Car Rental in Portugal

Why rent a car in Portugal?

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.

This article is about mainland Portugal and the island of Madeira. For information about the Azores Islands, see the article on Portugal-Azores.

If you want to know more about renting a car in Portugal, don't miss our complete guide.

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.

Top cities and places to visit

• Lisbon: Historical, picturesque, sophisticated, and fun, as well as located in the central part of the country and therefore providing easy access to the rest of Portugal, is it any wonder that Lisbon is held in such high regard by travelers from all over the world? One of the best ways to learn about the city is by exploring its colorful, widely diverse neighborhoods.
• 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.
• Porto. Often seen as a rival of Lisbon, Porto is known for its scenic location along the Douro River, delicious cuisine, countless historical landmarks and cultural institutions, and proud yet hospitable character. While the city itself only has about 250,000 inhabitants, the wider metropolis is home to over 1.7 million people, with plenty of fun day trips just a short drive away.
• Algarve. The holidaymakers’ mecca, the Algarve is known for its countless sandy beaches, equally idyllic coastal towns such as Lagos and Albufeira, and beautiful nature that includes both protected areas such as Ria Formosa Nature Reserve near its largest city, Faro, and a network of hiking paths such as the Fisherman’s Trail.  
• 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.

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.

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.

Car rental prices in Portugal

• Small cars - from $2 per day
• SUVs - from $3 per day
• Medium cars - from $2 per day
• Station wagons - from $6 per day
• Large cars - from $2 per day
• Vans - from $8 per day
• Convertibles - from $4 per day
• Premium cars - from $11 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Portugal from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent things they mentioned:

• Explore Scenic Locations (mentioned frequently): Many travelers highlighted the beauty of Portugal, especially in areas like the Algarve and various islands. Descriptions like "beautiful island" and "great scenery" were common.
• Surfing and Outdoor Activities (mentioned several times): Portugal is noted as a great destination for outdoor activities, particularly surfing. One review specifically mentioned "surfing as much as possible" as the reason for their trip.
• Ease of Travel and Car Rentals (mentioned several times): The ease of getting around Portugal, including car rentals, was a recurring theme. While most experiences were positive, car rentals were frequently mentioned.
• Hospitality and Local Culture (mentioned several times): Visitors often commented on the warmth and hospitality of the locals, enhancing their overall experience.
• Crowded Tourist Spots (mentioned a few times): Some popular tourist destinations were noted for being crowded, particularly during peak seasons.
• Dining Experiences (mentioned a few times): Many travelers enjoyed the local cuisine, with mentions of "great food" and "good dining experiences."

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.