes valid foreign driver’s licenses that are written in a Latin alphabet for visits shorter than six months.
If you’re in Portugal for longer than six months or live there permanently, the law requires you to obtain a Portuguese driver’s license.
If your driver’s license is printed in a non-Latin alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you may also be required to have an IDP.
Even if you have an IDP, you must also carry your original driver’s license as you might be required to present both.
You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times.
You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
Some rental car suppliers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
There may be additional requirements depending on the rental supplier and car category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.
Most rental car companies in Portugal will require your credit card details on file as a security for renting the car.
Crossing Borders
Portugal shares a border with only one other country, Spain. Like Portugal, Spain is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, meaning that the entry requirements for both countries are the same.
Some rental suppliers allow you to cross national borders and even drop off your car in a different country, while others don’t. If you’d like to travel to Spain in your rental car, make sure to check the rental conditions before booking. Learn more about cross-border rentals on our Help Center.
Most popular types of rental car
The most popular rental car type in Portugal is an Economy, followed by Compact and Mini.
Portugal top driving routes
Alentejo. Nestled snugly between two of Portugal's major tourist magnets, the captivating capital of Lisbon and the sun-kissed coastal allure of the Algarve, lies Alentejo. This expansive agricultural region, notable for its undulating fields and rich farming heritage, presents a distinctive and charming destination for those in search of an authentic Portuguese experience. Alentejo unfolds itself as a picturesque region teeming with pastoral beauty. It's a panorama of rolling hills cloaked in olive groves and golden wheat fields, interspersed with quaint, traditional white-washed villages. As the seasons shift, so too do the colors of the landscape, painting a vibrant living canvas that shifts from emerald green to sun-bleached gold and rich autumn hues.
Peneda-Gerês National Park. Situated in the extreme northern reaches of Portugal, the Peneda-Gerês National Park, often simply referred to as Gerês by the locals, reigns supreme as the largest conserved natural expanse in the country. An extraordinary meld of rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, Gerês encapsulates an unspoiled realm, home to diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Its verdant forests stretch wide across mountainous terrains, diving into deep river valleys, creating a vibrant tapestry that changes with the seasons. The park also boasts a fascinating historical dimension, with traces of human habitation stretching back centuries.The trip from Porto takes only about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
Spain. Located just over the border is one of Europe’s largest and most interesting countries. A mecca of cuisine, culture, and art, Spain also has plenty to offer in terms of natural riches and fun road trips. Traveling by car between Porto and Galicia, Algarve and Andalusia, or even Lisbon and Madrid is quite common, but make sure to ask your rental supplier in advance if you are permitted to cross the border in your rental car.
Portugal Car Rental Prices (average prices)
Convertibles - from € 5 per day
Station wagons - from € 4 per day
Large cars - from € 4 per day
Medium cars - from € 2 per day
Vans - from € 13 per day
Premium cars - from € 14 per day
Small cars - from € 1 per day
SUVs - from € 2 per day
How can I save money on my rental car?
You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Portugal:
- Compare rates of different rental suppliers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit in the month when the rental prices are the lowest. According to our data, visiting Portugal is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 50% cheaper than the yearly average and a whopping 66% cheaper than renting a car in November.
Top Most Popular Cities in Portugal
Lisbon from € 1.35 per day
Madeira from € 4.79 per day
Porto from € 1.73 per day
Faro from € 2.39 per day
Funchal from € 5.63 per day
Albufeira from € 6.18 per day
Coimbra from € 6.71 per day
Braga from € 29.28 per day
Cascais from € 7.15 per day
Aveiro from € 6.72 per day
Portimao from € 21.36 per day
Lagos from € 8.43 per day
Leiria from € 6.37 per day
Setubal from € 6.60 per day
Viseu from € 6.55 per day
Almada from € 6.60 per day
Evora from € 7.37 per day
Caldas da Rainha from € 6.60 per day
Sintra from € 11.07 per day
Porto Santo from € 74.77 per day
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Portugal?
The cost of renting a car in Portugal varies by season. Rental car prices in Portugal, as in other destinations, are subject to the laws of supply and demand and, for this reason, they are cheaper in times of lower tourist demand and more expensive in festive seasons and during summer holidays when demand increases.
Even so, it is possible to rent a rental car for a high season at lower prices. All you need to do is plan your vacation well in advance and book a rental car ahead of time when demand is still low.
Traditionaly the cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Portugal is January — when rental costs average € 10.95 per day. This is 55% cheaper than the yearly average and 72% cheaper than renting a car in August (when prices average € 38.55 per day).
Most Popular Car Models of Rental
Fiat Panda - Small cars
Volkswagen Polo - Small cars
Opel Corsa Hatchback - Small cars
Renault Captur - SUVs
Nissan Juke - SUVs
Portugal Car Hire Delivery
Portugal Car Hire cars booked through Go-Bycar.com website for the entire Continental region can be delivered at Lisbon airport, Faro aiport, Porto airport or to custmoer's accommodation. Depending on the locations you enter in the booking form you will receive offers from different suppliers for the different locations. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
